Has studying abroad become a distant dream? As the cost of living escalates and stringent policies tighten in popular expat hubs, aspiring international students are reconsidering their choices. This reevaluation is guiding them toward more budget-friendly countries that provide educational opportunities comparable to those of the most desirable destinations.
Top countries for quality education on a budget
It's no surprise that international students are particularly susceptible to economic fluctuations. Severely affected by the recent health crisis, they face escalating living costs and, occasionally, stringent immigration policies. So, where should one consider studying in 2024? Traditional destinations for studying abroad now present significant challenges, marked by high living costs and tuition fees and tough immigration rules. Although high-quality education often comes with a hefty price tag, prospective international students are no longer willing to be overwhelmed by unaffordable fees.Yet, they are not prepared to compromise on the quality of their education.
While the educational excellence of the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom continues to be recognized, alternative countries are attracting international students. The Czech Republic, Taiwan, and Mexico have emerged as favorable options for global student mobility, offering two critical advantages for expatriates: high-quality education and a reasonable cost of living.
A closer look at the best destinations for affordable higher education
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is quickly becoming a favorite destination for international students. In 2023, according to the Czech Statistical Office, the number of international students enrolled in higher education institutions reached 55,000, accounting for 18% of all students—a 3% increase from the previous year. International students are drawn to the Czech Republic for its affordable living costs and high-quality education programs. Since joining the European Union in 2004, the country has experienced a significant uptick in its international student population.
Charles University in Prague, the Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague, and Masaryk University in Brno are among the top educational institutions in the Czech Republic and Europe. These universities are renowned for their broad selection of courses taught in English and their welcoming policies for international students. Tuition fees at these institutions vary, with costs for a Bachelor's or Master's degree at Masaryk University ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 euros, while a Doctorate program averages about 4,500 euros. The monthly cost of living for a student can vary between 500 to 600 euros, depending on the city and personal lifestyle choices.
Taiwan
While much attention has been focused on international student mobility to Japan, South Korea, and China, Taiwan is emerging as a significant player in international education. The country boasts considerable advantages, including an outstanding educational system and an affordable cost of living. Currently, over 110,000 international students are enrolled in Taiwanese programs, with the government aiming to increase this number to 320,000 by 2030.
Taiwanese universities enjoy global recognition for their high standards. The National Taiwan University, the country's most prestigious institution, ranks among the top universities worldwide. It is lauded for the excellence of its scientific, medical, and engineering courses. Tuition fees at this university range from 3,000 to 4,500 euros annually, while fees at the National Tsing Hua University and the National Cheng Kung University, which are also highly esteemed, range from 2,500 to 3,500 euros per year. Tuition can vary based on the program and year of study.
Living costs in Taiwan are also relatively low compared to other Asian countries. In Taipei, the capital city, living expenses range from approximately 650 to 1,100 euros per month. Smaller cities and towns offer even more affordable options, enhancing Taiwan's appeal.
Poland
Poland is increasingly recognized by international students for its affordable cost of living and high-quality education. In the academic year 2022-2023, the country welcomed over 100,000 foreign students, setting a new record and surpassing the Ministry of Science and Higher Education's target—initially set for 2020—to host 100,000 international students, a milestone slightly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of these students are from European countries, with growing numbers from Asia and Africa.
Poland's vibrant academic cities, including Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań, are renowned for their educational excellence. Leading institutions such as the University of Warsaw, the University of Wrocław, the University of Gdańsk, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, and the School of Mines and Metallurgy in Kraków stand out for their quality offerings. Living expenses in these cities are remarkably reasonable, ranging from as low as 300 euros per month in Poznań to about 650 euros in Wrocław.
To further boost its appeal to international students, Poland has introduced attractive programs such as 'Banach Nawa,' which provides free tuition and scholarships for study in Poland. Another program, 'Poland My First Choice Nawa,' offers free Master's degree programs at public universities. These initiatives are part of the 'Ready, Study, Go! Poland' campaign, a government strategy designed to enhance Poland's position as a favorite global study destination.
Mexico
Mexico, already a popular destination among digital nomads, is increasingly attracting international students with its appealing mix of lower tuition fees and high-quality education. Public universities charge about 1,000 euros, while private institutions range from 5,000 to 17,000 euros, depending on the program and the student's level. The National Autonomous University of Mexico stands out as one of the most esteemed in the country, internationally recognized for its educational excellence. Other top institutions include the Monterrey Institute of Technology, the Mexico Institute of Technology, the University of Guadalajara, and the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico. Additionally, this year, the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation has introduced government excellence scholarships for international students.
