10 Cheapest Universities in the World for International Students

The Cheapest Universities in the World for International Students are the University of Wuerzburg, Brigham Young University, Florida State University, University of Central Arkansas, and Brandon University. The average tuition fees of these universities range from INR 19,773 to INR 13,50,000 per year. These universities also offer scholarships, grants, bursaries, and many financial aid options for Indian students looking for a tuition-free education. Many top study abroad destinations such as Germany, UK, Canada, and the USA have low-cost universities that provide quality education. While top-tier universities like Oxford, Harvard, and UToronto may have hefty fees exceeding 1 crore annually, tier-2 universities offer a more affordable education, around 50 to 70 lakhs, including tuition and living expenses. In this article, you can get to know the top 10 affordable universities in the world along with tuition fees, scholarships, and admission requirements.

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the World

The following are the top 10 cheapest universities in the world for international students.

Cheapest Universities in the World	Country	QS World University Ranking 2025
Osaka University	Japan	86
Florida State University	USA	573
University of Wuerzbug	Germany	NA
Bringham University	USA	NA
University of Central Arkansas	USA	NA
Brandon University	Canada	NA
University of Burgundy	France	NA
Royal Agricultural University	UK	NA
University of the People	USA	NA
Buckinghamshire New University	UK	NA

 

1. Osaka University, Japan

Osaka University (OU) is a public research university located in Osaka, Japan, which ranks among the top three schools in the country. The average tuition fees range from INR 3,51,816 to INR 5,70,840 per year, depending on the program. This university offers a wide range of programs in humanities, law, and business at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university's English-taught courses attract students from all over the world. Known for its Nobel Prize-winning graduates and research-oriented campus, Osaka University provides advanced research opportunities and state-of-the-art research facilities. OU accepts MEXT Students, international students who have received a scholarship from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Additionally, JASSO provides international students with honors scholarships amounting to 48,000 yen/month for both undergraduate and graduate students. This makes it an affordable option for international students seeking high-quality education in Japan.

2. Florida State University, USA

Florida State University (FSU) situated in Tallahassee, founded in 1851, is a prominent research university. The university's commitment to research and education is reflected in its tuition fees of USD 18,000 (INR 13,50,000) per year. Even though the United States is known for its higher costs, two universities BYU and FSU have taken over the list, as one of the most affordable institutions in the world for higher education. With a student body exceeding 30,000, including over 2,000 international students from 125 countries, FSU offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. FSU’s Office of Financial Aid offers eligible students scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. They also offer need-based scholarships for the applicants completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year. As a first-year student, you are required to fulfill the admission requirements such as submitting the score of ACT/CLT/SAT, minimum GPA requirement, essays, and resume. The university aims to provide exceptional learning experiences for students studying science, arts, technology, professional and technical fields. FSU's campus life, with more than 600 student organizations, enhances the overall student experience, ensuring a great and affordable education.

3. University of Wuerzburg, Germany

The Julius Maximilian University of Wuerzburg (UW), founded in 1402, is one of the cheapest universities in the world for international students. The average tuition fee of the University of Wuerzburg is around £220 (INR 19,773) per year. International students who are enrolled for a bachelor's, state examination, or master's degree at the University of Würzburg are eligible to apply for the PROMOS (Performance-based Scholarship Programme). UW is one of Germany's oldest higher education institutions offering affordable education. With a vision of "Science for Society," it focuses on advanced research in fields like health sciences, molecular chemistry, quantum phenomena, digital society, and global changes. The university is known for academic excellence with a student population exceeding 28,000 and over 250 research-centric degree programs. To get admitted to the university you need to submit documents such as a Certificate of general qualification for university entrance, German language proficiency, English language proficiency, Transcripts, Passport, etc. Notably, students are expected to spend around £6,197 (INR 5,56,986) on living costs in the city. Situated in the charming city of Wuerzburg, the university provides quality education without financial burden, making it an excellent choice for international students across various disciplines.

