Getting a higher education abroad is a great accomplishment and a life-changing experience, but most times it also involves high costs.
What if you could erase the ‘high costs’ factor, though? You will find the ideal destination abroad, where you can pursue your Master’s degree in Europe and benefit from low tuition and overall low living costs.
If you are a prospective Bachelor's student, you should also check some of cheapest countries to study abroad in the EU.
Now back to the most affordable places where you can get your Master’s degree:
View affordable European Masters
1. Italy – attend some of the oldest universities in Europe
Italy is an affordable country to live and visit, which is why it draws thousands of international students and tourists each year.
Home to the oldest university in Europe, students in Italy can enrol in numerous interesting Master’s degrees and benefit from accessible tuition fees and low living costs.
- Average tuition fees in Italy: 0 - 2,000 EUR/academic year (at public universities)
- Average living costs in big cities: 900 - 1,500 EUR/month
- Average living costs in student cities (Pisa, Padua, Turin): 600 - 1,100 EUR/month
Costs include accommodation, food, public transportation, local travel, and/or entertainment.
Check out the following affordable universities from Italy:
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
- European College of Parma Foundation
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
2. Spain – make friends and enjoy the sun at a low cost
Spain is an appealing country for international students, due to its Mediterranean climate, friendly locals, affordable prices, and, not to mention, the opportunity of learning or brushing up on Spanish language skills.
With over seventy universities to choose from, you are likely to find a suitable Master’s degree in Spain.
- Average tuition fees in Spain: 300 - 3,500 EUR/academic year (at public universities, for international students)
- Average living costs: 600 – 1,000 EUR/month
This includes all your monthly expenses, like food, bills, social activities, and transportation. In some Spanish cities, with this sum you can also cover the accommodation costs.
Check out the following affordable universities from Spain:
Find out more about tuition and living costs in Spain.
3. Germany – quality education for everyone
Germany is one of the top study destinations in Europe, as German universities are well-known for the world-class education and cutting-edge research opportunities, offered as part of a Master’s programme.
In Germany, you can find around 300 universities (out of which 10 are ranked in the top leading universities worldwide), with over 900 international Master’s degrees to choose from.
In some German cities, the cost of living may be higher compared to other cities in Europe. However, in terms of tuition fees, Germany is a very affordable country.
- Average tuition fees in Germany: 0 EUR/academic year (at public universities)
- Administration fee: 100 - 350 EUR/semester
- Average living costs: 800 - 1,100 EUR/month
Costs include accommodation, food, bills, health insurance, social activities, and public transportation.
Check out the following affordable universities from Germany:
4. France – learn in an iconic international destination
France is a study abroad destination preferred especially by students that are in love with the French culture. With numerous higher education institutions, present in over forty cities, France is an affordable country to pursue a Master’s degree abroad.
- Average tuition fees in France: 170 - 650 EUR/academic year
- Average living costs: 700 - 950 EUR/month
Expenditures include housing, food, travelling, entertainment, and transportation. PhDs in Engineering or Medicine charge a little higher, between 450 and 600 EUR/year.
Check out the following affordable universities from France:
5. Lithuania – a rich education offer, with friendly living costs
Home to over fifteen higher educational institutions that also provide a significant number of English-taught Master’s programmes, Lithuania is a less known European country, that welcomes over 3,000 international students yearly.
Universities in Lithuania focus on both the theoretical and the practical side of teaching and offer students the possibility to engage in educational, professional, or scientific/practical work.
- Average tuition fees in Lithuania: 1,150 - 5,000 EUR/academic year (at public universities)
- Average living costs: 200 - 380 EUR/month
Costs of living in Lithuania are some of the lowest in Europe. Vilnius, the capital, is an exception where living costs can reach 850 EUR/month. The mentioned expenditures include accommodation, groceries, social activities, and public transportation.
Check out the following affordable universities from Lithuania:
6. Hungary – a beautiful Eastern European country, that’s also affordable
Covering a wide range of study options, relative low costs of living, and a bustling cultural life, in Hungary, students can receive a high-standard academic education.
- Average tuition fees in Hungary: 1,000 - 8,000 EUR/academic year (at public universities)
- Average living costs: 350 - 550 EUR/month, that include housing, food, travelling, entertainment, and social activities
These costs of living include housing, food, bills, travelling, entertainment and social activities.
Check out the following affordable universities from Hungary:
7. Portugal – low-cost tuition and amazing views
Portugal has 5 universities in the world top rankings, a strong presence for a relatively small country. Portuguese universities have a long-lasting tradition of research and higher education, alongside being an attractive destination for international students.
- Average tuition fees in Portugal: 500 - 1,500 EUR/academic year
- Average living costs: 500 - 750 EUR/month, including accommodation, food, and leisure activities
Check out the following affordable universities from Portugal:
- NOVA IMS
- ISCTE Business School - University Institute of Lisbon
- ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management
Find out more about tuition and living costs in Portugal.
Studying abroad in Europe doesn't have to be expensive!
Studying abroad doesn’t have to be a burden on your budget; sometimes it can even be a more affordable alternative to studying in your home town. Whether you’re worried about tuition fees or living costs, there are European countries where you can find an affordable study experience while also getting great education.
You can use Numbeo to compare living costs in any country in Europe and beyond.
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.