You want to study anywhere in the world, but you have a lean budget and high expectations? There is you and there are hundreds of thousands of international students like you. Keep reading.
In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 cheapest universities in different regions of the world. What are your options?
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Table of Contents
Studying in the US
Studying in U.S. is meeting a very interesting mix of cultures.
Getting an opportunity for undergrad or graduate program in the US of A will give you opportunities to know and learn about other cultures and share your culture with your international friends.
University life in American universities is not only about classes and tutorials but an extension of your personality. You may find a lot of exciting mediums to make friends and enjoy college life. Indulge in a pottery class and unleash your creativity. Join a dance club. Or if you are an aspiring writer, join the college magazine team. You will find many communication and social skills.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the USA
There are several opportunities for international students to study in the USA. There are several cheap U.S. universities for foreign students to select from. While selecting a cheap university, it is important to verify if it is approved, that it has programs that you are interested in, that it has an adequate cost of living, and that it provides some financial assistance to international students.
Below are the top ten cheap universities in the USA, these universities are ranked in no particular order;
1. California State University Dominguez Hills
California State University, Dominguez Hills is a public university in Carson, California. Found in 1960, the university is part of the California State University (CSU) system. The University offers 46 majors for a Bachelor’s degree, 23 different Master’s degrees, a variety of single, multi-subject, and specialized teaching credentials, and a number of undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate certificate programs within its five colleges. Various Scholarship programs are available at CSUDH.
2. University of the People
University of the People is the Education Revolution. The university is the first non-profit, tuition-free, American-accredited online university. The University offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration, Computer Science, and Health Science as well as master’s degree programs in Business Administration and Education.
3. California State University
The California State University is a public university system in California. The CSU has a total of 17 AACSB accredited graduate business schools which is over twice as many as any other collegiate system. CSU offers more than 1,800 degree programs in some 240 subject areas.
4. Lehman City College University
Lehman College, a senior college of The City University of New York, is located on a tree-lined 37-acre campus. With more than 15,000 students and a wide range of academic offerings, Lehman prides itself on its excellent faculty and its ability to empower, engage and educate its students.
5. University of Texas-Pan American
The University of Texas-Pan American is a state university located in Edinburg, Texas. Founded in 1927, it is a component institution of the University of Texas System. The university offers a wide variety of degrees spanning seven colleges. Currently, there are 56 bachelor’s degrees, 56 master’s degrees, three doctoral degrees, and two cooperative doctoral programs.
6. Elizabeth State University
Elizabeth City State University is a public, historically black college located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. ECSU offers 28 baccalaureate degrees and four master’s degrees. ECSU also offers special programs that appeal to various interests and fields of study, including the honors program (for high-achieving students), military science, study abroad, and Viking Fellows for education majors.
7. Haskell Indian Nations University
Haskell Indian Nations University is a federally run tribal university in Lawrence, Kansas. Enrollment at the campus is nearly 1,000 students per semester, representing approximately 140 Tribal nations and Alaska Native communities. Haskell offers associate of arts (AA) degrees in a variety of fields, including Communication Studies, Liberal Arts, and Media Communication. The school also offers associate of science (AS) degrees in Community Health, Natural Sciences, and Recreation Fitness Management.
8. Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Louisiana State University Shreveport is a public university in Shreveport, Louisiana. LSUS offers 21 undergraduate programs, 12 Master’s degrees, and one Doctoral degree. AACSB-International accredits all of LSUS’s business degrees. LSUS offers several night courses, catering to its non-traditional student population, and it offers online courses, including four 100% online master’s degrees.
9. Texas A&M International University
Texas A&M International University is an international university, poised at the Gateway to Mexico and serving as the cultural and intellectual hub of a vibrant multilingual and multicultural community. The University offers a range of baccalaureate and master’s programs and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in International Business. Programs focus on developing undergraduate and graduate offerings with a progressive international agenda for global study and understanding across all disciplines.
10. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public college in Goodwell, Oklahoma. The 3 colleges that offer associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in such areas as history, education, business, and nursing make up the university. OPSU’s agriculture-related degree programs produce valued and competent graduates who are qualified to work in the region’s many bovine, equine, swine, and farming-related industries.
