Study Abroad Cost Calculator
Estimate your total annual cost to study abroad in 2026. Enter your choices to see how much you'll need to budget.
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* These are estimates based on average costs. Actual expenses may vary based on your lifestyle and choices.
Why Choose Germany?
Zero tuition at public universities. Monthly living costs: €850–€1,000 ($900–$1,100) in smaller cities.
Why Choose Taiwan?
Low tuition ($1,200–$2,500/year). Monthly living costs: $600–$800 USD.
Why Choose Poland?
Lowest cost in Europe. Total annual cost: under $10,000 USD (tuition + living).
Studying abroad doesn’t have to break the bank. In 2026, you can still get a world-class education for less than $5,000 a year - including tuition and living costs - in countries that welcome international students with open arms and low fees. The key isn’t just finding a cheap place, but finding one that balances cost, quality, and opportunity. Here’s what actually works right now.
Germany: Zero Tuition, High Value
Germany remains the top choice for students looking to avoid tuition fees entirely. Public universities in almost every state - including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg - charge no tuition for undergraduate and many master’s programs, even for international students. You’ll pay around €150 to €350 per semester for administrative fees, which cover things like public transit passes and student union costs.
Living expenses average €850 to €1,000 per month, depending on the city. Smaller towns like Leipzig or Jena are significantly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt. That means total annual costs can stay under €12,000 ($13,000 USD), even with rent, food, and health insurance. Most programs are taught in German, but over 1,200 master’s programs are now offered in English, especially in engineering, computer science, and business.
Germany also lets you work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year without a separate visa. Many students cover rent and groceries with part-time jobs on campus or local cafes. After graduation, you get 18 months to find a job - and if you do, you can stay and build a career.
Norway: Free Education, High Cost of Living
Norway still offers free tuition at public universities for all international students, no matter where you’re from. That includes bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. But here’s the catch: living costs are among the highest in Europe. Rent in Oslo can hit €1,200 a month. Groceries, transport, and even a coffee cost 30-50% more than in Germany or Poland.
Still, if you’re willing to live outside Oslo - in cities like Bergen, Trondheim, or Tromsø - you can bring monthly costs down to €900-€1,100. The country’s generous student loan system is only available to residents, so you’ll need to budget carefully. But if you can handle the cost of living, Norway’s education quality, safety, and clean environment make it a standout.
Taiwan: Low Fees, High Tech, Low Cost
Taiwan quietly became one of the most affordable options for international students in Asia. Public universities like National Taiwan University and National Cheng Kung University charge between NT$40,000 and NT$80,000 per year (roughly $1,200-$2,500 USD) for tuition. That’s less than what you’d pay for a single semester in the U.S. or UK.
Living costs are even more impressive. Rent in Taipei starts at $300/month for a shared apartment. A full meal at a local eatery costs under $3. Public transport is cheap and efficient. Monthly expenses for food, rent, and basic needs average $600-$800. That brings total annual costs to $8,000-$10,000 USD.
Taiwan offers dozens of English-taught programs in engineering, AI, biotech, and business. The government also gives scholarships to international students - including full tuition waivers and monthly stipends of up to $1,000. The country is safe, clean, and has one of the highest rates of English proficiency in Asia.
France: Low Tuition, Strong Support
France’s public universities charge just €2,770 per year for bachelor’s programs and €3,770 for master’s - for all international students. That’s a fraction of what private schools in the U.S. or UK charge. You’ll pay more at elite institutions like Sciences Po or École Polytechnique, but most state universities are very affordable.
Living costs vary by city. In Lyon or Bordeaux, rent runs €500-€700/month. In Paris, it’s €800-€1,000. But students get massive discounts: 50-80% off public transit, cheap meals at university cafeterias (€3-€5), and subsidized housing through CROUS (student housing offices). Health insurance costs around €230/year.
France also offers a 1-year post-study visa to look for work. Many students find internships or part-time jobs in tech, hospitality, or research. If you learn basic French, your job prospects and daily life get much easier - and you’ll qualify for even more housing and food aid.
Poland: Europe’s Budget Powerhouse
Poland is the hidden gem of Eastern Europe for international students. Public universities like the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Adam Mickiewicz University charge between €1,500 and €3,500 per year for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Living costs are among the lowest in the EU. Rent in Kraków or Poznań starts at €300/month. A full meal costs €4-€6. A monthly public transport pass is under €20. Total monthly expenses? Around €600-€750. That means you can study for under €10,000 per year - including tuition, rent, food, and insurance.