4. Brigham Young University, USA

Brigham Young University (BYU), a private, non-profit research university founded in 1875, is located in Utah. With over 33,000 students from around the world, this American school offers 179 undergraduate majors, 62 master's programs, and 26 doctoral programs. The university's focus on affordable education is made possible through subsidized tuition fees funded by the church members. The undergraduate and graduate tuition fees at BYU are $6,120 and $7,700 per year. You can also benefit from their scholarships such as New Freshman Scholarships, BYU Graduate Scholarships, Spring/Summer Scholarships, and International Student Scholarships. This makes Brigham Young University one of the cheapest education-providing universities in the world. To enroll in this university you need to fulfill the application requirements such as submitting the recommendation letter, essays, ACT/SAT score, English proficiency score, and academic history.

5. University of Central Arkansas, USA

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA), established in 1907, stands as one of the oldest universities in the USA. International students can benefit from relatively low tuition fees, around $9,000 (INR 6,75,819) per year, making UCA one of the world’s cheapest universities. First-time degree-seeking students can avail of the $4,000 - $32,000 award per semester under the International Student Merit Scholarship. With a student population exceeding 12,000 across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, UCA ensures personalized attention and quality education. This university offers a diverse range of courses in business, psychology, education, nursing, and physical therapy. UCA has six colleges, including the College of Business, College of Fine Arts and Communication, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. Undergraduate and postgraduate students who want to apply for this university are required to submit a passport, financial support statement, bank statement, transcripts/mark sheets, SAT/ACT score, English language proficiency proof, academic records, and student visa.

6. Brandon University, Canada

Brandon University (BU), a public university established in July 1899 in Manitoba, Canada, prioritizes accessibility to quality education for all students. Notably, Brandon University stands out for its affordable tuition fees, with undergraduate programs priced at CAD 6,758 (INR 3,85,206) per year and graduate programs at CAD 5,400 (INR 3,07,800) per year. Students looking for tuition-free education can further apply for scholarships such as Board of Governors Entrance Scholarships, AP Scholarships, IB Scholarships, Automatic-Consideration Scholarships, and Applied-For Scholarships. Brandon University offers full-time and part-time degree programs, emphasizing the development of transferable skills among students. Popular courses such as humanities, social sciences, accounting, finance, etc are offered by BU. At BU, international applicants are required to fulfill the minimum GPA requirement and need to submit transcripts, letter of recommendation, and English language proficiency scores.

7. University of Burgundy, France

The University of Burgundy (UB), located in Dijon, France, is renowned for providing a unique and diverse educational experience for students. Tuition fees at the University of Burgundy vary depending on the chosen program, ranging from EUR 4,000 (INR 3,56,000) to EUR 11,500 (INR 10,23,500) per year. UB offers nearly 400 degrees across levels and specializes in offering courses in humanities, sciences, computer science, mechanical engineering, arts, and literature. The university caters to a student population of 34,000, with over 2,900 international students. Notably, the university's international student rate is 11%, reflecting its global appeal. Degree-seeking students need to submit documents such as a passport, passport-size photo, admission letter, Certificate of secondary education diploma, or higher education diploma as part of the admission process. The institution also prioritizes support for disabled students, offering a support system.

8. Royal Agricultural University, UK

In contrast to the United Kingdom's general reputation for higher education costs, the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and Bucks New University stand as one of the cheapest universities globally. At RAU, the average tuition fee is around £11,000 (INR 9,87,000) per year, making it a more affordable option compared to many other universities in the UK. At RAU, there are many bursaries and scholarships available which students can apply for and also one will be awarded an additional award other than the bursary. Apart from the university’s scholarships, students can claim external awards to get the low university fees. RAU specializes in agriculture, business, and equine studies, catering to students passionate about these fields. To study at RAU, you need to provide documents such as an Application form, Qualifications and transcripts, Personal statement, IELTS certificate, Finances, Medical certificates, Passport, and Visa. International students choosing this university can enjoy a unique educational experience without facing significant financial burdens.

9. University of the People, USA

The University of the People (UoPeople), located in Pasadena, California, is the world's first non-profit, tuition-free, and accredited online university. It has earned a reputation for being the most affordable college globally compared to US universities such as BYU and FSU. While the institution is tuition-free, there are assessment fees per course, amounting to $2060 for an associate degree and $4060 for a bachelor's degree. UoPeople also offers scholarships for students who are in need of covering the assessment fees and application fees.  The university offers degree programs in business administration, computer science, and health science, allowing students worldwide to pursue their educational goals without the burden of high tuition fees. To gain admission, applicants must be at least 16 years old, demonstrate English proficiency, provide proof of completing an undergraduate course, and have a minimum of two years of experience. The admission process includes submitting a resume, letter of recommendation, and necessary documents, and clearing the entrance exams. The University of the People, an online learning platform revolutionizes traditional higher education in the United States by offering a no tuition fee, making quality education accessible to students worldwide.

