10 Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students

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10 Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students

Written by Ernest EmekaPublished on October 10th, 2023

 Europe hoards some of the most fascinating places in the world, a passport to get awestruck by culinary diversity, dazzling artistic, epic history, and natural beauty. Studying in Europe gives you a travel-fuelled lift to hidden discoveries and destinations primed for exploration, like the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona. 

If the high cost of living abroad has not squashed your study abroad dream, Europe should be your destination because of its affordable schools. You can frolic at a pub down your street and indulge in delectable street food without spending much. We have listed cheap universities where you can study in Europe. 

Read: Study Abroad Loans for Nigerian Students 

Are You Looking for the Cheapest Schools in the UK? 

JapaPlus can help you find these schools within minutes. Click here to learn more. 

10 Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students

1.  Scuola Normale Superiore

 
Location: Pisa, Italy

Popular Subjects: Humanities, Sciences, and Political Science
 
Scuola Normale Superiore is among the most affordable schools in Europe. It offers three main programmes for undergraduate students: political science, sciences, and humanities. In addition, Students undergo highly selective competition, based solely on merit, to gain admission to the Scuola Normale.
 

2.   University of Göttingen

 
Location: Göttingen, Germany

Popular Subjects: Humanities, natural sciences, law, and social sciences
 
The University of Göttingen offers international students programmes in humanities, natural sciences, law, and social sciences. You don't have to learn German to study at this university as an international student. The university has one of the largest libraries in the country.
 
The cost for an entire semester is meager compared to what you can pay in cities like London or Washington, DC. 

3.  RWTH Aachen University

 
Location: Aachen, Germany

Popular Subjects: Architecture, georesources, and materials engineering
 
International students can study materials engineering, georesources, and architecture at RWTH Aachen University. However, undergraduate courses are taught in German. You need to learn to be a bit fluent before you can study. If you can achieve language fluency, you have a lot of time to tour some of the most gorgeous cathedrals in the world.
 

4.   Sant’Anna

 
Location: Pisa, Italy
 
Popular Subjects: Experimental & Applied Sciences and Social Sciences
 
International students have a lot of sightseeing opportunities in Pisa. Living in Pisa provides adventures and pure relaxation after school hours if you love Italy and its cuisine. As one of the cheapest schools in Europe, you can study any of its main programmes: experimental & applied sciences and social sciences. Furthermore, you can learn English in school courses, but you need to learn a decent amount of Italian if you want to study here.
 

5.  University of Paris-Sud

 
Location: Paris, France
 
Popular Subjects: Sciences and languages, physics, and economics, and management
 
The food, the French adventures, the historical structures like the Eiffel Tower, and the affordability of the University of Paris-Sud make it fun living in Paris as an international student. The university has become a haven for students who want to save more and study in a high-quality institution. You can learn English in sciences and languages, physics, economics, and management. 

6.  University of Basel

 
Location: Basel, Switzerland
 
Switzerland makes you fall in love with nature, and its beauty takes your breath away. The University of Basel was founded in 1460, making it the oldest surviving university in the country. It has the largest library in Switzerland for research and reading purposes. 
While Switzerland has a high cost of living in Europe, the University of Basel compensates you with its affordability. Its diverse programmes include psychology, theology, medicine, law, science, humanities and social sciences, and business and economics. Some of these pogrammes are taught in a mix of English and German.

10 Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students


7.  The University of Vienna

 
Location: Vienna, Austria
 
Popular Subjects: Theology, Computer Science, Cultural Studies, Philosophy
 
Vienna conjures memories of romantic getaways and fun. With the exciting things happening in the city, the University of Vienna has made it easier for international students to study here. The university, founded in 1365, offers at least 200 different programmes; many are even taught in English. The vibrant nightlife and Vienna's rich culture make it an ideal place for anyone to study abroad.
 

8.  Nord University

 
Location: ‎Bodø, Norway

Popular Subjects: Circumpolar Studies, 3D art, Animation, Games and Entertainment Technology, Biology, and English
 
Nord University is a publicly-funded Norwegian university that allows international students to study without breaking the bank. You must prove you can support yourself for a year in the country before getting your study visa. Away from the Northern Lights, Normal has many exciting places to visit.  

Some English- taught programmes include Circumpolar Studies, Games and Entertainment Technology, Biology, 3D art, Animation, and English.
 

9.  University of Athens

 
Location: Athens, Greece

Popular subjects to study: Dentistry, music studies, nursing, social theology, and theatre studies
 
The University of Athens is the oldest in Greece, offering undergraduate programmes that range from dentistry to music studies, nursing to social theology, and theatre studies. Imagine taking selfies at the Greek columns and stunning architecture that have stood for hundreds of years. Ruins sprinkled here and there in Athens give you that tourist vibes you desire abroad. 

10.              Nantes University 


Location: Nantes, France
 
Popular Subjects: Health and medical technology, engineering, legal and political science, and other interdisciplinary programmes
 
Studying at Nantes University provides an abroad adventure that will keep you entertained and satisfied. The university offers English-taught programmes like foreign languages, literature, biology, earth science; civilizations; and European and international studies.

Read: How to Book a UK Priority Visa in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide
 

Why do you want to study abroad in Europe?

 
Europe has some of the oldest and most prestigious universities for students. The ability to speak English in some places and the opportunity to see different countries make Europe an appealing destination for studies. 

10 Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students

Reasons to Study in Europe

 
1)    Studying in Europe can boost your career.
 
2)    Europe offers world-class education and research.
 
3)    It offers students a wide range of education options.
 
4)    The tuition fees are low.
 
5)    You can easily travel to different countries.
 
6)    The school system is well-respected and aligned.
 
7)    International students can study in English.
 
 

Masters Study – UK vs Europe

 

1.   Courses

 
United Kingdom:

A full-time Master's is almost always a one-year course.

Masters can run for 12 months, with the dissertation taken over the summer 'holiday.

Europe:
 
Postgraduate courses are often longer.
 
Students can take on internships in the break between their first and second years.
 

2.   Universities

 
United Kingdom

The UK houses some of the world's most famous universities.

Most UK universities offer students a full range of Bachelor, Masters, and Ph.D. degrees

Europe

Europe is home to the oldest university in the continent.
 
It operates two types of universities: research universities and universities of applied sciences.
 

3.   Rankings

 
United Kingdom:

A few UK universities occupy the top spots on international rankings.

Europe:

On some specific programmes, some European universities stay at the top.

4.   Language requirements

United Kingdom:

UK universities teach in English.

Europe:

Several European countries offer English-language Masters degrees.


The shortcut to your university search

Whether you want cheap nursing schools in Europe for international students or a school that suits your educational pursuit, Japaplus makes your university search faster and less stressful.
 

How Japaplus Can Help You Search for Cheapest Schools in Europe

 

One-stop platform for study abroad and relocation

 
Find the latest information on everything you need to study abroad or relocate. Filter schools and opportunities based on location, budget, loans, scholarships, and more.
 

Optimize your research, applications, and visa strategy

 
Scholarship searches can be messy, but not with the Japa+ app. Sort and filter your matches, favorite the scholarships you like best, and hide the ones you don't - it's that easy. Download the app here.

Do you want to pay for your application and tuition fees? Pay4Me offers a reliable and easy option for cross-border payments, including visa payments.
 

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