If you want to study in English, you will naturally first think of the usual English-speaking study destinations – the UK, the US, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Many of these popular English-speaking study destinations err towards the expensive side, though, particularly for international students. If you’re concerned about costs or simply the idea of studying somewhere different, read on for a selection of alternative destinations where you can study abroad in English and maybe save some money at the same time.

 

Germany 

Approximately 56 percent of Germany's population, particularly the younger demographic, is proficient in English, and there is ample availability of English-taught programs, especially at the postgraduate level. However, finding undergraduate courses taught in English can be more challenging.

 

Public universities in Germany typically do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate degrees, except for those located in Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students now face annual fees of €3,000. Master's degrees remain tuition-free for those who completed their undergraduate studies in Germany, while PhD programs are generally either free or come with minimal costs. Although private universities in Germany may impose tuition fees, they often remain lower than the international average.

 

The Netherlands 

In the Netherlands, if you opt to pursue studies in English, you'll find it easy to interact with locals as a staggering 90 percent of Dutch residents are proficient in English. Moreover, there's an abundance of English-taught programs, predominantly at the master's level. The governmental organization Study in Holland offers a Study Finder tool to assist you in locating the ideal English-taught course at any educational level.

 

While tuition fees are applicable in the Netherlands, they are notably lower compared to English-speaking countries on average, especially for students from the EEA/Switzerland/Surinam, who typically pay €2,087 per year for most courses in the 2019/20 academic year. For those outside these regions, tuition fees start at €6,000 (~US$6,700) per year, varying depending on the subject and level of study.

 

Austria 

In Austria, instruction is primarily delivered in German, the official language of the country. However, there are various programs offered in English across different levels of study. You can also check Studienwahl as it provides a search tool to facilitate finding courses taught either entirely or partially in English. With a substantial 73 percent of the population proficient in English, communication is generally not an issue.

 

For Austrian nationals and EU students, higher education is tuition-free. Non-EU students, on the other hand, can anticipate semester fees of €726.72.

 

Greece

Approximately 50 percent of Greece's population is proficient in English. Although university instruction is predominantly conducted in Greek, there are specialized study programs offered in English at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Similar to other countries, tuition fees are waived for domestic and EU students pursuing undergraduate degrees at public universities. However, students from non-EU countries can expect to pay approximately €1,500 per year, with course textbooks often included in the fee.

 

Scotland 

For EU citizens interested in studying in the UK but concerned about steep tuition costs, Scotland might be an attractive option. Tuition fees are nonexistent for students from Scotland or other EU countries. Despite the potential implications of Brexit, it has been affirmed that EU students commencing their studies in Scotland from the academic year 2019/20 onwards will continue to enjoy tuition-free education for the entirety of their program. Scotland predominantly uses English as its primary language but also recognizes two regional languages, Scottish Gaelic and Scots.

 

Russia

Russia provides an extensive selection of English-taught programs and offers 15,000 government scholarships, all designed to entice more international students. Nevertheless, the proportion of English speakers is notably lower, standing at approximately five percent of the population, though this figure may fluctuate depending on the region. Major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg tend to have a higher concentration of English speakers. Hence, acquiring some basic knowledge of Russian can be advantageous for navigating daily life.

 

Denmark 

While the primary language of instruction in Danish universities is Danish, there are over 700 internationally accredited programs delivered in English. Remarkably, 86 percent of Denmark's population is proficient in English. The study in Denmark website offers a convenient platform to explore English-taught study programs. Education at Danish universities is tuition-free for all EU/EEA/Swiss students, regardless of the academic level. However, students from outside the EU/EEA are subject to tuition fees, typically ranging from €6,000 to €16,000 per year.

 

Sweden

Sweden boasts a considerable number of English speakers and offers more than 100 programs conducted in English across its universities. Education is tuition-free for Swedish nationals and citizens of EU countries. Conversely, non-EU students are subject to tuition fees, which vary depending on the university. Generally, these fees range between €6,857 and €16,285 per year, contingent on the chosen subject and degree level.

