European Universities are some of the most popular destinations for international students. Many benefits come with studying in Europe, in particular, the ability to easily travel between a huge number of different nations due to the Schengen Area and rail network. Even so, it can be costly to live and study in Europe. In this article, we will discuss some of the costs of studying and living in Europe.
Cost of Studying in Europe
Europe is home to many of the world’s best universities. However, with many different countries on the continent, the cost of studying in Europe may vary greatly. In some countries, such as Norway, universities are nearly free. On the other hand, universities in the UK can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year. Below are just some examples of the differences in tuition fees across Europe:
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences: A 470 Kroner fee per semester (approximately 53 USD).
- The University of Manchester: Between 20,000 and 47,000 pounds per year (Between 26,245 and 61,677 USD).
- University College Dublin: Between 20,500 and 56,790 euros per year (Between 22,570 and 62,526 USD).
- Aalto University: 12,000 euros or 13,267 dollars per year for a bachelor’s degree.
- Charles University: around 6,250 euros per year.
As you can see, there is a wide range between the most and least expensive universities on the continent. However, there are other costs that international students have to consider when studying in Europe, which we will discuss below.
Cost of Living in Europe
1. London
London is one of the most cosmopolitan and exciting cities in the world. However, London is also one of the most expensive in terms of cost of living. For students, it can be difficult to live in the city without aid or plenty of savings.
Rent is one of the largest costs for students in London. A one-bedroom apartment in the city can cost up to 2,200 pounds per month. In dollars, this is over 2,800 per month. Childcare is also famously expensive. For one month of private preschooling, you can expect to pay around 1,475 pounds or over 1,900 dollars. As well as these costs, public transportation in London costs a lot of money. For example, a monthly pass in London costs, on average, 150 pounds sterling.
2. Copenhagen
While one of Europe’s most charming cities, Copenhagen is also one of the most expensive. According to The Local, a Danish newspaper, Copenhagen is one of the top ten most expensive cities in the world.
There are several reasons for this high cost of living. Childcare, for example, is costly in the city. To attend an international primary school, you would have to pay over 65,000 Danish Kroner per year. This amounts to over 9,600 USD per year. Utilities in Copenhagen are also much more expensive than in other cities. On average, utilities cost around 1,305 Danish Kroner per month. Another cost international students must account for is rent. Rent in Copenhagen can cost between 7,500 and 14,000 Kroner per month, or between 1,100 and 2,070 USD.
3. Prague
Historically, Prague has been the center of European culture, with many of the greatest artists studying and practicing in the city.
Compared to the cost of living in other cities in Europe, Prague is quite affordable. Rent, for example, is much lower in Prague than in cities like Berlin. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs between 15,000 and 25,000 Czech Koruna. In USD, rent is between 678 and 1,130 dollars per month. Clothing in Prague can vary quite drastically – for example, a pair of men’s business shoes can cost between 1,500 and 3,500 Czech korun or a range of 67 and 158 USD. Leisure in Prague is, on the other hand, surprisingly expensive. A fitness club membership costs between 500 and 2,000 korun for a month.
4. Vienna
Another of Europe’s cultural hubs, Vienna is one of the best places in Europe for international students. The city is famous for the many talented musicians, such as Mozart and Beethoven, that made it their home.
While Vienna is not the most expensive city to live in, several costs come with living in the city that international students should keep in mind. Firstly, eating at a restaurant in Vienna can cost significantly more than in other Central European cities like Prague. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant usually costs around 50 euros but can cost as much as 80 euros. Public transport, by comparison, is much more affordable. It costs only 50 euros for a monthly pass, giving you access to the city’s extensive public transport network. Finally, rent is one of the major costs you will have to deal with while living in Vienna. Even so, rent in the city center usually costs between 700 and 1,500 euros per month, much lower than in cities such as London.
5. Berlin
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is one of the most culturally rich cities on the continent. The city is also home to several excellent universities, such as the Berlin Institute of Technology, and the Free University of Berlin. These universities, as well as the beauty of the city itself, attract thousands of international students to the city every year.
Compared to other European cities, the cost of living in Berlin is quite affordable. Rent in Berlin is notably lower than in other capitals, costing between 780 and 1,500 Euro per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. Utilities, on the other hand, can become quite expensive. Prices range between 180 and 600 euros per month or between 198 and 660 USD. Finally, while public transport is excellent, it is not cheap – a monthly pass costs around 84 euros on average.
In conclusion, while there are many great universities in Europe for international students, it is still expensive to study in Europe. This is due not only to the sometimes exorbitant tuition fees but also because of the high cost of living in many of Europe’s major cities.
We hope this article on the cost of living and studying in Europe was informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
