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22 August 2025

7 minutes read

7 Top Affordable European Countries for Studying a Bachelors Degree Abroad for Indian Students

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

22 August 2025

7 minutes read

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.

affordable european countries for studying a bachelors degree abroad

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.

UniversityTuition Fees (per year)Global RankingNotable Detail
LMU Munich€0 – €500Top 50Public universities offer free tuition for EU & non-EU students
Heidelberg University€0 – €1,500Top 70Affordable study programs for foreign students
Humboldt University of Berlin€0 – €600Top 120One of the best universities in Europe for international students
University of Stuttgart€1,500 (non-EU)Top 300Popular study destination for engineering
Free University of Berlin€0 – €500Top 150Affordable 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.

UniversityTuition Fees (per year)Global RankingNotable Detail
University of Warsaw€2,000 – €3,000Top 350Affordable study programs for non-EU students
Jagiellonian University€2,500 – €4,000Top 400One of the oldest universities in Europe
Warsaw University of Technology€2,000 – €3,500Top 600Affordable engineering education abroad
Adam Mickiewicz University€2,000 – €3,000Top 800Wide range of affordable study options
Wrocław University of Science & Tech€2,500 – €3,500Top 700Popular 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.

UniversityTuition Fees (per year)Global RankingNotable Detail
Eötvös Loránd University€2,500 – €4,000Top 600Affordable study programs in English
University of Szeged€2,000 – €3,500Top 700Popular among foreign students
Budapest University of Technology€3,000 – €4,000Top 800Top destination for engineering
Corvinus University of Budapest€2,500 – €3,500Top 1000Offers affordable tuition for international students
University of Pécs€2,000 – €3,500Top 900One 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.

UniversityTuition Fees (per year)Global RankingNotable Detail
Charles University€0 – €3,000Top 300Public universities offer free tuition in Czech
Czech Technical University€2,500 – €4,000Top 600Affordable study programs in engineering
Masaryk University€2,000 – €3,000Top 600Wide range of study options for EU & non-EU students
University of Economics, Prague€2,500 – €4,000Top 800Popular for business education abroad
Palacký University Olomouc€2,000 – €3,000Top 800Affordable 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.

UniversityTuition Fees (per year)Global RankingNotable Detail
University of Bologna€2,000 – €3,000Top 200Among the top destinations for international students
Sapienza University of Rome€1,500 – €3,000Top 250Affordable tuition fees for international students
University of Milan€2,000 – €3,500Top 300Offers affordable study for EU & non-EU students
Politecnico di Milano€2,500 – €4,000Top 150Top destination for engineering and design
University of Padua€1,500 – €3,000Top 250Economical 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.

UniversityTuition Fees (per year)Global RankingNotable Detail
University of Barcelona€2,000 – €3,000Top 200Popular study abroad destination in Europe
Complutense University of Madrid€1,500 – €3,000Top 250Offers affordable tuition for foreign students
Autonomous University of Madrid€2,000 – €3,500Top 250Economical study abroad programs
University of Valencia€1,500 – €2,500Top 500Destination for students seeking affordable education
Pompeu Fabra University€2,000 – €3,500Top 400Offers 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.

UniversityTuition Fees (per year)Global RankingNotable Detail
Sorbonne University€2,700Top 100Among the top universities in Europe
University of Paris-Saclay€2,700Top 150Affordable tuition for international students
University of Montpellier€2,800Top 300Public universities offer affordable education
Aix-Marseille University€2,800Top 300One of the cheapest universities in France
University of Strasbourg€2,800Top 400Destination 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.

CountryTuition 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 – €1,000Public universities offer free tuition, studying abroad in Germany is among the top choices
Poland€2,000 – €3,500€1,500 – €2,500€500 – €700One of the cheapest EU countries with affordable cost of living
Hungary€2,000 – €4,000€1,500 – €2,500€500 – €700Economical study programs, scholarships available to help you study abroad
Czech Republic€0 (in Czech) – €3,000 (English)€0 (Europe for free, public universities)€600 – €800EU countries allow study for free if taught in local language
Italy€1,500 – €3,500€1,000 – €2,000€700 – €900Affordable tuition with strong cultural study experience
Spain€1,500 – €3,500€1,000 – €2,500€700 – €900Popular EU country with balanced fees and lifestyle
France€2,700 – €2,800€200 – €600 (heavily subsidized for EU students)€800 – €1,000Europe 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

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 NameCountryCoverageEligibility
DAAD Undergraduate ScholarshipsGermanyTuition + Living StipendInternational students pursuing a bachelor’s degree
Government of Poland ScholarshipPolandPartial tuition waiverNon-EU students with academic merit
Stipendium HungaricumHungaryTuition + Accommodation + StipendInternational students applying to Hungarian universities
Czech Government ScholarshipsCzech RepublicTuition + Living ExpensesStudents from developing countries seeking undergraduate study
Italian Government ScholarshipsItalyPartial fee waiver + Monthly allowanceInternational students with strong academic records
Spanish Government MAEC-AECIDSpainTuition + Monthly GrantStudents from selected partner countries
Eiffel Excellence ScholarshipFranceMonthly 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.

affordable european countries for studying a bachelors degree abroad

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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