Which country is cheap to study abroad? Cost of studying abroad in different countries

Studying in Australia has always been one of the top choices for many Vietnamese students thanks to the quality of international education, safe living environment and job opportunities after graduation. The cost of studying in Australia also varies based on the level of study, living costs and some other mandatory fees throughout the course of study. Understanding these cost groups will help you be more proactive in choosing schools and majors as well as building an appropriate financial roadmap.

In addition, universities in Australia also have their own regulations on the time and method of payment of tuition fees. Normally, international students will pay tuition fees at the beginning of the semester.

In addition to the main tuition fees, international students in Australia also need to prepare a budget for a number of mandatory fees and study-related expenses, including:

• Housing costs (dormitories, homestays, shared rented houses): from 250 to 600 AUD/week

• Cost of living: about 29,710 AUD/year

• Australian student visa application fee: AUD 2,000

• Medical examination cost: 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 VND.

• OSHC health insurance (a mandatory requirement for all Australian students): Depending on the OSHC service provider and the length of time you study in Australia, the cost of health insurance will vary.

To better understand the specific tuition fees for each level and major, you can refer to the detailed article: How much money does it cost to study in Australia?

The UK is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious study abroad destinations, featuring a prestigious university system, short training programs, and globally recognized degrees. One of the differences of studying in the UK is that the training period is shorter than many other countries (bachelor's usually 3 years, master's 1 year), helping you save maximum study costs.

Tuition fees are the largest expense in the total budget of studying in the UK. However, tuition fees will vary significantly depending on the university and the field of study you choose. Generally, programs in the Social Sciences and Humanities group have more reasonable tuition fees, while specific disciplines such as Medicine, Law or MBA often come with higher costs.

In return, the British education system is famous for its diverse scholarship programs for international students. Proactively researching and preparing your scholarship application early can help you significantly reduce your financial burden.

Besides tuition fees, you also need to prepare a budget for expenses related to the learning process, including:

• Cost of living: According to the latest update from the UK Home Office, from 11 November 2025, the minimum cost of living requirements (maintenance funds) for a student visa are:

• In London: £1,529 per month (up to 9 months → up to £13,761 total)

• Outside London: £1,171 per month (up to 9 months → up to £10,539 total)

• Housing costs in the UK: ~£664/month outside London, ~£848/month in London.

• Application fee: 25 GBP – 60 GBP

• Compulsory Health Insurance (IHS): $776/12 months

• Medical examination fee: 105 USD/time

• UK student visa application fee: £524, applicable for applications from overseas or extended/converted within the UK. This fee may vary depending on the exchange rate or updates from the Consulate.

You may want to know: Cost of studying in the UK in 2026

Tuition fees in Canada are considered more affordable than many other English-speaking countries. However, depending on the city, school, and major you want to pursue, the tuition fee will vary. Studying in major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver often comes with a high cost of living, while provinces such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Newfoundland are seen as more economical options.

Below is a table of tuition fees for studying in Canada arranged by level of study and duration of study, to help you be proactive in financial planning.

In addition to tuition fees, Canadian students need to estimate additional costs related to the study process and estimated fees when applying, including:

• Canada student visa application fee: 235 CAD (including application fee and biometric fee)

• Medical examination fee: USD 100 for students under 11 years old, USD 137 for students 11 years old and older

• Guardianship fee for students under 18 years old: 200 - 1,000 CAD

• Average application fee: Schools in Canada will have different costs, with an average of 90 CAD

• Translation fee for study abroad documents: 800,000 - 5,000,000 VND/set (depending on the application). You will be given priority to free translation if you apply for study abroad at IDP.

• Housing costs (dormitories, homestays, shared houses): from 300 - 1,500 CAD/month

• Cost of living in Canada: ranges from 22,000 - 25,000 CAD/year

You can refer to the detailed article on the Cost of Studying in Canada for specific figures for each fee.

