If your dream is to earn an international degree without draining your savings, you need to know the cheapest countries to study abroad on scholarship 2026 applicants are already targeting for intake in 2027. The right destination can mean free or near-free tuition, low living costs, and access to part-time work that covers your daily expenses. This guide breaks down the most budget-friendly study destinations, what they actually cost, and how to fund the rest with a fully funded scholarship.
Why “Cheap” Doesn’t Mean Low Quality
Some of the world’s most affordable study destinations also host top-ranked universities. Germany, Norway, and France, for example, charge little or no tuition at public universities regardless of nationality, yet consistently rank among the best for engineering, sciences, and business.
The real cost of studying abroad is rarely just tuition — it’s rent, food, health insurance, and travel. That’s why this list weighs total cost of living alongside tuition fees, so you can budget realistically for 2027 intakes.
Top Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad on Scholarship in 2027
1. Germany
Public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition for international students, aside from a modest semester contribution (typically €150–€350) that usually includes a public transport pass. Combined with scholarships from DAAD or Erasmus+, many students cover their entire academic year for less than $10,000 including living costs.
- Average monthly living cost: $850–$1,100
- Popular funding: DAAD scholarships, Erasmus+, Deutschlandstipendium
- Bonus: Germany allows international graduates an 18-month post-study job search visa
If you’re weighing Germany against other European options after graduation, it’s worth reviewing the highest paying jobs in Germany for foreigners to see how quickly you could recover your investment.
2. Norway
Norway is one of the few countries where public universities charge zero tuition fees to all students, domestic and international alike. You’ll only pay a small semester fee (around $30–$60) plus living costs, which are higher than Germany but offset by generous part-time work wages.
- Average monthly living cost: $1,200–$1,500
- Popular funding: Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (for some categories), Quota Scheme alumni networks, university-specific grants
3. Poland
Poland has become a magnet for budget-conscious students in Central Europe. Tuition at public universities for English-taught programs typically ranges from $2,000–$4,000 per year, and many institutions offer merit-based scholarship waivers of 50–100%.
- Average monthly living cost: $500–$700
- Popular funding: Polish Government Scholarships, university merit scholarships
4. Malaysia
Malaysia offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Asia, especially at public universities, while still delivering internationally recognized degrees, many in partnership with UK or Australian institutions.
- Average monthly living cost: $400–$600
- Popular funding: Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS), university-specific tuition waivers
5. Taiwan
Taiwan combines low tuition, strong STEM programs, and a genuinely low cost of living. The Taiwan Scholarship and Ministry of Education (MOE) scholarship programs cover tuition and provide monthly stipends for eligible students.
- Average monthly living cost: $500–$750
- Popular funding: Taiwan Scholarship, MOE Huayu Enrichment Scholarship
Cost Comparison Table
| Country | Typical Annual Tuition (Public, Int’l Students) | Avg. Monthly Living Cost | Key Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | $0–$500 | $850–$1,100 | DAAD |
| Norway | $0–$150 | $1,200–$1,500 | University-specific grants |
| Poland | $2,000–$4,000 | $500–$700 | Polish Government Scholarship |
| Malaysia | $1,500–$3,500 | $400–$600 | Malaysian Int’l Scholarship |
| Taiwan | $1,000–$2,500 | $500–$750 | Taiwan Scholarship |
How to Actually Cover the Remaining Costs
Even a fully funded scholarship doesn’t always cover every expense, so it pays to plan ahead for gaps.
- Budget for health coverage: Most study visas require proof of expat health insurance or international health insurance before your visa is approved — factor this into your annual budget early.
- Consider a student loan bridge: If your scholarship doesn’t include a living stipend, an international student loan can cover the gap until part-time work income kicks in.
- Open a local account early: Learning how to open a bank account abroad before or shortly after arrival makes receiving stipends and paying rent far simpler.
- Compare part-time work rules: Germany, Poland, and Malaysia all allow international students to work limited hours per week, which can significantly offset living costs.
Where to Find Fully Funded Scholarships for 2027
Start your search at least 8–12 months before your intended intake, since many fully funded scholarship deadlines fall between October and February for the following academic year.
- Government-funded programs: DAAD (Germany), Chevening (UK), Fulbright (USA), Australia Awards.
- University-specific waivers: Many public universities in Poland, Malaysia, and Taiwan offer automatic tuition discounts based on your entrance exam or prior GPA.
- Regional scholarship blocks: Erasmus+ funds mobility across dozens of European universities, often bundling tuition waivers with a monthly stipend.
For US-based options specifically, our roundup of the top scholarship programs in the United States is a useful companion resource if you’re comparing North America against these cheaper alternatives.
What Happens After Graduation?
Choosing a cheap country to study in can also set you up for long-term immigration success. Germany, for instance, offers strong post-study work pathways, while Canada’s Express Entry Canada system rewards Canadian credentials and work experience with extra points toward permanent residency.
If you eventually plan to study in Canada instead, it helps to understand skilled migration pathways early — including provinces actively recruiting workers, such as those covered in our guide to provinces in Canada with high demand for skilled workers.
Similarly, if Australia is on your shortlist, researching Australia skilled migration requirements before you enroll can help you choose a program aligned with future visa eligibility.
Practical Tips Before You Apply
- Always confirm whether a scholarship is tuition-only or fully funded (tuition + stipend + insurance).
- Check whether the host country requires proof of funds even after a scholarship award — some embassies still ask for a minimum bank balance.
- Get a travel insurance quote for your arrival period, since most scholarships only kick in once you’ve registered locally.
- Keep a spreadsheet comparing tuition, living costs, and visa fees across your shortlisted countries before making a final decision.
FAQ
What is the cheapest country to study abroad on a scholarship in 2027?
Germany and Norway remain the cheapest overall because public universities charge little to no tuition regardless of nationality. When you add a scholarship covering living costs, your total annual expense can be lower than studying in your home country.
Can I study abroad for free without a scholarship?
In countries like Germany and Norway, tuition itself is often free or nearly free at public universities, so you could technically study without a scholarship. However, you’ll still need to cover living costs, health insurance, and visa fees, which is where scholarships or part-time work become essential.
Do these cheap study destinations allow international students to work part-time?
Yes, most of the countries on this list — including Germany, Poland, and Malaysia — allow international students to work a limited number of hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks, which helps cover everyday expenses.