LeapScholar

Can you tell me about European countries with low cost of living and tuition fees for studying abroad?

04 Sept 2026 · Answered by Vandna Rani · 2 min read
Quick Answer verified

Germany, Poland, Italy, Hungary and Greece combine low or free tuition with affordable living. Germany charges near-zero public tuition with living costs of 850 to 1,200 euros monthly, while Poland and Hungary cost as little as 500 to 900 euros monthly, making them the most budget-friendly destinations for you.

Vandna Rani
Vandna Rani Verified
Leap Scholar's Counsellor
View Profile →

If cost is your biggest concern, five European countries let you get a globally recognised degree without piling up debt. Each pairs low or free tuition with a genuinely affordable monthly budget, though the exact numbers vary by city and program.

Tuition And Living Costs By Country

CountryTuition (Non-EU, English Programs)Monthly Cost Of Living
GermanyFree at public universities, nominal fees only850 to 1,200 euros
Poland2,000 to 6,000 euros per year500 to 900 euros
Italy900 to 4,000 euros per year, income-based700 to 1,100 euros
Hungary1,500 to 4,000 euros per year600 to 800 euros
GreeceAround 1,500 euros per year600 to 900 euros

Factors To Check Before You Commit

  • Germany requires a blocked account showing about 992 euros per month before your visa is granted.
  • Hungary's Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship can cover full tuition, housing and a monthly stipend if you qualify.
  • English-taught Master's degrees are widely available everywhere on this list; English-taught Bachelor's programs are scarcer outside private institutions.

My Advice

Do not choose purely on the lowest sticker price. Add your realistic monthly living cost to the tuition figure before comparing countries, since Poland or Hungary can end up cheaper overall than a Germany with pricier city living. Apply for Stipendium Hungaricum early if Hungary is on your shortlist, since it can wipe out both costs at once.

Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what Germany costs.

Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.

4.7/5 Google 🎓 25K+ admits
Get My Cost Estimate

More Cost & living questions

More Germany questions

🎓 40-50 lakh budget? See Germany costs Get Cost Estimate