22 August 2025
7 minutes read
7 Top Affordable European Countries for Studying a Bachelors Degree Abroad for Indian Students

Key Takeaways
- Affordable European countries for studying a bachelors degree abroad offer free or low-cost tuition at public universities, making quality higher education accessible for Indian students.
- Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, and France provide affordable living, scholarships, and world-class study options.
- Early planning, researching universities, preparing documents, and meeting deadlines can make the study abroad journey smoother and more rewarding.
Were you aware that there are numerous public universities in Europe that provide free or low-cost education, including for non-EU international students? For Indian students, selecting to study abroad usually feels impossible due to expensive tuition fees, housing costs, and limited scholarships in sought-after study abroad destinations such as the US or UK.
The reality is that international students need a way to study abroad on a budget. This is why considering affordable European countries for studying a Bachelors degree abroad is one of the best options to provide a high-quality education at an affordable cost of living.
Key Factors That Make Europe Affordable for Indian Students
Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but choosing the right destination for students seeking affordable higher education is crucial.

Europe has become one of the best study destinations, offering affordable European countries for studying a bachelors degree abroad with budget-friendly study options and world-class education.
- Affordable Tuition and Free Education
Many public universities in Germany and other European countries offer free tuition or affordable tuition fees, making them among the top 10 budget-friendly countries to study abroad for both EU and non-EU students. - Top Universities and Quality Higher Education
European universities consistently rank among the best universities in the world. From German universities to private universities across the rest of Europe, students seeking quality education find study programs designed to match international education standards. - Affordable Cost of Living
Countries in Europe offer affordable cost of living compared to other popular study abroad destinations. Students can study in one of the cheapest countries for studying while keeping living expenses manageable during their study abroad journey. - Diverse Study Options and English Programs
Universities in Europe provide study in English, making it easier for foreign students and international students looking to study abroad. With flexible study options, students can choose to study in affordable countries to study abroad while enjoying a valuable study abroad experience. - Global Exposure and Cultural Advantage
Studying abroad in Europe places international students in the heart of Europe, offering exposure to many countries, cultures, and career opportunities. This makes it one of the best European countries to help students to study abroad for free while gaining an international education.
Top Affordable European Countries to Study Abroad for a Bachelors Degree
Studying abroad doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. With affordable European countries for studying a bachelors degree abroad, Indian students can find destinations in Europe that combine affordable education, budget-friendly living, and access to top universities.
Here are the top 7 countries to study in Europe that offer quality education abroad at economical costs.
1. Germany
Germany is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad, especially for EU and non-EU students. Many public universities offer free tuition for international students, with only minimal semester fees. Studying abroad in Germany guarantees affordable study options and a high-quality education experience.
University | Tuition Fees (per year) | Global Ranking | Notable Detail |
---|---|---|---|
LMU Munich | €0 – €500 | Top 50 | Public universities offer free tuition for EU & non-EU students |
Heidelberg University | €0 – €1,500 | Top 70 | Affordable study programs for foreign students |
Humboldt University of Berlin | €0 – €600 | Top 120 | One of the best universities in Europe for international students |
University of Stuttgart | €1,500 (non-EU) | Top 300 | Popular study destination for engineering |
Free University of Berlin | €0 – €500 | Top 150 | Affordable education with diverse study programs |
2. Poland
Poland is among the top 10 affordable countries in Europe for international students. It offers affordable tuition fees for international students and economical living costs, making it a dream study destination for those looking for affordable higher education.
University | Tuition Fees (per year) | Global Ranking | Notable Detail |
---|---|---|---|
University of Warsaw | €2,000 – €3,000 | Top 350 | Affordable study programs for non-EU students |
Jagiellonian University | €2,500 – €4,000 | Top 400 | One of the oldest universities in Europe |
Warsaw University of Technology | €2,000 – €3,500 | Top 600 | Affordable engineering education abroad |
Adam Mickiewicz University | €2,000 – €3,000 | Top 800 | Wide range of affordable study options |
Wrocław University of Science & Tech | €2,500 – €3,500 | Top 700 | Popular among international students |
3. Hungary
Hungary is a top study abroad destination for students seeking affordable education. With low tuition fees and available scholarships, Hungary is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students.
University | Tuition Fees (per year) | Global Ranking | Notable Detail |
