Did you know that out of the world’s top 100 universities, around 40 are located in Europe? Europe is home to some of the best universities that offer world-class education at relatively low tuition fees, especially compared to the USA, UK, or Australia.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The best countries in Europe to study abroad
- Affordable universities and their tuition fees
- Recommended courses for international students
- Pros and cons of studying in each country
By the end, you’ll have a list of universities worth applying to if you’re on a budget but still want a globally recognized degree.
1. Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its high-quality education system. While living costs are high, tuition fees for international students are surprisingly affordable compared to other developed countries.
Best Universities in Switzerland
- University of Basel
- Tuition Fee: ~CHF 1,500/year
- Strong Courses: Biology, Law, Humanities
- Ranked among the Top 10 globally in Molecular Biology
- University of Geneva
- QS Ranking: ~169
- Tuition Fee: ~CHF 1,000/year
- Best Programs: Public Health, International Relations, Law (English-taught)
- University of Lausanne
- Tuition Fee: ~CHF 1,600/year
- Popular Programs: Business, Environmental Studies, Health Sciences
- University of Neuchâtel
- QS Ranking: ~300+
- Tuition Fee: ~CHF 1,200/year
- Courses: Economics, Anthropology, Computer Science
- Cons: Small university, limited networking opportunities
- University of Fribourg
- Tuition Fee: ~CHF 1,500/year
- Courses: Psychology, Law, Theology, Physics
- Unique feature: Bilingual environment (German & French)
✅ Pros: Affordable tuition fees (often under ₹1 lakh/year)
⚠️ Cons: High living costs in Switzerland
2. The Netherlands
The Netherlands has become one of the most popular destinations for international students due to English-taught programs and a vibrant student life.
Best Universities in the Netherlands
- Maastricht University
- QS Ranking: ~238
- Tuition Fee: ~€11,500/year
- Courses: Law, Economics, Health Sciences
- Strong reputation in Law (Top 30 globally)
- Con: Large class sizes
- University of Amsterdam (UvA)
- Tuition Fee: ~€12,500/year
- Courses: Business, Health Sciences, Sociology
- Radboud University
- QS Ranking: ~232
- Tuition Fee: ~€11,000/year
- Courses: Artificial Intelligence, Psychology, Environmental Sciences
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- QS Ranking: ~179
- Tuition Fee: ~€12,000/year
- Best Programs: Business & Economics
- University of Twente
- QS Ranking: ~418
- Tuition Fee: ~€11,000–12,000/year
- Courses: Technology & Engineering
- Note: Consider only if scholarships are available
✅ Pros: Wide range of English-taught courses, strong academic reputation
⚠️ Cons: Tuition is higher than Switzerland and Germany
3. France
France offers some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe for international students. However, French language skills are often essential to fully integrate into student life.
Best Universities in France
- University of Grenoble Alpes
- QS Ranking: ~317
- Tuition Fee: ~€3,700/year
- Courses: Advanced Biosciences, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine
- University of Bordeaux
- Tuition Fee: ~€3,770/year
- Courses: Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, Business
- University of Paris-Saclay
- QS Ranking: ~116
- Tuition Fee: ~€243/year (!!)
- Courses: Science, Engineering, Technology, Life Sciences
- One of the world’s best universities for research
- University of Strasbourg
- Tuition Fee: ~€3,700/year
- Courses: Law, Business, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences
- University of Lille
- Tuition Fee: ~€2,700–3,000/year
- Courses: Engineering, Computer Science, Business
✅ Pros: Very affordable tuition fees
⚠️ Cons: Strong need for French language skills
Read: Study in South Korea: Scholarships, Courses, Timelines, and Career Prospects
4. Germany – The Top Choice
If you want world-class education at little to no tuition cost, Germany should be your top pick. Most German public universities charge zero tuition fees (except a small administrative fee).
Best Universities in Germany (Tuition-Free or Minimal Fees)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- University of Hamburg
- University of Bonn
- Technical University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- University of Göttingen
- Heidelberg University
- University of Cologne
- University of Freiburg
✅ Pros: Zero or very low tuition, high QS rankings, strong reputation in STEM
⚠️ Cons: German language required for many programs (though English-taught Master’s are available)
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, high-quality education in Europe, here’s the quick breakdown:
- Best for Low Tuition + High Rankings: Germany
- Best for English-Taught Programs: Netherlands
- Best for Research in Sciences: Switzerland
- Best for Super Affordable Tuition: France
No matter which country you choose, Europe provides world-class universities, international exposure, and career opportunities—often at a fraction of the cost compared to the US or UK.