One of the outstanding features of studying in the U.S. is its very diverse school system, from community colleges and public universities, to private universities and world-leading prestigious schools. This makes the tuition fee for studying in the US change flexibly based on the type of school, major, and learning path of each student.

One of the effective solutions to optimize the cost of studying in the US is to choose the Community College route for the first two years, instead of directly attending a four-year Bachelor's program at a US public school. This route not only significantly saves you on study and living costs, but also creates a solid foundation for you to easily transfer to prestigious universities in the US. In addition, with a network of partners across the country, IDP actively looks for suitable scholarship programs to study in the US, helping you alleviate some of the financial pressure on your study abroad journey.

In addition to tuition fees, international students in the U.S. also need to prepare for many expenses such as:

• US student visa application fee: 185 USD

• SEVIS (I-901) Fee: $350 – for F-1/M-1 students. This is an international student application management fee, which must be paid before participating in the visa interview.

• Application fee: Free, or 100 - 200 USD depending on the school

• Premium: 700 – 1,100 USD/year

• Housing costs in the US: $10,000 – $24,000 per year

• Food costs in the US: 1,000 – 2,000 USD/month

• Travel costs in the US: 90 - 130 USD/month

See more: How much money do you need to study in the US

New Zealand is increasingly chosen by Vietnamese students thanks to its high-quality education system, safe living environment and friendly international student support policies. New Zealand's higher education system has always been highly appreciated in the world, especially 8 universities have been in the top 500 in the world according to the QS World University Rankings for many years in a row.

Tuition fees in New Zealand vary depending on the level of study, field of study and school. However, the difference between schools is usually not too large, making it easier for students to budget their budgets.

In addition, New Zealand also offers many attractive scholarship opportunities for international students, with support ranging from 30% to 100% of tuition fees, including scholarships from universities and the New Zealand government. As a result, you can completely optimize your study costs by actively participating in scholarship programs that are suitable for your capacity and orientation.

In addition to the main tuition fee, you need to prepare an additional budget for expenses related to study and living expenses throughout the course of your studies, including:

• Housing costs in New Zealand: range from 200 to 500 NZD/week

• Living expenses: range from NZD 17,000 to NZD 20,000 per year

• Health insurance premiums: Health insurance for international students for 12 months costs about 500 - 700 NZD/year.

Find out in detail the fees in this article: Study in New Zealand 2026

Ireland is gradually becoming an attractive study abroad destination in Europe thanks to its high-quality education system, international learning environment and especially open work opportunities after graduation. Compared to the UK and the US, the cost of studying in Ireland is considered more affordable, while the degree is still widely recognized globally.

Besides, Ireland is also an ideal destination for international students to enjoy a balanced lifestyle. With the cost of living on average in the European region. The total cost of living for an international student is around €7,000 - €12,000 per year.

The cost of living in Ireland will vary flexibly depending on the city you choose to live in, the type of housing and spending style. In fact, an international student living in Dublin, Ireland's economic and educational center, needs to spend about €12,000 a year on living expenses. Meanwhile, if you choose to study in areas outside of Dublin, the cost will be lower, ranging from around €10,000 per year. This helps students optimize their budget while ensuring the quality of life.

Learn more about: Cost of Studying in Ireland

Choose the right study abroad destination for you with IDP

Study abroad costs vary not only between countries but also depend on the level of study, field of study, and the chosen pathway. Thoroughly researching the cost of studying abroad in various countries in 2026 will help you be more proactive in comparing, planning your finances, and choosing a destination that suits your capabilities. Whether you prioritize budget optimization or aiming for a long-term learning environment and career opportunities, it's crucial to define your goals from the outset. With careful preparation and clear direction, your study abroad journey becomes more feasible and sustainable.

Established in 1969, IDP is currently one of the world's leading international education organizations, with over 57 years of experience in study abroad consulting and educational support. With its extensive global network, IDP Education has been helping millions of international students realize their dreams of studying abroad in English-speaking countries such as Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.