Best Countries for African Students to Study Abroad for Free or Low Cost

Studying abroad opens doors to world-class education, but rising costs and visa hurdles often keep it out of reach. Good news: several countries offer tuition-free or low-cost study options and even scholarships tailored to international students, including Africans.

This detailed 2025/2026 guide will cover:

• Which countries offer free or affordable study for Africans

• How and where to find scholarships in these countries

• Living costs and language requirements

• Application tips and country-specific advice

• Bonus sections: student life, visa processes, and hidden gems

Top 5 Tuition-Free or Low-Cost Study Destinations

Germany

Why it’s great:

• Almost all public universities now offer tuition-free degrees for bachelor’s and master’s programs, even for international students

• High-quality education, strong global reputation

Living Costs:

• €850–1,100/month (rent, food, insurance, transport)

Language:

• Bachelor’s mostly in German (test: TestDaF/TELC)

• Many master’s programs in English; non-EU students often need B2-C1 German at certain universities

Key Options & Scholarships:

• DAAD Scholarships (In-region/in-country, EPOS, Helmut Schmidt)

• Erasmus Mundus programs

• University-specific grants (e.g., TU Munich Deutschlandstipendium)

Application Tips:

• Apply 6–12 months ahead (some programs start in March/September)

• Learn basic German—needed for daily life

• Prepare German-language certificates early

Norway

Why it’s great:

• No tuition at public universities, even for international students

• Programs in English are available, though limited

Living Costs:

• NOK 10,000–12,000/month (~€900–1,080)

• Higher than in Germany but covered by generous scholarships like Quota Scheme (currently under review)

Language:

• Most postgraduate programs in English

• Norwegian not required but helpful for part-time work

Funding Sources:

• Erasmus Mundus

• NORPART scholarships

• University-specific exchange grants

Application Tips:

• Consider cost of living

• Apply early to limited English programs

Finland

Why it’s great:

• Low tuition or tuition-free at public universities for EU/EEA; small fees for non-EU

• Scholarships available to cover tuition and living stipends

Living Costs:

• €800–1,200/month

Language:

• Many master’s degrees offered in English

• Basic Finnish knowledge helpful but not necessary

Funding Options:

• University scholarships (e.g., University of Helsinki scholarship)

• EDUFI Fellowships

• Nordic-TUN support

Tips:

• Universities award scholarships based on merit—prepare strong CV and statement

• Learn about Finnish application windows (Jan-Feb for autumn intake)

Belgium

Why it’s great:

• Relatively low tuition (€400–835/year in French/Flemish community universities); slightly higher for English programs

• Scholarships and grants are available via VLIR-UOS (Flemish Government) and ARES (Wallonia–Brussels)

Living Costs:

• €800–1,100/month

Languages:

• Programs in Dutch, French, and some in English

• B2-level Dutch or French is often required for non-English tracks

Funding Opportunities:

• VLIR-UOS Master Scholarships

• Erasmus Mundus

• University-specific scholarships (e.g., University of Antwerp, Ghent University)

Tips:

• Check language requirements early

• Many grants are limited to specific regions or topic areas

Czech Republic

Why it’s great:

• Free tuition in Czech-language degree programs at public universities

• Affordable tuition for international students in English (~€2,000–4,000/year)

Living Costs:

• €500–700/month in Prague; less in smaller cities

Language:

• Bachelor’s in Czech; major English-taught master’s available

• Free Czech-language preparatory courses offered

Funding Paths:

• Visegrad Fund Scholarships

• Erasmus+

• University-sponsored scholarships (e.g., Charles University merit-based)

Tips:

• Learn Czech for bachelor’s; otherwise, master’s in English

• Don’t forget visa requirements and language prep

Other Great Affordable Study Destinations

Hungary

• Tuition-free in Hungarian language programs

• Scholarships via Stipendium Hungaricum (covers tuition and stipend)

Iran

• Low tuition and living costs

• A growing number of English-medium master’s and PhD programs

• Scholarships from Iranian universities for African applicants

Turkey

• Turkish Government Scholarships (VTU) plus ÖSYM exams

• No IELTS/TOEFL; free 1-year Turkish language prep

Romania, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, Mexico, Argentina

• Low-cost degrees and living conditions

• Popular fields include medicine, engineering, and agriculture

How to Find the Right Program

1. Use University Info Sites like Study in Germany, Universityadmissions.se

2. Filter by tuition cost and language

3. Check VISA+residency requirements

4. Prepare documents: transcripts, motivation letter, passport photos

5. Apply via centralized systems (e.g., Studielink.nl, Universityadmissions.se)

Visa and Admission Tips

• Acceptances are needed before visa applications

• Provide proof of funds

• Consider health insurance and accommodation early

• Arrange supplementary language courses via Goethe-Institut, MOSAIC, etc.

Student Life and Work Opportunities

• Monitor work rights (Germ ~20 hrs/week; Norway ~20 hrs/week)

• Join international student organizations

• Budget intentionally; explore part-time work

• Many universities facilitate integration programs

N/B:

Studying abroad for free or at low cost is achievable—but it requires strategy: choose your destination wisely, learn the language, submit early, and prepare thoroughly. These 2025/2026 opportunities are within reach if you take the first step now.

🛫 Need help choosing a destination or crafting your application? Reach out via comment or our Contact page—we’re ready to assist on your global education journey.

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