Why Study in the USA
The U.S. higher education gives students diverse choices depending on their preferences and desires. At the undergraduate level, students will select various courses until they declare their intention to be majors at the end of the second year. This offers students flexibility and chances to pursue their desires. There is a claim that American society is the epitome of equality, leisure, and prosperity, and this is very real.
When a student wants to attend an American institution, it brings a lot of excitement and independence from the term. Additionally, there is the claim that if a student steps foot on American soil, they continue to imbibe the culture that the US of A carries with its identity.
Studying in Canada
Canadian college and university degrees have worldwide acceptance. The Canadian educational program promotes cross-disciplinary research and the creation of transferable skills (e.g. critical thinking, teamwork, and communication) and using state-of-the-art technologies and interactive media.
Canada boasts an admirable standard of life, with lower living costs (e.g. accommodation, transportation, and schooling) than in many nations, such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, and promises freedom, stability, and reverence for the rights of individuals and societies.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Canada
Here are the top 10 cheapest universities in Canada:
1. Brandon University, Canada
Brandon University is a university based in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, with an enrollment of 3662 (2018) full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, the university is one of the major liberal arts and technology universities in Canada. Brandon University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1 and sixty percent of its courses with less than 20 students.
2. Université de Saint-Boniface
The Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is a French-language public university located in the Saint Boniface suburb of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Université de Saint-Boniface offers both university and technical and professional programs as well as continuing education courses. Additionally, the research conducted at Université de Saint-Boniface garners international recognition and focuses especially on areas closely related to the university, such as health and Francophone and Métis identity.
3. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The University of Guelph ranks 4th in Canada in Maclean’s “University Rankings 2018” in the Comprehensive category, which includes universities that conduct a significant degree of research and offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The university offers more than 90 majors in 13 degree programs and 63 open learning/distance education opportunities;
4. Canadian Mennonite University
Canadian Mennonite University is a Christian university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. CMU offers comprehensive university education within a dynamic and diverse Christian community. Interdisciplinary interaction, experiential learning, and quality connection distinguish its exemplary academic studies across the arts and sciences students and faculty. Furthermore, Quality learning offered uniquely in a small, nationally recognized university, Intentional inter-disciplinary connections, and Academic study within vibrant community life characterises education at CMU.
5. Memorial University of Newfoundland
The Memorial University of Newfoundland, also known as Memorial University, is a university based in St. John’s, with four satellite campuses. Memorial has seven faculties (Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, and Science) and six Schools (Graduate Studies, Music, Pharmacy, Human Kinetics, Recreation, and Social Work). These offer a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Furthermore, research at Memorial University spans six faculties and six schools on the St. John’s campus, three schools on Grenfell Campus, and three schools at the Marine Institute, covering a broad range of basic, interdisciplinary, and applied research topics.
6. University of Northern British Columbia
The University of Northern British Columbia is a small, research-intensive university. The main campus is located in Prince George, British Columbia. Additionally, the UNBC First Nations Centre provides support services for Aboriginal students, including bringing in elders, counseling, and events such as talking circles and sweat lodges.
7. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The university offers 250 programs in post-secondary education awarding bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees. The University of Calgary has developed a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
8. Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada, with three campuses. Additionally, the university’s research performance gains attention in several bibliometric university rankings, which use citation analysis to evaluate the impact a university has on academic publications. Lastly, the university’s varsity sports teams are called the Simon Fraser Clan, and the mascot is a Scottish terrier named McFogg the Dog.
9. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is a Canadian public research university, founded on March 19, 1907, and located on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Additionally, the University of Saskatchewan offers a wide variety of programs and courses. Agriculture and Bioresearches, Arts and Science, Biotechnology, Edwards School of Business, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Nutrition, Physical Therapy, and Veterinary Medicine.
10. Carleton University
Carleton University is a public comprehensive university in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The University of Carleton is a mid-sized comprehensive and research-intensive public university and is part of several pan-institutional bodies, including Universities Canada and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Why Study in Canada
Canada is a massive country: its surface area is 14 times greater than that of France. It provides a multitude of majestic ecosystems that students can enjoy during the four distinct seasons of the world. From the coast to the lakes, meadows, and trees, Canada is an infinite source of natural beauty! Very few countries offer the privileges of Canada to international students. Its universities, one of the strongest in the world, are at the core of its vibrant and diverse culture.
