Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Study Abroad Costs in 2022

Discover one of East Asia's best-kept secrets by studying in Taiwan, a beautiful island located off the eastern coast of China. Named Ilha Formosa, or the 'Beautiful Island' by the Portuguese, Taiwan offers international students the chance to explore a unique and captivating island, with ancient mountain temples and rich Chinese traditions. Learn Mandarin among Taiwan's friendly locals and expand your education in one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.

The capital of Taiwan, Taipei, is a lesser-known gem in East Asia. Taipei is an urban city, and for those interested in Japan but wanting to study Mandarin, Taipei offers the perfect alternative, blending a fast-paced urban lifestyle with a mix of Chinese and Japanese food and fashion. Taiwan is also an affordable country, making it easy to live comfortably. While students don't typically receive discounts, Taiwan's affordability negates the need for them; you can enjoy a delicious local meal for as little as $2. Top universities: National Taiwan University; National Tsing Hua University.

Poland is a vast country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Thanks to recent internationalization efforts, Poland has become an increasingly popular destination for international students. The country offers world-class education at affordable tuition rates, along with a low cost of living. Studying in Poland is not only attractive for academic reasons but also due to the high quality of life. Poland’s economy has grown rapidly over the past 20 years, and it is now modern, clean, and safe. It offers the same social and cultural opportunities found in other places, but with a much lower cost of living compared to Western Europe, making it a popular choice among international students.

Poland’s higher education system has nearly 800 years of history, with over 400 institutions, many of which now offer programs in English. Poland is also known for its specialized technical institutions, which have trained tens of thousands of professionals annually in fields such as engineering and computer science. Warsaw University of Technology and AGH University of Science and Technology are particularly prominent in international rankings, with many other excellent institutions to choose from.

In recent years, Malaysia has been consistently recognized as an emerging education destination. There's a reason why UNESCO ranks Malaysia as the 11th most popular study abroad destination in the world! Malaysia is a multicultural society where various ethnic groups live harmoniously, respecting each other’s cultural practices and beliefs. The Malaysian government promotes the sense of 'being Malaysian,' fostering common ties that ensure political and economic stability, creating a safe and stable environment for international students. The cost of education and living in Malaysia is considerably lower than in countries like Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Malaysia is home to four universities ranked in the QS 2018 Top 50 Under 50 list, recognizing institutions that have been established within the last 50 years but are rapidly improving in global rankings. With universities like Monash University from Australia, and the University of Nottingham, Reading, and Newcastle from the UK establishing campuses in Malaysia, students can earn degrees from well-established and prestigious institutions at a fraction of the cost.

The positive atmosphere of the campuses, communities, and cities in Denmark greatly enhances the student experience, thanks to the country's robust social welfare system, additional financial support, and international student accessibility. The Danish government regards students as valuable national resources, viewing them as an excellent investment for a brighter future. It's no surprise that this approach extends to international students, who benefit from excellent facilities, subsidies, and similar solutions.

This is mainly because Denmark is quite an expensive country, and to keep their educational model competitive, tuition fees have been waived for most categories, aiming for an inclusive and accessible higher education system. Danish universities are known for their thriving academic environments and high educational standards. The strength of Denmark’s education system lies in problem-based learning, encouraging students to find solutions independently and become innovative thinkers.

Studying in Spain offers the chance to experience the vibrant and complex life of a country more diverse than you might expect. Spain, rich in history, art, architecture, and culture, will leave you in awe. Home to some of the world’s most influential artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Manolo, Spain invites you to live among some of the most valuable art collections in the world. From ancient Roman ruins to flamenco dancers and skilled craftsmen, from gothic cathedrals overlooking city streets to charming mountain ranges, Spain truly captures the essence of an overseas adventure.

Experience the beauty and history behind some of the world’s most admired art when you study in Spain. In Barcelona, you can visit the Maritime Museum, featuring a large collection of artworks that illustrate Barcelona’s connection to the sea. Nestled on Spain’s Costa Blanca, Alicante offers pristine white beaches, winding streets lined with tapas bars, and top-notch educational opportunities in a welcoming, scenic environment. Barcelona, the second-largest city in Spain, offers a unique blend of old and new. As home to some of Spain’s best universities, it’s one of the most popular destinations for international students.