---|---|---|---|
Eötvös Loránd University | €2,500 – €4,000 | Top 600 | Affordable study programs in English |
University of Szeged | €2,000 – €3,500 | Top 700 | Popular among foreign students |
Budapest University of Technology | €3,000 – €4,000 | Top 800 | Top destination for engineering |
Corvinus University of Budapest | €2,500 – €3,500 | Top 1000 | Offers affordable tuition for international students |
University of Pécs | €2,000 – €3,500 | Top 900 | One of the best affordable universities in Hungary |
4. Czech Republic
Czech Republic is one of the top destinations in Europe to study for free in public universities (if you study in Czech). For English programs, tuition fees for international students remain very affordable.
University | Tuition Fees (per year) | Global Ranking | Notable Detail |
---|---|---|---|
Charles University | €0 – €3,000 | Top 300 | Public universities offer free tuition in Czech |
Czech Technical University | €2,500 – €4,000 | Top 600 | Affordable study programs in engineering |
Masaryk University | €2,000 – €3,000 | Top 600 | Wide range of study options for EU & non-EU students |
University of Economics, Prague | €2,500 – €4,000 | Top 800 | Popular for business education abroad |
Palacký University Olomouc | €2,000 – €3,000 | Top 800 | Affordable study for international students |
5. Italy
Italy is among the best European countries that offer affordable tuition fees, especially in public universities. For Indian students, it combines affordable education, rich culture, and top universities.
University | Tuition Fees (per year) | Global Ranking | Notable Detail |
---|---|---|---|
University of Bologna | €2,000 – €3,000 | Top 200 | Among the top destinations for international students |
Sapienza University of Rome | €1,500 – €3,000 | Top 250 | Affordable tuition fees for international students |
University of Milan | €2,000 – €3,500 | Top 300 | Offers affordable study for EU & non-EU students |
Politecnico di Milano | €2,500 – €4,000 | Top 150 | Top destination for engineering and design |
University of Padua | €1,500 – €3,000 | Top 250 | Economical study programs available for international students |
6. Spain
Spain is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad in Western Europe. With low tuition fees and affordable cost of living, Spain is a popular study destination for international students.
University | Tuition Fees (per year) | Global Ranking | Notable Detail |
---|---|---|---|
University of Barcelona | €2,000 – €3,000 | Top 200 | Popular study abroad destination in Europe |
Complutense University of Madrid | €1,500 – €3,000 | Top 250 | Offers affordable tuition for foreign students |
Autonomous University of Madrid | €2,000 – €3,500 | Top 250 | Economical study abroad programs |
University of Valencia | €1,500 – €2,500 | Top 500 | Destination for students seeking affordable education |
Pompeu Fabra University | €2,000 – €3,500 | Top 400 | Offers study in English at affordable fees |
7. France
France is among the top countries to study abroad in Europe for international students. With low tuition fees and subsidized living, it remains one of the most affordable countries to study abroad.
University | Tuition Fees (per year) | Global Ranking | Notable Detail |
---|---|---|---|
Sorbonne University | €2,700 | Top 100 | Among the top universities in Europe |
University of Paris-Saclay | €2,700 | Top 150 | Affordable tuition for international students |
University of Montpellier | €2,800 | Top 300 | Public universities offer affordable education |
Aix-Marseille University | €2,800 | Top 300 | One of the cheapest universities in France |
University of Strasbourg | €2,800 | Top 400 | Destination for international students seeking affordable study |
Cost Comparison: Tuition Fees and Living Expenses in the Cheapest Countries in Europe
When choosing affordable European countries for studying a bachelors degree abroad, it’s important to compare tuition fees and living expenses. While some EU countries allow EU students to study in Europe for free, non-EU students still benefit from affordable study options.
This cost breakdown will help you study abroad wisely, plan your study abroad journey, and explore the top destinations in Europe to help enhance your study experience.
Country | Tuition Fees (per year, Non-EU Students) | Tuition Fees (per year, EU Students) | Average Living Expenses (per month) | Notable Advantage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Germany | €0 – €1,500 | €0 (Europe for free in public universities) | €800 – €1,000 | Public universities offer free tuition, studying abroad in Germany is among the top choices |
Poland | €2,000 – €3,500 | €1,500 – €2,500 | €500 – €700 | One of the cheapest EU countries with affordable cost of living |
Hungary | €2,000 – €4,000 | €1,500 – €2,500 | €500 – €700 | Economical study programs, scholarships available to help you study abroad |
Czech Republic | €0 (in Czech) – €3,000 (English) | €0 (Europe for free, public universities) | €600 – €800 | EU countries allow study for free if taught in local language |
Italy | €1,500 – €3,500 | €1,000 – €2,000 | €700 – €900 | Affordable tuition with strong cultural study experience |
Spain | €1,500 – €3,500 | €1,000 – €2,500 | €700 – €900 | Popular EU country with balanced fees and lifestyle |
France | €2,700 – €2,800 | €200 – €600 (heavily subsidized for EU students) | €800 – €1,000 | Europe to help students with subsidies and scholarships |
Scholarships for International Students in Affordable European Countries
Scholarships are an important part of many students’ experience when minimizing the financial burden of higher education.