Studying in Australia
Studying overseas – particularly in a country as far away as Australia – always entails a big move out of your comfort zone, pushing you to acquire new skills and become independent. With the student aid that Australian universities empower, you will grow emotional intelligence and graduate with a whole new faith in yourself.
Furthermore, Australia is not only the third most popular destination for international students in the world, but it is also host to 7 of the top 100 universities in the world – not bad for a country with a population of only 24.1 million. Combined with a widely regarded Australian degree, you’ll be ready to go to any space – or job interview – with your head kept high.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Australia
Below are the top ten cheap universities in Australia, note that their ranks are in no particular order;
1. University of Queensland
Queensland University is a public research university in the capital city of Queensland, Brisbane. It is one of the leading Australian universities, ranking 48th among the world’s most prestigious universities.
2. University of Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast University is in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland. It can be classified as one of Australia’s cheap universities in terms of UG and PG programs in business, IT and tourism, communication education, etc.
3. University of Canberra
Canberra University is a public institution in Bruce, Canberra. It is one of Australia’s cheap universities providing UG and PG programs in school, science and technology, health, arts, and design, etc.
4. Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University is an Australian public university providing a broad variety of higher education and technical programs and training courses and flexible learning opportunities both on-campus and online.
5. Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University is an Australian national university with branches in New South Wales and at the edge of the Gold Coast. This university is popular for its MBA programs and gets 4 out of 5 stars from the Australian Graduate Management Association.
6. Australian Catholic University
Australian Catholic University is an Australian public university with seven campuses all over Australia, including Rome. This is one of Australia’s cheap universities providing master’s, graduate, and bachelor’s degrees in four departments.
7. Victoria University
The University of Victoria is a public institution in Melbourne, Australia. Apart from standard Master’s and Bachelor’s classes, this university also offers TAFE (Technology and Further Education) programs.
8. University of New England
The University of New England is a public university whose primary campus is in New South Wales. The University of New England is famous for being one of Australia’s best universities in terms of study across many other programs. Every year, this institution gives $5 million in scholarships, grants, and awards to new and continuing students.
9. James Cook University
This is a public university in North Queensland, Australia. And also has a campus in Brisbane, which offers education to international students at a reasonable cost, predominantly in the fields of marine sciences, ecology, sustainable conservation of tropical habitats, genetics and genomics, tropical health care, tourism, and engineering.
10. Griffith University
This is a public research university in the southeast of Queensland. This university is made up of more than 44,000 students across both campuses which implied that GU became one of Australia’s inexpensive universities.
Additionally, Griffith University offers programs in the areas of business and administration, criminology and law, education, infrastructure and computer technology, climate, design, architecture, health, humanities and languages, culture, research, aviation, etc.
Why Study in Australia
Most international students chose to study there because of their cultural diversity, their welcoming locals, and their high standard of education. Australian universities offer a broad range of courses and degrees, making it easier for foreign students to choose the best school and sector for them. The first choice international students have to make while considering a degree program is to appeal best to their desires and interests. Students may select between colleges, technical schools,s and training in English. If required, it is simple for students to transfer from one qualification stage to another.
Studying in Europe
Every year more than 1.4 million students come from all over the world to study in Europe and the figure is increasing every year. With 1000s of world- universities, academic centers, and higher-education agencies, Europe is the place to be. In Europe, you are at the center of a multicultural community with a passion for learning. What makes European universities so good is the focus on imagination, excellence, and encouragement – allowing you to fulfill your true potential. Europe is a warm, fun environment for students from all over the world. European universities and colleges provide assistance and social opportunities to make you feel at home and satisfied.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Europe
1. Scuola Normale Superiore University, Pisa Italy
Scuola Normale Superiore is one of the finest universities in Italy and one of the best in all of Europe. The school has three primary programs for undergraduate students: humanities, technology, and political science. The Humanities Institute offers specializations on subjects such as paleography, natural history, archaeology, contemporary fiction, and linguistic theory.
2. Sant’ Anna University, Pisa Italy
This university has two primary programs: experimental and computational sciences and social sciences. Although several classes are taught in English, you’re going to need to learn a fair amount of Italian to study here. It’s worth the extra work to master the language! This school is free of charge, so it would pay the living costs as well. You’re going to enjoy living and attending school in Pisa, all for free! This university is the ideal choice to help you study abroad in Europe free of charge.
