Pursuing a master’s degree abroad is a dream for millions of students worldwide. However, the rising cost of tuition and living expenses in many countries makes it challenging for international students to achieve this goal. The good news is that several nations around the world continue to offer affordable or even tuition-free education without compromising on academic quality. If you’re planning to study abroad on a budget, here’s a guide to the cheapest countries to get a master’s degree in 2025 — where you can save money while receiving a world-class education.
1. Germany – Quality Education with Zero Tuition Fees
Why it’s affordable:
Germany remains one of the most popular destinations for international students because public universities charge no tuition fees for both domestic and foreign students. You’ll only need to pay a small semester contribution (usually between €150–€350) that covers administrative costs and public transport.
Top universities:
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Technical University of Munich (TUM)
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Humboldt University of Berlin
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RWTH Aachen University
Living costs:
While living expenses vary by city, expect to spend around €800–€1,200 per month on accommodation, food, and transportation. Cities like Leipzig and Dresden are more affordable than Munich or Frankfurt.
Bonus advantage:
Germany allows students to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year, making it easier to support yourself financially while studying.
2. Norway – Free Education for All
Why it’s affordable:
Norway is one of the few countries in the world where education is completely free, even for international students. Public universities charge no tuition fees at all, regardless of nationality or study level, including master’s programs.
Top universities:
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University of Oslo
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Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
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University of Bergen
Living costs:
The only drawback is the high cost of living—expect around €1,000–€1,500 per month. However, many students offset this through part-time work, as Norway allows students to work up to 20 hours per week.
Why it’s worth it:
Despite the higher living costs, the chance to earn a master’s degree from a globally respected university for free makes Norway one of the best value destinations for 2025.
3. Poland – Low Tuition and Affordable Lifestyle
Why it’s affordable:
Poland offers some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe, with many master’s programs taught in English. Tuition typically ranges between €2,000–€5,000 per year, depending on the university and field of study.
Top universities:
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University of Warsaw
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Jagiellonian University (Krakow)
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Warsaw University of Technology
Living costs:
Poland is known for its low cost of living—students can manage comfortably on €500–€800 per month, including rent, food, and transport.
Extra benefit:
Poland’s growing job market allows international students to work part-time and gain professional experience, especially in IT, business, and engineering sectors.
4. France – Affordable Education with Global Prestige
Why it’s affordable:
France offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to other Western countries. Public universities charge low tuition fees—around €3,000–€4,000 per year for non-EU students. Additionally, the French government heavily subsidizes higher education.
Top universities:
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Sorbonne University
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University of Paris-Saclay
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Sciences Po
Living costs:
Students typically spend €900–€1,200 per month, depending on the city. Smaller towns like Grenoble or Lyon are cheaper than Paris.
Additional perks:
International students can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week) and apply for post-study work visas. France also provides scholarships such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, which covers tuition and living expenses.
5. Taiwan – High-Quality Education at Low Cost
Why it’s affordable:
Taiwan has become one of Asia’s most affordable study destinations, offering low tuition and living costs without compromising academic standards. Master’s programs cost around US$2,000–US$4,000 per year.
Top universities:
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National Taiwan University (NTU)
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National Tsing Hua University
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National Cheng Kung University
Living costs:
You can live comfortably on US$600–US$900 per month, including housing and food.
Why it’s a great choice:
Taiwan also provides generous scholarships for international students and has a strong emphasis on technology, engineering, and business education.
6. Czech Republic – Study in the Heart of Europe
Why it’s affordable:
In the Czech Republic, students who study in Czech-taught programs enjoy free tuition at public universities. For English-taught master’s programs, tuition fees are still affordable, typically between €2,000–€5,000 per year.
Top universities:
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Charles University
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Czech Technical University in Prague
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Masaryk University
Living costs:
Students need approximately €600–€900 per month to cover rent, food, and other expenses.
Bonus:
The country’s central European location allows easy travel to other European countries for leisure or study trips.
7. Hungary – Budget-Friendly with Rich Culture
Why it’s affordable:
Hungary offers an excellent combination of low tuition fees and affordable living. Tuition for master’s degrees typically ranges from €2,500–€6,000 per year, depending on the program.
Top universities:
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Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
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Budapest University of Technology and Economics
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University of Szeged
Living costs:
Students can live comfortably on €500–€800 per month, especially outside Budapest.
Scholarship highlight:
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship covers full tuition, housing allowance, health insurance, and a monthly stipend—making Hungary a top choice for budget-conscious students.
8. India – High-Quality Education at a Fraction of the Cost
Why it’s affordable:
India offers one of the lowest tuition structures globally, with master’s programs costing US$1,000–US$3,000 per year at public universities. English is widely used in higher education, which attracts many international students.
Top universities:
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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
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University of Delhi
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Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Living costs:
You can live on US$400–US$700 per month, including accommodation, food, and transport.
Why it’s appealing:
India’s diverse culture, low living costs, and growing global partnerships make it a great destination for international students seeking affordable postgraduate education.
9. Mexico – Affordable and Culturally Vibrant
Why it’s affordable:
Mexico provides affordable master’s programs, with tuition fees at public universities averaging US$1,000–US$2,500 per year. Many programs are available in English, especially at top institutions.
Top universities:
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National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
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Monterrey Institute of Technology
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Universidad de Guadalajara
Living costs:
Students can live well on US$500–US$800 per month.
Extra benefit:
Mexico’s rich culture, warm climate, and proximity to the U.S. make it a comfortable and cost-effective choice for Latin American and global students.
10. Malaysia – Affordable Education with Modern Infrastructure
Why it’s affordable:
Malaysia offers low tuition fees combined with a relatively low cost of living. Tuition for master’s programs averages US$2,000–US$4,000 per year, depending on the university.
Top universities:
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University of Malaya (UM)
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Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
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Monash University Malaysia
Living costs:
Expect to spend around US$400–US$700 per month.
Why it’s a smart choice:
Malaysia’s education system is internationally recognized, and many universities collaborate with institutions in the UK and Australia, allowing students to earn dual degrees at lower costs.
Conclusion
Studying abroad doesn’t have to drain your finances. Countries like Germany, Norway, and Poland prove that world-class education can be accessible and affordable. Meanwhile, emerging destinations such as Taiwan, Hungary, and Malaysia offer low tuition, cultural diversity, and international exposure at minimal costs.
When choosing a country for your master’s degree in 2025, consider not just tuition fees but also living expenses, work opportunities, and the quality of education. With the right planning, you can earn a globally respected degree—without breaking the bank.