How Much Does It Really Cost to Go to School in Europe?
Studying in Europe gives you amazing chances, like going to world-class universities, experiencing different cultures, and visiting different countries. Plus, it might cost less than going to the US or the UK. But the price of going to school in Europe can change a lot based on the country, city, type of university, and way of life. You need to know exactly how much everything will cost so you can plan your budget.
We'll talk about the average cost of studying in Europe, including tuition, housing, food, and other important costs, in this blog. This will help you plan your study abroad experience better.
1. The cost of tuition in Europe
In general, tuition costs for international students in Europe are lower than in the US or Australia. However, the exact cost depends on the country, the type of school, and the level of study (undergraduate, graduate, etc.).
Students from the European Union (EU) vs. students from outside the EU
Students from the EU: Many European countries don't charge or charge very little for students from other EU countries. Countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland, for instance, let EU students go to school for free.
For students from outside the EU, tuition can cost anywhere from €10,000 to €60,000 a year, depending on the country and the school.
Average yearly tuition fees by country
|
Country |
Fees for EU Students |
Fees for Tuition (Non-EU Students) |
|
Germany |
Free (public universities), €20,000–€40,000 (private universities) |
€3,000–€7,000 (public universities) and €20,000–€40,000 (private universities) |
|
France |
€243 (public universities), €3,000–€30,000 (private universities) |
€3,770 (public universities) and €4,000–€30,000 (private universities) |
|
United Kingdom |
£9,250 (for most programs) |
£10,000–£38,000 |
|
The Netherlands |
€2,695–€15,000 |
€10,000–€35000 |
|
Sweden |
Free (for EU students) |
€10,000–€30,000 |
|
Spain |
€1,000–€15,000 |
€20,000–€60,000 |
|
Italy |
€1,000–€20,00 |
€6,000–€20,000 |
|
Finland |
Free (for public universities) and €12,000–€25,000 (for private) |
€12,000–€25,000 |
|
Denmark |
Free (for EU students) |
€10,000–€18,000 |
Important Points:
Most public universities in Germany, Norway, and Finland offer free education to both EU and non-EU students. However, there may be some small administrative fees.
Tuition is lower in the UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands than in the US, even though they charge it for both EU and non-EU students.
In Europe, private universities tend to be more expensive, with fees that are similar to those at US private universities.
2. The cost of housing
For students studying abroad, rent is usually one of their biggest living costs. Depending on the city, the type of housing, and whether you live on campus or off campus, the cost can be different.
Choices for where to stay:
The average cost of housing in each country (per month)
|
Nation |
Average Rent (Shared) |
Average Rent (Private) |
|
Germany |
€300–€650 |
€500–€1,200 |
|
France |
€400–€700 |
€700–€1,500 |
|
United Kingdom |
£400–£800 |
£800–£1,500 |
|
The Netherlands |
€350–€700 |
€700–€1,500 |
|
Sweden |
€400–€700 |
€700–€1,300 |
|
Spain |
€300–€500 |
€500–€1,000 |
|
Italy |
€350–€600 |
€600–€1,200 |
|
Finland |
€300–€600 |
€600–€1,200 |
|
Denmark |
€400–€800 |
€800–€1,500 |
Important Points:
Rent is a lot cheaper in Eastern and Southern Europe (like Poland, Portugal, and Spain). On the other hand, cities in Northern and Western Europe (like London, Paris, and Amsterdam) tend to be more expensive.
Usually, the cheapest option is to share a place to live. To help students save money on rent, universities often offer dorm-style housing.
In Europe, private housing costs more in big cities, especially for studio apartments or living alone.
3. Costs of Living: Food, Transportation, and Other Necessities
Food:
The price of food will change depending on whether you eat out or cook at home. Cooking at home is usually a lot cheaper, but students often eat out or buy ready-made meals.
Groceries: A student spends between €150 and €300 a month on groceries.
Eating Out: A meal at a cheap restaurant usually costs between €10 and €15.
Transportation for the public:
Most cities in Europe have great public transportation systems that can help you save money compared to owning a car. Usually, a student transport pass costs between €30 and €100 a month.
Monthly costs of living (not including rent)
|
Country |
Food and groceries (each month) |
Transportation (per month) |
Other costs (per month) |
|
Germany |
€150–€300 |
€30–€100 |
€100–€250 |
|
France |
€200–€350 |
€50–€100 |
€150–€300 |
|
United Kingdom |
£150–£300 |
£50–£100 |
£100–£250 |
|
The Netherlands |
€150–€300 |
€50–€100 |
€100–€250 |
|
Sweden |
€200–€350 |
€40–€90 |
€150–€250 |
|
Spain |
€150–€300 |
€30–€80 |
€100–€250 |
|
Italy |
€150–€300 |
€30–€70 |
€100–€250 |
|
Finland |
€150–€300 |
€50–€100 |
€100–€250 |
|
Denmark |
€200–€350 |
€50–€100 |
€150–€300 |
|
Netherlands |
€150–€300 |
€50–€100 |
€100–€250 |
4. Health insurance and other expenses
Health Insurance: A lot of European countries make students get health insurance. The price usually falls between €30 and €100 per month, depending on the country and the plan.
Books and Supplies: Depending on the class, you might need to set aside €50 to €200 each semester for books, supplies, and other school materials.
Other things: Costs for entertainment, socializing, and personal items can vary, but you should set aside €100–€300 a month for things like going to the movies, events, or shopping.
5. The total estimated monthly costs of studying in Europe
|
Nation |
Total Monthly Cost (including rent) |
|
Germany |
€800–€1,500 |
|
France |
€1,000–€2,000 |
|
United Kingdom |
£1,200–£2,500 |
|
The Netherlands |
€1,000–€2,200 |
|
Sweden |
€1,000–€2,000 |
|
Spain |
€800–€1,500 |
|
Italy |
€800–€1,500 |
|
Finland |
€900–€1,800 |
|
Denmark |
€1,000–€2,200 |
Conclusion: How to Plan Your Study Abroad Budget
Depending on the country, city, and your way of life, the cost of living in Europe can be very different. In general:
Eastern and Southern Europe (like Spain, Portugal, and Italy) is usually cheaper than Northern and Western Europe (like the UK, France, and Sweden).
Germany and Norway are two of the cheapest places to study abroad because they don't charge international students’ tuition. The UK and Denmark, on the other hand, are two of the more expensive places.
To save money, think about living in student housing, sharing an apartment, or cooking at home. Many cities also give students discounts on public transportation, food, and fun activities.
Studying in Europe can be a very rewarding and cheap experience if you plan ahead. To find the best options that fit your budget, you need to look into specific colleges, cities, and scholarships.
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