Globally speaking, many students are aiming to study abroad. However, academic costs are one of the major reasons many degree-seeking students put their ambitions on hold. The number of students studying overseas has grown in recent years, and to attract more international students, universities across the globe offer financial aid, government-supported tuition rates, and other affordable study options.
Some universities have lower tuition because of their geographic location, while others are more affordable because education is supported by the country’s government or because tuition is set by national policy.
If you’re looking forward to studying abroad, we compiled some of the cheapest universities around the globe. We hope this will help you choose a university!
Affordable Schools in the World for International Students (by Country)
10 Cheap Universities in Canada
Canada is undoubtedly one of the popular study destinations for international students. A wide range of programs, quality education, and employment opportunities are some of the reasons why students choose this country. There are many affordable universities in Canada that admit international students. We have included some universities below, but if you want the complete list, visit Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students!
1. Brandon University
Although Canada does not generally offer free tuition to international students, Brandon University remains one of the more affordable options in the country. The final cost depends on the number of courses you take, your program, and your housing and meal plan. Brandon University’s current international student guide estimates about CAD 35,000 for a first year of study, including tuition, residence, meal plan, books, and health insurance, but not travel. You can check Brandon University’s cost estimator for anticipated expenses. Aside from its affordability, students can also enjoy the region’s scenic natural environment.
2. CMU (Canadian Mennonite University)
Offering a Christian education, CMU also promotes affordable tuition for international students. CMU describes itself as offering Manitoba’s most affordable international student tuition. Students should check the official CMU tuition fee page and cost calculator for the most current breakdown of tuition, housing, meal plans, fees, and scholarships. Starting in Fall 2026, CMU also states that free shared dorm housing will be available to all first-year undergraduate students, including international students.
10 Cheap Universities in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is home to many well-known universities, and some institutions offer comparatively affordable tuition for international students. Surprisingly, it has several educational institutions that are more budget-friendly than many students expect. We have included some universities below, but if you want the complete list, visit Cheap Universities in the United Kingdom for International Students!
1. Royal Agricultural University
Located in the United Kingdom, Royal Agricultural University specializes in agriculture, land-based studies, business, environment, and related fields. The university offers internationally focused education and tuition that may be lower than many larger UK universities.
The tuition fee for overseas undergraduate students taking a first degree in 2026 is £16,950. Students should also budget for accommodation and living costs.
2. Bucks New University
One of the more affordable universities for international students, Bucks New University offers specialized courses in areas such as aviation, policing, music management, nursing, business, computing, and the creative industries.
Tuition fees vary by study program and degree level. You can check the university’s course search engine for course-specific tuition fees, course details, and entry requirements. Eligible international students may also qualify for automatic tuition-fee scholarships depending on their course and intake.
15 Cheap Universities in the USA
Although some universities in the USA cost more than $50,000 a year when tuition and living expenses are included, there are also budget-friendly universities for international students. You’ll be surprised that some US universities and colleges are relatively affordable. We’ve included a summary of some universities below, but you can check our article on the complete list of Cheap Universities in the USA for International Students for more information.
1. University of Central Arkansas
With a relatively small student-to-faculty ratio, the University of Central Arkansas is one of the more affordable public universities in the United States for international students. For 2026–2027, UCA estimates the on-campus cost of attendance for undergraduate international students at about $25,000 after the automatic out-of-state tuition scholarship. This estimate includes tuition and fees, health insurance, housing, meals, and books, but students should still budget for personal expenses, travel, and summer costs.
2. De Anza College
De Anza College is a community college in California that is often chosen by students planning to transfer to a four-year university. For 2025–2026, De Anza estimates tuition and fees for international students at $10,224 based on 12 units per quarter. When health insurance, books, housing, meals, and personal expenses are included, the estimated annual cost is $27,189.
6 Cheap Universities in Belgium
Moving to Western Europe, Belgium is another country to consider if you’re looking for affordable universities in Europe. Tuition can vary significantly depending on whether a student is from the EEA or outside the EEA, and some programs charge higher rates than others. We’ve included a summary of some universities below, but you can check our article on the complete list of Cheap Universities in Belgium for International Students for more information.
Here are some universities to check:
1. University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a well-ranked university located in Belgium. It is ranked in the top 300 universities in the world in both the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the 2026 QS World University Rankings. Its tuition fees remain competitive compared with many other Western European study destinations, although non-EEA students usually pay higher fees than EEA students.
2. Hasselt University
Hasselt University is a relatively young university and is one of Belgium’s affordable options for international students. It is ranked 301–350 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and #597 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. For 2026–2027, non-EEA students in English-taught master’s programs can expect tuition to vary by program category, with 60-credit fees listed at €3,900, €6,630, or €9,493.80.
4 Cheap Universities in France
Famous for its food, fashion, and tourism industries, France is also home to excellent education with affordable costs. In many French public universities, students pay national registration fees rather than high tuition. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the standard public university fees are €178 for a bachelor’s degree, €254 for a master’s degree, and €397 for a doctorate, although differentiated fees or program-specific fees may apply in some cases.
1. University of Burgundy
The University of Burgundy, now known as Université Bourgogne Europe, is a public university located in Dijon. It offers a wide range of programs and remains an affordable option for many international students. For 2025–2026, the university states that it does not apply differentiated fees to students from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland in master’s programs, and many master’s students pay the national registration fee of €254. However, some specific international master’s programs charge additional program fees, so students should check the official tuition fees page before applying.
