Top Cheapest Universities for International Students, Do you want to study abroad in the United States but don’t have the money? If so, you’re not alone! This year, almost 10% of international students enrolled in universities in the United States are paying out-of-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition rates can be hundreds of dollars more per semester than in-state tuition, making it cost-prohibitive for many international students who cannot afford such high costs. Fortunately, there are affordable universities where international students will pay significantly less tuition than their U.S.-born counterparts! This article will help you identify your options!
1) Australia
If you are planning to study at one of Australia’s universities, you will be surprised at how affordable it can be. According to Kiplinger, Australian university tuition is some of the world’s cheapest. The number-one ranked university on our list, Bond University in Queensland, has a tuition cost of approximately $15,000 a year. Considering that U.S. students pay an average annual tuition of nearly $28,000 (as of 2021), Australia is an excellent option if you are looking to save money while studying abroad.
2) United Kingdom
London is not only a great place to attend school but also a popular destination for students. There are tons of activities and events held throughout London. You can study in numerous universities around London, but University College London may be your best bet because it offers world-class education with its highest standards yet provides a cheaper alternative compared to other well-known universities in London like University of Westminster or University of East Anglia. UCL offers courses ranging from arts, social sciences, natural sciences, business and engineering as well as medicine and dentistry. Some of its most notable alumni include Adam Smith, Bill Gates and Alexander Graham Bell. This university receives consistently high ratings based on its academic programs which led to it being ranked among top 20 universities in Europe by QS World University Rankings 2020.
3) Ireland
Tuition fees in Ireland are capped at just over €6,000 (about $7,000) per year. However, international students who take on internships with an Irish company may be entitled to a maintenance grant of about €2,000 (about $2,400) per year. That puts total costs at less than €8,000 (about $9,500). The University of Limerick also offers scholarships and awards worth up to €12,500 (about $14,750) per year. And if you’re looking to learn a second language while you study abroad in Ireland—Irish Gaelic or modern foreign languages like Spanish and German—you’ll be in luck.
4) Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an Asian city that remains a British territory, and as such, it has been able to use Britain’s own history as a reference when pursuing its own education system. It was not long ago that Hong Kong boasted free tuition at all universities in its borders. This made it one of the cheapest options on our list of top universities for international students. It was also recently ranked by Times Higher Education as one of Asia’s leading educational hubs alongside Japan and South Korea. The city offers an attractive culture to live in along with a significant opportunity to interact with other cultures and countries via its diverse international student population.
5) Singapore
More than 75 percent of international students in Singapore attend either Nanyang Technological University or National University of Singapore, according to a report from Times Higher Education. Many programs at these institutions are taught almost entirely in English, which is advantageous for non-native speakers who may be intimidated by other more traditional schools. Tuition costs are capped at $100 per semester credit hour and all foreign students receive free public transportation and free healthcare. This combination of great affordability and high quality make Singapore one of the top cheap universities for international students.
6) Vietnam
With an exchange rate of $0.08 per one Vietnamese dong, studying in Vietnam is very affordable. In addition to that, there are plenty of scholarships available for international students wishing to study in Vietnam. Tuition at public universities costs as little as $1,000 per year! Also, there are many interesting programs in Vietnamese that can make your time abroad quite unique (like a Bachelor’s degree in business administration combined with environmental studies!).
7) New Zealand
This country has a population of about 4.4 million people, most of whom live on one major island and another group of smaller islands. As you might guess from its name, New Zealand is a very new country. It only became an official British colony in 1840 and it didn’t achieve full independence until 1907 (while remaining part of the British Commonwealth). These days, it’s well known as a tourist destination with some unique natural attractions. If you want to study there, prepare to shell out big bucks. New Zealand has some expensive tuition fees and living costs in general – not as much as Australia or Canada but still among developed countries with high costs of living such as Ireland and Japan.
8) Malaysia
The city of Bangkok offers a diverse and welcoming environment, attracting students from all around the world. There are a range of opportunities to learn Thai and practice your language skills; there are also plenty of social activities and great food! For international tuition fees at universities in Thailand, be sure to check out QS World University Rankings by Subject. The overall cheapest university is Mahidol University (ranked number 4), with an international tuition fee average of $2,400 USD.
9) Taiwan
The premier institution of higher learning in Taiwan is National Taiwan University. Established in 1928, it has an enrollment of over 20,000 students and offers programs across a variety of disciplines. Tuition ranges from around $4000 to $12,500 USD per year, depending on your program. While that may seem steep compared to what you’re used to paying back home, keep in mind that’s just tuition — you’ll have access to food and housing as well! And many programs offer additional financial aid and scholarship opportunities based on merit. One great option is NTU’s Summer English Program (SEP), where you can earn credits while enjoying Taiwan’s beautiful weather and exploring some of its cultural highlights!
10) Thailand
The United Nations lists Thailand as one of their highest-quality, most affordable places to study abroad. The government is especially keen on attracting international students, and you can even get free tuition if you qualify as a poor student. But other than that, costs aren’t that bad: Monthly living expenses in Bangkok average around $1,000. Compared to many other countries on our list, Thailand is relatively cheap with only slightly more expensive housing and transportation.