Studying abroad can be an incredibly enriching experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new culture, language, and educational system. However, the cost of studying overseas can seem prohibitive for many students. From tuition to housing to daily expenses, costs add up quickly.
The good news is that there are affordable study abroad destinations if you know where to look. With proper planning and budgeting, studying abroad doesn’t have to break the bank. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the cheapest countries for students looking to study abroad on a budget.
Why Consider Studying Abroad?
Before diving into costs, it’s worth reviewing the many benefits of studying abroad as a student:
- Immerse yourself in a new culture & language – There’s no better way to truly experience a new country than living there as a student. You’ll be fully immersed in day-to-day life and have time to appreciate nuances.
- Enhance your education – From unique courses to different teaching methods, studying abroad allows you to expand your academic horizons.
- Stand out to employers – International study shows flexibility, independence and other key skills.
- Broaden your perspectives – By experiencing new cultures, people and ways of thinking, you’ll expand your worldviews.
- Travel opportunities – Semester or year-long study abroad allows more time for traveling on weekends or breaks.
- Make global friendships – You’ll meet other international students and locals, helping expand your global network.
While these benefits are invaluable, you want to maximize them without breaking the bank. Let’s look at destinations where students can study affordably.
What Makes a Country Affordable for Students?
Several factors contribute to a cheap study abroad experience:
- Low tuition & fees – Some countries subsidize higher education costs for international students.
- Favorable exchange rates – Where your home currency is stronger, your money goes further.
- Cheap general cost of living – Look for places with affordable housing, food, transportation and entertainment.
- Discounted travel – Programs with central locations or robust transit make travel easier.
- Opportunities to work – Some countries allow international students to work part-time.
- Grants/scholarships – Many programs offer financial aid for international students.
With these criteria in mind, let’s look at some of the most affordable study destinations.
Cheapest Countries for Studying Abroad
1. South Korea
South Korea has rapidly become a top destination for studying abroad. Thanks to substantial government investment, it’s an extremely affordable option in Asia.
Key Facts:
- Home to over 100 international programs, many offering courses in English.
- Tuition averages USD $5,000-7,000 per year for humanities and social sciences. STEM degrees may cost USD $9,000-15,000.
- Students can work part-time for up to 30 hours per week.
- Cost of living expenses, like housing, food and transport are very cheap compared to other developed Asian cities.
- Vibrant big cities like Seoul and coastal towns like Busan provide amazing cultural experiences.
With world-class universities, a fun modern culture and extremely low costs, South Korea checks all the boxes.
2. Mexico
Mexico isn’t just a vacation hotspot – it’s becoming a major hub for affordable education. From bustling Mexico City to cultural Guadalajara, Mexico offers diverse experiences.
Key Facts:
- Hundreds of English-taught programs at quality universities.
- Average annual tuition around USD $5,000-8,000.
- Part-time work is permitted for international students.
- Rent, dining, nightlife and other costs are extremely low.
- Quick direct flights to Mexico from most major US cities.
Mexico offers a budget-friendly Latin American experience, with convenient proximity to the United States.
3. Germany
Known for academic excellence, Germany has invested heavily in attracting international students. There are now over 350 public universities with many English programs.
Key Facts:
- Tuition is free or nominal for undergraduate programs at public universities.
- Germany has some of the world’s highest ranked universities, like LMU Munich and Heidelberg.
- Undergrads can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
- Apartment shares, food costs and transport are reasonably priced.
- Lively student cities like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg.
For world-class academics and student life at virtually no cost, Germany is hard to beat.
4. Thailand
A global hub for Southeast Asian culture, Thailand combines affordability with awesome food, beaches and nightlife.
Key Facts:
- Over 200 international degree programs with instruction in English.
- Tuition averages USD $3,000-5,000 per year in Bangkok.
- Thailand offers 1-year Education Visas with options to renew.
- Shared apartments can be as low as USD $100-150/month in student areas.
- Thailand offers tropical weather, gorgeous beaches and islands for weekend getaways.
For an exotic but budget-friendly experience, Thailand is a top contender.
5. Argentina
As one of South America’s most developed countries, Argentina offers cosmopolitan experiences on the cheap.
