For international students, Schengen countries presents a special experience with its rich cultural legacy, varied academic programs, and first-rate educational standards. For many, though, the expenses of education might be a major worry. Fortunately, there are some budget-friendly universities in Schengen countries where students may follow their aspirations without emptying their wallets.
Schengen countries have a lot of universities with strong employability ratings overall. Thus, Schengen countries hosts countless opportunities and choices if anyone is thinking about studying overseas. Schengen countries’ universities provide quality, world-class education, modern facilities, many chances for personal growth and development.
Europe Attracts students from all around the world, it boasts some of the most elite educational institutions and top-ranking universities providing some of the best courses available worldwide. In this post we would discuss about some budget-friendly universities in Schengen region that you should consider.
Why Study In The Schengen Region
Comprising 29 countries nations with one single border and a single visa regime, the Schengen Area is free from travel restrictions. Schengen Agreements are really meant to let people move across countries as least as possible without hindrance. It was signed 1985 at Schengen, Luxembourg.
Over 420 million people reside in Schengen, a 4.3 million square kilometre zone overall. Some records indicate that 1.7 million individuals cross European borders for business or other reason every day.
Studying in Schengen nations gives overseas students many advantages which includes:
- An abundance of educational institutions from which to choose reasonably priced education.
- Admission to elite universities well-known for providing research chances and academic quality.
- Schengen countries provides a rich cultural experience letting students learn many languages, way of life, and customs.
- Students have the chance to work in several Schengen nations providing solid internships and employment opportunities.
- Studying in a Schengen nation is a great opportunity for students to build a global network of friends that would help them in their future careers and personal development.
- The Majority of students in Schengen countries have access to healthcare services at reduced prices or through student health insurance.
- Schengen countries are leaders in research and innovation; thus, students can access top-notch research facilities, funding opportunities, and collaborate with renowned researchers.
- Post-study work visas are offered by various Schengen countries allowing graduates to stay and work for a certain period of time in the country where they studied after finishing their courses.
- With any Schengen nation’s student visa, pupils can move freely within 29 countries states without other visas, making it simpler to traverse Europe.
Budget-Friendly Universities In Schengen
1. National Institute Of Oriental Languages And Civilisations
The National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilisations is one of the few public institutions in France concentrated on educating languages and cultures from all around the world. Graduate and undergraduate courses here are essentially humanities-based with an emphasis on social studies.
Programs in French for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (level not lower than B2) run 2,959 USD and 4,054 USD annually. For current price and scholarship information, visit the university website.
Paris is basically a bank-breaking city, demanding a financial plan of around 800 to 1,200 euros from the students. This budget is for accommodation and food costing some 400 to 800 euros; students also need about 75 euros to cater for public transport costs weekly alongside extra expenses such as those related with books or leisure.
Most INALCO students can find many scholarships and financial aid opportunities. For instance, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program gives monthly allowance, transportation benefits, as well as medical cover for leading foreign students.
Another example is that of Charpak Scholarship meant for Indian learners that provides financial assistance by way of stipends and covering tuition fees; it also includes a medical insurance package.
2. University of Orleans
The University of Orleans has the following colleges (known as Training and Research Units), a school of Engineering, four university institutes of technology, a National Institute of Higher Education, a university science of the universe observatory, a school of physiotherapy, and a department for medical training, is intrinsically multidisciplinary roughly one hour and forty minutes outside of Paris.
Attached to the university are over 1,165 lecturers and 19,526 students; this count is always increasing.
3. University of Padua
In Northern Italy, the University of Padua is a very respected higher education establishment. Having founded itself in 1222, this university is the second oldest in the world. Though old, it is among the most reasonably priced colleges in Italy.
For more than fifty years, the university has regularly been regarded as the top university in Italy. Offering a broad spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees, it presently boasts over 61,000 enrolled students.