Affordable European countries for studying a bachelors degree abroad have relatively low tuition fees, as well as a wide variety of scholarships, which can further contribute to their affordability.
Scholarship Name | Country | Coverage | Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|
DAAD Undergraduate Scholarships | Germany | Tuition + Living Stipend | International students pursuing a bachelor’s degree |
Government of Poland Scholarship | Poland | Partial tuition waiver | Non-EU students with academic merit |
Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Tuition + Accommodation + Stipend | International students applying to Hungarian universities |
Czech Government Scholarships | Czech Republic | Tuition + Living Expenses | Students from developing countries seeking undergraduate study |
Italian Government Scholarships | Italy | Partial fee waiver + Monthly allowance | International students with strong academic records |
Spanish Government MAEC-AECID | Spain | Tuition + Monthly Grant | Students from selected partner countries |
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | France | Monthly allowance (Bachelor’s via exchange programs) | International students with outstanding academic performance |
How to Apply for a Bachelor’s Degree to Study in Europe?
Applying to affordable European countries for studying abroad provides the opportunity to study for a bachelor’s degree will take some planning and understanding of the process.

If it is done correctly, international students can also be placed in universities for several university programs that match their future aspirations and career opportunities.
Research available universities and programs
Look at the different universities and study programs that you can find in the affordable European countries for studying abroad and find what is interesting to you.
Check the admission requirements
Each country, and University might have a differently specified eligibility criteria, including qualification for admission, entrance examinations, and language, so you need to read through it thoroughly before you apply.
Prepare an application document
Academic transcripts, attestations, personal statements, and sometimes letters of recommendation are all commonly requested documents in affordable European countries for studying abroad and are usually mandatory.
Fill Out an Online Application
The majority of the applications are completed online, generally by creating accounts on the university’s official portals and following the process as it is outlined, step by step.
Proof of Language Proficiency
If your program is in English, you may be required to submit an IELTS or TOEFL management test, depending on the requirements of the affordable European countries for studying abroad.
Track Deadlines and Application Fees
Stay updated with deadlines and pay any required fees to ensure your application is considered without delays.
Wait for Admission Decision and Acceptance
Once accepted, follow the instructions for enrollment, visa processing, and preparing to start your study journey in affordable European countries for studying a bachelors degree abroad.
Conclusion
Choosing affordable European countries for studying a bachelors degree abroad is not just about saving on tuition; it’s about unlocking a world-class study experience while keeping costs manageable. From free tuition in public universities to budget-friendly living, Europe offers countless opportunities for ambitious Indian students.
But getting there requires the right guidance, profile building, and strategy. That’s where Ambitio comes in. With our expert-driven approach to study abroad consultancy, we don’t just help you apply; we help you stand out. Ready to turn your dream study abroad journey into reality? Join Ambitio Elite today and let’s build your future together!
FAQs
Which European countries are known for affordable bachelors degree tuition?
Countries like Germany, Austria, Poland, and Hungary are known for low or no tuition fees for international students.
Is tuition-free education available for non-EU students?
Germany and Norway offer tuition-free or low-cost education to both EU and non-EU students, with some conditions.
What are typical living costs in affordable European countries?
Monthly living expenses in places like Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic can range from €400–€800.
Are bachelors programs available in English in affordable countries?
Yes, many universities in Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe offer bachelor’s programs in English.
Do affordable countries offer scholarships for international students?
Many low-cost universities in Europe provide merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students.
What documents are usually required for admission?
Common requirements include high school certificates, proof of English proficiency, a CV, and a motivation letter.
Can students work part-time while studying in these countries?
International students are generally allowed to work part-time during their studies, subject to local law.

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