10 of the Most Affordable Study Abroad Programs in the World

There’s so much to consider when planning to go overseas for school. You want to pick a destination that interests you, find a program that aligns with your educational pursuits, and most importantly, explore opportunities that are within your budget.

Studying abroad can truly enrich your time in college. While these experiences are priceless, they do come with a price tag. It’s crucial to pick a study abroad program that not only helps accelerate your educational and career path but also matches up with your financial needs. Below, you’ll find 10 of the most affordable study abroad programs from around the world.

Also Read: How to Study Abroad for Free or Cheap

In this article, we've looked exclusively at the tuition cost for studying abroad at various programs around the world. All of these study abroad programs are what's called "direct enrollment" programs. This means you'll enroll directly with the university, and pay your tuition and fees to the overseas university. You'll often pay a lot less if you choose a direct enrollment program, which is great if you're looking for budget-friendly ways to make your study abroad dreams a reality.

This is different from a "third-party provider" study abroad program, where the provider will help you enroll, handle your tuition and fee payments, help you find housing, and often provide social and extracurricular activities. As you might guess, third-party providers are usually more expensive because they offer these extra services.

You can find more info about the difference between direct enrollment and third-party study abroad providers, as well as the perks of direct enrollment and the perks of third-party providers.

Read on to learn about some of the most affordable study abroad options on Go Overseas, and links to reviews for each program.

Located 118 miles northeast of London, Norwich is a charming British city with loads to explore. Offering semester- or year-long programs, the University of East Anglia is an idyllic place to spend your time studying abroad. After class, join fellow students in exploring nearby Norwich Cathedral or dive into local history around Tombland.

Studying information technology, graphic design, or digital media? Unitec Institute of Technology is the perfect place to stoke your passion for learning and immerse yourself in quintessential New Zealand culture. Outside the classroom, enjoy natural wonders like local beaches, or manmade marvels, such as the city’s iconic Sky Tower.

Pursuing a degree in business? Take your ambitions to Spain, where you can continue your pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in International Business at Schiller International University. With a diverse body of students and a focus on developing real-world skills, you’ll leave Schiller International with new knowledge and an expansive network of friends and scholars.

Study abroad on the island of Tasmania off the south coast of Australia, and you’ll find a bevy of exciting opportunities at the University of Tasmania. Not only will your classes be compelling, but nature lovers will thrive here amidst the stunning forests, oceans, and national marine parks that are accessible from the island.

Align your studies abroad with your degree and take a trip to the Emerald Isle. Known as a university town, Maynooth University is located in Ireland’s County Kildare. Just 16 miles outside of Dublin, Maynooth is brimming with students and local landmarks like Castletown House and The Wonderful Barn. Discover the vibrant culture of Ireland while pursuing your studies.

Offering classes taught in English as well as free Chinese classes and internship opportunities, the University of Nottingham in Ningbo, China is an exceptional choice for those looking to study in Asia. With on-campus housing and programs provided by one of the leading universities in the UK, students would be remiss to not learn more about this program.

Picturing yourself poring over a notebook while devouring an authentic pizza? Studying overseas at Lorenzo de' Medici could be right for you. Located in the heart of Florence, this immersive program will expose you to contemporary subjects and classic Italian culture.

Australian Catholic University’s study abroad program puts a strong emphasis on small class sizes to foster closer collaboration between instructors and students. Offering extensive courses as well as an abundance of off-site field trips, this is a great program for anyone looking to discover Australia.

At the cultural heart of Germany, Berlin is brimming with artistic and historic sites to explore. At the epicenter of your explorations will be an enriching program lead by 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.

Head to the land of leprechauns and folklore by reserving your spot at University College Cork. Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, and students will be surrounded by the area’s natural beauty in addition to the vibrant local culture.

All of the above programs made our list because they are both affordable and have reviews you can read to learn more about what past students thought of each program.

In addition to these programs, there are several others we wanted to mention. Some of these cost more than these ten; others have only a few reviews from alumni so far. If you didn't see an affordable study abroad program you love on the list above, maybe you'll find it here!

• Northumbria in England: $7,249 (2019)
• University of Haifa International School in Israel: $7,000 (2019)
• Massey University in Ireland: $8,235 (2019)
• University of the Arts London in England: $8,600 (2019)
• University of New South Wales in Australia: $8,875 (2019)
• University of Otago in New Zealand: $9,230 (2019)
• Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland: $9,660 (2019)

Studying abroad can enhance your college life immeasurably. You’ll make friends from around the world, deepen your understanding of another culture, and further your progress toward your degree.

Before committing to a study abroad program, find out what your options are for funding your semester abroad. Many programs offer loans and scholarships to qualifying students. Speak with a counselor from your university or contact a representative from your prospective program to access additional resources. Finding an overseas educational program that’s right for you includes making sure you’re making wise financial choices.

This article was originally published in August 2014, and was updated in May 2019.