Programs in astrophysics, cosmology, data science, veterinary medicine, and other fields define the institution most. The MSc Astrophysics & Cosmology programme is meant to equip students with a thorough understanding of the universe including its origin, structure and evolution. With 2654 international students enrolled, the University of Padua is also home to many others. The university charges 2500 EUR annually on average for tuition.
4. Milan university
Public research university in Milan: University of Milan, sometimes referred to as Università degli Studi di Milano. Notably, the institution is the first in Italy to be situated on a sizable 500,000-square-meter campus. More than 45,000 students call the campus home, including a 6% international student count.
Ten separate schools make up the institution, each with a distinct curriculum including Humanities, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Law, Agriculture, and many more. These divisions run 134 undergraduate and graduate courses overall. The University of Milan comes 316th according to QS World University.
Programs in international relations, finance, and economics also are available at the university. Designed to give students a thorough grasp of the ideas of economics, including micro- and macro-economics, econometrics, and economic history. Conversely, the MSc Finance programme lays more emphasizes financial institutions, financial markets, and financial management.
Through courses in global politics, diplomacy, and security, the MSc International Relations program gives students a strong basis in international relations.
5. Polytechnic University of Turin
Public research university: Polytechnic University of Turin, sometimes called Politecnico di Torino, is located in Turin, Italy. With around 29,000 students (15% of which are international) the institution is regarded as among the most affordable priced ones in Italy.
The institution is well-known for its 11 departments and it’s one of the most popular universities in the region for international students, it offers eighteen English-taught courses.
Programs in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and architecture design (all of which the institution excels) also define it. Students enrolled in the MS Architectural Design program equip themselves with the knowledge and tools needed to design and coordinate constructions and buildings.
The MS Electrical Engineering program focusses on With a strong basis in chemical engineering encompassing designing and controlling chemical processes and manufacturing of chemical products, the MS Chemical Engineering program gives students.
When compared to other European institutions, the Polytechnic University of Turin has reasonable tuition costs. International students pursuing undergraduate programs pay between €2,500 and €3,500 as annual tuition fees.
The fees for master’s programs are generally similar but vary according to specific courses and their duration. Given that this university has high quality learning environments and facilities, those amounts are considered low.
Compared to other major Italian cities such as Milan or Rome, living expenses in Turin are modest. Students need about €600-1,000 every month for accommodation, food supplies, transport and personal care products. The institution presents multiple on-campus / off-campus housing possibilities to enable learners to have accessible and convenient places for settling down.
Within the Polytechnic University of Turin there exists different kinds of scholarships together with financial aids offered to local and international scholars alike. These grants are meant to provide assistance with tuition fees as well as living costs. Notable examples are Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships whose beneficiaries enjoy partial or completely free tuition; EDISU Piemonte grants given depending on one’s performance and requirement.
6. University of Florence
The University of Florence, a public research university in Florence, Italy, is sometimes known as Università degli Studi di Firenze. For foreign students in Italy, the university is seen as the least costly. Comprising twelve major colleges, the institution offers more than 130 degrees in law, agriculture, and many more areas.
These faculties accommodate around 53,000 students engaged in different degree programs. The university is well-known for its architectural design, economics and development, risk management and financial management courses. Through the MS Architectural Design program, students acquire the knowledge and skills required to design and coordinate buildings and other constructions.
Emphasising economic theory and national, regional, and industry growth, the MSc Economics & Development program Students who finish the MSc Finance & Risk Management program will have a strong basis in finance and risk management including how to assess, manage, and use financial markets and institutions and manage financial risks.
Food expenses monthly may vary from €150 up to €300, depending on whether students make their own meals at home or eat outside frequently. In Florence, there are several economic choices with student-centric cafes and restaurants that can be accessed by the students. Public transport fares within the city are relatively cheap.
The cost of a monthly public transport pass amounts to approximately €35. Besides, cycling remains one of the most common and pocket-friendly means of transport in this city. Several scholarships based on merit and need-based ones are offered by University of Florence that can be used to pay for tuition fee and various living expenses as well.
