How much does it cost to study abroad?

Explore the costs of studying abroad, including low-cost and free destinations. Learn what to budget and where your money will go the farthest.

Studying abroad provides a whole host of benefits from expanding your worldview to gaining international experience, which will enhance both your resume and personal growth.

Aside from the enrichment of studying in a foreign country, it might also prove to be the more economical option. Research shows that after adjusting for inflation, the cost of public four-year university education in the US has tripled between 1989 and 2019. Direct enrollment at an overseas institution for a semester, year, or even an entire degree has the possibility to save you some substantial cash.

In this article, we’re featuring the cost of affordable and popular destinations to give you an idea of how to budget for your exciting study abroad adventure. We provide an overview of the average cost of living, tuition fees, and flight prices for each country in the hopes that by knowing what to expect financially, you’ll be one step closer to making your study abroad dreams a reality!

Direct enrollment vs. third-party providers

First things first — when studying abroad, you have two choices for enrollment: direct enrollment or a third-party provider. Simply put, these choices come down to price and the level of support you’ll be provided with.

Direct enrollment means you will be taking care of your application and transition to your new university on your own, much like you did for your home institution in the US. This option cuts out the middle man and usually results in cheaper tuition costs. Direct enrollment can also take the form of faculty-led or exchange study abroad programs through your home university. Through these arrangements, your university handles the registration and you pay either home tuition fees or a fee specific to the program you choose.

Third-party providers, while pricier, tend to arrange everything for you and usually include housing and insurance. You will be registered for classes and supported through visa applications and other travel and study arrangements.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each. While direct enrollment could say you a ton on tuition, the cost of living in your country of choice could drive up the overall price tag. You will also need a significant level of independence to handle all of the planning required for direct enrollment such as applying for visas, registering for classes, and finding housing.

Costs associated with study abroad

Whether you choose to enroll directly at your foreign university or go with a third-party provider, you’ll have other costs associated with your study abroad. You’ll need to budget for several things that could begin to add up depending on the country you’re in. When doing your research, don’t forget to look into the monthly costs of the following:

*Housing and utilities
Local transportation
Food and drink
Incidentals (clothes and other supplies)
Entertainment
Books and materials
Roundtrip airfare
Passport and visa costs

*third-party providers usually provide housing in the overall program fee.

Want some help comparing costs? Try our handy cost comparison tool to see if you’ll save more money through direct enrollment or a third-party provider.

Study abroad costs by region

Looking at Go Overseas community members’ wishlists, we see that the most popular countries for study abroad tend to be localized in Western Europe. Students frequent this part of the world, making it familiar and accessible for prospective study abroad participants. However, if you step outside of Europe, you’ll find a literal world of choices, many of which offer quality education at an affordable price. Let’s take a look at a few regions across the globe to broaden your potential options.

Each country profile will include sample tuition costs, cost of living averages, and flight ticket estimates. These numbers are up-to-date but are intended to be used as a budgeting reference point. Your spending habits will determine how much extra money you should set aside, depending on whether you enjoy fancy dinners and frequent travel or cooking at home and thrifty shopping.

STUDY ABROAD IN AFRICA

Although Africa is sometimes incorrectly referred to as if it were one destination, it is indeed a vast continent made up of 54 countries with distinct languages, cultures, and landscapes.

South Africa

An incredibly diverse country with 12 official languages, including English, South Africa has no shortage of exciting cultural opportunities for prospective students. This coupled with wildlife reserves and miles of coastline makes this gem of southern Africa an alluring destination. South Africa is home to several top international universities including the University of Cape Town, the University of Johannesburg, and Stellenbosch University.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $800-$1,100
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $2,000-$4,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $15,000-$19,500
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Cape Town: $700-$1,000

Ghana

Ghana is a West African country with a complex history that has as much to teach you outside of the classroom as it does in one. Ghana’s culture is a mix of influences from over 100 ethnic groups as well as from British colonial rule. Art is hugely important as evidenced by the beautiful kente cloth woven by the Asante and Ewe peoples — students interested in studying textiles, pottery, or wood carving will find endless inspiration in Ghana.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $450-$700
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $2,500-$3,500
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $18,500-$19,500
Cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Accra: $800-$1,000

STUDY ABROAD IN ASIA

Asia is more than just a destination for language learning. Classes offered in English allow students to earn college credit while exploring local customs and culture outside of the classroom.

China

One of the world’s oldest civilizations, China is where ancient history meets modern-day innovation. Whether you’re a business student or simply a culture lover, you’ll find many exciting things to explore across this vast country.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $800-$1,700
Average cost of a semester (without housing) — direct enrollment: $2,000-$7,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) — third-party provider: $7,500-$12,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Beijing: $700-$850

To learn more about the in-depth costs associated with studying abroad in Italy, check out: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in China?

Japan

Japan is home to fascinating history, healthy and delicious food, and a bustling pop culture scene that is sure to wow more than just die-hard Nintendo fans. This diverse island has something for everyone from art and architecture lovers to craft beer enthusiasts.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $1,500-$2,200
Average cost of a semester (without housing) — direct enrollment: $1,500-$2,500
Average cost of a semester (with housing) — third-party provider: $20,000-$25,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Tokyo: $600-$950

To learn more about the in-depth costs associated with studying abroad in Italy, check out: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Japan?

STUDY ABROAD IN EUROPE

By far the most popular region for study abroad students, Europe is a patchwork of languages and cultures that has a destination for every taste and budget. Golden beaches, snow-capped mountains, cosmopolitan cities, and charming villages — Europe as a region tops the study abroad list for a reason.

