Cheap Countries To Study Abroad in 2021

Studying abroad isn’t always financially burdensome.

Don’t believe us? Read on to learn about these cheap countries to study abroad. You’ll be surprised to find #5 on the list!

1) Taiwan

Famously known for their well-mannered people, Taiwan is one of the best places in Asia if you’re planning to study abroad. The country is already a hot spot for international students, but they’re still putting in effort to increase their numbers. So, this is your chance to grab a spot!

Here’s why you should consider studying in Taiwan:

It is in the list of cheap countries to study for international students who are on a budget. The National Taiwan University is ranked 66th by the QS Global World Rankings 2021, and yet it costs approximately $1,700-2,700 per semester. You can save a lot and still obtain a high-quality degree from a renowned university in Asia.

Taiwan, one of the cheap countries to study abroad. Image source: Pexels

Non-Mandarin speakers can relax: Taiwanese universities offer hundreds of courses that are fully taught in English. You can brush up on your Mandarin once you’re studying there!

Taiwanese street food entices even the pickiest eater. They are also affordable, scrumptious, and makes you return for more. Their scallion pancakes are filled with flavorful scallions and wrapped with dough. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the texture – crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside!

You will also find plenty of stalls in night markets selling other cheap delicacies, such as Taiwanese meatballs, fried taro balls, sweet-and-spicy fishcakes, and sticky rice sausage that can easily make a hearty meal.

Accommodation here is quite affordable too. Compared to Japan, China, and Korea, the living cost in Taiwan is much more reasonable. $500 to $600 per month is more than enough to cover your stay as a student!

2) Germany

Believe it or not, Germany is perceived as one of the affordable countries to study abroad. Why?

Because they offer tuition-free degrees to international students!

Regardless of your nationality, most German public universities don’t charge tuition fees. This proves to be a huge advantage to students on a budget, allowing them to focus on other expenditures while studying abroad, such as transport, food, accommodation, bills, and other financial commitments. The monthly living cost is approximately $800 to $1,000.

Houses facing the lake in Germany. Image source: Pexels

You can be assured that in German universities, free does not mean low quality. In fact, more than 60 universities of applied sciences in Germany are listed in renowned world rankings. Additionally, the country is one of the pioneers in Engineering, with numerous iconic automobiles and monuments under their name.

You can trust Germany when it comes to impressive academic standards. The curriculum is designed to empower and nurture students to become world-class citizens ready to bring a positive change to society.

We suggest taking these courses if you’re planning to study in Germany:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Sciences
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Biology
  • Economics

3) Canada

Canada is an affordable choice if students are looking for cheap countries to study in. You have the option to work while studying, which invites students from around the world to study in Canada.

Besides earning extra income, working while studying in Canada gives students the opportunity to prepare for their future career. Additionally, employees with 1 year of work experience are eligible for a permanent resident permit. It is considered the best pathway to live in a foreign country and enjoy great job opportunities.

One of the best cheap countries to study, Canada. Image source: Pexels

As Canada values diversity in their education system, international students are encouraged to study there. Scholarships and affordable tuition fees are largely available for them! Besides, you will meet peers from different background and cultures which expands your social network. Life is much more interesting when you have international friends!

The living cost in Canada ranges between $500 and $700. If you’re on a tight budget, you can always opt to get your necessities from budget-friendly stores like Aldi and Walmart.

Eduloco has partnered up with the Canadian Imperial College. Located in the fast-developing city of Edmonton, the four-acre campus is a hub for students and working professionals.

The LRT station and highways are within the city’s vicinity, making it easier for students to travel around Canada during semester breaks.

The college provides a holistic learning experience to students, with lecture halls and common areas that accommodate to their needs. Learn more about the college on our website here.

4) United Kingdom

Your higher education in the UK is worth every dollar.

It is a long-term investment for students who are interested to work in the UK after graduating. Former international students in the UK are eligible for a 2-year work Visa, which allows them to apply for residency if they wish to settle down in the UK. If you’re on a budget, you can always find a university that offers scholarships and tuition fee waivers.

