Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but the high cost of tuition often stops people from pursuing international education. The good news is that several countries offer very affordable tuition fees, and some even provide free education for international students, including Africans and Nigerians.

Whether you want to study for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, this article reveals the top countries with the cheapest tuition fees, the average cost of studying there, and why they are great destinations for international students.

1. Germany

Germany remains one of the best destinations for international students who want quality education without spending much. Most public universities charge zero tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Why Germany Is Cheap

• Free tuition in public universities
• Only a small semester contribution (₦80,000–₦200,000 per semester)
• High-quality education
• Scholarships available for living expenses

Average Tuition Fee

Almost free (except administrative fees).

2. Norway

Norway offers world-class education with no tuition fees for international students at public universities, regardless of nationality.

Why Norway Is Cheap

• Tuition is completely free
• Strong academic structure
• English-taught programs available

Average Tuition Fee

Free (students only pay for living costs).

3. Poland

Poland is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, offering low tuition fees and cheap living expenses.

Why Poland Is Cheap

• Affordable public university fees
• Low cost of accommodation
• Scholarships available for international students

Average Tuition Fee

₦700,000 – ₦2.5 million per year.

4. Hungary

Hungary has become a popular destination for Nigerians and other African students due to its affordable education and the popular Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship.

Why Hungary Is Cheap

• Low tuition fees
• English-taught programs
• Affordable living costs

Average Tuition Fee

₦1.2 million – ₦3 million per year.

5. Turkey

Turkey offers some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe and Asia, especially in public universities.

Why Turkey Is Cheap

• Affordable tuition
• Low cost of living
• Many programs taught in English
• Government and university scholarships

Average Tuition Fee

₦600,000 – ₦2 million per year.

6. France

France is known for high-quality education but surprisingly low tuition fees in public institutions.

Why France Is Cheap

• Government-subsidized tuition fees
• Many English-taught programs
• Affordable for both undergraduate and postgraduate students

Average Tuition Fee

₦200,000 – ₦800,000 per year in public universities.

7. Mexico

Mexico is one of the most affordable countries for international students, especially for those seeking English and Spanish-taught programs.

Why Mexico Is Cheap

• Low tuition fees
• Good quality education system
• Relatively cheap accommodation and feeding

Average Tuition Fee

₦500,000 – ₦2 million per year.

8. India

India is a top choice for African students due to its cheap tuition fees and quality education in fields like medicine, engineering, and IT.

Why India Is Cheap

• Very low tuition fees
• Affordable living costs
• Multicultural environment

Average Tuition Fee

₦350,000 – ₦1.5 million per year.

9. Malaysia

Malaysia is known for world-class private universities at very affordable prices compared to Europe and the UK.

Why Malaysia Is Cheap

• Moderate tuition fees
• Opportunity to transfer to UK or Australia through twinning programs
• Affordable lifestyle

Average Tuition Fee

₦1 million – ₦3 million per year.

10. Portugal

Portugal offers affordable, high-quality education with reasonable tuition fees for international students.

Why Portugal Is Cheap

• Lower tuition compared to Western European countries
• English-taught courses available
• Safe and peaceful environment

Average Tuition Fee

₦800,000 – ₦2.5 million per year.

11. Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the most affordable options for international students seeking European-standard degrees.

Why Cyprus Is Cheap

• Friendly tuition policies
• Many universities offer discounts and scholarships
• Affordable accommodation

Average Tuition Fee

₦900,000 – ₦2 million per year.

12. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers free tuition to students who study in the Czech language, while English programs remain affordable.

Why Czech Republic Is Cheap

• Free tuition for Czech-taught programs
• Low cost of living
• Modern universities

Average Tuition Fee

₦700,000 – ₦2.2 million per year for English programs.

Wrapping Up…

Studying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive. Many countries offer free or very low tuition fees, making it possible for Nigerian and African students to earn international degrees without spending millions. Countries like Germany, Norway, France, Poland, Turkey, and Hungary remain the top choices in 2025 because they combine affordability with global education standards.

If you’re planning to study abroad, now is the best time to explore these destinations and start your application early.

FAQs

1. Which country has the cheapest tuition fees for international students?

Germany and Norway are the top choices because public universities offer free tuition.

2. Can Nigerians study abroad with a low budget?

Yes. Countries like Poland, Turkey, India, and Mexico offer affordable tuition and low living costs.

3. Are there scholarships in these countries?

Yes, most of the listed countries offer full or partial scholarships for international students.

4. Can I work while studying?

Most countries allow part-time work for international students, depending on visa rules.

5. Do I need IELTS to study abroad?

Not always. Many universities in France, Germany, Turkey, and India accept students without IELTS.