The Tuscany Region offers scholarships and other forms of financial support for students hailing from poor families whose distribution is done depending on academic performance as well as family income. Other funding may be available for international exchange program participants under Erasmus scheme as well.
Students who are in Italy may also obtain scholarships provided by the Italian government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including some foreign countries specific institutions.
7. Paris-Sud University of Paris
The university’s location: Paris, is an excellent location where you will find the Eiffel Tower among many other French adventures! The main drawback is that Paris is a big city, hence the cost of living usually is somewhat higher. Still, your goals of studying overseas in Paris are within grasp given a university this affordable!
EU and EEA students usually pay tuition fees of between $200 and $300 per annum for undergraduate programs while their non-EU/EEA counterparts pay between $3,000 and $4,000 annually. Tuition fees for master’s programs regarding EU and EEA citizens range from about $300 to around $400 respectively while foreigners are charged around $3,500 to about $5,000 every year.
It is important to note that doctoral programs require similar amounts of payment (in most cases) regardless of migration status (whether they are domestic or non-domestic).
Like any other place worldwide students should also remember about the cost of living which could hit as high as $2,000 per month. Given its low prices on education offered together with opportunities of residing within one of the world’s most thrilling cities this institution becomes attractive for those intending to study abroad.
8. University of Basel
Founded in 1460, the first university in Switzerland is Basel. This also makes it among the oldest still in use universities worldwide and one of the budget-friendly universities in Schengen region. It boasts the biggest library in the Switzerland as well. Not to add that this university is among the most reasonably priced ones in Europe.
Among the offerings of the university are theology, law, medicine, humanities and social sciences, science, psychology, and business and economics. Most programs teach in a mix of German and English. On the other side, learning German is much worth the $800 a semester cost!
Tuition charges are quite reasonable in the University of Basel. Generally speaking, course charges for international students range between $1,000 and $2,000 each year for bachelor’s degrees and master’s diplomas; EU/EEA by the way normally pays a little less than those from other countries.
Moreover, additional living expenses like foodstuff family utilities as well as transport fares might incur up to around $500-800 every month. In spite of this situation, University of Basel remains one of the most affordable learning environments because its affordable tuition fees go hand in hand with high quality education.
9. Universities of Navarra
Founded in 1952 and situated in Pamplona, the University of Navarra is a private, non-profit institution Although Spain lacks many private educational establishments, the University of Navarra is among the best. Attaching this low-cost university in Spain, over 12,000 students—1500 of which come from outside the nation.
There are several undergraduate and graduate courses and programs offered by the university’s fourteen main faculties. There are about 35 undergraduate degrees and 38 master’s degrees.
Six primary campuses, including two foreign campuses in Munich and New York. Though small in population, it boasts a stellar worldwide scientific reputation. Navarra also collaboratively works internationally with esteemed institutions such as Hong Kong and the University of Edinburgh.
Top Programs available include: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biochemistry, Law, Audiovisual Communication, and others. Tuition fees at the University of Navarra are competitive for a private institution. For undergraduate programs, tuition typically ranges from approximately $9,000 to $12,000 per year.
Master’s programs generally cost between $10,000 and $15,000 annually, while doctoral programs have fees that vary based on the specific program but usually fall within the $8,000 to $12,000 range.
Living costs in Pamplona are relatively affordable compared to larger Spanish cities. Monthly expenses for accommodation generally range from $400 to $800, depending on the type of housing and its proximity to the university. Additional costs for food, utilities, and transportation typically add up to $300 to $500 per month.
Despite the higher tuition fees compared to public universities, the University of Navarra’s combination of quality education and reasonable living costs makes it an attractive option for students looking to study in Spain.
10. Granada University
The public University of Granada is located in Granada, Spain. Its origins date back to the early 16th century and have since developed into among Spain’s most esteemed establishments. With almost 80,000 students registered, the institution ranks fourth among all the universities in the nation.
Moreover, the university is among the most well-known student exchange sites in Europe; it recently welcomed more than 2000 foreign students under the Erasmus program.
