What are the top affordable destination for international education?

Before going to another country to study, one of the most important considerations for international students is the cost of studying abroad. For some individuals, the thought of paying a lot of money to study in another country hinders them from pursuing better education abroad. 

Contrary to popular belief, international education need not be expensive. In fact, there are many countries and institutions worldwide that offer affordable education without sacrificing its quality. 

When talking about a country’s affordability for students, this includes both the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and one’s daily expenses. 

Below are five countries that offer both quality education and affordable tuition fees to international students from different parts of the world. 

Malaysia 

Malaysia, a country situated in Southeast Asia, has been an up-and-coming top study abroad destination in recent years due to its world-class education and an increasing number of international students. In 2019, Malaysia hosted over 90,000 international students in its higher education institutions (HEIs). Also, in 2021, many of its HEIs have ranked in various prominent rankings. Eight of its HEIs ranked in the Times Higher Education World Rankings, while 21 ranked in the QS World University Rankings.

Tuition Fees in Malaysia usually cost around $6,000 to $28,000 for a 3.5 to five years undergraduate course and $598 to $4,785 a year for postgraduate courses. 

For degrees that last for five years such as a bachelor’s in medicine and surgery, the cost is more expensive at around $137,500 to $160,300.

The cost of living is also affordable in Malaysia. It is hailed as one of the most affordable cities in the world. A meal in a restaurant would usually cost around $2.42, while a shared accommodation would cost around $50.00 per month. 

Germany

Germany, another favorite study destination, is known for its academic and research excellence. In fact, not only does the country have a 100% literacy rate, but 47 of its HEIs are ranked in the 2021 QS World University Rankings. 

When it comes to tuition fees, Germany offers free tuition fees to both local and international students in most of its institutions because they are subsidized by the government. Also, some master’s degrees may include tuition fees. Moreover, both local and international students have to pay a semester contribution fee of around $120 to $422.45. 

When it comes to the cost of living, students need around $988.53 a month to pay for both the rent and other daily expenses.  

France

The only non-English speaking country in the usual top study destination (other countries being the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia), is not only home to many famous Western philosophers and thinkers but also the world’s top HEIs. Because of those, it might be surprising to some that France has one of the lowest tuition fees in Europe.

Below is the cost of tuition fees in France, per student category and degree. 

• Undergraduate EU/EEA/Swiss students – $205.20 per year
• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss undergraduate students – $3,342.37 per year
• EU/EEA/Swiss master students – $293.31 a year
• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss master students – $4,550.50 per year 
• All doctoral students – $458.67 per year 

The cost of living in France is more affordable in its smaller cities, and more expensive in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and Marseille. On average, a meal in France might cost around $16.90 while a one way-ticket may cost around $2.05. 

Spain

Spain’s reputation as a top international student destination spans centuries. In modern times, the country is home to world-class and high-ranking HEIs. Fifty of its HEIs ranked in the 2021 Times Higher Education World Rankings. 

Aside from Spain’s top-notch institutions, the country also boasts one of the lowest tuition fees and living costs in Europe. In public universities, tuition costs may fall around $905.52 to $3018.40 per year. Living costs, on the other hand, are also affordable. In its most expensive city, such as Barcelona, one can already live with $2,000 per month. 

Want to begin your journey as an international student in any of these countries or want to know other study abroad countries like study in USA, UK and Canada? Check out MSM Unify’s list of available courses to start.