Higher education in Cambodia can be relatively affordable compared with many popular study-abroad destinations. Many of the universities below are in Phnom Penh, the country’s capital, so students do not necessarily need to move to a remote area to pursue a degree. Khmer is Cambodia’s official language, but several Cambodian universities offer English-track or English-medium programs. International students should always confirm the language of instruction and admission requirements for their chosen program before applying. Below are affordable universities in Cambodia.
Affordable Schools in Cambodia for International Students
1. Royal University of Phnom Penh
Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) was established in 1960 and is Cambodia’s oldest and largest public university. It offers degrees in science, technology, humanities, and social sciences, and its Institute of Foreign Languages page reports around 22,000 students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university’s current academic structure includes faculties and institutes such as the Institute of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, Institute for International Studies and Public Policy, Faculty of Development Studies, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, and Graduate School of Science. Its main campus is on Russian Federation Boulevard in Phnom Penh.
RUPP’s published fee-paying undergraduate programs range from $250 to $450 per year for domestic students. International students enrolling in four-year bachelor’s programs are required to pay twice the domestic tuition fee.
2. University of Cambodia
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $4,050 per bachelor’s program and $5,400 per master’s program; non-Cambodian students pay 50% extra
The University of Cambodia (UC) is a private university founded in June 2003. Its main campus is on Northbridge Road, Sangkat Toek Thla, Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh. UC offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs through its undergraduate and graduate schools and several colleges and schools, including Arts and Humanities, Education, Law, Media and Communications, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, and Business.
UC publishes tuition by credit. Bachelor’s programs cost $30 per credit over 135 credits, for a total program tuition of $4,050. Master’s programs cost $100 per credit over 54 credits, for a total program tuition of $5,400. Non-Cambodian students are required to pay 50% extra.
3. Paragon International University
Formerly known as Zaman University, Paragon International University was established in 2010 and was officially recognized under its current name in 2019. Its campus is located at No. 8, Street 315, Boeng Kak 1, Tuol Kork, Phnom Penh. The university offers 14 undergraduate majors, including programs in engineering, information and computer technologies, economics and administrative sciences, mathematics, data science, and media and communication management. Since its inception, the language of instruction at Paragon International University has been English.
At this affordable university in Cambodia, the lowest undergraduate tuition is $3,500 per year for programs in the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences and the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences. Undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Information and Computer Technologies cost $4,000 per year, while programs in the Faculty of Engineering cost $4,500 per year. Students must also pay a $500 registration fee at the beginning of each academic year.
4. American University of Phnom Penh
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $6,000/year (single-degree bachelor’s), $9,000/year (dual-degree bachelor’s), $900/course (single-degree master’s), $1,200/course (dual-degree master’s)
Founded in 2013, the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) is a private university with an American-style curriculum. Its campus is located at #278H, Street 201R, Kroalkor Village, Sangkat Kilometer 6, Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh. AUPP offers undergraduate studies through faculties such as Business and Management, Digital Technologies, Law, and Social Sciences, as well as graduate programs including business, legal studies, law, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computer science.
AUPP also offers dual-degree programs in partnership with the University of Arizona (UA) and Fort Hays State University (FHSU). In these programs, students can earn one degree from AUPP and another from a US-based partner university.
Annual tuition for AUPP’s single-degree bachelor’s programs is $6,000, while dual-degree bachelor’s programs cost $9,000 per year. For master’s programs, single-degree courses cost $900 per course, and dual-degree courses cost $1,200 per course.
5. Western University
Western University (WU) is a private university established by Sub-Decree No. 72 on November 17, 2003. Its official website states that it offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university is based in Phnom Penh and also lists a Kampong Cham branch.
Western University’s official English website did not publish a full current tuition table during this update. Because tuition can vary by program, study track, scholarship, and promotional discount, applicants should confirm current official fees directly with the university before applying.
6. Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: from $897 per year for undergraduate programs; graduate tuition starts from $1,620 per year, plus annual admin fees where listed
Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) began its full academic programs in 2000. The university lists campuses in Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap. Its current academic structure includes faculties such as Arts, Letters and Humanities; Architecture and Design; Communication and Media Arts; Law and Public Affairs; Business and Economics; Education; Social Sciences and International Relations; Mathematics, Sciences and Engineering; and the Graduate School of Management & Economics.
PUC has a strong English-language focus, but students should confirm the language of instruction for their chosen program. Its undergraduate curricula also include Khmer Studies and other general education courses.
PUC’s tuition page, revised on November 25, 2025, lists undergraduate tuition and admin fees from $897 to $1,097 per year, depending on the year of study. Graduate tuition is listed at $1,620 per year for master’s programs, $2,227 per year for the Executive MBA, $2,574 per year for doctoral programs, and $3,325 per year for PhD programs, with separate annual admin fees.
Studying in Cambodia can be affordable for students who compare programs carefully and apply for available scholarships. Before applying, students should check each university’s latest tuition page, scholarship conditions, language requirements, accreditation, and available programs.
We hope that this article on cheap universities in Cambodia was helpful. Make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
