18 Sep 2023
cheapest countries to study abroad

9 cheapest countries to study abroad for Pakistani students

If you are a Pakistani student considering studying abroad, you may wonder which countries offer the best value for money, quality of education, and cultural experience. Studying abroad can be a life-changing opportunity, but it can also be expensive and challenging. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top 9 most affordable countries for Pakistani students to study abroad. This list is based on tuition fees, living costs, and visa requirements. Here are our recommendations:

1. Norway

  Norway is the first country not only the cheapest but the best country to start your study abroad journey. It is one of the few countries globally that offers free education to international students at public universities. You only need to pay a nominal semester fee of $40 to $80, regardless of your level of study or nationality. 

Norway also boasts a high-quality education system, ranking 32nd in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2016. However, keep in mind that the cost of living in Norway is considerably higher than in Pakistan, estimated at 345% more expensive. You should budget around $1,200 to $1,500 monthly for accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. However, there are ample scholarships that you can apply to, and it is easy to find work there too.

To apply for a student visa in Norway, you must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, health insurance, and an acceptance letter from a Norwegian university.

2. France

France is another excellent option for Pakistani students due to its low tuition fees at public universities, ranging from $250 to $600 per year, depending on your program and level of study. 

France’s highly reputable education system ranks 6th in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2016. Living costs in France are relatively high, approximately 230% more expensive than in Pakistan. You should plan for monthly expenses of $800 to $1,200, covering accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. 

To apply for a student visa in France, you must provide evidence of adequate financial resources, health insurance, and an acceptance letter from a French university.

3. Taiwan

Taiwan is a hidden gem for Pakistani students seeking education in Asia. Taiwan boasts a high-quality education system, ranking 17th in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2016. Tuition fees for international students in public and private universities range from $3,000 to $6,500 per year, depending on your program and level of study. Despite being 160% more expensive than Pakistan, Taiwan offers a relatively lower cost of living. You should budget around $400 to $550 monthly to cover expenses like accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment.

 To apply for a student visa in Taiwan, you must demonstrate adequate financial support, health insurance, and an acceptance letter from a Taiwanese university.

4. Hungary

Hungary, though less commonly considered by Pakistani students, offers a diverse range of courses and programs in English, making it an attractive destination. Tuition fees for international students at public and private universities vary from $4,000 to $8,000 per year, depending on your program and level of study. 

Hungary’s cost of living is moderate, estimated to be 90% more expensive than Pakistan. You should plan for monthly expenses of $500 to $700, covering accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. To apply for a student visa in Hungary, you must demonstrate sufficient financial means, health insurance, and an acceptance letter from a Hungarian university.

5. Malaysia

Malaysia is a popular choice among Pakistani students for studying in Asia. The country offers a variety of courses and programs in English and affordable tuition fees for international students, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on your program and level of study. While Malaysia is approximately 70% more expensive than Pakistan, it still maintains a relatively low cost of living compared to other Asian countries. You should budget around $300 to $500 monthly for accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. 

6. Germany

Germany is an ideal destination for Pakistani students interested in engineering, science, or technology. There are already hundreds of students in Germany as it is the seat of European politics, industry and innovation, making it the largest talent market.

The country offers a world-class education system with a wide range of courses and programs in English. In public universities, international students enjoy free education, with only a nominal semester fee of $100 to $300, depending on the university and program. However, living in Germany is considerably more expensive than in Pakistan, estimated at 200% higher. You should budget around $800 to $1,000 monthly for expenses, covering accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment.

7. Poland

   when discussing the cheapest countries to study abroad, one can not forget about Poland. It is another European destination that offers low tuition fees to international students at public and private universities. Tuition fees range from $2,000 to $4,000 per year, depending on your program and level of study. Poland provides a variety of courses and programs in English and boasts a good education system. While Poland is approximately 80% more expensive than Pakistan, it maintains a lower cost of living than other European countries. You should budget around $400 to $600 monthly for accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. 

8. Italy

   – Italy, known for its beauty and rich culture, offers a good education system with various English-taught courses and programs. Tuition fees for international students in public and private universities range from $1,000 to $3,000 per year. This depends on your program and level of study.

However, living in Italy is approximately 200% more expensive than in Pakistan. You should budget around $800 to $1,000 monthly for accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. To apply for a student visa in Italy, you must demonstrate sufficient financial means, health insurance, and an acceptance letter from an Italian university.

9. Mexico

  Mexico is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad. It is a diverse and vibrant country with a good education system offering English-taught courses and programs. Tuition fees for international students at public and private universities range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year, depending on your program and level of study. Mexico’s cost of living is approximately 50% more expensive than Pakistan’s. You should budget around $300 to $500 monthly for accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment.

These are the top 9 most affordable countries for Pakistani students to study abroad in 2023. Want us to find the best and the most affordable universities for you to study abroad? We at UNI GUIDE take pride in offering students some of the best study abroad consultancy services. Our track record is our students who are studying and working abroad in countries like Australia, Canada and the USA.

You can visit our website or call us for a free consultation for more details and information.