What are the Cheapest Countries for Studying and Living Abroad?
Studying abroad is a significant decision that can greatly impact your life, as it exposes you to a new environment and teaching methods that may be vastly different from those used in your home country.
If you’re planning to study abroad, it’s essential to be fully aware of all the costs you’ll incur during your stay in the new country you intend to move to.
You’ll have a unique opportunity to learn a new language or even other languages spoken in that country, and you’ll have the chance to explore diverse cultures from around the world, as most universities attract students from various countries and cultures.
Cheapest Countries for Studying Worldwide
The costs of studying and living vary from one country to another, but there are some countries known for providing an affordable studying and living environment.
This also depends on several factors such as the educational level and personal living standards. Here are some countries famous for offering a low-cost studying environment:
Studying in Malaysia
Malaysia is considered one of the cheapest countries for studying. It is a multicultural nation located in Southeast Asia, consisting of 13 states and three federal territories, with a total area of approximately 329,847 square kilometers and a population of around 32 million.
Malaysia boasts an advanced higher education system, with over 200 universities and colleges offering a wide range of study programs in all disciplines.
The costs of studying in Malaysia vary depending on the educational level, the type of study program, and the university itself. Here’s an overview of the expected costs:
– Undergraduate Studies:
Tuition fees for undergraduate courses in Malaysia range from 10,000 to 20,000 Malaysian Ringgit annually for general programs.
For specialized fields like medicine and engineering, costs may be higher, ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 Malaysian Ringgit annually.
– Postgraduate Studies (Master’s and PhD):
Tuition fees for postgraduate programs can range from 15,000 to 30,000 Malaysian Ringgit annually, varying by specialization and university.
– Living Expenses:
Living costs in Malaysia are generally low to moderate compared to many other countries and include expenses such as rent (if living off-campus), food, transportation, and recreational activities.
Monthly living costs in Malaysia range from approximately 1,200 to 2,500 Malaysian Ringgit, but can be lower if living in smaller cities.
– Health Insurance:
It’s always advisable to have health insurance, and the costs depend on the coverage scope and provider.
For detailed information on universities and programs offered in Malaysia for international students, please contact Alemni Shokran team, consisting of advisors and specialists in student services.
Studying in Thailand
Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, is one of the cheapest countries for studying. It boasts a rich culture and beautiful environment and offers study programs at reasonable costs, varying by university or college and chosen study program.
However, generally, the costs of studying at Thai public universities range from 3,000 to 4,000 US dollars annually, while studying at private universities in Thailand can range from 5,000 to 15,000 US dollars annually.
Here are some examples of study costs at various Thai universities:
– Chulalongkorn University: Study costs at this university range from 3,000 to 4,000 US dollars annually.
– Thammasat University: Study costs at this university range from 3,000 to 4,000 US dollars annually.
– Mahidol University: Study costs at this university range from 3,000 to 4,000 US dollars annually.
In addition to tuition fees, international students are also required to pay additional fees such as registration fees, examination fees, and university facility fees.
Living costs in Thailand vary depending on the city and student lifestyle but generally range from 400 to 600 US dollars per month for international students, including accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance. Here are some examples of living costs in various Thai cities:
– Bangkok: Monthly living costs range from 500 to 700 US dollars.
– Chiang Mai: Monthly living costs range from 400 to 600 US dollars.
– Phuket: Monthly living costs range from 600 to 800 US dollars.
Studying in Vietnam
Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is known for its natural beauty and rich culture, making it an attractive destination for many international students. The reasons include:
– Affordable Study Costs: Vietnam offers reasonable study costs compared to other advanced countries, with tuition fees at Vietnamese public universities ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 US dollars annually.
– High-Quality Education: Vietnamese universities provide high-quality education, with all study programs taught in English, providing international students with better learning opportunities and integration into Vietnamese society.
– Cultural Diversity: Vietnam is culturally diverse, with a variety of races and cultures living there, providing international students with a unique opportunity to learn about new cultures.
– Suitable Cost of Living: The cost of living in Vietnam varies depending on the city and student lifestyle but generally ranges from 300 to 500 US dollars per month for international students, including accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance.
Study in India
India has many advantages that make it an attractive destination for international students to study. Some of these advantages include:

• High-quality education: Indian universities offer high-quality education, with many of them ranked among the best in the world.
• Cultural diversity: India is known for its cultural diversity, with a variety of races and cultures living together, providing international students with a unique opportunity to experience new cultures.
• Affordable tuition fees: India offers reasonable tuition costs compared to other advanced countries, with annual tuition fees ranging from $3000 to $4000 USD in government universities.
• Scholarships: Many Indian universities, as well as governments and other donor agencies, offer scholarships to international students.
  Study in Russia
  Russia, the largest country in the world by land area, is located in northern Eurasia and is an attractive destination for many international students to study.
