- Affordable MBA options exist in Europe—Greece, Poland, Portugal, and Spain offer programmes with tuition from about €10,800 to €44,000.
- Low living costs in countries like Greece and Poland significantly improve MBA ROI through cheaper rent, food, and transport.
- Quality and international exposure are available at affordable schools (for example C3S, ALBA, Kozminski, Porto Business School).
Studying for an MBA abroad can be life-changing – but it’s not always affordable. In many cases, it’s easier if you get a scholarship or have financial assistance. And while an MBA in Europe is considerably cheaper than a similar programme in the US, a European MBA can still cost upwards of €100,000.
However, what if we told you that not only can you study abroad without those high costs, but there are countries in Europe that also offer low tuition fees for their MBA programmes? We’ve chosen four countries where you can get a cheap MBA in Europe.
Let’s find A cheap MBA in Europe!
Countries like Greece, Poland, Portugal, and Spain are not only naturally beautiful but also offer strong options for students pursuing higher education degrees, such as an MBA. These countries also have friendly locals and affordable living prices, which make them appealing to international students looking for a cheap MBA in Europe.
1. Greece
To give an introduction about Greece, it’s rightly called the “Land of the Gods”. This Mediterranean country has outstanding World Heritage sites and stunning beaches, making the student experience even more enjoyable. The locals are very friendly, and the local food is cheap, too. Greece also has a thriving nightlife for students who want to let loose during the weekends.
Cost of Living:
Rent per month: €150–450
Meal out: €15
Monthly public transport: €15
Cinema ticket: €9
ALBA Graduate Business School
ALBA Graduate Business School in Athens is spread across three large buildings and is located in the centre of downtown Athens. Established in 1992, ALBA Graduate Business School is part of the American College in Europe.
ALBA offers an MBA and other Master’s programmes in business, as well as opportunities to work and build relationships in the commercial world beyond the institution. With approximately 300 students, the ALBA community has a close-knit feel, and students receive individual attention from faculty.
MBA tuition fees: €14,950
I am thrilled to share my exceptional experience at Alba University in Greece. From the moment I enrolled, I felt welcomed and supported by the dedicated faculty and staff. The university offers a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters both personal and academic growth.
The curriculum is robust, contemporary, and designed to meet the needs of today’s dynamic market. I was particularly impressed by the practical approach to learning, which included real-world projects, internships, and numerous opportunities for hands-on experience. The professors are not only experts in their fields but also passionate about teaching and mentoring students.
The campus itself is beautiful and well-equipped with modern facilities, creating a conducive environment for learning and collaboration. The library, study areas, and recreational facilities are top-notch, ensuring that students have everything they need to succeed.
One of the highlights of my time at Alba University was the strong sense of community and the vibrant student life. There are numerous clubs, organizations, and events that make it easy to connect with fellow students and create lasting friendships.
In summary, Alba University has provided me with an outstanding education and unforgettable experiences. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a high-quality education in Greece.
Best regards
Gerasimos Koutsouvelis
2. Poland
Poland has a tradition of academic education dating back to 1364. A modern and dynamic country, Poland places significant emphasis on quality education. Over the last year, the country has become more popular among international students, and there are more than 300 English-taught programmes at Polish universities. Poland is safe and offers a high quality of life, making it one of the best countries for studying abroad.
Cost of Living:
Rent per month: €250–750 EUR
Meal out: €4–10
Monthly public transport: €9–14
Cinema ticket: €7
Kozminski University
Kozminski University is ranked 68th among European business schools, and number one in the Central and Eastern European region. In fact, the school’s Executive MBA is the only EMBA in Poland to appear on the ranking. The university’s namesake is a renowned Polish professor of economics and entrepreneurship, and this commitment to management study is present across the school’s programmes.
While the school’s MBA programmes are exclusively offered in Polish, the EMBA (for professionals with at least 8 years of experience) is taught in English. Students can also pursue a dual MBA with Porto Business School – another institution in an affordable destination. This is a cheap MBA in Europe that comes with a strong academic reputation.
MBA tuition fees: €24,000
I had the pleasure of completing MBA studies at Leon Kozminskei University with a specialization related to project management. It was a short but very effective and complete program that provided me with knowledge that I use on a daily basis at work. I recommend this university, the only downside is too few dedicated events for people with professional experience
3. Portugal
Portugal is a land of amazing weather, lovely cuisine, fine wine and stunning beaches. Portugal is also among the cheapest countries in Europe. Low living costs and affordable tuition fees make Portugal one of the best countries in Europe for studying. Students can also take advantage of free regular museum access and student discounts on public transport.