Located between France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, Belgium is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With a diverse landscape that ranges from rivers and valleys to vast plains and sandy beaches, Belgium is a nature lover’s dream come true. Known for its fairytale-like medieval towns and stunning Renaissance architecture, Belgium is an unmissable travel destination. It’s considered one of the safest and most peaceful countries globally, with a strong economy and a high standard of living. Additionally, the country offers a wide range of affordable academic programs at all levels of education.

In Belgium, you’ll find three language communities: the Flemish-speaking community, the French-speaking community, and a smaller German-speaking community. If you’re interested in international relations or diplomacy, or if you aspire to work for an EU organization, studying in Belgium is a great choice. As one of the six founding countries of the European Union, Belgium is home to the EU Commission, the European Council, and part of the European Parliament in its capital, Brussels. Belgium is also a founding member of NATO, the Eurozone, Benelux, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The French culture, including its cuisine, art, cinema, attitude, and way of life, is renowned worldwide. You can visit patisseries to enjoy delicate pastries or savor long meals at local restaurants or with French families. The country is also home to breathtaking art collections in countless museums and offers some of the best films at local cinemas. Exploring French culture can help broaden your worldview and increase your appreciation for diverse cultures. French culture, in particular, has had a profound influence on the world, making it truly worthwhile to immerse yourself in the French way of life.

With a variety of locations to study abroad in France, including major cities like Paris and Lyon, German-influenced cities such as Strasbourg, and university towns like Aix-en-Provence and Tours, there are plenty of study abroad programs to choose from. While university courses in France may differ from what you are used to in the United States, the country is known for its high-quality education system. Studying abroad in France gives you the chance to enroll in universities in cities like Paris, Strasbourg, Tours, and Aix-en-Provence, allowing you to directly learn French and immerse yourself in French culture.

Studying in Germany is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the German culture while mastering the language. You’ll get to experience the unique atmosphere of Munich, which is famous for its beer culture, and enjoy a blend of medieval and modern architecture with the majestic Alps towering in the background. Whether you choose a short-term program or spend a full academic year in Munich, you’ll quickly become fluent in German thanks to small class sizes, experienced teachers, and well-developed teaching methods.

Germany tops the list of the 10 best and most affordable countries to study abroad, according to QS’s rankings of the best student cities. With a low cost of living and high-quality education, it’s one of the safest student destinations in the world. Another reason students love Germany is that public universities offer free programs, with only minimal administrative fees. Leading universities in Germany include: Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, and Munich Business School.

Norway may be small, but it’s a powerful country with a unique blend of international hubs and pristine wilderness. It’s a place where the sun still shines at midnight during summer, an ideal spot to witness one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena, the Northern Lights. Rich in oil and natural resources, Norway also offers vast open spaces and countless fjords. Currently, around 15,000 international students are studying in Norway. Despite its size, Norwegian universities and colleges provide top-quality education, and students benefit from international exchanges and valuable degrees.

Studying in Norway will enhance your career prospects, both locally and internationally. Norway is a small country with vast natural resources, and the Norwegian government prioritizes maintaining and developing a high-quality education system that is accessible to all, regardless of students’ economic or social backgrounds. This includes international students. However, keep in mind that Norway is a high-cost country, and as an international student, you’ll need to be able to cover your living expenses while studying there. Top universities include: University of Oslo and University of Bergen.

Mexico has a rich export of cultural elements that have made a global impact, from its culinary traditions to its arts, music, and entertainment. As an international student, you’ll have the chance to experience firsthand what you may have only seen on social media. Depending on where you live during your studies, you could travel to the ancient Mayan ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula, celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, witness the Chinelos dancers in Cuernavaca, or join in the festivities of Día de Muertos in Mexico City. These cultural celebrations and historical landmarks provide opportunities to broaden your global perspective, savor local delicacies, and gain a deeper appreciation for Mexican culture.

Top study abroad programs in Mexico welcome students from diverse fields of study. International students can explore a wide range of subjects, including coding, global health, social justice leadership, public policy, liberal arts, physical therapy, and more. You can spend a few weeks or 1-2 semesters in Mexico, all while earning university credits. Colleges often offer programs for undergraduate and graduate degree seekers, or specifically for final-year students and those close to graduation.