Top 10: Most Inexpensive Countries To Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that presents unique opportunities for students to gain valuable skills and knowledge, learn about new cultures, and expand their personal and academic horizons. However, the high cost of studying abroad can be a significant obstacle for many students.

To address this challenge, we have curated a list of the top 10 most affordable places to study abroad, complete with their respective tuition fees. This list was compiled by Time Magazine, which identified the 50 most affordable countries to live in based on four different factors: grocery, rent, local goods and services, and purchasing power with respect to the average salary in each country.

These countries offer a diverse array of academic programs and cultural experiences that enable students to achieve their goals without incurring exorbitant expenses. Spanning South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, these countries present excellent options for students seeking to enrich their education and broaden their perspectives.

Top 10: Most Affordable Places to Study Abroad

1. Peru

Peru is a country in South America known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse geography. The cost of living in Peru is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $3.06, which is significantly lower than the average cost in many other countries.

ISA (International Studies Abroad) and CISabroad are two recommended affordable study abroad programs in Peru. ISA offers programs in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, where students can study Spanish language and culture, business, and environmental studies. CISabroad offers programs in Cusco and Lima, focusing on Spanish language and culture, as well as social justice and sustainability.

2. Morocco

Morocco is a North African country known for its vibrant culture, historic cities, and stunning landscapes. The cost of living in Morocco is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $3.08, which is significantly lower than the average cost in many other countries.

Qalam Center For Arabic Studies and Morocco Off the Beaten Track are two recommended affordable study abroad programs in Morocco. Qalam Center For Arabic Studies offers programs in Rabat and Meknes, where students can study Arabic language and culture. Morocco Off the Beaten Track offers programs in Marrakech and Rabat, focusing on Arabic language and culture, as well as community service and internships.

3. Portugal

Portugal is a European country known for its beautiful beaches, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage. The cost of living in Portugal is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $7.85, which is lower than the average cost in many other European countries.

CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) and Center for Study Abroad (CSA) are two recommended affordable study abroad programs in Portugal. CIEE offers programs in Lisbon and Porto, where students can study Portuguese language and culture, business, and sustainability. CSA offers programs in Lisbon, focusing on Portuguese language and culture, as well as art and history.

4. Hungary

Hungary is a European country known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. The cost of living in Hungary is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $5.45, which is lower than the average cost in many other European countries.

Youth For Understanding (YFU) and API (Academic Programs International) Study Abroad are two recommended affordable study abroad programs in Hungary. YFU offers programs in Budapest, where students can study Hungarian language and culture, as well as history and politics. API Study Abroad offers programs in Budapest and Pécs, focusing on Hungarian language and culture, as well as business and communication.

5. Germany

Germany is a European country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and high-quality education system. The cost of living in Germany is relatively high, but there are still affordable options for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $11.21, which is higher than the average cost in many other countries.

Wayne State University and European Study Center (ESC) Heidelberg are two recommended affordable study abroad programs in Germany. Wayne State University offers programs in Berlin and Frankfurt, where students can study German language and culture, as well as business and engineering. ESC Heidelberg offers programs in Heidelberg, focusing on German language and culture, as well as European studies and business.

6. Mexico

Mexico is a North American country known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. The cost of living in Mexico is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $4.81, which is significantly lower than the average cost in many other countries.

Arcos Learning Abroad is a recommended affordable study abroad program in Mexico. Arcos offers programs in Cuernavaca and Oaxaca, where students can study Spanish language and culture, as well as social justice and sustainability.

7. Greece

Greece is a European country known for its beautiful islands, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage. The cost of living in Greece is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $11.21, which is lower than the average cost in many other European countries.

College Year in Athens and Hellenic International Studies in the Arts are two recommended affordable study abroad programs in Greece. College Year in Athens offers programs in Athens, where students can study Greek language and culture, as well as history and archaeology. Hellenic International Studies in the Arts offers programs in Paros, focusing on art and design.

8. Chile

Chile is a South American country known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. The cost of living in Chile is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $7.48, which is lower than the average cost in many other countries.

USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium) and AIFS (American Institute For Foreign Study) are two recommended affordable study abroad programs in Chile. USAC offers programs in Santiago and Valparaíso, where students can study Spanish language and culture, as well as business and sustainability. AIFS offers programs in Viña del Mar, focusing on Spanish language and culture, as well as social sciences and humanities.

9. Poland

Poland is a European country known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. The cost of living in Poland is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $5.35, which is lower than the average cost in many other European countries.

Carleton-Antioch Global Engagement and Syracuse University are two recommended affordable study abroad programs in Poland. Carleton-Antioch Global Engagement offers programs in Warsaw and Krakow, where students can study Polish language and culture, as well as history and politics. Syracuse University offers programs in Wroclaw, focusing on Polish language and culture, as well as business and communication.

10. South Africa

South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The cost of living in South Africa is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for students who want to study abroad. The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $7.56, which is lower than the average cost in many other countries.

IES Abroad and Good Hope Studies are two recommended affordable study abroad programs in South Africa. IES Abroad offers programs in Cape Town, where students can study African studies, environmental studies, and health studies. Good Hope Studies offers programs in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, focusing on English language and culture.