3. Free University of Berlin, Berlin Germany
It’s safe to enroll at the Prestigious University of Berlin, you know it! You’re going to be liable for daily expenses, such as rent and food. In Berlin, the cost of living is around 700 Euros a month, just under 800 dollars a month! That’s sort of a good bargain for such a fantastic university.
Additionally, this institution is indeed one of the inexpensive universities in Europe that teach English. They offer a Bachelor of Arts degree with classes taught in English. This school in Berlin is preparing you to have lots of design trips abroad!
4. University of Göttingen, Göttingen Germany
The University of Göttingen is just another free university in Europe for international students! This university has programs in the areas of arts, natural sciences, law, and social sciences, some of which are in English! It is also home to one of the biggest libraries in Germany.
5. RWTH Aachen University, Aachen Germany
RWTH Aachen University focuses on architecture, geo-resources, and materials technologies. All bachelor’s classes are offered in German, and you’ll need a reasonable level of fluency to attend school here.
6. Nord University, Bodo Norway
As a public-funded Norwegian university, Nord University does not charge any tuition. The only catch is that, as a non-EU resident, you are expected to show that you have the resources to sustain yourself in Norway for a year in order to gain a visa to study there. Currently, the cost of living in Norway for a year is about $13,000. Although this is a little more than any of the other costs of living on our chart, Nord University’s experience is worth it.
Furthermore, Nord University is one of the inexpensive colleges in Europe that teach English. The classes taught in English include Circumpolar Studies, 3D Graphics, Animation, Computer and Interactive Technologies, Biology, and Language.
7. Nantes University, Nantes France
When France calls your name, then Nantes University has an adventure education abroad for you. Additionally, Nantes University provides a broad variety of programs taught in English: ecology and earth science; global languages, literature, and cultures and societies; and European and international studies.
8. University of Athens, Athens Greece
This is the oldest university in all of Greece! Their educational programs vary from dentistry and music studies, addition to medicine, moral science, and theatre arts. You’ll love going to school in the center with Greek columns and sculptures. Additionally, the city of Athens has Greek ruins scattered all over the area; you’ll have plenty to explore and see when you’re traveling to Greece.
9. University of Crete, Crete Greece
No public university in Greece imposes fees for EU graduates, and the University of Crete does not demand any fees for foreign students. The core programs include psychology, culture, social sciences, health and technology, and engineering.
Additionally, you may be learning philosophy in Greece, the birthplace of philosophy! All classes at this university are conducted in Greek, but there is also a wide international population of English speakers.
10. University of Basel, Basel Switzerland
Founded in 1460, Basel University is the oldest university in Switzerland. It is also one of the oldest remaining universities in the world. Plus, its library is the biggest of its kind in the country. Not to mention, this is one of the cheapest universities in Europe. The university is host to a variety of varied disciplines, including religion, law, pharmacy, humanities and social sciences, technology, psychology, industry, and economics.
Why Study in Europe
Europe is indeed a continent abundant with heritage with a plethora of visitor attractions. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Eiffel Tower, the Huge Ben, the Coliseum, and the Spanish Steps are only a few must-see sights in Europe, many of which are readily accessible while you research in Europe. Aside from providing a lot of world-class universities that provide education for the most part at an affordable cost, Europe still has a decent quality of life for undergraduate students, with most countries in Europe offering a range of student discounts on cinema tickets, accommodation, shopping, and restaurants. These benefits also help degree-level students enjoy a good standard of life and allow them to go out and explore life outside studying, whilst paying a cheaper price.
Studying in Asia
Asian universities have recently risen to the world’s highest university ranks. With several of the world’s largest corporations located in Asian nations, business schools in larger cities, in particular, offer high-quality education. Similarly, both mainstream public and private universities have increased considerably in the university rankings, with many Asian nations investing strongly in higher education.
Going to university in Asia is something the students will remember for the remainder of their lives. New friendships, and journeys together with these new faces — sometimes people end up falling in love with Asia and they can travel there permanently! And if you don’t end up studying in Asia, you can go home not only with new skills gained and friends made but also with a heart full of memories of experiences that you might never have seen otherwise.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Asia
1. Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
This University was established in 1967 and it stands to be the largest university in southern Thailand. The Prince of Songkla University is the first university to be established in the southern region of Thailand. This prestigious University recognizes international students as well as provides cheap tuition fees.
