If you want to study abroad as a Nigerian student without spending so much, this post shows you the cheapest country to study for Nigerian students. Often, the countries that come to mind are the UK, Canada, and the USA. However, these countries can be relatively expensive. The reasons Nigerians flock to these countries are (1) English as a language and (2) easier to get citizenship.
Many Nigerian students dream of studying overseas, but the costs can be tough. Yet, there are countries out there with affordable education for folks like you. These places aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re rich in culture and history too. The little setback you may face is the language – you will need to learn the local language to some extent.
When you study abroad, it’s not just about the books. You dive into a new culture, meet diverse people, and see the world from a fresh angle. This experience can shape your future in ways you haven’t imagined.
So, if you’re a Nigerian student with dreams of studying in another country, don’t be put off by the price tag. There are options that won’t empty your pockets.
Cheapest Country to Study for Nigerian Students
Before we start, you need to know the method I used to handpick these destinations. First, I relied on current data on Nairaland. That is because Nairaland has people with experience (i.e., people who have been to these countries) and have done their research on tuition and living costs. In this post, you won’t find a country like the UK, but the UK can be “relatively” cheap depending on the university, as well as your lifestyle and habit.
That said, below is the cheapest country to study for Nigerian students:
1. Spain
When choosing a place for a Nigerian student to study, I look at the cost, quality, and overall living experience. Spain stands out as affordable, safe, and of good quality. The tuition fees for Bachelor programmes range from 750 EUR to 2,500 EUR per year, and tuition fees for Master programmes are around 1,000 to 3,500 EUR per year. This estimate is relative, also it can be very cheaper than this.
Yes, there might be some racism, but it’s not as bad as in parts of Asia or Eastern Europe. The occasional negative experience in Spain is similar to what you might face anywhere. I don’t focus on it much because the education is affordable and most people are decent. If you’re aiming for a better life, Spain seems like a good balance.
The Spanish way of life is also a plus. It’s more enjoyable than some other places with dull weather and less appealing environments. The food is good, people are welcoming, and there’s a lot to do. I think teaching English could be a good job option for students there.
2. Germany
Germany is a budget-friendly choice for Nigerians wanting to study abroad. The country’s education is top-notch, and many universities do not charge tuition for both undergrad and postgrad courses. This makes it affordable for students from all over.
Most German universities are funded by the state, so everyone studies for free, no matter your country. But, students might need to pay a small fee every semester, usually between €150 and €300, for admin stuff. There are lots of universities to pick from, so you will find one that’s right for you. You can even study for free in Germany as long as you qualify for any of the scholarships such as Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarships in Germany for International Students.
Whether you like engineering, business, or medicine, there’s a course in Germany for you. Some courses might have extra fees, but they’re usually low. Living in Germany is also fun. You can explore its rich history, taste yummy food, and learn a new language. With low living costs and a good quality of life, studying in Germany is a great choice.
While tuition might be free or very low, students should consider the cost of living, which varies depending on the city. However, Germany offers a high standard of living and numerous opportunities for international students.
3. China
This country might come as a surprise to you, but “Yes”, China is a cheap country where you can study. China is very quickly becoming a top pick for Nigerian students looking to study abroad for cheap. Around 6,000 to 9,000 Nigerians are currently studying in Chinese universities. Living in China costs between $750 and $1,500 monthly. Tuition fees for Nigerians there range from $3,000 to $31,000 a year.
Popular universities in China for Nigerians include Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Zhejiang University.
4. Norway
Findings also disclose that Norway is easily the cheapest country to study for Nigerian students. Many universities there do not charge tuition for both undergraduate and graduate programs. But, you might have to pay a small fee every semester, usually between NOK 300 and NOK 600 (about 50,000 Naira).
Some places might have extra fees like for labs, but they’re not too much. Norway’s known for its awesome education, comfy living standards, and stunning nature. They offer courses in stuff like engineering, business, and medicine. Plus, everyone in Norway gets good health care and education. Living costs can change based on where you are in the country.
5. Malaysia
As a Nigerian on a budget, Malaysia is a smart choice for you to study. They have a mix of universities and courses. The best part is that many of these universities ask for less than $1,000 a year for undergrad courses. Living there does not cost much either, making it a win for students to save money. But you have to work and also live a frugal lifestyle.
