Cost of studying abroad in different countries: comparison table of tuition and living expenses

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

“Which country is affordable to study abroad in?” is the first question of most families. This article summarizes the costs of studying abroad in countries popular with Vietnamese international students - reference tuition, living expenses and the minimum financial level required by the governments of each country when applying for a visa - so you can have an initial comparative picture before going deeper into each school. Note, all numbers change from year to year, so consider this as a reference and always check the official site.

What does the cost of studying abroad include?

• Tuition fees: vary greatly by country, level of study, major (medicine, engineering are often higher than business, social) and type of school (public/private).
• Living expenses: housing, meals, transportation, telephone, books, personal expenses. A lot depends on the city.
• Pre-departure expenses: certificate exam, translation, visa fee, health check, insurance, airfare.
• Initial stable costs: house deposit, appliances, SIM card, books.

The "minimum living expenses" level in the visa application is what the government believes is enough for a basic living - in reality, many people spend more, especially in big cities. How to prove this clause is guided in the article Proof of finances for studying abroad.

Comparison table of study abroad costs across countries

The tuition fees below are common reference ranges for international undergraduate/master's students; Living expenses are required when applying for a visa according to the latest announcement by the government agency at the time of updating the article.

Some other countries such as Finland, the Netherlands, France, Hungary or Southeast Asian countries have costs and scholarships that are worth considering.

Notes for each country

Australia

In addition to tuition and living expenses, students must purchase OSHC health insurance for the duration of their visa. Study Australia notes that when renting a private house, you usually have to deposit about four weeks' rent and pay about four weeks in advance. Details about savings are in the article Study abroad in Australia economically.

the USA

Each school publishes its “cost of attendance” and lists the total expected cost on the I-20. Private university tuition is high but there are also great scholarships/financial aid. International students also pay SEVIS fees and visa fees.

You

Most master's degrees only last 1 year, helping to lower total costs even though annual tuition fees are high. In addition, you must pay a medical surcharge (Immigration Health Surcharge) when applying for a visa.

Canada

The minimum financial level is periodically adjusted by IRCC according to living costs; Quebec has its own regulations. Tuition fees vary widely between provinces.

Germany

Free tuition at most public schools is a big advantage, but you need to prove your finances through a blocked account and often have to learn German or choose an English program – see German student visa and blocked account.

Japan, Korea

Tuition and living expenses are often lower than in Western countries, and students are allowed to work part-time within the allowed hours – see work part-time while studying abroad.

These costs are often forgotten

• Airfare to and from home, during Tet or summer - can take up a significant portion of the first year's budget.
• Excess baggage when carrying too many items.
• Compulsory health insurance, visa fee, visa extension fee.
• House deposit, initial appliances.
• Exchange rate difference: should reserve an additional 5–10% of the budget.
• Books, learning equipment, practice fees for some majors.

How to reduce the total cost of studying abroad

1. Hunt for scholarships early – start from the lesson Hunt for scholarships to study abroad from A to Z.
2. Choose a city with a lower cost of living but still with good quality training.
3. Stay in a dormitory or share a rental – see Find housing while studying abroad.
4. Make a monthly budget and track spending – see Personal financial management for international students.
5. Optimize flight costs: book early, compare many brands. VeDuHoc's Booker team hunts for multi-carrier tickets and continues to monitor prices after you have paid - if a better price is found, HVSC will refund the difference; VAT invoice issued when needed. View services air tickets to study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Which country is the cheapest to study abroad?

There is no absolute answer. Germany (low tuition at public schools) and some Asian and European countries have low total costs, but need to consider language, field of study and job opportunities.

Is the cost of living when applying for a visa enough to live on?

That's the bare minimum; In big cities, actual spending is often higher. Please refer to the school's estimates for more information.

Will tuition increase during the course of study?

Maybe. Many schools adjust tuition annually; ask the school about the expected increase.

Should part-time income be included in the budget?

It should only be considered a supplement, not a primary source, because working hours are limited and employment is not guaranteed.

Knowing the costs helps families choose the right destination and prepare financially. Once you have a plan, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 for advice on cost-optimized flight tickets.

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