Europe remains one of the smartest destinations in the world for international students planning a bachelor’s degree in 2026. While tuition in countries like the USA, UK, and Australia continues to rise sharply, several European nations still offer either completely free undergraduate education or highly affordable degree options at globally ranked universities.
For global applicants planning 2026 admissions, the real opportunity lies in choosing countries where public universities charge little to no tuition and where degrees hold strong global value. Below is a carefully researched list of 10 European countries where undergraduate education is either free or among the most affordable in the world.
The table below shows estimated annual bachelor tuition fees at public universities for international students.
10 Cheapest European Countries for Bachelor Degrees in 2026
| Rank | Country | Typical Annual Bachelor Tuition | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | €0 – €720 admin fees + Blocked Bank Account | Free / ultra low |
| 2 | Spain | €1,000 – €1,200 | Very low |
| 3 | Italy | €900 – €3,000 | Low |
| 4 | France | ~€2,770 | Low |
| 5 | Bulgaria | €2,500 – €3,000 | Low |
| 6 | Romania | €2,600 – €3,500 | Low |
| 7 | Hungary | €3,600 – €6,400 | Moderate low |
| 8 | Portugal | €3,500 – €7,000 | Moderate |
| 9 | Czech Republic | €4,000 – €5,200 | Moderate |
| 10 | Poland | €3,600 – €7,200 | Moderate |
These tuition ranges reflect public universities offering English-taught or internationally accessible bachelor programs.
1# Germany: Europe’s Most Affordable Bachelor Destination
Germany continues to rank as the most affordable country for undergraduate study in Europe. Public universities do not charge tuition fees for most bachelor programs. Students only pay semester administrative contributions that typically range between €300 and €360 per semester.
Top universities such as Humboldt University of Berlin, Free University of Berlin, and RWTH Aachen University offer globally recognized degrees with essentially zero tuition cost. For students who can manage living expenses, Germany remains the best-value destination for a free European bachelor’s degree.
2# Spain: Low Tuition at Public Universities
Spain offers some of the lowest tuition fees in Western Europe. Public universities in regions such as Catalonia charge approximately €17–€18 per credit for first enrolment, which equals about €1,000–€1,200 per year for a full bachelor course load.
Universities such as the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, and Pompeu Fabra University provide affordable undergraduate programs with strong global recognition. Spain is particularly attractive for business, humanities, and social science degrees.
3# Italy: Affordable Degrees at Historic Universities
Italy combines world-class universities with relatively low tuition fees. Public universities typically charge between €900 and €3,000 per year depending on family income assessment and program choice.
Top institutions such as the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Padua offer bachelor programs with moderate tuition and access to regional scholarships. Italy is especially popular for engineering, architecture, economics, and arts degrees.
4# France: Low National Tuition for Public Universities
France maintains a standardized public tuition structure for international students. Bachelor’s degrees at public universities typically cost around €2,770 per year for non-EU students.
Institutions such as Sorbonne University, Université Paris-Saclay, and the University of Strasbourg deliver globally respected degrees at a fraction of the cost found in other major study destinations. France also offers numerous government and institutional scholarships that can reduce costs further.
5# Bulgaria: One of the Lowest Tuition Systems in the EU
Bulgaria has become increasingly popular among international students due to its low tuition fees and affordable living costs. Undergraduate programs at major universities typically cost between €2,500 and €3,000 per year.
Sofia University, Technical University of Sofia, and the University of Plovdiv offer English-taught bachelor programs in engineering, business, and sciences at very accessible costs.
6# Romania: Budget-Friendly Degrees in the EU
Romania offers some of the lowest combined tuition and living costs in Europe. Bachelor programs generally cost between €2,600 and €3,500 per year.
Universities such as Babeș-Bolyai University, the University of Bucharest, and Politehnica University of Bucharest are well-known for engineering, IT, and economics degrees. Romania is a strong option for students seeking EU education at minimal cost.
7# Hungary: Low Tuition with Scholarship Opportunities
Hungary provides relatively low tuition fees for international students, typically ranging from €3,600 to €6,400 per year depending on the program.
Leading institutions such as Eötvös Loránd University, the University of Szeged, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics offer English-taught bachelor degrees across multiple disciplines. Hungary also hosts the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, which can fully fund studies.
8# Portugal: Affordable Western European Education
Portugal offers moderate tuition fees compared to other Western European countries. Undergraduate programs generally range between €3,500 and €7,000 per year.
Top universities including the University of Lisbon, University of Porto, and University of Coimbra provide quality bachelor education in English and Portuguese. Portugal’s relatively lower living costs make it a strategic choice for students seeking Western Europe exposure on a budget.
9# Czech Republic: Free in Local Language, Affordable in English
The Czech Republic offers free undergraduate education at public universities if students study in the Czech language. English-taught programs typically cost between €4,000 and €5,200 per year.
Charles University, Masaryk University, and Czech Technical University are among the country’s leading institutions offering affordable bachelor programs in engineering, business, and social sciences.
10# Poland: Low Tuition and Growing Popularity
Poland has rapidly become a top choice for budget-conscious international students. Bachelor tuition typically ranges between €3,600 and €7,200 per year.
The University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Warsaw University of Technology provide internationally recognized degrees in English across engineering, business, and IT fields. Poland also offers one of the lowest living costs in the European Union.