Italy

Foodies rejoice: Italy will give you the opportunity to experience the country’s rich culinary traditions alongside your studies. Enjoy art, culture, history, and the Mediterranean lifestyle during a semester abroad in Italy.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $850-$1,200
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $1,500-$6,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $15,000-$19,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Rome: $300-$550

To learn more about the in-depth costs associated with studying abroad in Italy, check out: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Italy?

Spain

Spain is consistently a top study abroad destination due to its gorgeous climate and relaxed pace of life. This popular country isn’t just for Spanish language students. Many programs offer courses in English for those just looking to experience the exciting culture and rich heritage.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $1,100-$1,500
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $1,500-$5,500
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through a third-party provider: $10,500-$13,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Madrid: $400-$500

To learn more about the in-depth costs associated with studying abroad in Spain, check out: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Spain?

France

France is a great destination for French-language students and Francophiles alike. A country known for its food, wine, and cinema, there are plenty of cultural attractions to make your time in France both educational and memorable.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $1,300-$1,900
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $2,000-$7,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $12,000-$17,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Paris: $300-$450

To learn more about the in-depth costs associated with studying abroad in France, check out: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in France?

STUDY ABROAD IN CENTRAL AMERICA

Central America’s seven countries don’t top many study abroad lists but they should. Many destinations are politically stable and safe and are the perfect place to brush up on your Spanish with friendly and welcoming locals. From a purely practical view, the region is a stone’s throw from most US states making it a good first venture abroad for those who feel wary going to places as far-flung as Asia and Oceania.

Costa Rica

The land with the slogan of “Pura Vida“, or pure life, is sure to relax and rejuvenate you with its natural beauty and friendly locals. Costa Rica boasts pristine beaches, forests filled with wildlife, and vibrant cities and towns. Enjoy getting to know this small Central American country in between your studies during a semester abroad.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $800-$1,200
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $1,000-$3,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $8,500-$11,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to San Jose: $250-$450

To learn more about the in-depth costs associated with studying abroad in Costa Rica, check out: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Costa Rica?

Belize

Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, this tiny Central American country is easily missed. But if beaches, wildlife, and conservation studies are your thing, Belize is the perfect study abroad destination. English is an official language and is widely spoken along with Spanish and Belizean Creole so you’ll have the option to study a wide range of subjects in English or to brush up on your Spanish skills.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $800-$1,250
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $1,000-$3,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $18,000-$23,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Belize City: $550-$850

STUDY ABROAD IN SOUTH AMERICA

The Amazon, the Andes, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu: South America is filled to the brim with natural and manmade wonders. Here, you can improve your Spanish or Portuguese or choose to learn more about the many indigenous tribes found across the continent.

Argentina

Argentina brought us the tango, writers like Jorge Luis Borges, and great wine. Its cities, like the capital Buenos Aires, show off a distinctive European flair where you can experience all the art and culture the country has to offer.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $550-$750
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $200-$3,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $14,000-$17,500
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Buenos Aires: $600-$1,000

Brazil

Brazil is a country that knows how to have fun. The land of Carnival, samba, and caipirinhas is welcoming to students who want to embrace life’s simple pleasures. Brazilians are culturally diverse but the undercurrent of playfulness permeates throughout the population. If you want to study economic development, environmental and marine science, or Portuguese, Brazil should be your next study abroad stop.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent): $550-$850
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $1,000-$5,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $7,000-$19,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Sao Paulo: $400-$850

STUDY ABROAD IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East region has been plagued with instability and turbulence in recent history but there are still countries that offer both safe and quality study abroad experiences.

Jordan

Jordan is home to over 100,000 tourist, religious, and archaeological sites making it a perfect study abroad destination for history and architecture lovers. Check out Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world, or float aimlessly in the Dead Sea while learning ancient history, archaeology, or Arabic in Jordan.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent) : $800-$1,100
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $500-$2,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $18,000-$20,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Amman: $550-$950

Israel

Even though Israel is commonly known for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is more than a land marred by geopolitical and religious turmoil. Israel is home to holy sites for Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike and draws countless tourists every year to its historical and archaeological sites. While the country may appear unstable, it is indeed a safe destination for students wishing to study at its world-class universities.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent) : $1,750-$2,600
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $2,200-$8,500
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $11,000-$19,500
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Tel Aviv: $700-$950

STUDY ABROAD IN OCEANIA

Getting to Oceania entails a lot of flight time but the trek is worth it. The island life awaits you in Australia and New Zealand as well as smaller destinations like Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tuvalu.

Australia

Those looking for ample opportunities to engage in outdoor activities while studying subjects like conservation and social justice will find their match in Australia. Australians enjoy an active lifestyle and its sprawling beaches and vast Outback make it easy to enjoy sport, camping, and surfing.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent) : $1,400-$2,500
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $10,000-$13,000
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $15,000-$19,500
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Sydney: $950-$1,150

To learn more about the in-depth costs associated with studying abroad in Australia, check out: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Australia?

New Zealand

Considered to be Australia’s best friend in the world by public poll, New Zealand has a sibling-like rivalry with their neighbor to the west. Although smaller than Australia, New Zealand offers stunning scenery from its spotless coastlines to its soaring mountains. Students who love the outdoors will find a fitting home away from home in New Zealand.

Average monthly cost of living (with rent) : $1,450-$1,850
Average cost of a semester (without housing) through direct enrollment: $8,000-$12,500
Average cost of a semester (with housing) through third-party provider: $13,500-$18,000
Average cost of roundtrip flight ticket from New York City to Christchurch: $850-$1,500

To learn more about the in-depth costs associated with studying abroad in New Zealand, check out: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in New Zealand?