6. Mexico
Not only is Mexico affordable, but it also has courses that some Nigerian schools don’t. A lot of Mexican universities teach in English, which is great for students who don’t speak Spanish. Most of these universities charge less than $1,000 a year for bachelor’s degrees.
If you are thinking of studying there, you’ll need to show you’re good at English with a test like TOEFL or IELTS. You’ll also need your high school diploma, and some schools might ask you to take an entrance test. Living in Mexico is cheaper than in many countries, but costs can change depending on where you are. So, it’s a good idea to check living expenses in different places.
7. Italy
Italy is not just famous for its beautiful buildings and history; it’s also a budget-friendly place for Nigerian students to study. The country has loads of universities with excellent programs. State-run universities are a bargain, usually charging $800 to $1,000 a year. Living in Italy doesn’t cost much, and students can work part-time to make some extra cash.
They can earn about $1,000 for 20 hours of work each week. Some good universities to check out are the University of Siena, the University of Florence, and the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano.
8. Belgium
Belgium is easily the cheapest country to study for Nigerian students for a Nigerian student wanting to study abroad without breaking the bank, Belgium is a top choice, ranking tenth in affordability.
Belgium offers a high-quality education with many courses available. The tuition fees are around Seven Hundred Thousand Nigerian Naira, which is pretty budget-friendly. Students from other countries can work while they study, but they can only work 20 hours a week, and it shouldn’t mess with their studies.
Some of the most affordable schools in Belgium are Ghent University (€900), University of Namur (€830), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (900), and UC Leuven-Limburg (€900). These schools provide excellent education without the high costs.
9. Turkey
Turkey is another great spot for Nigerians looking for a budget-friendly place to study abroad. Some Turkish universities teach in English, so it’s perfect for students who don’t speak Turkish. The tuition fees are often under $1,500 a year for undergrad courses.
Like in Belgium, students from other countries can work while they study in Turkey, but they have to limit their work hours so it doesn’t get in the way of school. Some affordable universities in Turkey are Middle East Technical University, Ankara University, and Istanbul Technical University. They all offer quality education without the hefty price tag. Plus, Turkey has a rich culture, lovely cities, and tasty food, giving students lots to see and do outside of school.
10. Austria
Austria has some really affordable universities for students from other countries. If you’re from the EU, you can study for free. But if you are from elsewhere, such as Nigeria, you will only pay less than $1,000 for a whole year. Think about it: that’s a huge saving compared to many American universities. If you are considering Austria, some top universities are the University of Vienna, Vienna University of Technology, Graz University of Technology, and the University of Innsbruck.
11. Russia
In terms of tuition, you need a budget of 4.5 million Naira to comfortably study in Russia. So, it is the cheapest country to study for Nigerian students.
The living costs can be affordable depending on you. Russia offers a diverse range of cities to study in, each with its unique culture and lifestyle. The cost of living can vary, but in general, Russia is considered affordable for international students.
12. Poland
While exact figures can’t be provided, a friend entered a university in Poland with ease and at an affordable rate. It cost him about 3,500 USD per year. Note that it can be cheaper. For the living costs, Poland offers a mix of historical cities and modern amenities. The cost of living is affordable for international students. According to Masters Portal, the living cost for international students is between 350 – 550 EUR/month.
13. Finland
Many people and online polls say that Finland is a great and affordable place to live and study. It is generally a beautiful country where living does not cost too much. If you’re a student with a study visa in Finland, remember you can work up to 25 hours a week.
But, your job should be related to what you are studying. Plus, you might earn between 8 to 10 euros every hour. In Finland, tuition fees can be between 5,000 to 18,000 euros.
Conclusion – Which is the Cheapest Country to Study for Nigerian Students?
For Nigerian students wanting to study abroad, there are several countries with affordable options. However, the cheapest country to study for Nigerian students is Germany, especially if you find yourself a suitable scholarship for international students. Many places have low or even free tuition fees, which is great for a low budget. These countries mentioned here often provide a good quality of life and diverse academic programs to fit different interests and career aims. Before making a decision, compare living costs, tuition, and entry conditions. Also, be picky when it comes to the university – some universities can be really cheap.