  Russian universities offer high-quality education, with many of them ranked among the best in the world. Tuition fees in Russia vary depending on the level of education, university, and field of study, with undergraduate tuition fees ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 USD annually.
  Living costs in Russia range from $300 to $800 USD per month, covering rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
  For postgraduate studies (master’s and doctoral degrees), tuition fees may be higher, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 USD annually, depending on the university and field of study. If the course is taught in Russian, students may need a preparatory language program, costing around $1,000 to $3,000 USD per year. Health insurance costs approximately $200 to $500 USD annually.
  Study in Indonesia
  Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, is located in Southeast Asia. With a population of around 270 million people, its capital is Jakarta, and the official language is Indonesian.
  Indonesia’s economy relies mainly on agriculture and industry, with significant oil and natural gas production. Indonesia is an attractive destination for international students for several reasons:
• Affordable tuition fees: Indonesia is one of the cheapest countries for study, with tuition costs ranging from $2400 to $6100 USD per year in government universities.
• High-quality education: Indonesian universities offer high-quality education, with all programs taught in English, providing international students with better learning opportunities and integration into Indonesian society.
• Cultural diversity: Indonesia is known for its cultural diversity, providing international students with a unique opportunity to experience new cultures.
  Some of the prominent universities in Indonesia include the University of Indonesia, Airlangga University, and Gadjah Mada University.
  Study in Morocco
  Morocco is an attractive destination for many international students to study for several reasons:
• High-quality education: Moroccan universities offer high-quality education, with many of them ranked among the best in the Arab world.
• Affordable tuition fees: Tuition costs in Moroccan government universities range from $300 to $500 USD annually, making it one of the cheapest countries for study.
• Cultural diversity: Morocco is known for its cultural diversity, providing international students with a unique opportunity to experience new cultures.
• Cost of living: Living costs in Morocco vary depending on the city and lifestyle, but on average, monthly living expenses for international students range from $300 to $500 USD, including accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance.
  Study in Taiwan
  Taiwan, an island located off the coast of China in East Asia, has Chinese (Mandarin) as its official language, but many residents also speak Taiwanese and Hakka. Taiwan’s economy relies heavily on technological and electronic industries, and it has a rich history and diverse cultural heritage influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Dutch traditions.
  Tuition fees in Taiwan vary depending on the level of education, university, and program, with undergraduate tuition ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 USD annually for international students.
  Living costs in Taiwan are moderate to reasonable, ranging from $500 to $1,200 USD per month, depending on the city and personal lifestyle.
  For postgraduate studies, tuition fees may be higher, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 USD annually.
  If the course is taught in English, students may need to pass recognized English language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Health insurance costs approximately $500 to $1,000 USD annually.
  Study Abroad Opportunities: South Africa, Argentina, Norway, and Poland
  South Africa Study Opportunities
  South Africa offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive destination for international students. Key highlights include:
  High-Quality Education: South African universities boast high-quality education, with many ranking among the top institutions globally. For instance, the University of Cape Town ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide, while the University of Stellenbosch is within the top 200.
  Cultural Diversity: South Africa’s cultural diversity provides international students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures.
  Study Costs Overview:
  – Undergraduate Studies: Annual tuition fees range from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the specialization and program.
  – Cost of Living: Between $5,000 and $10,000 annually, varying by city and lifestyle.
  – Postgraduate Studies: Tuition fees can range from $3,000 to $20,000 per year.
  – Health Insurance: Costs depend on coverage and provider.
• – Accommodation and Transportation: Consider additional costs, especially if living off-campus.

Argentina Study Opportunities
Argentina is an appealing study destination for many international students due to several reasons:
High-Quality Education: Argentine universities offer top-notch education, with many ranking among the best globally.
For example, Universidad de Buenos Aires is among the top 100 universities worldwide, while Universidad Nacional del Nordeste is within the top 200.
Affordable Study Costs: Argentina is one of the most affordable countries for education compared to other advanced nations. Annual tuition fees in public Argentine universities range from $3,000 to $5,000, while in private universities, they range from $5,000 to $10,000.
Cultural Diversity: Argentina’s cultural diversity allows international students to experience a wide range of ethnicities and cultures.
Norway Study Opportunities
Norway is an attractive study destination for international students for several reasons:
High-Quality Education: Norwegian universities offer high-quality education, with many ranking among the best globally.
For example, the University of Oslo is among the top 100 universities worldwide, while the University of Bergen is within the top 200.
Free Education: Norway offers tuition-free education for international students at public universities.
Cultural Diversity: Norway’s cultural diversity allows international students to experience various races and cultures.
Scenic Beauty: Norway boasts stunning landscapes, including mountains, valleys, beaches, and forests.
