"Which is the cheapest country to study in?" is a question almost every Iranian and Afghan student asks. But the right answer does not come from tuition alone. A country with no tuition may require high living costs and proof of funds, while a country with tuition may be cheaper overall. In this article we compare the real costs of popular destinations using official sources.
What makes up the real cost of studying?
For a fair comparison, look at these four numbers together:
- Annual tuition for non-EU students (not the EU rate).
- Monthly living costs in your chosen city.
- Proof of funds required by the embassy for the visa.
- One-off costs: translation, legalisation, visa, insurance, flights and rental deposit.
Quick comparison table
| Country | Tuition for non-EU students | Monthly living costs (official estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | No tuition at most public universities; only a semester contribution (about €70–430 per semester) | Average about €1,150 |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | €726.72 per semester at public universities | About €950–1,100 |
| 🇫🇷 France | From 2026–2027: €2,902 (bachelor) and €3,950 (master) per year | Depends on city; Paris is the most expensive |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | Depends on university and programme; medicine is more expensive | About €500–600 |
| 🇷🇴 Romania | On average €2,000–5,000 per year | About €600–900 |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | Public: bachelor €250–700, master €500–1,200 per year; private: €4,000–20,000 | About €400–800 |
Sources: official Study in Europe pages (European Commission), DAAD, Study in Austria (OeAD) and Campus France. Figures are averages and vary by city, university and year.
Germany: no tuition, but high proof of funds
According to the official Study in Europe page, most German state universities charge no tuition for bachelor's and many master's programmes, and students spend about €1,150 a month on average. DAAD adds that the semester contribution varies between about €70 and €430.
- Exception: according to DAAD, Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester.
- Proof of funds: according to DAAD (as of 1 January 2025), you must show €992 per month, usually in a blocked account; the amount may be updated each year.
- Language: most free programmes are German-taught, and many foreign school certificates require a Studienkolleg.
So Germany is the cheapest for tuition, but among the more expensive for living costs and proof of funds.
Austria: low, fixed tuition
According to Study in Austria (OeAD), non-EU students at public universities usually pay €726.72 per semester, plus a small compulsory student union and accident insurance fee. The official Study in Europe page estimates living costs at about €950–1,100 per month.
France: an important change from 2026
For years France was cheap even for non-EU students, because many universities granted exemptions from the higher fees. According to Campus France, for 2026–2027 non-EU tuition at public institutions is €2,902 per year for a bachelor's and €3,950 for a master's. Still low compared with many countries, but you can no longer count on an exemption.
Hungary and Romania: balancing tuition and living costs
Both countries charge tuition, but living costs are lower than in Western Europe. Study in Europe estimates about €500–600 per month for Hungary and €600–900 for Romania. For a full comparison, read Hungary or Romania.
Turkey: the cheapest option at public universities
Turkey is not an EU member but is part of the Bologna Process and a serious option for many Iranian and Afghan students. According to Study in Europe, bachelor's tuition at public universities is about €250–700 and master's about €500–1,200 per year, while private universities charge €4,000–20,000. Living costs are estimated at about €400–800 per month, with Istanbul more expensive than other cities.
So which is really cheaper?
If your initial cash budget is small
- Turkey (public university) or Romania
- Lower proof of funds and living costs
- Start without a heavy blocked account
If you will learn German
- Germany: no tuition at most public universities
- But higher proof of funds and living costs
- A longer route because of language and Studienkolleg
Frequently asked questions
Is studying in Germany really free?
Most public universities charge no tuition for bachelor's and many master's programmes, but you pay the semester contribution and living costs and must prove funds (€992/month from 2025 according to DAAD). Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students tuition.
What is the cheapest European country for non-EU students?
There is no single answer; it depends on your language and field. In total cost, public universities in Turkey and countries like Romania and Hungary are usually cheaper; Germany is cheap in tuition but has higher living costs.
How much is tuition in France for Iranian students?
According to Campus France, for 2026–2027: €2,902 per year for a bachelor's and €3,950 for a master's at public institutions.
Can student work cover my costs?
Only part of them. Embassies require proof of funds separately from future income. Read our article on student work in Europe.
Official sources
- Study in Europe – Germany
- DAAD – Costs of education and living
- Study in Austria (OeAD) – Tuition fee
- Campus France – Tuition fees in France
- Study in Europe – Hungary
- Study in Europe – Romania
- Study in Europe – Türkiye
Last updated: October 2026. Rules and costs may change; check the official source again before making a final decision.