Key Facts:
- Over 100 universities located in cities like Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Rosario.
- Average annual tuition around USD $2,000-5,000 per year.
- Apartment shares can be found for USD $200-300 monthly.
- Public transport like trains and buses is very inexpensive.
- World-famous cuisine, arts, nightlife and culture in Buenos Aires.
Argentina delivers a stellar value for experiencing South America’s culture.
6. Peru
If you’re looking for a blend of culture, adventure and affordability, Peru is tough to top in South America.
Key Facts:
- In major cities like Lima and Cusco, average tuition is USD $3,000-6,000 annually.
- Shared apartments rent for approximately USD $150-250 per month.
- Peruvian food is very cheap – lunch can cost USD $2-3.
- Part-time work, like teaching English, is available with a student visa.
- Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and other famous sites are a quick trip away.
With a fascinating history, culture and landscape, Peru packs a lot of value for cost-conscious students.
7. South Africa
With a fascinating blend of African, European, and Asian cultures, South Africa is an affordable study destination with world-class universities.
- Tuition averages $2,000-$5,000 annually at public universities in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.
- Excellent English-taught programs in fields like business, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.
- Housing costs are reasonable, with shared apartments renting for $200-$400 per month. Groceries and dining out are also very affordable.
- Easy access to safaris, beaches, vineyards, and mountains for unforgettable weekend adventures.
8. Malaysia
Malaysia offers an exciting Southeast Asian study experience with tropical weather, mouthwatering cuisine, and cultural diversity.
- Many undergraduate programs taught in English at an affordable tuition of $4,000-$8,000 per year.
- Malaysia has become a major student hub for Asia, with universities ranked among the best in the region.
- Shared apartments rent for around $100-$200 monthly. Street food and grocery costs are cheap.
- Kuala Lumpur is a hyper-modern metropolis while Penang and Malacca offer colonial charm.
9. Belarus
One of Europe’s most affordable destinations, Belarus offers a high quality and cost-effective education.
- Tuition is highly subsidized for international students at around $2,500 annually.
- Prestigious universities located in the capital Minsk and ancient city of Grodno.
- Apartment shares can be found for $150-$250 per month. Public transport is excellent and inexpensive.
- Fascinating Slavic history and culture with ornate Orthodox churches and Soviet architecture.
10. Slovenia
Sandwiched between Italy and Croatia, Slovenia combines Alpine beauty with Mediterranean coastlines.
- As an EU member, tuition is free for European students and around $5,000 for internationals.
- World-class study options focused in the charming capital Ljubljana.
- Shared apartment rent starts around $275 a month in student areas.
- Outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and caving easily accessible from campus.
11. Poland
Poland offers high quality university education completely free for international students.
- Renowned universities located in historic cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw and Gdansk.
- Poland provides free tuition and scholarships for all full-time international students.
- Apartment rent averages $350-$500 per month. Public transit is affordable and efficient.
- Fascinating history and culture including medieval castles, Gothic architecture and artistic traditions.
Tips for Affording Study Abroad
Beyond picking an affordable destination, there are many ways to keep study abroad costs low and manageable because with smart planning, you can make studying abroad very affordable, even on a student budget:
- Apply for scholarships & grants – Programs and international student offices often offer financial aid.
- Research the total estimated costs – Include tuition, housing, insurance, food, airfare and other expenses.
- Sublet your room back home – Earn extra cash while you’re abroad.
- Split costs with roommates – Share a flat with other students to save on rent.
- Cook affordable healthy meals – Shop local markets and cook instead of eating out.
- Take advantage of student discounts – Museums, transportation and other activities offer student prices.
- Travel off-peak – Visit places during shoulder seasons when airfare and hotels are cheaper.
Wrapping Up
The benefits of studying overseas are immense, but so can be the costs. By choosing an affordable destination and budgeting carefully, international study can be reasonable and reachable. Countries like South Korea, Mexico, Germany, Thailand, Argentina and Peru offer world-class education for much cheaper than in places like the USA, UK, Australia and Canada.
Do your research, look for grants and scholarships, and start mapping out your affordable dream study abroad program today! You’ve got this!
