Was this tool helpful?
How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country, level of study and number of years.
- 2Pick your lifestyle (budget, average or comfortable).
- 3Adjust tuition if you know your exact fee, and review the yearly and total cost.
How the estimate works
Tuition ranges are typical international-student fees; living costs include rent, food, transport and personal expenses for a single student. Add your exact tuition for a precise number. Scholarships, part-time work and city choice can change the total a lot.
First-year budget by country
Typical undergraduate tuition, monthly living costs and the resulting first-year total for international students, in USD (from our study guides, reviewed October 2026):
| Country | Tuition / year | Living / month | First-year total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | $1,000–$4,500 | $800–$1,400 | $10,600–$21,300 |
| Germany | $0–$3,500 | $1,000–$1,500 | $12,000–$21,500 |
| France | $3,000–$15,000 | $900–$1,600 | $13,800–$34,200 |
| Netherlands | $9,000–$22,000 | $1,100–$1,700 | $22,200–$42,400 |
| Ireland | $11,000–$28,000 | $1,100–$1,800 | $24,200–$49,600 |
| New Zealand | $14,000–$26,000 | $1,100–$1,800 | $27,200–$47,600 |
| United Kingdom | $15,000–$50,000 | $1,300–$2,300 | $30,600–$77,600 |
| Canada | $22,000–$45,000 | $1,100–$1,900 | $35,200–$67,800 |
| Australia | $20,000–$35,000 | $1,300–$2,200 | $35,600–$61,400 |
| United States | $25,000–$60,000 | $1,200–$2,500 | $39,400–$90,000 |
Costs students forget
- Visa fees and health surcharges or insurance.
- Deposits for accommodation (often 1–3 months' rent).
- Flights home, and settling-in costs like bedding and a laptop.
- Exchange-rate moves: budget 5–10% extra if your income is in another currency.
Frequently asked questions
Which country is cheapest for studying abroad?
Germany, France, Italy and other countries with public universities that charge low or no tuition are among the cheapest; living costs then make up most of the budget.
Can part-time work cover my costs?
Part-time work helps with living expenses, but student visas limit hours and you usually must prove you can pay for your first year before you arrive.
