Are you dreaming of pursuing your master’s degree abroad but worried about the hefty price tags? Fear not! In this blog, we’ve got you covered with the top 7 cheapest study abroad destinations for your masters. Best part? These destinations are not only cheap but are extremely unique.
Get ready to explore these incredible locations that offer high-quality education without breaking the bank. And hey, who said studying abroad can’t be an adventure filled with laughter and excitement? We’ll make sure to sprinkle some fun along the way. So, grab your virtual passport, pack your sense of humour, and let’s dive into the cheapest study abroad options for your masters in 2023!
1. Budget-Friendly Bliss: Bangkok, Thailand
Budget to study in Thailand
Bangkok offers a relatively low cost of living, with average monthly expenses ranging from $500 to $800. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. Tuition fees for master’s programs in Bangkok can range from $2,500 to $7,500 per year, depending on the university and program.
Duration
Master’s programs in Bangkok typically have a duration of one to two years, depending on the field of study and the university’s curriculum.
Postgraduate scholarships in Thailand
- Royal Thai Government Scholarships
- Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology Scholarships
- Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Scholarships
2. Wallet-Wise Wonder: Warsaw, Poland
Budget to study in Poland
Warsaw is known for its affordable cost of living. On average, students can expect to spend around $600 to $900 per month, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the university and program, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 per year.
Duration
Masters programs in Warsaw generally have a duration of one to two years, depending on the specific program and academic requirements.
Postgraduate scholarships in Poland
- Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) Scholarships
- Visegrad Scholarship Program
- Erasmus+ Scholarships
3. Most affordable study destination in Europe: Lisbon, Portugal
Budget to study in Portugal
Lisbon offers a relatively moderate cost of living compared to other European capitals. Students can expect to spend approximately $700 to $1,000 per month on expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Tuition fees for international students in Portugal range from $2,500 to $6,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
Duration
Master’s programs in Lisbon typically last for one to two years, depending on the field of study and the university’s curriculum structure.
Postgraduate scholarships in Portugal
- Portuguese Government Scholarships (Bolsas de Estudo)
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Scholarships
4. Thrifty Treasure: Budapest, Hungary
Budget to study in Hungary
Budapest is renowned for its affordable cost of living. Students can anticipate spending around $600 to $900 per month, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and other living expenses. Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the university and program, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per year.
Duration
Masters programs in Budapest generally have a duration of one to two years, depending on the specific program and academic requirements.
Postgraduate scholarships in Hungary
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program
- Central European University (CEU) Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Scholarships
5. Cost-Conscious Charm: Sofia, Bulgaria
Budget to study in Bulgaria
Sofia offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals. Students can expect to spend around $400 to $700 per month on expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. Tuition fees for international students in Bulgaria range from $1,000 to $4,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
Duration
Masters programs in Sofia typically last for one to two years, depending on the field of study and the university’s curriculum structure.
Postgraduate scholarships in Bulgaria
- Bulgarian Government Scholarships
- America for Bulgaria Foundation Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Scholarships
6. Budget-Savvy Gem: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Budget to study in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur provides a reasonably affordable cost of living for students. On average, students can expect to spend around $500 to $800 per month, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Tuition fees for international students in Malaysia range from $2,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
Duration
Masters programs in Kuala Lumpur generally have a duration of one to two years, depending on the specific program and academic requirements.
Postgraduate scholarships in Malaysia
- Malaysian Government Scholarships (MIS, MEXT, and more)
- Khazanah Global Scholarship Programme
- ASEAN Scholarships for Malaysia
7. Economic Enchantment: Bucharest, Romania
Budget to study in Romania
Bucharest offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals. Students can expect to spend around $500 to $800 per month on expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. Tuition fees for international students in Romania range from $1,500 to $4,500 per year, depending on the university and program.
Duration
Masters programs in Bucharest generally have a duration of one to two years, depending on the specific program and academic requirements.
Postgraduate scholarships in Romania
- Romanian Government Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Scholarships
- University of Bucharest Scholarships
Studying abroad is a very personal and subjective decision, don’t just rely completely on our word; do your own research, and make the best decision that is suitable for you. Alternatively, if you would rather have professional support- check out my study abroad package here. In this package, I tailor a specialised study abroad approach designed just for you and will support you all the way from selecting your universities to helping you settle in your new place of study. Lastly, if travelling all the way abroad is not your cup of tea, check this blog post for the best online learning platforms to fulfil your study goals from the comfort of your home.
Wishing you the best of luck as you take this leap and carve your path to success in the most budget-friendly way possible. May your masters abroad be a transformative journey filled with growth, knowledge, and priceless memories. Happy studying!