WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
An affordable option must fit your subject, qualifications and full budget. A low tuition figure alone does not show that an English-taught degree is available or affordable to you.
Filter for academic fit before price
Choose your subject and degree level, then verify teaching language on the programme page. DAAD’s language filters can help with Germany; elsewhere start with official university catalogues.
Do not assume that every degree at a university with some English-taught courses is available in English. Check compulsory placements and professional training too.
Ask which fee applies to you
Use the current academic year and your actual fee category. Pisa publishes international tuition and reduction information; eligibility and supporting documents matter. Norway’s official guidance says students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition, with exceptions.
These are examples of why an old list labelled “free” or “cheap” can mislead. An advertised minimum or domestic fee may not be the amount you will pay.
Compare total completion cost
Illustrative example: Programme A costs €4,000 tuition plus €12,000 living costs for one year, totalling €16,000. Programme B costs €1,000 plus €9,000 per year for two years, totalling €20,000 before other expenses. Lower annual tuition does not make B cheaper overall.
Add insurance, travel, deposits, materials and a contingency. Keep currencies explicit and distinguish refundable deposits from expenses, while still allowing for the cash needed upfront.
Check funding without assuming it
Record scholarship eligibility, deadlines, award value and whether funding renews. Compare an unfunded budget with a funded one; do not treat a pending scholarship or hoped-for part-time job as confirmed money.
Next action: compare three actual programmes on the same spreadsheet. Keep only options with verified language, entry requirements and a credible route to covering the full cost.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 2026-10-13. Examples and planning suggestions are Effikos editorial guidance.
Something needs a closer look? Send us a correction.
