Which Are The Cheapest Student Cities In The World?

UniScholarz
4 min readSep 23, 2021

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Image by Stefan Widua from Unsplash

Students are already buried in student loans, and they have a slew of other expenses to battle with. Many of you would have given up hope of attending top universities due to the high cost of living there. However, there are locations around the world that provide low-cost and affordable housing, particularly for students.

Each of these locations offers not just low living costs but also access to some of the best universities in the world. Now let’s dive in to learn more about these amazing cities.

Berlin, Germany

What better place to spend your college years than Europe’s hottest city? Prices have risen in recent years, but it remains relatively reasonable, and it enters the list since German tuition prices are fully free for EU students.

Where should you study: The Free University of Berlin is a good place to start; it’s well-regarded internationally, and if you need any more motivation, the name should be enough.

Vienna, Austria

Although it would be a leap to suggest Vienna a cheap city to live in, the price of living is moderate, and the standard of living is excellent. Its tuition fees are what earn the school a spot on this list; they are zero for EU students and minimal for everyone else.

Where should you study: The Vienna University of Technology and the University of Vienna are both worth considering because they are among Austria’s best universities and both attract a considerable number of foreign students.

Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

When it comes to studying abroad, Malaysia might not be the first country that comes to mind. However, with tuition prices around a fourth of those in the UK and living expenses roughly half that, it’s an excellent choice for anyone hoping to avoid wallowing in debt while pursuing a degree.

Where should you study: International students flock to the University of Malaya, and Kuala Lumpur is home to international branches of institutions like Monash University in Australia, allowing students to earn a degree with the same status for a fraction of the cost.

Hsinchu, Taiwan

Why not Taiwan for the adventurous student looking for something a little different? Hsinchu could draw students who like a laid-back city with enough heritage, as the country has two entries on this list.

Where should you study: National Chiao Tung University and National Tsing Hua University are both excellent options for overseas students.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan’s capital, the second Taiwan city on the list, has a lively modern city life that moves at a quicker pace than Hsinchu. Where to study: The National Taiwan University is frequently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, placing it ahead of most UK colleges. The annual tuition charge is fixed at roughly £2,500.

Valencia, Spain

Students considering studying in Spain are likely to choose Barcelona first, although Valencia boasts much lower tuition fees (just over £1,000 per year) and a lower cost of living.

Where should you study: Although the Polytechnic University of Valencia is not quite as prestigious as Oxford, it is a strong contender among emerging universities.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico’s tuition prices, at just under £4,000 per year, are a little higher than deficit students might prefer. However, day-to-day living is inexpensive, and Mexico City offers delicious street food, lively nightlife, and interesting history.

Where should you study: If art and design are your passions, the National Autonomous University of Mexico ranks highly in world league tables and is certainly worth a glance.

Toulouse, France

Students who have their hearts set on studying in Paris should reconsider: Toulouse has plenty of romance, is cheaper, and tuition expenses are only a few hundred pounds. Where should you study: Paul Sabatier University boasts a student body that is around 50% international, and its science courses are particularly well-regarded.

Belfast

With its gorgeous campuses and welcoming atmosphere, Northern Ireland’s largest university city attracts students from all around the world.

It also provides affordable housing; according to the Natwest Student Living Index, it has the cheapest student rent in the UK. Those who live in the suburbs frequent The Holylands, Lisburn Road, and the hip Botanic Avenue.

Cambridge

Although property in this famed East Anglia university city is pricey, thanks to subsidised housing and a comprehensive student assistance system — which includes endowments for lower-income students, college prizes, and even a Stormzy scholarship — it is one of the more economical locations to study.

There is no need for students to rent privately because they will be housed in college-owned property for the duration of their studies.

I hope you were able to get useful information out of this blog. Good luck on your study abroad journey! Drop-in your suggestions in the comments.

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UniScholarz
UniScholarz

Written by UniScholarz

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