While the cost of living is generally more affordable than in other popular destinations, it is on the rise, particularly in urban areas. In Mexico City, as well as other major cities like Monterrey and Tijuana and tourist regions, living expenses, especially rent, are higher. On average, international students in Mexico City spend about 660 euros per month on living expenses, excluding tuition. Rent is a significant part of this cost, with a studio in Mexico City averaging around 500 euros per month. In the tourist hotspot of Los Cabos, the same accommodation could cost up to 900 euros, whereas in Guadalajara, it could be as low as 300 euros.
Germany
Germany may not be a newcomer to the scene, but it's rapidly becoming a top choice for international students. In 2022, the country welcomed 350,000 students, positioning itself just behind leading student destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Germany prides itself on the excellence of its educational offerings. Notably, the Technical University of Munich, the University of Heidelberg, and LMU University of Munich have secured spots among the top 100 best universities worldwide for 2024, as ranked by Times Higher Education (THE).
Germany also offers the advantage of affordability, featuring low-cost courses and an extensive array of programs taught in English—over 1,700. Tuition fees at public universities start at around 5,000 euros, reaching up to 30,000 euros at private institutions, with variations depending on the program and year of study. Despite economic challenges, the cost of living in Germany remains comparatively low for students. According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a student can manage a monthly budget of between 600 and 850 euros, making Germany an economically viable option for quality higher education in Europe.
The rise of Hungary as a student destination
Hungary has been increasingly favored by international students, with their numbers climbing steadily since the early 2010s. The academic year 2023/2024 saw the enrollment of 37,500 international students, a significant rise from 14,300 in 2009/2010. Known for its robust education system, particularly in the fields of medicine and sciences, Hungary offers programs with tuition fees ranging from 12,000 to 16,000 euros for specialized sectors such as medicine and science, and approximately 6,000 euros for other disciplines. However, these fees can vary by institution, with private universities typically charging more.
Hungarian degrees are aligned with European standards, ensuring compatibility with international market requirements. Prominent Hungarian universities such as Eötvös Loránd, Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs are highly ranked in the QS 2025 list. The cost of living in Hungary remains considerably lower than in popular student destinations like Australia, the UK, Canada, or the US, with monthly living expenses ranging from 700 to 850 euros. Despite the capital city's higher costs, Budapest remains more affordable compared to other major international student hubs.
Policy challenges impacting student mobility
The policies of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, however, pose challenges to this positive trend. Notably, the cessation of the Erasmus program for Hungarians marks a significant setback. Orbán's controversial overhaul of public universities—transferring them to entities loyal to his government—has sparked criticism from the European Union. In December 2022, this led to the European Commission suspending collaboration with several Hungarian institutions, effectively removing Hungary from the Erasmus and Horizon research programs—an unprecedented move.
In 2024, the European Commission upheld this suspension, criticizing Orbán's far-right policies. While some academics argue that this sanction breaches the EU's own principles on international mobility and the protection of European youth, the Hungarian government has launched alternative programs, such as Pannónia and HU-rizont. These initiatives are touted as superior to EU offerings, promising enhanced programs and more generous scholarships to attract global talent.
Navigating the shifts in international student mobility
While emerging educational destinations are gaining traction, the traditional international student mobility destinations keep playing a significant role. However, they face their own set of challenges.
In the United States, protracted visa processing times and rising costs for visas and tuition are deterring some prospective students. Canada has seen reforms since 2024 that have sparked dissatisfaction among international students, including a doubling of the financial requirements for visa eligibility, a cap on the number of international student admissions, and restrictions on post-study work opportunities.
In Australia, the government has not only doubled visa fees but also placed a limit on the number of international students allowed. Similarly, the United Kingdom has introduced several restrictive measures aimed at reducing foreign student numbers, such as terminating family reunification rights, increasing visa fees, and restricting post-study work visas.
These cost increases are a significant burden on students' finances, which are already strained by the global economic climate. International students must also contend with rising costs for housing, transportation, health insurance, and food—factors that compel many to seek out destinations where quality education can be accessed at a more affordable price.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, which has been increasingly popular among international students, announced a significant hike in visa fees effective from October 1, from 375 to 750 New Zealand dollars (approximately 204 to 409 euros). The cost for post-study visas will also jump from 700 to 1,670 New Zealand dollars (approximately 382 to 912 euros). Capitalizing on its positive global reputation, the New Zealand government is clear in its strategy to increase revenues from its international education sector, targeting an ambitious revenue of 4.4 billion New Zealand dollars by 2027.
