Home / Studies / The Cheapest Countries in Europe for Pakistani Students

The Cheapest Countries in Europe for Pakistani Students

July 14, 2025

Beyond the Obvious: The Cheapest Countries in Europe for Pakistani Students Guide

the dream of studying in Europe is more accessible than ever for Pakistani students, provided they look beyond the traditional and expensive destinations like the UK or Germany. Several European nations, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, offer high-quality education, rich cultural experiences, and a safe environment at a fraction of the cost.

The “cheapest” country is determined by two main factors: tuition fees and the cost of living. However, the availability of scholarships can be a game-changer, potentially making a country with moderate costs virtually free. This guide breaks down the most affordable European countries for Pakistani students, with a special focus on game-changing scholarship opportunities.

1. Italy: The Top Choice for Need-Based Scholarships

While not the cheapest at first glance, Italy’s public university system and exceptional regional scholarships make it arguably the most affordable destination for deserving Pakistani students.

Average Tuition Fees (Public Universities): Italian public universities charge tuition based on a student’s family income, not a flat rate.¹ For Pakistani students, this can range from €900 to €4,000 per year.
Estimated Monthly Living Costs: €700 – €1,000 (Higher in major northern cities like Milan, more affordable in the south).
The Game Changer: DSU Regional ScholarshipsThis is what makes Italy number one. The “Diritto allo Studio Universitario” (DSU) scholarship is a need-based scholarship provided by Italian regional governments.2 Pakistani students are eligible to apply. It offers:
- A full tuition fee waiver.³
- A yearly stipend of up to €7,000+ to cover living expenses.
- Subsidized meals and accommodation.4If you secure a DSU scholarship, your education in Italy becomes not just free, but fully funded.5

2. Hungary: The All-Inclusive Scholarship Hub

Hungary offers a world-class education in a historic setting with very reasonable independent costs, but its fully-funded scholarship program makes it a top contender.⁶

Average Tuition Fees: €1,500 – €5,000 per year for English-taught programs.
Estimated Monthly Living Costs: €500 – €700 (Very affordable, especially outside of Budapest).
The Game Changer: Stipendium HungaricumThis is the Hungarian government’s flagship scholarship program, and Pakistan is an eligible partner country. It is a highly prestigious and comprehensive scholarship that covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- A monthly stipend to cover living costs.
- Free dormitory accommodation or a contribution to rent.
- Medical insurance.This scholarship turns Hungary into a completely free study destination for successful applicants.

3. Poland: The Rising Star of Affordability

Poland has become increasingly popular among international students for its quality education, safe environment, and extremely low costs.⁷

Average Tuition Fees: €2,000 – €4,000 per year. Engineering programs are often on the lower end of this scale.
Estimated Monthly Living Costs: €400 – €650. Poland is one of the most budget-friendly countries in the European Union in terms of living expenses.⁸
Why Choose Poland? It offers a vibrant student life in cities like Warsaw and Krakow.⁹ While large, fully-funded government scholarships are less common than in Hungary or Italy, many universities offer their own merit-based scholarships and tuition discounts. Its primary advantage is the consistently low cost of both tuition and living for self-financing students.

4. Romania: Quality Education at a Low Cost

Romania is another Balkan nation offering a unique cultural experience combined with a very affordable academic journey.¹⁰

Average Tuition Fees: €2,000 – €5,000 per year. Medical programs are particularly well-regarded.
Estimated Monthly Living Costs: €400 – €700. Like Poland, Romania offers an exceptionally low cost of living, allowing students to live comfortably on a tight budget.¹¹
Why Choose Romania? For students looking for an off-the-beaten-path European experience without compromising on educational standards, Romania is an excellent choice. It’s particularly attractive for those planning to self-finance their studies due to the predictable and low overall costs.

Quick Comparison Table

Country	Avg. Annual Tuition (EUR)	Avg. Monthly Living Cost (EUR)	Key Scholarship Opportunity
Italy	€900 – €4,000	€700 – €1,000	DSU (Fully Funded)
Hungary	€1,500 – €5,000	€500 – €700	Stipendium Hungaricum (Fully Funded)
Poland	€2,000 – €4,000	€400 – €650	University-specific
Romania	€2,000 – €5,000	€400 – €700	University-specific

Visa Process for Pakistani Students

Applying for a student visa to these Schengen countries from Pakistan follows a similar process:

Receive an Official Admission Letter: This is the first and most crucial step.
Gather Documents: You will typically need your passport, photos, attested academic documents, the admission letter, proof of accommodation, and travel health insurance.
Proof of Funds: For self-financing students, you must provide a bank statement showing you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living costs for one year. Scholarship students submit their award letter instead.
Book an Appointment: Schedule a visa appointment at the respective country’s embassy or consulate in Pakistan.
Attend the Interview: Be prepared to answer questions about your study plans, your reasons for choosing the country, and your intention to return to Pakistan after your studies.

Conclusion

While Poland and Romania are exceptionally cheap for self-financing students, Italy and Hungary are the clear winners for the “cheapest” overall options due to their generous, fully-funded scholarship programs available to Pakistanis. These scholarships eliminate the financial burden entirely, making a European education a realistic goal for any talented student.