How much does it cost to study abroad?
It’s one of the first — and most important — questions students ask when planning an international education. While tuition is a major factor, it’s far from the only expense. The true cost of studying abroad includes a mix of visible and hidden costs like accommodation, transport, insurance, food, and even your phone bill.
In this guide, we’ll break down what you should expect, not just in tuition fees, but all the other essentials that can impact your budget. Whether you’re considering Europe, Asia, Africa, or Oceania, knowing what’s included will help you plan better and avoid surprises.
What the Cost to Study Abroad Covers
When asking how much it costs to study abroad, it’s just as important to ask what’s included in that cost. Tuition alone doesn’t cover everything — there are several extra expenses to consider. Here’s a breakdown of what those costs typically include, along with a few hidden ones you should budget for.
#1. University Administrative Fees
Even if tuition is free or low, most universities charge admin fees for enrollment, student cards, or materials. These usually range from €150–€250 per semester, and while small, they add up over time.
#2. Transport Costs
You’ll need to cover round-trip airfare unless your scholarship includes travel. Local transport costs also matter, especially if your accommodation is far from campus. Students usually get discounted fares, but commuting can take up time. Weekend trips and exploring nearby cities will also add to your budget.
#3. Accommodation
This is often your biggest monthly expense. On-campus housing is usually cheaper but limited. Renting a shared flat off-campus can be more flexible and budget-friendly. Living solo tends to cost more, so weigh your options carefully.
#4. Health and Travel Insurance
EU/EEA students can use the free EHIC card for basic healthcare. Others will need private insurance, especially if you’re staying 1–3 years. Plans can cost anywhere from €30/month to over €1,000/month, depending on coverage. Some scholarships or programs may include this, so check in advance.
#5. Food and Groceries
Your food budget will vary by country and lifestyle. In Europe, expect to spend about €175–€250/month on groceries. Cooking at home helps you save, and local markets usually offer lower prices. Some schools offer discounted meal plans or food coupons — use them!
#6. Books and Study Materials
Course materials can cost €200–€900 per year. Look for used books, e-books, or shared copies to cut costs. Some scholarships may also cover study materials — check if you’re eligible.
#7. Phone & Data
International phone use can lead to surprise bills. Avoid this by buying a local SIM card or sticking to free apps like WhatsApp and Skype. Always check your mobile plan before you travel to avoid unexpected roaming fees.
Study abroad costs go beyond tuition. From housing and flights to insurance and data plans, budgeting ahead will help you avoid financial surprises and fully enjoy your time abroad.
How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad By Region
Western Europe has long been the top choice for study abroad, offering familiarity and easy access. But beyond Europe lies a world of affordable, high-quality education options. In this guide, we’ll explore global regions with budget-friendly study destinations, including sample tuition, living costs, and flight estimates. Use these figures as a starting point—your lifestyle will affect how much more you’ll need.
Study Abroad in Africa
Africa isn’t one destination—it’s a vast continent with 54 unique countries, each offering different languages, cultures, and landscapes.
South Africa
With 12 official languages (including English), South Africa is rich in culture, wildlife, and scenic coastlines. It hosts top universities like the University of Cape Town, the University of Johannesburg, and Stellenbosch.
- Monthly cost of living (with rent): $900–$1,200
- Semester cost (direct enrollment, no housing): $2,000–$4,000
- Semester cost (with housing, third-party): $15,000–$19,500
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Cape Town): $800–$1,300
Ghana
Known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene, Ghana blends over 100 ethnic cultures with British colonial influence. Ideal for students studying textiles, pottery, or wood carving.
- Monthly cost of living (with rent): $500–$700
- Semester cost (direct enrollment, no housing): $2,500–$3,500
- Semester cost (with housing, third-party): $18,500–$19,850
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Accra): $1,200–$1,300
Study Abroad in Asia
Asia offers more than just language programs. With classes taught in English, you can earn credits while exploring unique cultures and traditions.
China
A land where ancient history meets cutting-edge innovation. Great for business students, history lovers, and cultural explorers.
- Monthly living (with rent): $850–$1,700
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $2,000–$7,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $7,500–$12,000
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Beijing): $1,000–$1,300
Japan
Known for its rich history, anime culture, amazing cuisine, and modern lifestyle, Japan offers something for everyone.
- Monthly living (with rent): $1,300–$2,200
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $1,500–$5,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $20,000–$26,000
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Tokyo): $1,100–$1,300
Study Abroad in Europe
Europe remains the most popular region for study abroad thanks to its mix of history, culture, and variety. From beaches to castles, it has something for every student.
Italy
Ideal for food, art, and culture lovers. Italy offers a Mediterranean lifestyle along with rich academics.
- Monthly living (with rent): $1,200–$1,700
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $1,500–$6,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $17,000–$21,300
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Rome): $550–$750
Spain
Famous for its warm weather, relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant culture. Many programs are in English too.
- Monthly living (with rent): $1,100–$1,500
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $1,500–$5,500
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $11,000–$14,500
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Madrid): $550–$650
France
Perfect for French learners and culture fans. Known for its food, fashion, and film scene.
- Monthly living (with rent): $1,300–$1,900
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $2,000–$7,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $12,000–$17,000
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Paris): $500–$700
Study Abroad in Central America
Central America might not top many study abroad lists, but it should. The region is close to the U.S., offers great Spanish immersion, and features safe, friendly destinations perfect for a first international experience.
Costa Rica
Known for its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica is full of natural beauty, wildlife, and laid-back cities.
