How to Study Abroad in Europe Under $10,000
Studying abroad in Europe sounds pricey, with flights and accommodations, but it does not have to be!
The truth is that you can absolutely study abroad in Europe, but a budget of $10,000 if you are strategic!
Whether you are coming from Canada or the U.S., this guide breaks down how to make it work financially without sacrificing the experience. And if you want a personalized strategy to help you save money, contact us at contact@yourexperienceabroad.com to save hundreds to thousands of dollars!
Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Program
Your highest cost will be tuition, so your strategy starts here.
Option 1: Exchange Program (Most Budget-Friendly)
If you attend a university that partners with European institutions, this is your best financial option.
You:
Pay your home university tuition
Use your existing financial aid
Avoid paying international tuition in Europe
Many schools partner with universities in countries like:
France
Spain
Italy
Germany
Portugal
Netherlands
💡 If you're at a state school in the U.S. or a public university in Canada, this option can make Europe surprisingly affordable.
Option 2: Direct Enrollment in Low-Tuition Countries
Some European countries have very low tuition fees, even for international students. For just a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year, you can study there. Examples:
Germany: Many public universities charge minimal tuition
France: Public universities have regulated tuition
Italy: Tuition often based on income
Portugal: Lower than U.S./Canada averages
Private schools and English-speaking business schools will be more expensive, so research carefully.
Step 2: Pick an Affordable City
Europe varies dramatically in cost.
Higher-Cost Cities (Harder with 10K)
London
Paris
Amsterdam
Dublin
Rent alone can eat half your budget, and finding a cheap place can mean long travel time from your place to the university or scams.
Budget-Friendly Cities (Much Easier with 10K)
Valencia
Lisbon
Bologna
Lyon
Porto
Granada
Smaller student cities = lower rent + more authentic experience.
Step 3: What a $10K Budget Actually Looks Like
Here’s a realistic breakdown for one semester (4–5 months):
Estimated Expenses per category:
Flights (round trip): $600–$1,200
Tuition (exchange or public uni): $0–$3,000
Housing: $1,700–$4,000
Food: $1,200–$1,800
Transportation: $300–$600
Travel & fun: $1,000–$2,000
Insurance & visa: $300–$600
👉 Total: $7,000–$10,000
So it is possible!
Step 4: How to Cut Costs Strategically
1. Choose Student Housing
University residences are almost always cheaper than private apartments.
Bonus:
No broker fees
Utilities included
Built-in social life
Partially furnished for most
2. Travel Smart (Not Constantly)
Budget airlines in Europe are incredibly cheap, but weekend trips add up.
Instead of flying every weekend:
Do 1–2 major trips
Explore your host country deeply
Use student train discounts for day trips
3. Cook More Than You Think
European groceries are often cheaper than in North America.
A monthly grocery budget in:
Madrid
Rome
Toulouse
can be surprisingly reasonable if you cook most meals.
4. Apply for Scholarships
Many students assume study abroad scholarships are competitive, but fewer people apply than you think.
Look into:
Your home university grants
Government mobility scholarships
Department-specific awards
Even $1,000–$2,000 changes everything.
Step 5: Visa & Work Considerations
Depending on your length of stay:
U.S. and Canadian students often don’t need a visa for short stays under 90 days in many European countries.
For semester programs, a student visa is typically required.
Some countries allow limited student work hours, but don’t rely on getting a job immediately, as it can be pretty difficult to get if you don’t speak the language. Plan as if you won’t earn income abroad.
Step 6: The Hidden Costs Students Forget
Bedding and household setup
SIM card
Local bank fees
Deposits (often 1 month rent)
Weekend peer pressure spending
💡 Budget an emergency cushion of at least $800–$1,000.
Can You Really Do It with 10K?
Yes, but not in every city, and not with every program.
You can:
Study in Southern Europe
Choose exchange or public university programs
Live in student housing
Travel strategically
You probably can’t:
Live in central London
Attend a private international business school
Travel every weekend
Eat out daily
Final Thoughts: Is 10K Worth It?
If you approach it intentionally, $10K can buy you:
Academic growth
Cultural exposure
International network
Personal independence
A serious confidence boost
For many American and Canadian students, that’s less than one semester of tuition at home. And the experience? Incomparable.
If you want help to define your study abroad strategy to save money, contact us by email at contact@yourexperienceabroad.com and check out our arrival services in Europe here.
