Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the World for International Students in 2026

Studying abroad is a dream for millions of students, but the rising tuition costs in countries like the USA, UK, and Australia often make it challenging. The good news? Several globally recognised universities offer world-class education at very low or even zero tuition fees.

This guide highlights the Top 10 Affordable Universities in 2026, including tuition fees, admission requirements, top programs, and scholarship opportunities.

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the World – QS World Rankings 2026

Detailed Overview of the Top 10 Affordable Universities in the World (2026)

1. Charles University, Czech Republic

Founded in 1348, Charles University is among Europe’s oldest universities and offers 976 study programs across diverse fields.

Average Annual Fees

• UG: CZK 60,000–420,000 (₹2.5–17.8 Lakh)

• PG: CZK 60,000–420,000 (₹2.5–17.8 Lakh)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5

• TOEFL iBT: 83

Popular Programs

Medicine, Pharmacy, Philosophy, Theology, European Studies

Scholarships

• Visegrad Scholarship

• Erasmus+ Scholarship

• Development Scholarship

2. University of Warsaw, Poland

Known for its strong academic reputation and one of the largest Slavic language libraries in the world.

Average Annual Fees

• UG: PLN 5,400–19,000 (₹1.3–4.6 Lakh)

• PG: PLN 5,400–19,000 (₹1.3–4.6 Lakh)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 5.5

• TOEFL iBT: 72

Popular Programs

International Relations, Psychology, Mathematics, Cultural Studies

Scholarships

• Polish Government Scholarship

• University of Warsaw Merit Scholarship

• Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship

3. University of Würzburg, Germany

Germany is widely known for low-cost or tuition-free education. At Würzburg, students pay only a semester fee.

Fees

• UG/PG Semester Contribution: €168.50 (≈ ₹17,150)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5

• TOEFL iBT: 95

Popular Programs

Medicine, Law, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Scholarships

• DAAD Scholarship

• Bayer Foundation Scholarship

• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship

4. Florida State University, USA

Known for advanced scientific research and strong placement outcomes.

Average Annual Fees

• UG: $21,800 (≈ ₹18.9 Lakh)

• PG: $13,300–23,300 (≈ ₹11.1–20.4 Lakh)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5

• TOEFL iBT: 80

Popular Programs

Criminology, Psychology, Political Science, Business, IT, Public Health

Scholarships

• FSU Presidential Scholarship

• Bright Futures Scholarship

• National Merit Scholarship

5. University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia offers low tuition fees with high living standards.

Average Annual Fees

• UG: €3,800 (₹3.87 Lakh)

• PG: €4,700 (₹4.79 Lakh)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 5.5–6.5

• TOEFL iBT: 79

Top Programs

Engineering, Economics, Arts, Environmental Science, Pharmacy

Scholarships

• University of Ljubljana Merit Scholarship

• Zois Scholarship

• Ad Futura Scholarship

6. Brigham Young University, USA

A top choice for students seeking high-quality education at low American tuition fees.

Average Annual Fees

• UG: $3,300–6,800 (₹2.9–5.8 Lakh)

• PG: $4,200–8,400 (₹3.7–7.4 Lakh)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5

• TOEFL iBT: 80

Popular Programs

Business, Management, Education, Performing Arts

Scholarships

• BYU Presidential Scholarship

• Leadership Scholarship

7. University of Central Arkansas, USA

Known for its affordable and high-quality professional programs.

Average Annual Fees

• UG: $18,000 (₹15.8 Lakh)

• PG: $13,000 (₹11.4 Lakh)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 6.0

• TOEFL iBT: 61–83

Popular Programs

Education, Nursing, Computer Science, Creative Writing

Scholarships

• Academic Scholarship

• Foundation Scholarship

• Governor’s Scholarship

8. Brandon University, Canada

A top Canadian university with low tuition fees and small class sizes.

Average Annual Fees

• UG: CAD 6,000 (₹3.77 Lakh)

• PG: CAD 7,000 (₹4.39 Lakh)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5

• TOEFL iBT: 80

Top Programs

Music, Environmental Science, Psychology, Nursing

Scholarships

• Entrance Scholarship

• Manitoba Scholarship

• International Student Scholarship

9. Bucks New University, UK

Known for career-focused programs with affordable fee structure.

Average Annual Fees

• UG/PG: £15,500 (≈ ₹18.2 Lakh)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 6.0

• TOEFL iBT: 80

Popular Programs

Film & TV, Music Business, Nursing, MBA, Cyber Security

Scholarships

• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

• International Scholarship

10. University of Burgundy, France

A top research university offering affordable education in France.

Average Annual Fees

• UG: €170 (₹17,326)

• PG: €243–4,243 (₹24,762–4.32 Lakh)

English Requirements

• IELTS: 5.5

• TOEFL iBT: 65

Popular Programs

Biology, Economics, Engineering, Business, Neuroscience

Scholarships

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

• Burgundy Council Scholarship

• Erasmus Mundus

Admission Requirements to Study at the Cheapest Universities in the World

Although requirements differ by country, the most common include:

Academic Records

• 12th grade marksheet (for UG)

• Bachelor's degree (for PG)

English Proficiency

• IELTS: 5.5 to 6.5

• TOEFL iBT: 65 to 95

Passport & Identity Documents

Program-Specific Requirements

• SOP

• CV

• Portfolio (Design/Arts programs)

• Letters of Recommendation

Financial Proof

• Bank statements

• Scholarship documents

• Tuition payment receipts

Benefits of Studying at Affordable Universities

Lower Tuition Costs

Save lakhs while earning globally recognised degrees.

High-Quality Education

Many affordable universities rank globally for research and innovation.

Lower Living Expenses

Countries like Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia offer cheap accommodation and food.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Germany, Canada, Poland offer excellent PSW (Post-Study Work) pathways.

Easy Visa Approvals

Affordable universities often have high acceptance and straightforward visa processes.

How to Choose the Right Affordable University?

Use these strategic steps:

Check accreditation & global ranking
Compare tuition + living costs
Evaluate program structure
Check admission deadlines
Look for available scholarships
Review visa success rates
Consider post-study work rules

If you want to study at these affordable international universities, book your FREE consultation with Pacific Educational Consultant today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which university has the lowest fee in the world?

Charles University (Czech Republic) is one of the institutions with annual fees starting at ₹2.5 lakh.
Other affordable options include the University of Warsaw (Poland) and University of Würzburg (Germany).

Q2. What is the cheapest country to study in the world?

Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic offer low tuition fees and affordable living, making them top choices for budget-friendly education.

Q3. Which are the best universities with low fees?

• Charles University

• University of Warsaw

• University of Würzburg
  These universities offer strong research, global recognition, and low fees.

Q4. Which country has no university fees?

Germany and Norway offer tuition-free education in many public universities—students only pay small semester fees.

Q5. Which is the cheapest university to study?

Some of the cheapest include:

• Charles University

• University of Warsaw

• University of Würzburg

Conclusion

Choosing an affordable university does not mean compromising on quality. The universities listed above provide excellent academic standards, strong scholarships, and budget-friendly fee structures, making them ideal for Indian students planning to study abroad in 2026.