How to Study Abroad for Free or Cheap in 2026

Studying abroad can change your life, but it doesn’t have to empty your wallet. With the right mix of scholarships, smart planning, and affordable destinations, you can make your study abroad dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

If you've ever wondered, "How can I study abroad for free?" then read on to find out how!

Yes, it’s possible! However, there’s much research and planning to be done. While there are indeed countries that offer free tuition to international students, you’ll still need to cover living costs. 

By combining several of the methods explained below, or winning a full-ride scholarship or grant, you can ensure all your costs are totally covered. Keep in mind, funding is often very competitive and you’ll need to invest a lot of time and effort into completing applications. Perseverance pays off!

Yes, there really are countries that offer free tuition (or very low tuition!). Germany, for example, offers students free tuition if they study at a public university. When paired with a scholarship, like DAAD, for example, international students can focus on covering expenses such as books, accommodation, and so on with their scholarships. 

You'll also need to consider the monthly expenditure, paying for things such as accommodation (if it's not included), class materials, groceries, social activities, weekend excursions, and so on. Each student is different, so you can spend much less (or more!) than the average monthly expenditure depending on your lifestyle.

While you’ll likely need to pay higher program fees (or administrative fees) than domestic students to study abroad, the following countries offer free or extremely low tuition fees for international students: 

Source: Numbeo

If you’d benefit from extensive in-country support, consider searching for a cheap study abroad program. While the average cost of a third-party study abroad program is higher than direct enrollment, here are some of the most popular study abroad programs for less than $10,000 USD: 

1. University of East Anglia

Located 118 miles northeast of London, Norwich, the University of East Anglia offers international students the opportunity to study for a semester longer in this idyllic historic city. 

2. Unitec Institute of Technology

Unitec Institute of Technology is the perfect place to stoke your passion for technology and immerse yourself in quintessential New Zealand culture, from its Māori heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes.

3. Schiller International University

Take your business ambitions to Schiller International University in Spain, where you can continue your pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in International Business and leave with new knowledge and an expansive network of friends and scholars.

4. University of Tasmania

Want to study abroad somewhere with one of the planet’s most breathtaking natural backdrops? Located on the island of Tasmania, south of mainland Australia, the University of Tasmania offers access to pristine wilderness, marine parks, and unique wildlife, from wallabies, whales, and - you guessed it - Tasmanian Devils. 

5. Maynooth University

Located just 16 miles outside of Dublin, Maynooth boasts of a small-town feel brimming with students and local landmarks like Castletown House and The Wonderful Barn, while being in close proximity to the bustling capital. 

6. University of Nottingham in Ningbo, China

The University of Nottingham in Ningbo blends UK academics with Chinese culture, offering English-taught courses, free Mandarin classes, and internship opportunities. 

7. Lorenzo de’ Medici

Located in Florence, Tuscany’s capital, studying at Lorenzo de’ Medici will immerse you in classic Italian culture as you pursue your studies in the cradle of the Renaissance movement.

8. Australian Catholic University

Offering extensive courses as well as an abundance of off-site field trips, the Australian Catholic University grants international students discovery in Australia from Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and more. 

9. FUBiS

Choose between winter and summer programs in the cultural heart of Germany, Berlin, with FUBis. With programs ranging from communication studies to architecture and history, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for with this affordable study abroad program.

10. University College Cork

Head to the Emerald Isle by studying abroad in Ireland’s second largest city with the University College Cork! When you’re not studying in the classroom, you can brush up on your Irish cultural knowledge, embark on road trips like the Wild Atlantic Way, sip Guinness at a local Irish Pub, and much more.

There are two main ways to apply to study abroad - through a third-party provider or via direct enrollment at a university. Direct enrollment is usually cheaper since you apply directly to the university and avoid middleman fees. 

However, you’ll need to budget for extra costs like visas, housing, and insurance yourself. Always compare total living expenses to see if it’s truly more affordable than going through a provider.

If you’re already enrolled at a university, you could consider a university exchange program. Exchange programs give you a chance to go abroad during your undergraduate study while paying the same tuition as usual to your home university. 

While this may limit your choices based on the universities your institution is partnered with, it’s a great opportunity to make study abroad more accessible (and covered by your financial aid if you have it). 

Here’s how you can study through a university exchange program: 

• Semester exchange at your university: University exchange programs allow students to pay their normal university tuition while swapping with a foreign student at a select partner university. For students who pay in-state tuition, this can be a great value.
• ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs): If your university is partnered with ISEP, you can study abroad at any university in their network located in over 40 countries.

If you’re a senior undergrad or a graduate with an interest in research, consider applying to a fellowship program. Much like a scholarship, a fellowship program is awarded to students who take part in research. Typically, students applying for the fellowship must propose a detailed research plan in their application. 

• Fulbright: Fulbright offers grants for US students - or ‘cultural ambassadors’ - to design projects that strengthen ties between the U.S. and foreign countries. The prestigious program provides health insurance, funding for living and research expenses, and a year of Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) status for federal jobs after completion.
• BAEF: Each year, the BAEF awards up to fellowships worth from $30,000 to $35,000 for 12 months (with health insurance included) to U.S. students in Belgium - and Belgian students in the US - to conduct research.
• DAAD: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is an organization that supports international education for undergraduate students, scholars, and researchers. DAAD funds short and long-term research across all academic fields, offering grants of 2 to 12 months for doctoral students and 2 to 6 months for postdoctoral researchers.

You can obtain scholarships and grants to bear the burden of program costs, tuition fees, or cost of living expenses. Depending on your unique nationality, program, university, major, and organization, there are many study abroad scholarships that you can apply to maximize your experience. 

