Best Affordable Universities for International Students in Europe 2025

When it comes to studying abroad, Europe is a dream destination not just for its rich culture and history, but also for its high-quality yet affordable education. While countries like the US, UK, and Australia often come with hefty tuition fees, many European universities offer world-class programs at a fraction of the cost, especially for international students.

In this article, we’ll highlight the best affordable universities for international students in Europe, focusing on those with low tuition fees, reasonable living costs, and strong academic reputations.

1. University of Vienna (Austria)

Tuition Fees: ~€726.72 per semester for non-EU/EEA students
 Language: German (some programs in English)
 Website: https://www.univie.ac.at

Austria is known for offering almost free tuition to EU/EEA students — and even non-EU students pay relatively little. The University of Vienna, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe, offers hundreds of programs across disciplines. Although many are in German, there are increasingly more English-taught master's options.

Living costs in Vienna are estimated at €900–€1,300/month (source: Study in Austria).

2. University of Warsaw (Poland)

Tuition Fees: ~€2,000–€4,000 per year
 Language: English & Polish programs
 Website: https://en.uw.edu.pl

Poland is becoming an underrated hub for international students. The University of Warsaw, ranked in the QS Top 500 globally, offers a wide range of programs in English. Its tuition is significantly lower than most Western European institutions, and Warsaw is one of the most budget-friendly capitals in Europe.

According to NAWA, international students in Poland spend around €350–€550/month on living expenses.

3. Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany)

Tuition Fees: €0 (only semester fee: ~€300)
 Language: German (some master's in English)
 Website: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en

Germany abolished tuition fees for public universities — even for non-EU students — making it a top destination. Humboldt University is a research powerhouse with Nobel Prize-winning alumni. You only pay a small semester contribution, which often includes public transport access.

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education promotes tuition-free studies and estimates monthly living costs around €934.

4. Charles University (Czech Republic)

Tuition Fees: €1,000–€4,000 per year for English programs
 Language: Czech & English
 Website: https://www.cuni.cz/UKEN-1.html

One of the oldest universities in Central Europe, Charles University in Prague offers top-tier education in medicine, humanities, and science. While Czech-taught programs are free, English programs are still very affordable by Western standards.

According to Study in Czech Republic, monthly student living costs are about €400–€700.

5. University of Porto (Portugal)

Tuition Fees: ~€3,000–€4,500 per year
 Language: Portuguese & English
 Website: https://sigarra.up.pt

Portugal combines a low cost of living with a relaxed lifestyle. The University of Porto, one of the best-ranked Portuguese institutions, offers several programs in English — especially at the master's level.

Based on the Portuguese Government’s info portal, monthly living expenses range from €550–€850.

Why Study in Europe?

Europe offers several advantages for international students:

• Visa access to 27 Schengen countries
• Multicultural, diverse environments
• High English proficiency even in non-English speaking countries
• Post-study work options (especially in Germany, Netherlands, and Ireland)

And most importantly: affordable tuition without compromising quality.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a cost-effective study abroad destination, European public universities are often the best-kept secret. By choosing a university like Vienna, Warsaw, or Berlin, you're investing in a globally recognized degree without drowning in debt.

For personalized help choosing the right program, navigating applications, and preparing your student visa, consider joining our Admission Mentoring Program at EduALL. We've helped hundreds of students successfully land offers from Europe’s best universities