- Monthly living (with rent): $1,100–$1,400
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $1,500–$3,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $8,500–$11,500
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–San Jose): $400–$500
Belize
A small country with big appeal for those interested in conservation, beaches, and wildlife. English is widely spoken, making it ideal for English or Spanish study.
- Monthly living (with rent): $800–$1,250
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $1,000–$3,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $18,000–$23,000
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Belize City): $450–$650
Study Abroad in South America
From the Amazon to the Andes, South America offers stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and diverse languages. It’s a great place to improve your Spanish or Portuguese while exploring both ancient sites and modern cities.
Argentina
Famous for tango, literature, and European-style cities like Buenos Aires. Perfect for students interested in art, culture, and urban life.
- Monthly living (with rent): $550–$750
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $200–$3,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $14,000–$17,500
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Buenos Aires): $1,000–$1,200
Brazil
Brazil offers vibrant culture, festive energy, and strong programs in Portuguese, environmental science, and economics.
- Monthly living (with rent): $700–$950
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $1,000–$5,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $7,000–$19,500
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–São Paulo): $900–$1,300
Study Abroad in the Middle East
While the region has faced challenges, there are still safe and rewarding study abroad destinations offering rich cultural and academic experiences.
Jordan
With over 100,000 historical and religious sites, Jordan is ideal for students of archaeology, Arabic, and Middle Eastern history. Visit Petra or float in the Dead Sea between classes.
- Monthly living (with rent): $800–$1,100
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $500–$2,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $18,000–$20,000
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Amman): $700–$1,200
Study Abroad in Oceania
Though it’s a long trip from the U.S., Oceania offers unforgettable island life, world-class education, and stunning natural beauty.
Australia
Perfect for students interested in the outdoors, conservation, or social justice. Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, beaches, and access to the Outback.
- Monthly living (with rent): $1,800–$2,900
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $10,000–$13,000
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $17,000–$23,500
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Sydney): $1,300–$1,900
New Zealand
A smaller neighbor with breathtaking landscapes—from coastlines to mountains. Great for students who love nature and adventure.
- Monthly living (with rent): $1,650–$2,050
- Semester (no housing, direct enrollment): $8,000–$12,500
- Semester (with housing, third-party): $15,500–$21,000
- Roundtrip flight (NYC–Christchurch): $1,950–$2,100
How to pay for study abroad
In budgeting for, and funding, your study abroad trip, the first thought that comes to your mind should be scholarships. Between those offered by universities, government organizations, not-for-profit enterprises, and other private foundations, there are literally thousands of grants and scholarships out there ready to be plucked up and put to use every year.
Study abroad for free: is it possible?
Believe it or not, some countries around the world provide post-secondary education free of charge to their citizens. So what about international students? Can they benefit from free university, too? Surprisingly, the answer is yes — but with a few caveats.
- Fees: while the degree program itself may be free, students will still need to pay fees. However, compared to the cost of a bachelor’s or master’s program in the US, you will be saving a bundle.
- Enrollment: in order to take advantage of the low price tag of overseas universities, students will need to enroll directly rather than using a third-party provider for their education.
- Language: countries with free university for international students do not have English as a native language. While many more universities are providing master’s degrees with instruction completely in English, you may have trouble finding full degrees at the bachelor’s level. However, if your plan is to only take a semester of classes, you’ll probably have less of an issue.
Where exactly can you study abroad for free or very low cost? Look to the following countries to start your search:
- Germany: fees per semester at public universities range between $100-$400 USD.
- Austria: students at public universities can expect to pay around $800 USD a semester in fees.
- Iceland: public universities do not charge tuition, but fees start from around $500 USD a year.
- Sweden: there are no tuition fees but it is estimated you’ll need around $800 USD a month to cover your living expenses.
- Norway: while public universities do not charge tuition, we should note that Norway is a notoriously expensive country to live in and students must show they have the funds to support themselves during their studies. Fees at public institutions start around $65.
Although many of these countries boast free tuition, their costs of living tend to be higher than in other countries. Weigh your options by considering both living and university costs to determine if studying abroad for free or cheap actually measures up.
FAQs: How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad?
What is the average total cost to study abroad for a semester?
The total cost typically ranges from $7,000 to $25,000 per semester, depending on the country, housing type, and whether you’re studying through direct enrollment or a third-party provider.
Does the cost of studying abroad include accommodation and meals?
It depends. Some programs include accommodation and meal plans in the total fee, especially third-party providers. However, direct enrollment usually only covers tuition, so housing, food, and daily expenses must be budgeted separately.
Are there hidden or overlooked costs I should prepare for?
Yes. Common extra costs include visa fees, travel insurance, daily transport, phone bills, health coverage, and course materials like books. These can add up quickly if you don’t plan ahead.
How can I reduce the cost of studying abroad?
You can save money by applying for scholarships, living with roommates, cooking your meals, using student discounts, and buying used books. Choosing countries with a lower cost of living also helps stretch your budget.
Is studying abroad more expensive than studying at home?
Not always. In some countries (especially in Europe or parts of Asia), tuition fees and living costs can be lower than in the U.S. or U.K. It depends on your destination and how you manage your spending.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is an incredible experience, but it comes with a price tag that goes beyond tuition. From flights and accommodation to insurance and groceries, every detail adds up. That’s why understanding how much it costs to study abroad is crucial for smart planning.
Remember, your total expenses will depend on where you go, how you live, and whether you’re funded through scholarships or out of pocket. But with the right preparation and budgeting, studying abroad can be both affordable and life-changing.
Still unsure what’s included in your study abroad costs? Don’t worry — we’ve got answers.