10. Buckinghamshire New University, UK

Buckinghamshire New University was established in 1891 in England and renamed as Bucks New University in 2007. With an average annual tuition fee of around INR 10.5 lakhs, Bucks New University stands out as one of the most budget-friendly options for international students seeking quality education in the UK. Specializing in fields like aviation, textiles, music, nursing, management, and film production, the university provides various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its three campuses. One of its campuses is particularly dedicated to applied healthcare research and nursing. To apply for admission, students need to obtain a tier 4 visa and submit necessary documents such as a statement of results, bank statement, and application form. And, you need to appear for the admission interview either face-to-face or via Skype.

Benefits of studying in affordable universities abroad

Choosing the most affordable universities globally offers several advantages that go beyond cost savings. Here are the key benefits of studying in the cheapest universities abroad:

• Cost-Effectiveness

Studying in a low tuition university helps you to reduce the financial burden associated with studying abroad. This affordability allows you to concentrate fully on academic pursuits without worrying about managing the expenses and being in debt and achieving your educational aspirations.

• High-Quality Education

Contrary to popular belief, cheap universities maintain high standards of education and hold accreditation from reputable institutions. By choosing an affordable university, students can access top-tier education without compromising on quality and gain a fulfilling learning experience.

• Cultural Exposure

Studying abroad allows students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. Choosing the cheapest university in a foreign country exposes students to new perspectives, develops cultural understanding, and creates a global mindset.

• Career Advancement

International education opens doors to plenty of career opportunities. Studying abroad enables students to gain professional experience and connections, and enhance their language proficiency. This will significantly enhance their employability, setting them apart in the competitive job market and paving the way for successful careers post-graduation.

Can international students study abroad for free?

There is less possibility for international students to study abroad for free. However, you can reduce expenses through scholarships, grants, and various funding options. Researching available scholarships and affordable study destinations can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Countries such as Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, provide the opportunity to study abroad either entirely free or at a highly affordable price. Most of the top universities abroad offer scholarships and financial aid to assist students in minimizing the costs. There are also some fully-funded scholarships available for students who are looking for a tuition-free education.

Conclusion

International students' preference for studying abroad kept increasing every year. India Today has mentioned in the post that over 13,35,878 Indian students have enrolled in countries such as Canada, US, UK, and Australia in 2024. Pursuing education abroad might seem daunting because of the cost associated with it. That’s why it is essential to find affordable universities in the world that provide a quality education without breaking the bank. From Germany to the United States, France to Japan, these universities offer top-notch education at affordable prices.

Related Resources

• Cheapest universities in USA
• Cheapest universities in Canada
• Cheapest universities in UK
• Cheapest universities in Germany
• Cheapest universities in Australia
• Cheapest universities in Ireland

FAQ

1. Which university is the cheapest for international students?

The top 10 cheapest universities in the world for international students are:

• University of Wuerzburg
• Brigham Young University
• Florida State University
• University of Central Arkansas
• Brandon University
• University of Burgundy
• Osaka University
• Royal Agricultural University
• University of the People
• Bucks New University

2. Which country has the cheapest university in the world?

The top 10 cheapest countries in the world are:

• Germany
• Malaysia
• France
• Denmark
• Norway
• Ireland
• Canada
• Sweden
• New Zealand
• Australia

3. Which are the cheapest universities in Europe?

The top 10 cheapest universities in Europe are

• Scuola Normale Superiore
• University of Göttingen
• RWTH Aachen University
• Sant'Anna
• University of Paris-Sud
• University of Basel
• The University of Vienna
• Nord University
• University of Athens
• Nantes University

4. Which country has no tuition fee?

The countries that offer free education are Austria, the Republic of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

5. What are the benefits of studying abroad?

The benefits of studying abroad for international students are:

• Cultural Experience
• Fluency in the Language
• Global Mindset 
• Quality Education
• Affordable University
• Career Opportunities
• International Exposure