Poland offers over 1,000 English-taught programs in medicine, IT, economics, and engineering. The country has a strong student community, with many international student organizations and events. You can also work up to 20 hours per week without a permit. After graduation, you can apply for a temporary residence permit to stay and work.
Malaysia: Asia’s Affordable Education Hub
Malaysia is one of the few countries where you can get a degree from a university that’s ranked globally - at a fraction of the cost. Universities like Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia charge between RM10,000 and RM25,000 per year (roughly $2,100-$5,300 USD) for international students.
Living costs are extremely low. A one-bedroom apartment in Kuala Lumpur costs $300-$500/month. A meal at a local stall costs under $2. Public transport is cheap and reliable. Monthly expenses average $500-$700. Total annual cost? Under $12,000 USD.
Many programs are taught in English, and Malaysia has partnerships with UK and Australian universities. You can earn a degree from the University of Nottingham Malaysia or Monash University Malaysia - same curriculum, same diploma, but 70% cheaper than studying in the UK or Australia.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. After graduation, you can apply for a work visa if you land a job with a local company.
Why These Countries Beat the Rest
Some countries are cheap on paper but don’t deliver. Russia used to be a top pick, but political instability and visa restrictions have made it risky. Ukraine’s education system is still strong, but safety concerns remain. China has low tuition, but visa delays and language barriers make it harder for many.
The countries above work because they combine three things: low tuition, manageable living costs, and real post-study opportunities. They don’t just say they’re affordable - they make it possible to live, work, and thrive.
What to Watch Out For
Don’t assume low tuition means low cost. Some countries charge high insurance fees, require proof of large bank balances, or don’t let you work. Always check:
- Is tuition really free, or just for EU students?
- Do you need to prove you have $10,000+ in a bank account to get a visa?
- Can you legally work part-time while studying?
- Is there a path to stay after graduation?
Also, avoid agencies that promise “free education abroad” - they often charge hidden fees or steer you toward low-quality schools. Go straight to university websites. Use official portals like StudyinGermany.de, StudyinTaiwan.org, or StudyinFrance.fr.
Bottom Line: Where Should You Go?
If you want zero tuition and don’t mind learning German: Germany.
If you want low cost, English programs, and a tech-savvy environment: Taiwan.
If you want the lowest overall cost in Europe and don’t mind a smaller city: Poland.
If you want a global degree with a Southeast Asian vibe: Malaysia.
If you’re okay with higher living costs but want free tuition and a peaceful life: Norway.
If you want a balance of low cost, strong universities, and a European lifestyle: France.
There’s no single “cheapest” country - but there’s a perfect one for you. Start by checking the official university websites. Look at the total cost - not just tuition. Talk to current students on Reddit or Facebook groups. And remember: the cheapest option isn’t always the best. The best option is the one that lets you graduate without debt - and still have a future.
Can I study abroad for free?
Yes - in countries like Germany and Norway, public universities charge no tuition for international students at the undergraduate and many master’s levels. You’ll still need to cover living expenses, health insurance, and small administrative fees, but you won’t pay for classes. Taiwan and France also offer very low tuition fees, often under $3,000 per year.
Which country has the lowest cost of living for students?
Poland and Malaysia have the lowest overall living costs for students. In cities like Kraków or Kuala Lumpur, you can live comfortably on $600-$750 per month, including rent, food, transport, and basic needs. Taiwan is also very affordable, with monthly costs around $700. Compare that to $1,200+ in cities like London, Sydney, or New York.
Can I work while studying abroad on a student visa?
Most affordable countries allow students to work part-time. Germany lets you work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year. Poland and Malaysia allow up to 20 hours per week during term. France and Taiwan also permit part-time work. Norway allows it, but the high cost of living makes it harder to cover expenses with a part-time job alone. Always check visa rules - some countries require a separate work permit.
Are English-taught programs available in these countries?
Yes. Germany offers over 1,200 English-taught master’s programs. Taiwan has hundreds in engineering, AI, and business. Malaysia’s universities are fully English-medium. Poland has over 1,000 English programs. France has many in business, engineering, and science. You don’t need to speak the local language to study - but learning basics helps with daily life and job opportunities after graduation.
How do I avoid scams when applying to study abroad?
Never pay an agency to get you into a university. Go directly to the university’s official website. Use government-backed portals like StudyinGermany.de, StudyinTaiwan.org, or StudyinFrance.fr. Check if the school is listed on the country’s Ministry of Education website. If a school asks for thousands of dollars upfront for “application fees” or “guaranteed admission,” it’s likely a scam. Real universities don’t charge application fees beyond small processing costs - and even those are often waived for low-income students.
