Top 10 Cheap Universities in the World 2025

There are a lot of factors that come into play that influence a student's decision while selecting a study destination. The cost of tuition and living is another major factor in deciding the college and country. Due to expensive fees and lack of knowledge about the cheapest universities in the world, they drop their dream to study abroad.

Easy access to education loans and a variety of scholarships have made studying abroad more accessible for Indian students. Still, many students abandon their dream of getting an overseas education due to a lack of information about scholarships, grants, and access to various monetary benefits, etc. As of 2024, 1.3 million students are studying abroad, and this number is projected to reach 2 million in 2025.

It is true that studying at top universities in the world is expensive.  However, many institutions offer high-quality education at affordable or even no tuition fees. Some of them are located in top study destinations like USA, UK, Canada and more. By the end of this article, you'll be well informed to make informed decisions.

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the World

Here is the list of cheapest universities in the world, where you can get quality education at a lower tuition fee. Some of the below, mentioned universities are free and do not charge a single penny as tuition fee.

Source: Shiksha Study Abroad

Why are These Universities Affordable?

There are multiple factors which directly affect the overall cost of studying in a university. Here we have mentioned some of them:

1. Government Subsidy: Many of these universities receive a decent amount of money as government funding. Due to this, these universities can reduce their tuition fee. For example; in India, there are IITs, IIMs and other government institutes.
2. Public University Model: Many of these universities are public institutions, which often have lower tuition fees compared to private universities.
3. Government Policies: There are many countries in the world where you can study abroad for free such as Germany, Norway, Finland and more. Countries have implemented policies to attract international students, including offering affordable education.

Other than this, the cost of living is an important factor to consider. Many countries have less expensive living costs in comparison to other popular study-abroad destinations.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Studying Abroad

The overall cost of studying includes tuition fees, cost of living and other expenses. A Student needs to maintain a fixed amount to cover the expenses. Let's understand important factors which directly affect overall study costs while studying abroad:

1. Tuition Fees: The major part of a total study abroad budget goes for tuition fees. Having low or no tuition fees can significantly reduce the financial burden of a student.
2. Cost of Living: Higher living costs can increase the overall budget and reduce the financial savings from lower tuition fees.
3. Currency Exchange Rates: Currency exchange rates can significantly impact the overall cost of studying abroad. Fluctuations in exchange rates can affect the price of tuition, accommodation, food, and other expenses.
4. Scholarship: Getting a scholarship to finance your dream of studying abroad is no less than a boon. It significantly reduces your expenses.

Top 5 Cheapest Universities in the USA

The average cost of studying in the USA is somewhere around USD 50,000 annually for top colleges. Also, the cost fluctuates while pursuing different courses. This amount is only the cost of studying and not living expenses. Here we have mentioned some of the cheapest universities in USA:

Related Reads:

• Cost of Living in USA

Top 5 Cheapest Universities in UK

The average cost of studying in the UK is between GBP 11,000 and GBP 26,000 for UG courses and nearly GBP 13,000 for PG courses. This is only a class-based tuition fee and does not include any other amount. Here we have mentioned some of the cheapest universities in UK:

Related Reads:

• Cost of Living in UK

Top 5 Cheapest Universities in Canada

The cost of studying in Canada for Indian students varies based on the program and institution. For undergraduate programs, students should budget between CAD 15,700 and CAD 53,538 annually. For postgraduate programs, the annual budget typically ranges from CAD 9,364 to CAD 45,800. Here we have mentioned some of the cheapest universities in Canada:

Related Reads:

• Cost of Living in Canada
• Cost of Living in Toronto Canada

Studying abroad is a dream for many, but the high costs often deter students. With careful planning and extensive research, it's possible to find affordable options at top-tier universities worldwide. Remember to consider factors like the cost of living, currency exchange rates, and scholarship opportunities when making your decision. By exploring countries like Germany, the USA, the UK, and Canada, you can easily find university options that suit your preferences and budget. 

 For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.