INFOGRAPHIC: Where University education is affordable to study abroad in 2025

Studying abroad is considered a pathway to unlocking global opportunities, acquiring a world-class education, and experiencing cultural diversity. But, in recent years, the rising cost of tuition, living expenses, and proof of funds requirements have made this dream daunting for most people.

As highlighted in a recent Techloy report, studying in the UK will require proof of funds of up to £13,348 for a nine-month study period in London and £10,224 (US$12,949) outside of London, starting from January 2025.

But this is not peculiar to study in the United Kingdom, as many other popular destinations like the U.S., Australia, Germany, and Canada have become financially out of reach for most people to study abroad.

Despite these challenges, some destinations offer both quality education and affordability. This guide explores some of the most affordable countries to study abroad, backed by insights on tuition fees, cost of living, visa requirements, and strategies to make your journey easier.

Indeed, choosing affordable alternatives can help students avoid excessive debt while still receiving a high-quality education.

Top affordable destinations to study abroad

The countries listed below offer excellent opportunities for students, combining low tuition costs, manageable living expenses, and accessible visa requirements. Here’s a closer look at some of the most affordable options:

Malaysia

Malaysia offers an affordable education system combined with a vibrant international student community. Known for its focus on disciplines like Business, IT, and Medicine, Malaysia provides both affordability and academic excellence.

Here's the cost breakdown according to IESCO's data:

• Tuition Fees for Undergraduate in Public University: ₦4.4 million to ₦7.9 million ($2,750 to $4,950) annually.
• Tuition Fees for Postgraduate in Public University: ₦872,190 to ₦7.0 million ($550 to $4,400) annually.
• Cost of Living: ₦697,752 to ₦1.2 million ($440 to $780) monthly, totaling ₦8.4 million to ₦15 million ($5,280 to $9,360) annually.
• Visa Requirements: Financial proof of funds to cover 12 weeks of living so ~₦3.7 million ($2,340).

India

India’s educational institutions are globally recognized for their affordability and quality, particularly in Engineering, Business, and Medicine. Cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad host numerous international students annually.

Per recent data, here's the cost breakdown:

• Tuition Fees: ₦5.2 million to ₦12.5 million ($3,300 to $7,800) per year.
• Cost of Living: ₦270,000 to ₦555,000 ($170 to $350) monthly, totaling ₦3.3 million to ₦6.7 million ($2,040 to $4,200) annually.
• Visa Requirements: This is dependent on your school of choice.

Poland

Poland combines affordable education with a rich cultural experience. It’s particularly popular for programs in Medicine, Engineering, and Business Administration.

After searching some of the universities in Poland, here's the cost breakdown I gathered for a master's degree:

• Tuition Fees: ₦3.4 million to ₦10.2 million ($2,000 to $6,000) annually.
• Cost of Living: ₦755,000 to ₦1.7 million ($465 to $1,000) monthly, totaling ₦8.9 million to ₦19.2 million ($5,580 to $12,000) annually.
• Visa Proof of Funds: You'll need to provide proof of funds that shows that you can cover your tuition and living costs throughout your stay in the country. The actual amount depends on your school of choice.

France

France is a top choice for Nigerians interested in Arts, Humanities, and Business. Its subsidized tuition rates make it one of the most affordable destinations in Europe.

Here's a breakdown:

• Tuition Fees for Undergraduate: ₦4.15 million to ₦4.95 million ($2,600 to $3,100) annually.
• Tuition Fees for Postgraduate: ₦4.80 million to ₦6.2 million ($3,00 to $3,900) annually.
• Cost of Living: ₦654,900 to ₦1.9 million ($413 to $1,200) monthly, totaling ₦7.9 million to ₦23 million ($4,956 to $14,400) annually.
• Visa Proof of Funds: ₦12.7 million ($7,930) annually.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers quality education at reasonable costs, particularly in fields like Engineering and Business. Here's the cost breakdown for a Master's degree according to Czech Universities:

• Tuition Fees: ₦2.7 million to ₦29 million ($1,677 to $18,000) annually.
• Cost of Living: ₦555,000 to ₦1.2 million ($350 to $750) monthly, totaling ₦6.7 million to ₦14.4 million ($4,200 to $9,000) annually.
• Visa Proof of Funds: ₦2.6 million ($1,600) annually.

Finland

Finland offers affordable tuition fees for English-taught programs and tuition-free education for those willing to study in Finnish. Combined with moderate living costs, Finland is an attractive option for Nigerian students. Also, doctoral programs in this country do not charge tuition regardless of your nationality.

According to data from Study in Finland, here's the cost breakdown for undergraduate study:

• Tuition Fees: ₦13.5 million to ₦33.8 million ($8,000 to $20,000) annually for English-taught programs.
• Cost of Living: ₦1.5 million to ₦1.6 million ($900 to $1,000) monthly, totaling ₦18.2 million to ₦20.3 million ($10,800 to $12,000) annually.
• Visa Proof of Funds: Approximately $7,930 annually, or ₦12.6 million.

6 Practical Tips to help students lower expenses

1. Apply for Scholarships: Many of the listed countries offer scholarships specifically for international students. Examples include the Erasmus+ scholarship (France and Poland) and Malaysian Government Scholarships.
2. Explore Sponsorships: Consider financial sponsorship from family or organizations to meet proof-of-funds requirements.
3. Budget for Hidden Costs: Factor in expenses like health insurance, visa fees, and flight tickets when calculating your total cost.
4. Work While Studying: Countries like Malaysia, Poland, and Finland allow students to work part-time, which can ease financial strain.
5. Choose Affordable Accommodation: Opt for university housing or shared apartments to minimize rent.

Conclusion

While studying abroad is undeniably expensive, strategic planning and the right choice of destination can make it achievable.

Affordable options like Finland, Malaysia, and Poland offer students the chance to access world-class education without overwhelming financial pressure. By leveraging scholarships, part-time work, and thorough research, students can turn their study-abroad dreams into reality—without breaking the bank.

Start exploring these destinations today and take the first step toward a brighter academic future.