2. Hankuk University, Seoul South Korea
Located in Seoul, South Korea, Hankuk University is a private research university that was founded in 1954. The University is recognized as the best private research University in South Korea especially in foreign language and social sciences. The University is also known for the really inexpensive education that it offers to international students while not regarding its’ high standard of education.
3. Shanghai University, Shanghai China
Commonly referred to as SHU, Shanghai University was founded in 1922 as a public research University. Over the years the university has gained a reputation for being the leading research university in all of China. With a variety of programs to select from, Shanghai University is a comprehensive university that offers programs such as engineering, Science, Liberal Arts, fine arts, law, history, management, economics, and business.
4. Siam University, Bangkok Thailand
Siam University is a non–profit private higher education institution that was founded in 196 and is located in the urban setting of Bangkok. The university is officially accredited and recognized by the Ministry of higher education, research, innovation, and Science in Thailand. Currently, Siam University has over 400 international students from more than 15 countries enrolled in the last academic session. The university has its arm open to international students.
5. Shih Chien University, Taiwan
Shih Chien University is a privately owned University located in Taiwan. This University was established in 1958. Undoubtedly, Shih Chien University is recognized as one of the top-ranking universities in Taiwan and the world. The University has been recognized for its excellence in design by alumni of international students. Students who have chosen to pursue their master’s in Industrial Design will rest assured of the best standard of education, coupled with the fact that the University is friendly and the tuition is quite cheap.
6. Udayana University, Bali Indonesia
Udayana University is a public University which is located in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. The University was established on the 29th of September 1962. International students who are willing to continue their studies in Bali, Indonesia will have the opportunity to study in the first university established in the Bali province. The university is known for its international reputation as well as its cheap and affordable tuition fee amidst its interesting cultural diversity.
7. Kasetsart University, Bangkok
Located in Bangkok, Thailand, Kasetsart University is a public research University. Interestingly the University is the first Agricultural University in Thailand and holds the record of being the oldest and best University in Thailand. Kasetsart University was established on the 2nd of February 1943. The University is a prestigious university that is open to international students and it is regarded as one of the cheapest universities in South East Asia. The University also has a reputation for its high academic record.
8. Undiknas University, Bali Indonesia
This is a private university that is located in the beautiful province of Bali, Thailand. Undiknas University was established on the 17th of February 1969. The university has a reputation for its international standards. The city of Bali is such a beautiful and culturally friendly environment for international students. The University of Undiknas opens its warm arms to international students by providing affordable and quality education.
9. Warmadewa University, Bali Indonesia
Warmadewa University is a private university located in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia and it was established on the 17th of July 1984. The University is officially accredited and recognized by the Kementerian Riset, Teknologi, dan Pendidikan Tinggi, Republik Indonesia (Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia).
Additionally, the University of Warmadewa is an internationally friendly university, recognized for its generally affordable tuition fee and the school has a welcoming environment that is combined with the vast cultural activities that spice up the social life of students in the school.
10. University of Putra, Selangor Malaysia
Putra University was ranked 159th in the best university in the world category by Quacquarelli Symonds in 2020. The University was also ranked 34th best University in Asia and came 2nd in the whole of Malaysia. Additionally, the university has earned the reputation of being internationally recognized as well as having a friendly environment for international students. The University was founded and officially instituted on the 21st of May 1931. Today, the University of Putra is recognized as Malaysia’s leading research University.
Why study in Asia
In Asia, Universities are a lot cheaper, which means you will get more bang for your dollar. Compared to travel costs in the United States or the United Kingdom, you will actually be willing to study for a full degree course in Asia at a year’s price in the United States or the United Kingdom and still have some room left over for lodging! This ensures you’re going to have more money to spend on entertainment.
Additionally, when studying abroad in Asia, you have the chance to make new friends with the typically hospitable locals and create a solid network both within and outside your school. Many such associations will bloom into long-lasting relationships, enriching your life both professionally and personally.
In conclusion, contrary to popular belief, there are many if not thousands of cheap universities with quality education located in the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. These Universities accept international students from almost any country.
They offer various programs you can select from. These Universities are located in some of the most beautiful cities around the world. It is possible to actually go to school in any location of your choice, getting the best education without breaking the bank.