Poland Study Opportunities
Poland offers numerous advantages for international students, making it an attractive study destination:
High-Quality Education: Polish universities provide high-quality education, with many ranking among the top institutions globally.
For instance, the University of Warsaw is among the top 500 universities worldwide, while the Cracow University of Technology is within the top 1000.
Affordable Study Costs: Poland offers reasonable study costs compared to other European countries. Annual tuition fees in public Polish universities range from €2000 to €4000, while in private universities, they range from €4000 to €8000.
Cultural Diversity: Poland’s cultural diversity allows international students to experience various ethnicities and cultures.
Strategic Location: Poland’s central location in Europe provides international students with opportunities to travel to other European countries easily.
Health Insurance: Mandatory health insurance for all international students in Poland costs approximately €200 annually.
Scholarships: Many Polish universities, governments, and other donor organizations offer scholarships for international students. Recommended Polish universities for international students include the University of Warsaw, Cracow University of Technology, University of Wrocław, University of Łódź, and University of Gdańsk.
Studying in Turkey
Turkey boasts several advantages that make it an attractive destination for international students to study. Some of these advantages include:
High-Quality Education: Turkish universities offer a high standard of education, with many of them ranked among the best in the world.
For example, Istanbul University is ranked among the top 500 universities globally, while Ankara University is ranked among the top 1000 universities.
Reasonable Cost of Study: Turkey offers a reasonable cost of study compared to other European countries. Tuition fees in Turkish public universities range from $2000 to $6000 annually, while tuition fees in private Turkish universities range from $6000 to $12000 annually.
Strategic Location: Turkey’s location in the Middle East provides international students with the opportunity to travel to many other countries in the region.
Cultural Diversity: Turkey is known for its cultural diversity, with a variety of races and cultures living together, providing international students with a unique opportunity to experience new cultures.
Cheapest European Country for Study
Germany is considered the cheapest European country for international students to study because German public universities do not charge tuition fees for international students, except for small semester fees.
Germany also offers a reasonable cost of living compared to other European countries. Here are some other European countries that are cheap for studying:
– Slovenia: Tuition fees at Slovenian public universities range from €1500 to €2000 annually.
– Greece: Tuition fees at Greek public universities range from €1500 to €3000 annually.
– Poland: Tuition fees at Polish public universities range from €2000 to €4000 annually.
– Czech Republic: Tuition fees at Czech public universities range from €2000 to €4000 annually.
– Hungary: Tuition fees at Hungarian public universities range from €2000 to €4000 annually.
Easiest Countries for University Admission
University admission requirements vary by country, but generally, the following countries tend to have easier university admission for international students:
– United States: Many American universities offer pre-admission programs for international students, allowing them to apply to university before completing high school. Many American universities also offer scholarships for international students.
– Canada: Canada has a high-quality education system and reasonable study costs compared to other advanced countries.
Canada also boasts cultural diversity, providing international students with a unique opportunity to experience new cultures.
– United Kingdom: Many British universities offer pre-admission programs for international students.
Many British universities also offer scholarships for international students.
– Australia: Australia has a high-quality education system and reasonable study costs compared to other advanced countries. Australia also boasts cultural diversity, providing international students with a unique opportunity to experience new cultures.
– New Zealand: New Zealand has a high-quality education system and reasonable study costs compared to other advanced countries.
New Zealand also boasts stunning natural scenery, making it an attractive destination for international students.
When choosing a country to study in, it’s important to consider factors other than ease of university admission, such as the quality of education, cultural diversity, the country’s location, and the cost of living.
Tips for Students Seeking to Study Abroad
Here are some tips for students seeking to study abroad:
– Start planning early: Early planning will help you avoid stress and confusion later on. Begin researching universities and study programs available in countries of interest and learn about the easiest countries for university admission.
– Look for scholarship opportunities: Scholarships can help cover the costs of studying abroad, and there are many scholarships available to international students. So, carefully research and apply for any scholarships you qualify for.
– Learn the local language: If you are studying in a country where a language other than your native language is spoken, you will need to learn the local language.
This will help you communicate with locals and better understand the local culture.
– Connect with other students who have studied abroad: Talk to other students who have studied abroad for tips and support.
They can provide valuable information about their own experiences and give you ideas on how to prepare for studying abroad.
– Join an international student organization: Joining an international student organization can help you meet other students from around the world and make new friends. These organizations can also be a great source of support and guidance.
Alemni Shokran platform will help you choose your destination with ease and without hassle because we care about every detail and are keen to provide you with the best educational experience abroad. Just contact us.
these numbers vary depending on several factors. So, before deciding to study abroad, it is preferable to contact the Alemni Shokran website for accurate information on costs and to explore the possibility of obtaining scholarships or financial support, so that you are fully prepared for studying abroad with suitable costs for your budget.