How much does it cost to study abroad in 2026?

The rise in the cost of education is a global trend. Universities around the world are facing inflation, rising costs for infrastructure, faculty salaries, technology, and student support.

High demand is also a factor. International education has become a strategically important career move in recent years. More and more students are choosing to study abroad, and this is directly reflected in the cost.

However, the difference between countries remains significant. The USA is traditionally in the upper price segment, the UK occupies a middle position, and many European countries offer more affordable education at a comparable academic level.

A student’s budget abroad consists of several expense categories. The first and most obvious is tuition fees. This depends on the country, the type of university, and the level of the program. Tuition costs can be reduced or even fully covered through scholarships.

The second major category is accommodation. This can be a dormitory, a rented room, or an apartment. The cost varies greatly depending on the city and the type of accommodation.

Next come regular expenses: food, transportation, mobile phone service, and study materials. In some countries, mandatory health insurance is also included.

Separately, you should consider expenses for exams and application processes, such as TOEFL or IELTS fees, university registration fees, document translations, airfare, and a housing deposit. These are small amounts individually, but together they significantly increase the overall budget.

The UK traditionally attracts students with its shorter study periods and strong programs, especially at the master’s level. However, from a budgetary perspective, this destination requires careful consideration.

The cost of a bachelor’s degree for international students here averages from £20,000 to £35,000 per year. Master’s programs most often cost between £18,000 and £30,000 for the entire course, as the programs usually last one year.

The cost of living should also be taken into account. London remains the most expensive city: the cost of living there can reach £15,000-£18,000 per year, while in other regions this amount is typically between £10,000 and £13,000.

Regardless of the country, the main expenses for students are similar, only the amounts differ.

Accommodation is the most significant budget item. Dormitories are usually cheaper than renting, but the number of places is limited. Renting a room or apartment is more expensive, but offers more freedom and flexibility.

Food costs an average of 250-400 euros or dollars per month if you cook for yourself. Regular visits to cafes and restaurants will, of course, increase this amount.

Transportation, mobile communication, internet, and study materials add another 100-200 euros or dollars monthly. In some countries, students have access to discounted travel passes and other benefits.

Health insurance is mandatory in some countries and is paid separately. In Europe, it is often included in student fees, while in the US it can cost several thousand dollars a year.

Even with detailed planning, many people encounter unexpected expenses. Most often, these are housing deposits that need to be paid in advance and that tie up a portion of the budget.

Flights, visa fees, document processing, translations, and notarizations are also rarely included in initial calculations, but they shouldn’t be forgotten.

The high cost of studying abroad often seems like an insurmountable barrier. In practice, many people overpay at this stage simply because they are unaware of the available opportunities.

The main tool for reducing costs is scholarships and grants. In 2026, universities in the US and Europe continue to actively fund international students, but it’s important to understand how to obtain this funding.

Merit-based scholarships allow you to reduce tuition costs based on academic achievements, leadership activities, and projects. Need-based programs focus on the family’s financial situation and can cover a significant portion of expenses. In some cases, universities combine both approaches.

Additionally, there are university discounts, competitive programs, and internal grants, which are often advertised on the main pages of university websites. This is where a well-developed strategy and experience working with specific universities yield the greatest results.

It’s important to understand: the better the student’s profile is developed and the earlier the preparation begins, the lower the final cost of tuition will be. In strong cases, the actual budget can be reduced by two or more times compared to the initial figures.

Financial planning should begin with determining the country, type of university, and study program. Even at this stage, the range of costs can vary significantly.

Next, you need to compile a list of all mandatory expenses: tuition, accommodation, food, insurance, transportation, study materials, visa and examination fees. It’s important to consider both regular and one-time expenses.

Using special education cost calculators on university websites is a good practice. They provide a fairly realistic picture that helps in planning expenses.

And one more piece of advice: set aside at least a small financial reserve for unexpected expenses. They almost always arise, especially in the first year.

Do you want to know even more precise figures on how much your studies will cost? To do this, you need to calculate a budget based on your chosen field of study, countries, universities, and available funding programs.

During a personal consultation with our expert, you will receive assistance with:

• calculating your budget, taking into account all expenses
• assessing your realistic chances of receiving scholarships and grants
• selecting universities with the optimal price-quality ratio
• developing an admission strategy with maximum funding

If you are considering studying abroad in 2026-2028, it is most sensible to start with an assessment of your chances and a personal financial plan.