- Greece: Affordable living, EU/Bologna Process membership, transferable ECTS, strong faculty at ALBA Graduate Business School.
- Portugal: Low Western Europe costs, sunny Lisbon, surf culture, Nova SBE holds Triple Crown accreditation and high QS rankings.
- Poland: Increasing tourism, high student satisfaction, affordable living, ESCP Warsaw on Kozminski University campus with triple accreditation.
- Spain: Variable but often affordable costs, rich culture and nightlife, diverse regions, practical business education at EU Business School.
- France: Generally affordable outside Paris, low tuition at public universities, historic schools like Montpellier Business School with multiple accreditations.
Studying at a business school might be a launchpad to a successful, high-paying career, but it’s not cheap. Tuition fees, especially for MBA programmes, can be eye-watering, and almost half of postgraduate applicants to business schools say that cost will impact their study decision. If you count yourself among that percentage, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are affordable countries to study business.
If you’re considering ways to stretch your education budget, these are our picks for the best countries to study business in Europe. From the Mediterranean to Central Europe, these countries offer high-quality business education at lower costs.
5 Affordable Countries to Study Business in Europe
1. Greece
Greece offers the best of both worlds: affordable education set against a landscape that draws tourists from around the world. In fact, Greece is one of the most-visited European countries, yet its cost of living remains relatively low, even in cities like Athens.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses
Housing: €200–€600
Groceries: €150–€300
Public transportation: €10–€25
Data from studyingreece.gr
Alba Graduate Business School
At the business school of The American College of Greece, ALBA Graduate Business School, students can join accredited Master’s and MBA programmes in the heart of the Greek capital. Tuition fees at ALBA are the same for EU and non-EU students, and the US-accredited MBA programme costs a fraction of similar programmes in the US.
2. Portugal
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. Lisbon, the capital, is one of the sunniest European capitals, with good food and fast internet. Portugal is also one of the top surf spots worldwide.
estimated Monthly Living Expenses
Housing: €150–€600
Groceries: €150–€200
Transport: €20–€55
Data from mastersportal.com
Nova School of Business And Economics
Nova School of Business and Economics is located in Carcavelos, a beach town near Lisbon, where students can enjoy big-city life at lower living costs. The school holds triple-crown accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS), and all courses are taught in English, providing a comfortable environment for international students to prosper.
Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto
The business school of Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto, Católica Porto Business School, recently achieved the biggest rise of any school in Portugal in the Financial Times European Business Schools Ranking. The school’s Master’s in Finance and Management also rank among the best in the world, and international students can apply for prestigious scholarships that cover their programme’s tuition fees.
3. Poland
Poland became an independent modern democracy in 1989. Tourism in Poland has been increasing since the country joined the European Union in 2004. According to Top Universities, international students are very satisfied with Polish higher education, claiming it’s one of the best in Europe.
estimated Monthly Living Expenses
Housing: €150–€800
Groceries: €150-€200
Transport: €13
Data from study.gov.pl, numbeo.com
University of Wroclaw
The cost of living in the southern city of Wroclaw is even lower than in Poland’s capital, Warsaw, so as a student, you’ll have plenty of budget left to enjoy your time exploring the sights of the city. One of Poland’s most popular universities with international students, the University of Wroclaw’s Faculty of Law, Administration and Economics has produced nine Nobel Prize Winners.
4. Spain
The cost of living in Spain varies depending on which region of the country you choose to live in, but overall, it’s lower than in other popular European destinations. Spain boasts great history and culture, food, beaches, nightlife; it really has it all. Spain also appears in the QS Ranking of Higher Education Systems Strength.
estimated Monthly Living Expenses
Housing: €300–€700
Groceries: €150–€250
Transport: €30–€60
Data from studying-in-spain.com
Schiller International University
If you want to get an internationally-accredited degree in Spain, then Schiller International University could be a great option. Though living costs are higher in Madrid than elsewhere in the country, you’ll benefit from Schiller’s broad network across its four international campuses (in Europe and the US). The school offers a wide variety of English-taught business programmes from Bachelor’s to MBA level, with 50% scholarships available to help with the cost of tuition.
5. France
Didn’t think France was one of the affordable countries to study business? You’re probably not looking outside the capital. Naturally, the cost of living in Paris is high, but there are many smaller French student cities where students can study at a top-ranked school for less, including Rennes, Rouen, and Montpellier.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses
Housing: €150–€600
Groceries: €150–€200
Transport: €20–€35
Data from campusfrance.org. These are prices for outside Paris.
Rennes School of Business
Rennes is one of the most overlooked of France’s student cities, where you can explore unique Breton culture, yet still take advantage of career opportunities in the capital (which is less than two hours away). At Rennes School of Business, students can choose from a range of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, while spending their free time exploring Brittany’s stunning coast.
EM Normandie Business School
At EM Normandie, students can study at one of France’s oldest business schools yet benefit from a close-knit student community in one of Normandy’s historic towns. The school has campuses in Caen and Le Havre, but students can undertake international exchanges during their programme to enrich their learning experience.
Conclusion
Although we’ve endeavoured to provide estimated costs for studying in these five affordable countries in Europe, be aware that your own student budget may differ depending on your personal circumstances.
When you’re putting together a budget for your studies, be sure to consider:
- Whether you want to live in student accommodation or private accommodation
- How far away from campus you’ll be living, and the associated transport costs
- How much you’ll be eating out vs. cooking at home
- The cost of hobbies and other entertainment
- Possible costs for travelling home during breaks
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