Masters Fees and Living Costs in Europe

Written by Vincent Hedman

For EU students, the average cost of a Masters degree in Europe can range from it being free to €7,500, while international students might pay anything from €120 to €34,500. Postgraduate living costs across Europe on average are €492 per month.

If you're starting to wonder about what the cost of a Masters in Europe is, here's some fantastic news to kick things off: many European universities boast tuition fees that are way friendlier on the wallet compared to big-name destinations like the UK, USA, and Australia. And guess what? Some countries in Europe even offer Masters programmes absolutely free of charge! How cool is that?

No matter if you call the EU home or hail from a different corner of the globe, I'm here to guide you through all the ins and outs of tuition fees and living costs across Europe. Together, we'll make sure you find the perfect fit for your postgraduate adventure in Europe!

Understanding tuition fees in Europe

When exploring the costs of studying in Europe, it’s essential to note that tuition fees can vary dramatically between countries and among student nationalities. Here’s a quick overview of postgraduate fees across various European countries for 2024:

Masters fees in Europe (€)
Country	EU Fees	International Fees
Austria	None*	1,453
Belgium (Flanders)	947	Variable
Belgium (Wallonia)	836	Up to 4,175
Czech Republic	None**	None**
Denmark	None***	6,000-16,000
Estonia	1,660-7,500	1,660-7,500
Finland	None	4,000-18,000
France	243	3,770
Germany	None	None****
Greece	Up to 7,500	Variable
Hungary	1,689 (avg)	Variable
Iceland	459	459
Ireland	4,400-10,000	9,950-34,500
Italy	1,628 (avg)	1,628 (avg)
Netherlands	2,143	8,000-20,000
Norway	None	None
Poland	None	2,000-3,000
Portugal	697 (avg)	Variable
Romania	1,904 (avg)	Variable
Russia	3,190-3,440	3,190-3,440
Spain	762-2,680	Variable
Sweden	None	12,900 (avg)
Switzerland	930-3,718	Variable
Turkey	15-296	120-705
*Austrian universities will charge additional fees to students who exceed the maximum study duration for their courses.
**Czech universities will charge additional fees for foreign language programmes.
***Danish universities will charge additional fees for part-time programmes.
****German universities in the state of Baden Württemberg can charge international students up to €1,500 per semester.

Typically, EU fees are lower compared to international fees. Notably, in the Czech Republic, free Masters programmes are available for all students who study in the Czech language.

Studying a Masters in Europe

For more detailed information on fees, funding and universities, see our individual guides to Masters study in Europe.

Postgraduate living costs in Europe

While low or no tuition fees are enticing, living costs can differ widely even within the same country. Here’s what you might expect to pay per month for living expenses in European nations:

Masters living costs in Europe (€ per month)
Country	Rent	Utilities	Travel	Total
Austria	452	70	50	555
Belgium	385	45	50	480
Czech Republic	305	55	20	380
Denmark	570	55	60	685
Estonia	250	60	25	335
Finland	425	35	55	515
France	450	50	55	555
Germany	470	75	70	615
Greece	190	50	30	270
Hungary	195	45	25	265
Iceland	610	35	90	735
Ireland	630	50	110	790
Italy	340	50	35	425
Netherlands	560	55	90	705
Norway	530	55	75	660
Poland	315	60	25	400
Portugal	340	35	40	415
Romania	170	35	15	220
Russia	245	30	25	300
Spain	335	40	40	415
Sweden	420	25	75	525
Switzerland	880	60	80	1,020
Turkey	90	10	15	115
Figures are calculated based on crowdsourced prices for one person's share of rent and utilities in a three-bedroom city centre house, together with a monthly travel pass. Original data published by Numbeo.

These figures can fluctuate based on the city you choose to study in. For instance, cities like Dublin can have much higher living costs compared to smaller towns.

Budgeting wisely

When budgeting for your studies in Europe, don’t forget to include additional expenses like groceries, leisure, and health insurance. Each city will have its unique cost of living, so it’s wise to research specific locations.

Tips from the author

My journey taught me the invaluable lesson of seeking support, from scholarships to grants. Europe is generous with funding options to alleviate financial burdens. Knock on every door, as each application is a step closer to easing the financial load of your studies.

Also, starting a Masters isn't just about getting a degree. It's a big adventure. Face the money challenges and other hard parts with courage and keep going. Studying in Europe is special because you learn a lot and experience different cultures. Love every moment, and plan well. That way, you can enjoy learning, and all the cool cultural experiences Europe gives you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while studying to help cover my Masters fees and living expenses in Europe?

If you're an EU citizen, good news! You'll enjoy the same rights to work while studying as locals do, and that includes working full-time without needing a work permit. As a non-EU citizen, many countries warmly welcome students on a visa to work part-time, though it's good to keep in mind that some places do have guidelines on how many hours visa-holders are allowed to work.

How do healthcare expenses factor into overall living costs while studying abroad?

Navigating healthcare expenses as an international student in Europe might seem a bit tricky, with health insurance needs changing from one country to another. But here's the silver lining: if you're an EU/EEA student, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be your best friend for keeping costs down. And for my non-EU/EEA pals, getting set up with private insurance will ensure you're all covered, letting you focus on the fun and learning parts of your adventure abroad without stressing too much about medical expenses.

Do I need a visa to study in Europe?

It all comes down to where you're from and which European country you've set your sights on! A quick tip: make sure to peek at the specific visa requirements of your chosen country - it'll make planning your adventure so much smoother.

Postgraduate costs in other countries

It’s difficult to produce an accurate comparison of tuition fees and living costs in every study abroad destination, however, our guides to international postgraduate study provide useful information for popular countries outside Europe.

The Cost of a Masters – How Much is a Masters Degree in the UK?

United Kingdom Costs Funding

The average cost of a UK Masters degree is £8,740, but fees vary by course and university, with some programmes costing more than others.

Masters Costs and Fees

Costs

When you’re making plans for Masters study, one of the most important factors to take into account is how much you’ll end up paying during your programme.

Last updated: 21 February 2025

Costs Europe Funding