Affordable study in Europe
Quick answer: The lowest fees in Europe are usually charged by public universities. In Germany most public universities do not charge tuition, non-EU students in Austria pay €726.72 per semester, and a bachelor’s at a French public institution costs €2,902 a year. English-taught courses in Poland, Latvia and Lithuania run at roughly €3,300–€5,000 a year. Budget living costs separately.
“Cheap” can mean no tuition or simply a lower yearly total, so below we compare fees and the living-cost sums that visas demand, using official figures.
Public university fees for non-EU students, 2026/27
| Country | Public university fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | None for bachelor’s and most master’s | Semester contribution €70–€430; non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg pay €1,500 per semester |
| Austria | €726.72 / semester | Plus the ÖH students’ union fee of €26.20 |
| France | Bachelor’s €2,902 / year, master’s €3,950 / year | Rate for non-EU students at public institutions |
| Czech Republic | Free when taught in Czech | English-taught courses at Charles University: from €40 to €30,620 a year |
| Italy | Linked to family income (ISEE) | Bologna example: fixed part of €157.04 plus an income-based part |
| Poland | Set by each university | €4,300 a year for the International Relations bachelor’s at the University of Warsaw |
| Latvia | Set by each university | Rīga Stradiņš, business bachelor’s: €3,300 / year |
| Lithuania | Set by each university | VILNIUS TECH: business bachelor’s €3,950, engineering €4,950 a year (2027/28) |
| Finland | €9,000–€20,000 / year | Typical range for non-EU students |
Source: daad.de, studyinaustria.at, campusfrance.org, cuni.cz, unibo.it, uw.edu.pl, rsu.lv, vilniustech.lt, studyinfinland.fi — checked 11/2026.
Watch the billing unit: Austria’s fee is per semester, so it falls due twice a year. Free courses in Germany and the Czech Republic are mostly in the local language.
Low fees, but what about living costs?
Many countries ask you to prove a set monthly sum for the visa or residence permit, a handy benchmark for a realistic budget.
| Country | Official requirement |
|---|---|
| Germany | €992 monthly since 1 January 2025 (the embassy confirms the current figure) |
| Norway | NOK 170,368 per year, 2026/27 |
| Poland | 1,010 zł monthly, excluding rent |
| Netherlands | €1,130.77 a month (2026) |
Source: daad.de, studyinnorway.no, mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl, ind.nl — checked 11/2026.
Compare Warsaw with Germany. In Warsaw you pay tuition but show only 1,010 zł a month after rent. In Germany tuition may be zero, yet the semester contribution is due twice a year and the visa needs €992 a month — €11,904 for the year. That is why Poland and the Baltic states often win on total cost; see our Poland fees guide for 2026/27.
Which country fits which student?
- Strong school certificate and an interest in German: Germany, either directly or after a preparatory year (what a Studienkolleg is).
- Tight budget, English-taught degree: Poland, Latvia or Lithuania, with yearly fees of a few thousand euros.
- Lower family income and an eye on Italy: the regional DSU grant can bring a fee waiver and a stipend.
- Scholarship-first plans: Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum, which covers tuition in full and adds a monthly stipend, or Azerbaijan’s State Programme.
- French speakers or keen learners: France, where a public bachelor’s costs €2,902 a year.
Frequently asked questions
Is a degree from a cheaper country worth less?
No. The fee reflects how a country funds its universities rather than their quality, although you should still check accreditation and recognition rules in Azerbaijan separately.
Is studying in Germany really free?
DAAD says public universities charge no tuition for bachelor’s and most master’s courses, but a semester contribution of €70–€430 applies, and Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester.
Which European country is cheapest overall?
On fees alone, German public universities and Czech-taught courses lead; on the total budget, Poland and the Baltic states usually work out best.
How much money do I need to show for living costs?
For example, 1,010 zł a month after rent in Poland, or €992 a month in Germany since 1 January 2025.
Plan it with us
Since 2018 EDDE Global has guided applicants into European universities, and we can shortlist countries that suit your budget and grades. Book a free consultation.