Tuition fees at University of Granada are somehow lower than on most other European schools. For undergraduate programs, tuitions usually vary between $1,000 and $2,000 per year for EU/EEA countries and from $1,500 to $3,000 for non-European countries.
While Master’s programs generally incur a fee that ranges from $2000 to $4000 depending on the program itself and student’s residency status; Doctoral programs usually have their charges between one thousand dollars and two thousand per annum.
In addition to these favorable rates of school fees, the living conditions in Granada is relatively affordable for students. Monthly costs of accommodation can range from two hundred and fifty-five dollars to over five hundred per month depending on where one lives or what kind of house one is staying in.
The University of Granada is attractive to students looking for quality education in Spain because of its reasonable tuition fees coupled with low living expenses.
With more than 20 colleges and academic institutions and more than 100 academic departments, this Low-cost study options in Schengen provides education across a range of disciplines, therefore offering a holistic learning experience.
11. Vienna University
Founded in 1365, this public research institution is among Austria’s oldest and another great location for overseas students to obtain a degree. Students who are citizens of an EU/EEA country pay free tuition; those from non-EU countries pay between €726 and €1453 per semester.
The University of Vienna, reasonably priced university for European international students. Nearly 200 programs offered at the University of Vienna, many of which are taught in English.
12. Paris-Sud University
Particularly in science and mathematics, this university is among the most esteemed institutions in France. Still, depending on your degree program, this is one of the most reasonably priced universities in Europe.
Tuition at the Paris-Sud University is quite affordable. The average tuition fee for an undergraduate programme is around $200 to $300 per year for EU/EEA students and between $3,000 and $4,000 for non-EU/EEA students. For master’s programmes, EU/EEA students pay between $300 and $400 per year while non-EU/EEA students’ tuition fee stands around $3,500 to $5,000.
For doctoral programmes and irrespective of nationality, one has to pay anything within the range of $400 to $600 every year. The cost of living in Paris tend to be higher than what one would expect if he/she lived in smaller cities.
The type of housing as well as its location determine how much one pays monthly as rent, that is between $800 and $1,500. Costs for food, utilities and transport generally accumulate to about $300-$500 per month more so during winters when heating costs go higher.
In spite of such live cost, both low tuition fees plus studying at such a good university around here make Paris-Sud University an attractive choice among students looking forward for best quality education while they are in France.
12. University of Goettingen
The University of Goettingen provides programs in arts, social sciences, and natural sciences, some of which are English-taught. The University of Göttingen has very low tuition fees because most German public universities do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate and many master’s programmes.
Students are required to pay a semester fee that costs between $300 and $400. It covers administration costs and includes an option to have a public transport card which is quite a bargain.
Cost of living in Göttingen is also cheaper than other big cities in Europe. For an overseas student, their monthly cost of living is projected to be €700–800.
13. UC Louvain International
UC Louvain is a successor to the original University of Leuven, which was dissolved in 1797. The establishment was done in 1834 by Catholic bishops after Belgium gained independence from French rule. Currently, it is the largest French-speaking educational institution in the country that is also well-known for its innovative academic and research initiatives focusing on locally-based problems while training globally competitive graduates.
In terms of tuition fees, UC Louvain remains affordable, relatively speaking. International students pay between $900 and $2700 a year (835-2,505 euros), while domestic students pay between $400 and $900 a year (374-835 euros). These reasonable prices make UC Louvain an attractive option for domestic as well as foreign students looking for quality education at affordable rates.
Louvain-la-Neuve where the university is located has moderate living costs. Monthly accommodation expenses typically range from $400 to $800 depending on housing type and location among other factors involved in pricing.
Food utility bills together with personal expenditure usually account for another monthly expense amounting between three hundred to five hundred dollars which means an increase in sum total amounting up to six hundred dollars or more minus tuition fees.
14. University College Ghent
Located among one of the country’s top student cities, University College Ghent is a forward-looking institution distinguished by outstanding academic programs and innovative research in several spheres of science and the humanities. It is dedicated to equip people with employable skills and entrepreneurial attitude to make them qualified applicants on the global employment scene.
