The cost of living for international students depends on your country and city. Use this directory to find our cost guides for 11 study destinations, covering tuition, rent, food, transport, and proof of funds.
Planning your budget early helps you choose the right destination, meet student visa financial requirements, and avoid surprises after you arrive. Each guide below breaks down what students really spend, so you can compare countries and build a realistic plan.
Find Programs That Fit Your Budget
Search programs across 11 countries on ApplyBoard and filter by tuition cost to find options that match your budget.
Explore Cost of Living Guides by Destination
Australia
See average monthly living costs in Australia, including rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Learn how living expenses connect to your student visa. City guides: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
Canada
Get the full cost of studying in Canada: tuition by program type, living expenses, IRCC proof of funds, and upfront first-year costs. More guides: Quebec, affordable Canadian cities, budgeting in lakhs from India, and in naira from Nigeria.
Germany
Learn about tuition fees in Germany for international students, what everyday living costs look like, and which scholarships and financial aid can help.
Ireland
Plan your monthly budget in Ireland with shared room rents by city, plus grocery, transport, phone, utility, and social costs. See how part-time work can help with day-to-day spending.
Malaysia
Compare tuition fees and living costs in Malaysia with Western destinations. This guide includes a sample monthly budget, scholarship options, and part-time work rules for international students.
Malta
Compare tuition at public and private institutions in Malta, monthly living costs, and Malta's student visa financial requirements. For housing, see our guide to affordable student localities in Malta.
Singapore
See tuition fees in Singapore at autonomous universities, polytechnics, and private institutions, plus monthly living costs and three sample annual budgets. Housing options are covered in our Singapore student accommodation guide.
Spain
Compare public and private university fees in Spain, regional price differences, and living costs in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. Includes the IPREM financial requirement for your student visa.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Build your Dubai student budget with monthly costs for housing, food, transport, and health insurance. For accommodation, see our guide to student housing in Dubai.
United Kingdom
Find out the total cost of studying in the UK, including tuition fees, living costs by region, and upfront costs like visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Includes tips for studying in the UK more affordably.
United States
Understand the cost of studying in the United States, from tuition and living expenses to utilities, transport, and academic supplies. Learn about financial assistance options for international students.
Note: Each guide shows costs in the local currency. Exchange rates change often, so check the latest rate before you convert your budget. Most countries also ask you to show proof of funds for your student visa. For the official amounts, see our International Student Visa Guides.
Search Programs by Tuition Cost
Learn how to filter programs by tuition on ApplyBoard so you only see options within your budget.
More Guides to Help You Plan Your Budget
- The Real Cost of Studying Abroad: What Families Need to Budget Beyond Tuition: compares full budgets for the UK, Canada, Australia, the US, Ireland, and Germany, including the costs families often miss.
- How to Build an International Student Budget: A Parent's Complete Guide: a step-by-step budget plan, plus advice on sending money safely.
- 8 Essential Money-Saving Tips for International Students Studying Abroad: practical ways to make your budget go further.
Ready to Turn Your Study Abroad Plans Into Reality?
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