Plus, most UK degrees take only 3 years to complete. You’re already one step ahead as you can kickstart your career earlier than your peers. This student went to the UK for her degree, and it was the best time of her twenties. Read her story here.

A red double-deck bus in the United Kingdom. Image source: Pexels

Your UK degree is valuable. To give you an example, a UK degree holder has a better chance for employment due to the country’s distinguished standard of education. So, your degree is like a passport to your dream job, in your dream company!

The University of Chester is known for its impressive awards in Teaching Quality and Student Experience. The university also has a unique mix of traditional and modern architecture that you will love. The average cost of an Undergraduate program is about $18,100 per year.

The accommodation packages are inclusive of different meal packages. You can save up on your meals by getting a full-board residency, in which full meals are provided 7 days a week.

5) Switzerland

To be fair, Switzerland isn’t exactly among the cheap countries to study abroad. So, why is it still on the list?

Hear us out and let us change your mind.

You’re not just a student when studying in Switzerland – you’re a tourist too. The picturesque view of the Alps is to die for, and the mouth-watering food (particularly their cheese fondue and chocolates) are hard to forget. Furthermore, the Swiss higher education has been renowned for its high quality for decades.

Green landscape of Switzerland. Image source: Pexels

The quality teaching methods and excellent student experience makes Switzerland an ideal place for international students seeking a top-tier degree. Graduates also have a higher employability as companies seldom meet applicants with a Swiss degree. Consider yourself a rare gem!

We know what you will say:

“But isn’t Switzerland an expensive country to live in?”

It will be – if you have poor financial management. There are students who have successfully completed their degree in Switzerland without straining their budget. They all have one thing in common: a proper spending habit! Read this article to learn how this student managed to travel around Europe at year ends without overspending.

If you’re worried about accommodation and tuition fees, some Swiss universities offer scholarships and hostels with discounted rates for international students. These will help lighten your financial burden.

If you plan to apply to Swiss universities through Eduloco, you’re in luck. We are proud to announce that we have an exclusive partnership with Switzerland’s leading Hospitality Management school, the Business & Hotel Management School (B.H.M.S.), that offers these courses:

  • Culinary Arts
  • Business Management
  • Hospitality Management

6) Malaysia

Malaysia is definitely on the list when you’re looking for cheap countries to study abroad.

Unlike Taiwan, where its main spoken language is Mandarin Chinese, Malaysians are fluent English-speakers. Most of the courses are also in English, making it easier for international students to transition from their home country to Malaysia. In fact, Malaysia was ranked 3rd in Asia for best English proficiency, placing right behind Singapore and the Philippines.

Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Image source: Pexels

Malaysia is also one of the most affordable countries to live in. As of 2020, the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is ranked second in the world for the affordability in living costs and tuition fees. The average annual tuition fee for an international student is about $4,000, and you only need $3,500 per year to live comfortably in Malaysia.

You can also choose between public and private universities, as well as branch campuses from famous international universities. Many international students opt for the latter, as the fees in Malaysia are relatively lower compared to the cost in their home countries.

Here are some branch campuses from the UK, Australia, and China to consider:

United Kingdom

  • University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
  • University of Southampton Malaysia Campus
  • Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia
  • Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Campus
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & University College Dublin Malaysia Campus

Australia

  • Swinburne University Malaysia Campus
  • University of Wollongong Malaysia KDU
  • Curtin University
  • Monash University

China

  • Xiamen University Malaysia Campus

After identifying the best cheap countries to study abroad, what’s next? Your preparation! We have a few guides to help you prepare for your new adventure abroad.

For more information about studying abroad, sign up to our website at www.eduloco.com contact +60 11-2069 9087 or send your enquiries to [email protected].

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng (JC) is an INFP writer seeking to spread inspiration and spark connections through her words. Her dedication to writing has gifted her with an ability to write for multiple platforms (e.g., website, social media, newspaper, magazine, etc) in different fields, namely Education, Travel, and Healthcare. JC personalizes her works by adding a touch of her own experience into the mix whenever she can to relate to her readers. A self-proclaimed poet and currently a freelance writer, she's working on an untitled poetry book at home while juggling between writing for Eduloco, dancing, and keeping her only plant alive.

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