The establishment has sworn to make sure that students are equipped with skills appropriate for employment and an attitude geared towards entrepreneurship hence making them competitive candidates even in global job market.
The tuition fees at Ghent University College are equal for both international and local students, with bachelor’s degree courses costing about $1,000 annually (939 Euros). Such an affordable fee structure opens up opportunities for many kinds of students who have diverse backgrounds.
Until now; living expenses in Ghent have been reasonably low which enhances the affordability aspect of studying at Ghent University College. Additionally highly focused on internationalisation, the institution supports its faculty and staff members to engage in mobility programs across its extensive network of foreign partners.
15. Odinee University
Among the biggest universities of applied sciences in the Flanders region, Odisee opened its doors in 2014. Claiming to be a “co-university,” it aims to foster the open environment among its teachers and students as well as the cooperative attitude and co-creation encouragement. Utilizing an open approach between teachers and students is one way for Odisee to facilitate collaboration and co-creation as a result of this.
By reason of competitive tuition tariffs, Odisee stands out among institutions that offer applied sciences education in Belgium. On average, bachelor’s degree tuition charges are about 1,000 dollars for both local students and those from abroad (939 euros).
Moderate living expenditures are experienced within Flanders thus enhancing the affordability of Odisee university. The monthly rent of lodgings is usually between 400 and 800 dollars depending on the type of accommodation as well as its direction. The institution offers practice-oriented courses that let students acquire competencies needed for in several sectors.
15. Ghent University
Leading Dutch-speaking public university in Belgium is Ghent University. Fascinatingly, the institution comes before Belgium; so, it has centuries of credibility and experience.
Ghent University’s tuition fees are structured accommodatingly for multiple students. Bachelor’s tuition fee for foreign students ranges between $1200 and $7200 per annum (1,092-6,540 euros). The tuition fee for local residents is around $1200 annually (1,092 euros).
Living in Ghent is comparatively cheap, therefore ideal for students. Monthly rent costs range from $400 to $800 depending on housing and its location. Furthermore, food utilities and personal expenses normally add up to $300 or more every month. Thus the combination of Cost-effective Schengen degree programs in Ghent University with moderate living expenses creates a catchy and appealing environment for learners who desire quality education in Belgium through Ghent University.
16. University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp currently grants 31 bachelor’s degrees in business, arts, applied engineering, law, medicine and health, design science, pharmacy and veterinary science, science, and social science.
The University of Antwerp’s tuition costs are affordable thus attracting both local and international learners. For instance, bachelor’s degree charges for scholars from abroad may vary between US$1,200 and US$7,000 annually depending on their course schedules whereas local students pay around US$1,200 as their school fees yearly.
Generally speaking, living expenses in Antwerp are not too high which helps with university education affordability there. In terms of rent, monthly payments could be anything between US$400 and US$800 per month based on a student’s desired apartment style and area.
This affordable university in Belgium ranks 13 among the young schools in Belgium and excels in the categories of Social Sciences, Business and Economics, Arts and humanities, and Life Sciences among the best universities in Belgium.
UA has seen numerous international students looking for European education since it grants 20 master’s degrees in English. Of its 21,000 plus students, 17% come from countries all around the world.
17. Université Libre de Bruxelles
Established in 1834, the Université Libre de Bruxelles, or ULB, is the result of the ideas of politician and lawyer Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen. It offers free-education. Originally educating in Dutch and French, the university has evolved mostly in French-speaking capacity. Starting with €835 for undergraduate students, Université Libre de Bruxelles is the least expensive university in Belgium for overseas students.
Reputed as one of the top institutions in the nation, ULB is well-known for its programs in social, physical, and life science. Globally in Business, Arts & Humanities, Clinical Health, and Computer Science it also ranks.
The Faculties of Architecture, Physical Science, Arts & Philosophy, Psychology & Education, Law & Criminology, Social & Political Science, Science, and European Studies now comprise ULB.