• Merit-based: If you’re a high-achieving student, you may qualify for  a merit-based scholarship.
• Needs-based: If you require financial aid to help your study abroad, you may receive financial aid in the form of a needs-based scholarship.
• Diversity & inclusion: Those from historically underserved groups in education abroad can apply for diversity and inclusion scholarships to level the playing field in international education. 

Federal and government scholarships

Here are some of the most popular and in-demand federal and government scholarships for international students. 

• Critical Language Scholarship (CLS): The CLS Program offers intensive summer language programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students, focusing on languages that are critical to the nation’s global security and economic interests.
• DAAD: Daad offers scholarships and grants for international students studying in Germany. It supports full-time students of all academic levels, from undergraduates, interns, researchers, and master’s and doctoral students.
• Swedish Institute: International students interested in earning a master’s degree in Sweden can find fully-funded scholarships through the Swedish institute.
• Boren Scholarships: Boren scholarships support US students enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program to study critical languages abroad for a minimum of 12 weeks.
• Gilman International Scholarship Program: The Gilman scholarship offers studying abroad funding for US undergraduates who are receiving a Federal Pell Grant through the US Department of State.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: European program extended to US master's students who want to study both in the US and Europe. This competitive program provides scholarship money for travel, visas, and a living allowance to the most qualified applicants.

University scholarships

Individual universities abroad can offer merit-based or need-based financial aid to attract international students. You can find out which universities offer scholarships by visiting their website to see if funding is available.

A good place to start if you’re interested in studying in Europe is this resource from the European Commission. Here you can find links to over 100,000 country-specific scholarships for international students to universities across the continent. 

Program scholarships

Study abroad third-party providers also give out millions of dollars to students each year who go abroad with one of their programs. Some of the most popular study abroad program scholarships include:

• CIEE: CIEE’s Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Travel Grant helps cover outbound and return airfare to all CIEE program locations for students who demonstrate financial need. All students who receive Federal Pell Grants are guaranteed a GAIN Travel Grant, but they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• API: API awards millions of dollars in scholarships annually to students seeking merit-based, needs-based, diversity inclusion scholarships, and more to find their studies abroad.
• IES Abroad: IES Abroad’s high-impact aid commitment makes studying abroad more accessible for students with financial need. Using federal and institutional aid metrics, it guarantees funding where it’s needed most, ensuring greater equity in global education opportunities.
• CEA CAPA: CEA CAPA grants accessibility to international students and interns  by offering more than $2 million each year in scholarships, affiliations, and grant programs, to students studying for 3 weeks or longer.
• AIFS Abroad: Over 50% of students enrolled in an AIFS program are eligible for grants up to $2,500 for a semester or $1,500 for a summer, winter (J-term), or internship program. AIFS also offers a Diversity Achievement Scholarship -  a merit-based scholarship for students of historically underrepresented backgrounds. 

Read more: 11 Secrets to Winning Study Abroad Scholarships

Follow these steps to make the most of your budget while studying abroad. 

1. Save up early: If studying abroad is a nonnegotiable part of your college experience, start planning in advance. Make a list of your dream destinations and their associated costs. This will give you an idea of a rough monetary goal.
2. Research ahead of time: Studying abroad requires plenty of research, and planning ahead grants advantages such as securing scholarships or program placements ahead of time.
3. Apply for a scholarship: You have to be in it, to win it! Be sure to check whether your program or university offers scholarships, or whether you qualify for government financial aid. We’ve also got scholarships and grants right here at Go Overseas!
4. Create a budget: It’s important to create a budget and track expenses while studying abroad. Creating a monthly budget will help you be mindful and save money in the long-run. While you want to keep your budget tight, it’s best to overestimate expenditure to prepare for unexpected costs. 

Apply these tips to make the most of your budget for studying abroad!

• Choose affordable study abroad destinations: Staying flexible can help reduce expenses, as countries like Poland, Argentina, and Germany offer lower living costs and tuition fees, significantly lowering the average cost of studying abroad.
• Apply widely: You can apply to multiple scholarships! Just be sure to check each provider’s eligibility rules.
• Use public transport: Opting for public transport rather than taxi services will save plenty of money over the course of a semester.
• Cook at home: Eating local and sharing housing can save hundreds per month.
• Use your financial aid: If you’re a U.S. student receiving a Pell Grant, you may be able to use it toward studying abroad. Many universities or programs assist Pell recipients and even offer extra funding. SIT Study Abroad, for example, matches up to $2,500 for semester or $1,000 for summer programs.
• Explore work-study options: Many popular destinations do allow employment part-time. Generally, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours a week during school holidays.
• Consider a roommate: When looking for student housing, consider sharing accommodation with other students to not only save money but make friends!
• Eat on a budget: Socializing and making friends can be quite intoxicating, and it might encourage you to eat out frequently. Beyond your first week and celebrations, consider cooking at home to save money. Buying local food at markets rather than western restaurants will save you plenty of money in the long run.
• Take advantage of free activities: From knowledge-enriching museums and strolling through the historic old town to hiking green spaces, there are many free or inexpensive activities to do with your new friends abroad.
• Use student discounts: Many establishments, whether it be restaurants, bars, galleries, cinemas, exchange rate services, and more, cater to students by offering significant discounts.

Whichever free or cheap way you choose to study abroad, taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded to you is the best way to offset the cost. And, regardless of how much you spend, the memories you make overseas will be priceless!

Read more about studying abroad: 

• How to Budget for Study Abroad
• Everything You Need to Know About Student Loans for Study Abroad
• 10 Real Tips for Making Study Abroad the Best Time of Your Life
• Top Study Abroad FAQs: Costs, Requirements, and Program Options Explained