2. University of Nantes
Nantes Université is one of the affordable public universities in France for international students. Under French regulations, non-EU students may be charged differentiated tuition when enrolling for the first time in French higher education, but Nantes Université states that it grants a partial exemption so that students pay the same low fees regardless of nationality or origin. Students should still check the university’s tuition fees and scholarships page for the latest details.
10 Cheap Universities in Finland
Finland is a hub of technology and innovation. Universities here are recognized for strong academic performance, and many universities in Finland offer relatively affordable tuition for international students. In general, non-EU/EEA students pay tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, while doctoral programs do not charge tuition. Students studying in Finnish-taught degree programs may also be exempt from tuition fees.
1. University of Oulu
Also ranked among the top universities in Finland and the world, the University of Oulu is known for science, technology, business, education, health, and related fields. For the 2026–2027 intake, non-EU/EEA students in English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs are generally charged tuition ranging from €10,000 to €14,000 per academic year, depending on the program. Early-bird discounts and continuing-student tuition waivers may be available under specific conditions.
2. Turku University of Applied Sciences
Offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, Turku UAS offers study programs in arts, business, engineering, technology, and health and well-being. Tuition is not charged to students in Finnish-taught degree programs, while non-EU/EEA/Swiss students in English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs starting in January 2026 or later pay €12,000 per academic year. The fee does not include housing or other living costs.
7 Cheap Universities in South Korea
Moving to Asia, South Korea is another famous destination for international students. Beyond its culture, people, and places, many foreign students choose South Korea because of its strong higher education system. Many universities in Korea offer affordable tuition rates to international students. To view all the cheap universities in South Korea, check out this list of the Cheapest Universities in South Korea for International Students.
1. Pusan National University
As a national university, Pusan National University offers many programs, including medicine, engineering, law, and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate majors. Tuition varies by college, program, and semester, so students should check the university’s official admissions and tuition information before applying. PNU also offers scholarships to international students with excellent academic performance or demonstrated financial need.
2. Kangwon National University
Another national university in South Korea, Kangwon National University can be a good option for students looking for a public university with a wide range of programs. Tuition and scholarship information can change by intake, so prospective students should check the university’s latest international undergraduate or graduate admission guidelines on the official Admission Guide page.
10 Cheapest Universities in Japan
A country that places a high value on education, Japan has many educational institutions that are recognized globally. There are also many cheap universities in Japan for international students. Here are two excellent Japanese universities offering affordable academic costs.
1. Osaka University
Offering advanced research opportunities, Osaka University is known for its research-oriented environment. The university’s standard annual tuition for undergraduate and graduate students is ¥535,800, with a matriculation fee of ¥282,000. Because fees are listed in Japanese yen, students should check current exchange rates and the official tuition fees page before budgeting.
2. Kyushu University
Kyushu University attracts international students through its research strengths, academic programs, and scholarship opportunities. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its academic fees are similar to those of other Japanese national universities.
Kyushu University’s standard annual tuition for undergraduate and graduate students is ¥535,800, with an enrollment fee of ¥282,000. Students should check the official tuition, fees, and scholarships page for the latest information.
8 Cheap Universities in China
Traveling to East Asia, China is known for having some affordable universities that are internationally recognized. The country has a wide range of degrees and programs offered to local and international students.
1. Jiangsu University
One of the well-known universities in China, JSU offers relatively low tuition to international students. Current estimated tuition fees vary by program: English-taught bachelor’s programs range from CNY 18,000 to CNY 34,000 per academic year, while Chinese-taught bachelor’s programs range from CNY 16,000 to CNY 34,000 per academic year. Tuition costs vary by major, so take that into account before applying.
2. Peking University
One of the top universities in Asia, Peking University is also known as one of the top research-based universities in China. Due to its strong facilities and faculty, Peking University has produced many scholars and researchers, and it continues to have a major impact on society. Peking University also has one of Asia’s largest academic library systems. The university attracts many students from across the globe, but tuition is higher than at some other Chinese public universities. Current annual tuition for full-time international students is listed at CNY 26,000 for undergraduate humanities programs and CNY 30,000 for undergraduate science programs, with higher fees for many master’s and doctoral programs.
6 Cheap Universities in UAE
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a growing destination for international students. It has many universities with internationally focused programs, and some institutions can be affordable compared with other private universities in major global study destinations. You can check our article for the complete list of these universities. Below, we’ll cover some of the universities that are on the list.
1. Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University is a young private university established in 2003. It now has more than 10,000 students across its campuses and corporate programs and offers more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can study across multiple campuses, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai Knowledge Park. Here’s a list of tuition rates aspiring students should anticipate. For international undergraduate students, ADU lists average annual tuition examples from about AED 46,515 to AED 64,470, with additional fees, VAT, accommodation, books, and supplies to budget for separately.
2. University of Sharjah
The University of Sharjah is a relatively young university, established in 1997. Students can choose from a broad range of academic programs across multiple colleges. Its official tuition fee schedule lists program-specific rates, so students should confirm the cost for their chosen degree before applying. Recent undergraduate fee schedules show annual tuition examples ranging from about AED 47,300 to more than AED 69,000, depending on the college and program.
We know that we have not covered all the countries in the world, but we will continue to post more information and articles that will be helpful to international students. We hope this article has helped you narrow down the universities you are planning to check. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