18. Université Saint- Louis
Specialising in the Social and Human Sciences, Saint Louis University in Brussels – or UC Louvain Saint-Louis Brussels — is a “free education” university. Originally the Faculties Universitaires Saint- Louis, its present name reflects its affiliation with the UC Louvain system.
Divided into the Faculties of Philosophy, Law, Economics, Translation & Interpretation, and European Studies, the university boasts campuses at Saint- Louis and Marie-Haps. All together, these divisions supervise two Master’s degrees and 25 Bachelor’s degrees. Undergraduate tuition fees run €835/year; graduate tuition runs €835/year.
Despite only having roughly 4,000+ students registered, this affordable institution in Belgium draws students from all over because of its special offerings. It provides, first of all, trilingual courses and an English-taught Business degree. It also provides evening courses and chances to finish a double degree in some fields.
19. Technical Institute of Karlsruhe
From basic research to applications, KIT shines in many fields including natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, humanities and social sciences. Research-based study programs in affordable Schengen territories offered by KIT help students be ready for responsible roles in science, business, and society.
In the field of energy, mobility, and information, the university also helps to address worldwide issues of humanity. KIT is a cross-sectional responsibility for the whole company and has great priority of active promotion of equal opportunities for men and women. Its programs registered 22,816 students in the Winter semester 2023/2024. Semesters’ tuition fees are 1,500€ each.
20. Berlin’s Humboldt university
With a world-class reputation in arts and humanities disciplines, the Humboldt University of Berlin is among the most eminent universities in Europe. Semesters’ tuition are 290,99€ each.
Humboldt University of Berlin stands among the top ten German universities worldwide. Scientists inform the public on socially significant issues and future concerns by means of their research.
The university is dedicated to provide outstanding teaching and research environment. Its objectives are to affect society and economics outside of the educational framework and to highlight youthful talents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which European Country Is Best For Study At A Low Cost?
In terms of areas within Europe where one can gain an inexpensive education, Estonia is emerging as the top pick. For example, tuition fees for English programs will range from €1,600 to €7,500 per annum while those conducted in Estonian are offered without any fee limits for everybody. There are many avenues like loan options and scholarships that one can consider.
2. Which Country Has The Cheapest University For International Students?
Malaysia is one of the most affordable countries for international students to pursue their studies. It offers a plethora of renowned universities at inexpensive prices. Almost 170,000 foreign students from Asia, Europe, Africa and Middle East are attracted by several top universities.
3. Could I Study For Free In Barcelona?
While Spanish university education system is funded by the state at 77.5%, there’s a chance that yours might be free if you qualify for a scholarship.
4. Can I go To Spain Without IELTS?
Many Spanish universities do not use IELTs, TOEFL or GRE or GMAT in their admission procedure.
5. Which Schengen Visa Is The Most Difficult One To Obtain?
In 2023, Malta recorded an alarming 36% rejection rate whereas Estonia came second with 35.6% followed by Belgium at 28%.
6. Are There Any Universities In Belgium Offering Courses Taught In English?
Yes, some Belgian universities offer specific courses in English language. For instance, some bachelor’s and master’s degrees taught at University of Namur where French serves as a primary Language are taught entirely in English language.
Final Words
From ancient era institutions in Italy and Spain to groundbreaking global universities in Switzerland or France, the Schengen Area represents numerous possibilities that meet differing academic preferences as well as financial means.
If you are ready for a distinguished institution such as the University of Padua which has stood tall for years as an academically sound school; or if you are more inclined towards research oriented schools such as the Polytechnic University of Turin, then there are various affordable universities within this region that provide quality education compared to other areas in Europe.
Budget-friendly universities in Schengen come with added benefits in terms of culture are schools such as University of Granada and university at Florence which make them attractive choice to those coming from abroad.
This is due to their low tuition fees alongside the ease with which one can move around the Schengen area. Therefore, studying in Europe becomes easy while exploring various cultures and locations across the continent. In addition scholarships and financial aids given to students helps reduce their expenditures as well.