The incessant ASUU strike coupled with a dilapidated education system has become increasingly frustrating for many Nigerian students. Many have migrated to studying abroad as they can afford it while those that can’t afford expensive foreign schools are left in limbo, hoping that one day things will get better.
Here is our pick of 7 most affordable countries to study abroad based on living expenses and tuition rate;
GERMANY
Germany is one of the most popular countries for international students, and for good reason. It is one of the few countries with little to no tuition fees for international students, whether you are from the EU or beyond. The few regions that charge tuition fees like Munich have average tuition fees as low as EUR260.
While it can be common at some private universities to pay a small administrative fee, this usually includes a discounted public transportation pass, so you save even more. It also gives lots of scholarships for International students. It’s even a popular destination for Nigerian students.
Germany has a booming economy, a world-renowned education system, and a plethora of English programs, making it the ideal location for degrees abroad. Most German cities are more affordable to live in than other European cities like Paris and London.
Popular universities to attend are the University of Munich, University of Bonn, University of Mannheim, Wismar University.
NORWAY
Norway has the cheapest universities for international students in the Nordic region and makes the list for countries with no tuition fees. This is ideal for any student on a tight budget who wishes to study abroad. It is indeed financially feasible to learn here. It is also known for providing world-class educational solutions.
The study language is English, making it easier for international students who may be hesitant to study there since they do not understand the native Norwegian language.
Apart from the absence of tuition costs, the beauty of nature such as the snowy mountains, deep blue fjords, and the Aurora Borealis are lifetime experiences.
As cheap as studying in Norway is, the cost of living is higher than most other parts of Europe. This means you will need hefty savings to account to cover on-the-ground costs. However, International students can also work for at least 20 hours per week and earn approximately €850 per month. This will help to cover up expenses.
Popular universities to attend are the University of Oslo, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Bergen, University of Norway, Bergen University College, MF Norwegian School of Theology, University of South-Eastern Norway, etc.
AUSTRIA
Nestled in the heart of Europe, Austria features some of the cheapest universities for international students!
While EU citizens study for free, other international students can pay an average tuition fee of EUR1,452 per academic year. That’s over $30,000 in savings compared to your average American university! In fact, some Public universities in Austria have an average tuition fee of about 727 Euros and an additional 20 Euros for insurance and Austrian student union membership per semester.
Cost of living in Austria for students compares favourably with other European countries.
Top universities for international students in Austria include University of Vienna, Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck, University of Graz, etc.
Popular universities to attend: the University of Vienna, Vienna University of Technology, Graz University of Technology, University of Innsbruck
HUNGARY
Hungary offers some of the cheapest universities in the world. With its low cost of living, Hungary is also at the top of the list of cheapest universities for international students. Hungarian universities also have various scholarship packages for international students.
While it may not be one of the few countries with no tuition fees, the cheap lifestyle outweighs the small fee to study abroad. Average tuition cost for international students is at least $1,100 per year.
Popular Universities to attend are Attila Jozsef University, Avicenna International College, Budapest University of Economic Sciences, Central European University, University of Debrecen, University of Szeged, Corvinus University of Budapest, and Eötvös Loránd University.
READ ALSO: Student Visa: Check These Top 5 Easiest Countries For Nigerians
FINLAND
Finland is one of the cheapest and easiest countries to live in and obtain an education. It is a lovely nation with reasonable living costs.
Finland has always been known as one of the few countries with no tuition fees for international students, but this has recently changed with the addition of small fees for non-EU students. Depending on the desired degree and program, international students can expect to pay an annual fee of ~$1,000+/year (FREE for EU)
Students with study visas can also work for a maximum of 25 hours a week, and the job must be related to their course of study. And you can earn about 8 to 10 euros per hour, making 250 EUR per week and 1000 EUR (over N600k per month). This is great to start a life in the Nordic country.
Unlike many other countries abroad, however, Finland’s financial aid and scholarship programs are open to international students, making it a desirable location for study abroad.
Popular universities to attend: Tampere University, University of Oulu, University of Jyväskylä, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, University of Helsinki, etc.
ITALY
Italy is a remarkable study destination for international students who want a place rich in culture, history and fun. Not only is the architecture and culture fascinating, but Italy is also a fantastic place to pursue education, with its quality standard and cheap education. The cost of living is also meagre.
Though private universities are expensive, state universities are cheaper, and cost approximately $800 to $1000 per year.
As an international student in Italy, you can make approximately $1000 from working 20 hours per week.
The University of Siena, the University of Florence, and the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano are some universities you can choose from.
CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic is a budget friendly place for international students. Depending on your location, lifestyle and spending habits, your monthly living expenses will range from €300 to €600 per month, including meals, accommodation, public transport and some leisure activities.
Tuition is free for anyone who chooses to study in Czech language.If you would like to study in English or another language other than Czech, universities have the right to charge tuition fees. The cost varies based on the university and the program, but students can expect to pay anywhere from 0-22, $350per year.
Fortunately, there are plenty of scholarship options available to students from either the university where they plan to study, the Czech Republic, or their home country.
Besides the affordability of Czech higher education, there is one more thing that you might want to share with your parents.
MEXICO
If you venture outside of Europe, it’s more difficult to find countries with no tuition fees for international students, but you’ll still find cheap destinations like Mexico. Mexico offers some of the cheapest universities for international students and is a popular destination for Nigerian students.
Choose between both English and Spanish programs, courses in archaeology, or international business, and save money with incredible exchange rates. Each American dollar magically becomes 20 pesos, so you’ll be able to live like a king and study affordably.
As an international student, the only condition you’ll get to work and school is if your employer requests a work permit. Your student visa doesn’t give you the liberty to work.
Average tuition cost for international students is between $400 – $1,600 per year in very cheap schools there. Popular universities to attend include the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Universidad Iberoamericano, University of Guadalajara
BELGIUM
The Belgium standard level of education is vast, and the number of their available courses will astound you.
The average cost of tuition fee for international students is about €1000.
International students are allowed to work and study at the same time, students are restricted to work for 20 hours every week, and their work must not affect their education.
Some of Belgium’s cheapest institutions include the University of Namur (€830), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (900), Ghent University (€900), UC Leuven-Limburg (€900), and many more.
TAIWAN
This country is one of the best for students on a tight budget who want to study abroad. It has a large number of English-language courses and an affordable tuition rate.
If visiting Asia has long been on your bucket list, Taiwan is an excellent place to start. Some of the courses in Taiwan are taught in English, especially business, computer science and engineering.
Some of the cheapest universities in Taiwan, Chang Gung University, National Tsing Hua University, and National Central University.