Are you looking to study abroad in a cheap country, and you need to know the best options or universities? Keep reading because we have prepared a basic guide for you…
Have you heard about the Balkans? Known also as Balkan Peninsula, this region located in Southern Europe is made up of twelve countries: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey.
Balkan Peninsula has a rich culture and a lot of great destinations worth visiting. Most of Balkan countries are among the cheapest countries to live in as well. So if you are a foreign student, looking to study abroad and want to try a new experience, you can consider the Balkans region a good opportunity.
As an international student, you probably would like to study (and live) in a country where living costs are cheapest. So, we have listed the cheapest countries to live in the Balkans (according to Go Banking Rates). You will find listed the 3 top universities for each country as well.
Rents in Montenegro are 89% of what you’d pay in New York. So, you can imagine now how cheap this country is, right? Montenegro is listed the fortieth among the cheapest countries to live in. This Balkan country has rugged mountains and beautiful beaches along its Adriatic coastline. Its capital is Podgorica and its official language is Montenegrin.
Top 3 universities in Montenegro:
With its beautiful mountains, stunning beaches, anthic castles, hospitable people and more, Albania is known as the Pearl of Balkans as well. Moreover, it is one of the cheapest countries to live in, so you can consider it when it comes about studying. Compared to New York, rents are 93% lower, while eating costs are 70% lower. Besides that, Albania has quality universities / colleges as well. Albanian’s capital is Tirana and its official language is Albanian.
Top 3 universities in Albania:
Serbia is ranked twenty-ninth among the cheapest countries in the world. Rent in Serbia will cost you 91% less than in New York, while living costs are 60% cheaper. This country is known for its ski areas, food, arts, culture and more. The capital of Serbia is Belgrade and its official language is Serbian.
Top 3 universities in Serbia:
Yes, Turkey is among the cheapest countries to live in as well. Rent in Turkey is 90% cheaper than in New York, while costs of living are about 58% less. Turkey is very famous for its food and drinks, starting from baklava, kebap, delight, tea, salep etc. It is known for famous historical monuments and beautiful places as well. The capital of Turkey is Ankara, and its official language is Turkish. Turkey has a lot of things to offer and to explore, so consider this place as a country for studying.
Top 3 universities in Turkey:
Did you know that Bulgaria is known as the oldest country in Europe? Well, it is famous for other things as well, such as unique music and costumes, delicious food, rakia, roses and more. If you are going to live and study there, this could be a wise choice because it has quality universities and moreover, it’s among the cheapest countries to live in. Rent in Bulgaria is 90% cheaper than in New York, while eating out it will cost you 45% less. Its capital is Sofia, while the official language is Bulgarian.
Top 3 universities in Bulgaria:
With a rent 93% less than in New York and living costs 60% cheaper, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a suitable place for living. It is also a great choice when it comes to international students. But BiH is more than a country with a cheap rent or living costs. It has beautiful cities such as Mostar, great landscapes, delicious food such as burek and more. Its capital is Sarajeva, while the official languages in BiH are Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.
Top 3 universities in BiH:
Romania is almost the cheapest country to live in the Balkans and it has a lot of things to offer. Rent is 89% less than in New York, while living costs are 60% lower. Romania is known for beautiful buildings and monuments, folk culture, medieval towns and villages, history and more. Bucharest is the capital of Romania, while the official language is Romanian.
Top 3 universities in Romania:
For 2020, North Macedonia is ranked among ten cheapest countries in the world, and the cheapest country to live in the Balkans. Rents are 93% cheaper than in New York, while living costs are 76% less. Its capital is Skopje, while official languages are Macedonian and Albanian.
Top 3 universities in North Macedonia:
There are also four Balkan countries that are not among the 50 cheapest countries in the world, but still have cheaper living costs and quality universities as well. These countries are Kosovo, Croatia, Greece and Slovenia.
Another country where you can study in the Balkans, is Kosovo as well. It is a small country, with hospitable people, rich culture, beautiful mountains, historical monuments and a lot of stories to tell. According to Expatistan, for a single person estimated monthly costs 660Eur. Its capital is Pristina, while the official languages in Kosovo are Albanian and Serbian.
Top 2 universities in Kosovo:
According to studyincroatia.com, usually the living cost for students is about 600 Eur per month. But if you live / study in touristic countries, the costs can be higher. Croatia is known for its beautiful islands and other natural wonders, a delicious cuisine, and more. Also this is one of the countries where the famous TV show Game of Thrones was filmed. Croatia’s capital is Zagreb while its official language is Croatian.
3 top universities in Croatia:
For 2020, living costs in Greece for a single person are about 1128€, according to Expatistan. This country is famous for a lot of important things, especially as the birthplace of Democracy. It is known for islands, the Acropolis, Philosophy, mythology and more. Greece’s capital is Athens, while the official language is Greek.
3 top universities in Greece:
So when it comes to studying abroad, you should really consider any of the Balkans countries. Besides the opportunity to study in any of the top universities, you can also visit great places, learn new cultures & languages and meet hospitable people. It will feel like home!