 

Finland 

Finland presents another appealing option for those considering studying abroad in English. With Finnish institutions offering over 400 English-taught courses, it's a diverse educational destination. EU students benefit from tuition-free education, while non-EU students typically face annual tuition fees ranging from approximately €5,000 to €20,000.

 

Furthermore, 70 percent of Finland's population is proficient in English, making communication easier for international students. English-taught programs are more prevalent at universities of applied sciences and polytechnics, with only a limited selection available at the bachelor's degree level in general universities. To explore available English courses, check Studyinfo.fi for a comprehensive database.

 

Norway

Remaining the sole Nordic nation to maintain tuition-free education for all students, regardless of their nationality, Norway provides a diverse selection of English-taught programs, primarily at the master's level. The majority of Norwegian residents are proficient in English. Notably, the University of Oslo is ranked as the country's top university in the QS World University Rankings® 2019 at 135th place and offers a broad array of English-taught programs across various academic levels. However, students are still required to pay a nominal student welfare organization fee each semester, typically amounting to no more than €51.22.

 

Singapore 

Singapore, a dynamic and culturally diverse city-state, is home to some of the world's most esteemed universities, including Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore, both ranked within the top 15 in the QS World University Rankings. For those seeking to study in English in Singapore, the advantageous aspect is that English serves as one of its official languages, with approximately 80 percent of the population proficient in the language. Moreover, English is the designated language of instruction at universities. 

 

However, it's worth noting that living expenses in Singapore are relatively high. For instance, undergraduate tuition fees at the National University of Singapore (NUS) commenced at €12,043 in 2018, reflecting the city-state's elevated cost of living.

 

Malaysia

Malaysia is rapidly emerging as a favored destination for international students, having recently made substantial investments in its higher education sector. This includes the establishment of international branch campuses operated by universities from other countries, such as the University of Nottingham from the UK and Monash University from Australia. Despite the presence of these international campuses, Malaysian universities maintain a strong standing, with Universiti Malaya ranking joint 87th in the QS World University Rankings.

 

English serves as the primary language of instruction in private colleges and some government universities in Malaysia, and it is widely spoken among Malaysians. For those requiring assistance with English proficiency, many colleges offer dedicated classes. Additionally, the cost of living for international students in Malaysia is notably affordable, averaging around €3,193 per year.

 

Hong Kong 

Hong Kong stands as one of the globe's foremost international financial hubs, blending Eastern and Western cultures seamlessly. English enjoys extensive usage in both everyday interactions and higher education, with nearly all university-level instruction delivered in English. The average tuition fees are estimated to range between €10,684 and €31,457 per year. Therefore, seeking scholarships, either directly from your preferred university or through the Hong Kong government, could be a prudent choice.

 

India

India boasts immense diversity, encompassing various cultures and languages, with hundreds of dialects spoken across the country. The 2001 census identified an impressive 26 mother tongues, each spoken by over a million individuals. Despite this linguistic diversity, English serves as the predominant language of instruction in Indian universities, particularly at the postgraduate level. Language classes are frequently offered to assist non-native speakers in improving their proficiency. Living expenses in India are highly affordable, and tuition fees are relatively low, typically ranging from €3,064 to €7,242 per course.

 

Taiwan

Taiwan is witnessing a rising influx of international students opting for English-taught programs, drawn by the widespread use and comprehension of the language in the country. To cater to this demand, Taiwanese universities are expanding their offerings of degree courses taught either partially or entirely in English. Prospective students can explore the array of English-taught programs through the Study in Taiwan website. Notably, National Taiwan University, the country's top-ranked institution globally (ranked 72nd), offers tuition fees starting at €3,060 per year.

 

Are you ready to study abroad? Educatly can help you. Sign up to Educatly, customize your profile, gain access to tailored program recommendations, and select one of 100,000+ programs abroad.

 

For personalized assistance, schedule a meeting with one of our educational advisors. They will offer you a complimentary consultation and guide you through the steps to access prestigious educational options.

Read More:
Top 5 World-Wide Accepted English Tests for Studying Abroad
5 of the Top Non-native English-Speaking Countries to Study Abroad
Why Do Universities Care About Students' English Proficiency?