Cost of Living:
Rent per month: €415
Meal out: €10–15
Monthly public transport: Free up to 23 years of age
Cinema ticket: €8
Porto Business School
Porto Business School aims to be a global network of lifelong change agents, preparing individuals and organisations to thrive in an ever-changing world. The Magellan MBA is a one-year, intensive, international MBA programme designed to provide participants with the best mix of hard and soft skills, insights, and experiences, enabling them to expand the boundaries of their careers.
The school also offers an Executive MBA for professionals with over 10 years of experience.
MBA tuition fees: €30,000
Studying abroad has been one of the best experiences of my life, and Porto Business School played a significant role in this journey. Being part of this school and meeting incredible people along the way has left a lasting impact on me. The small class sizes fostered a close-knit circle of friends, providing a supportive and engaging learning environment.
I had the opportunity to learn about pioneering technologies and cutting-edge strategies in management, with a special focus on artificial intelligence, all taught by highly experienced and knowledgeable professors.
My expectations were far exceeded, and I am thrilled with my decision. This experience has positively transformed my life.
4. Spain
Spanish people are known to be extremely hospitable and easy-going. It’s also the most tourist-friendly country in the world! The warm, sunny weather, a wide range of cultural activities, and natural beauty make Spain one of the most welcoming places for international students. Another advantage of studying in Spain is that, while universities offer English-taught MBAs, you’ll have the opportunity to learn Spanish, which can be helpful for an international business career.
Cost of Living:
Rent per month: €700–1500
Local food: €10–15
Monthly public transport: €30 up to 26 years of age
Cinema ticket: €10
C3S Business School in Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, C3S Business School in Barcelona aims to offer globally oriented programmes at a low cost. The school has partnerships with universities in the UK, and in fact all of the programmes at C3S are accredited in both Spain and the UK – so you’ll get a degree that’s valued across Europe.
C3S Business School in Barcelona is also a hub for international students – 90% of the student body is international, from 43 different countries. As a result, you’ll get a comprehensive MBA programme with significant international exposure.
MBA tuition fees: €10,800
Supportive school environment with dedicated faculty and staff who value learning, professionalism, and growth. Instructors are knowledgeable, approachable, and committed to student success and development.
EADA Business School
EADA Business School, located in Barcelona’s bustling centre, is highly respected for its quality education and global recognition. Accredited by EQUIS and AMBA and ranked by the Financial Times, EADA offers a diverse, immersive learning experience with small class sizes and hands-on teaching methods.
MBA tuition fees: €44,000
I confidently recommend EADA. I’ve just completed the full-time International MBA program, and it has been a truly transformative experience.
First, the faculty are top-tier professionals with solid careers both in academia and the business world. That alone sets the tone, but what really makes EADA special is its strong sense of community and collaboration. With just around 40 students in the classroom, I’d describe it as a ’boutique MBA’, small enough to foster rich dialogue and strong connections with professors and peers (unlike larger programs where raising your hand in a room of 80 can be challenging) EADA encourages open exchange and classroom discussion.
Another highlight is the “360 development perspective”. The program places equal importance on soft skills like leadership, negotiation, and self-awareness, making them central to the learning process, something I believe is essential in today’s competitive job market.
Finally, I must mention the warmth and professionalism of the entire EADA team, from faculty staff and administration. They’re always ready to help, always with a smile.
In short, the Full time international MBA has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my professional growth, and I hope EADA continues to expand its impact on how businesses and leaders evolve in the future
How to Choose a Cheap MBA in Europe
As shown above, studying for an MBA abroad doesn’t have to be expensive. We’ve highlighted cheap MBAs in Europe, in some of the most affordable destinations. In places like Greece and Poland, you can enjoy a significantly lower cost of living while studying for an affordable MBA, improving your overall ROI (return on investment) of your degree.
You can save more money on the cost of your MBA by applying for grants and scholarships – these are offered by governments and your university.
Studying abroad makes students global, pushes them out of their comfort zones, and helps them develop character by exposing them to diverse cultures. Studying for an MBA in Europe will not only help you with all of the above but also help you to be in touch with worldwide economics, which can help you in your business career.
Editor’s note: This article was first published on the 10th of April 2019. We’ve updated it for current readers.
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