Studying abroad is a dream for millions of students — but tuition fees are only half the story. For many international students, rent, housing availability, and overall living costs determine whether studying overseas is realistic or financially draining.
The good news? Several countries offer generous scholarship opportunities. They also have relatively affordable housing markets. This combination makes them ideal destinations for students who want quality education without crushing debt.
In this guide, we break down the top countries offering scholarships. We analyze their rent, student housing options, and property costs. This helps you make a smart, financially sustainable choice.
What Makes a Country “Student-Affordable”?
Before diving in, here’s how we evaluated each country:
- Availability of government or university-funded scholarships
- Average monthly rent for students
- Cost of student housing or shared apartments
- Overall cost of living
- Ability to work part-time while studying
1. Germany — Tuition-Free Education + Low Student Rent
🎓 Scholarships Available
- DAAD Scholarships
- Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month)
- University-specific grants
Germany is famous for tuition-free public universities, even for international students.
🏠 Housing & Rent Costs
- Average student rent: €300–€450/month
- Smaller cities (Leipzig, Magdeburg, Chemnitz): €250–€350
- Student dorms are heavily subsidized by the government
Why Germany Stands Out
- No tuition at public universities
- Strong student housing system
- Stable rental market (no sudden spikes)
Best for: STEM, engineering, medicine, economics
2. Canada — Scholarships + Balanced Housing Costs
🎓 Scholarships Available
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Provincial & university-based funding
🏠 Housing & Rent Costs
- Major cities (Toronto, Vancouver): CAD 900–1,200/month
- Affordable cities (Winnipeg, Halifax, Saskatoon): CAD 600–800
- Student residences often cheaper than private rentals
Property Market Insight
Canada’s housing market is expensive for buyers, but student rentals remain regulated and accessible, especially outside major metro areas.
Best for: Research, healthcare, business, IT
3. Poland — Low Tuition + One of Europe’s Cheapest Rents
🎓 Scholarships Available
- Polish Government Scholarships (NAWA)
- Erasmus+ programs
- University merit-based awards
🏠 Housing & Rent Costs
- Student rent: €200–€350/month
- Dormitories: €100–€200
- Utilities are affordable compared to Western Europe
Why Poland Is Rising Fast
- EU-recognized degrees
- Very low cost of living
- Growing international student population
Best for: Medicine, engineering, business
4. Hungary — Generous Scholarships + Stable Rental Prices
🎓 Scholarships Available
- Stipendium Hungaricum (covers tuition + housing allowance)
- Erasmus+ and bilateral government programs
🏠 Housing & Rent Costs
- Average rent: €250–€400/month
- Student housing allowance often offsets rent
Property Cost Advantage
Hungary’s real estate prices remain among the lowest in the EU, keeping student rents stable year-round.
Best for: Medicine, sciences, arts
5. Malaysia — Affordable Living + Regional Scholarships
🎓 Scholarships Available
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
- University-funded tuition discounts
- ASEAN student grants
🏠 Housing & Rent Costs
- Student apartments: $150–$350/month
- Utilities and food extremely affordable
- Modern student housing near campuses
Why Students Love Malaysia
- English-taught programs
- Safe, modern cities
- Low property and rental costs
Best for: Business, IT, engineering
6. Turkey — Government Scholarships + Low Rent
🎓 Scholarships Available
- Türkiye Scholarships (covers tuition, housing, stipend)
- University grants for international students
🏠 Housing & Rent Costs
- Average rent: $200–$400/month
- Student dorms often free or subsidized under scholarships
Housing Advantage
Turkey’s weaker currency has kept housing costs low for international students, despite rising global inflation.
Best for: International relations, architecture, engineering
7. Portugal — Scholarships + Affordable Southern Europe Housing
🎓 Scholarships Available
- Portuguese government grants
- Erasmus+
- University tuition reductions
🏠 Housing & Rent Costs
- Lisbon/Porto: €500–€700
- Smaller cities (Coimbra, Braga): €350–€500
Why Portugal Works
- One of Western Europe’s cheapest rental markets
- Strong student housing culture
- Warm climate and high quality of life
Best for: Humanities, tourism, business
Comparison Table: Scholarships + Rent
| Country | Avg Student Rent | Scholarships | Housing Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €300–450 | High | Very Stable |
| Poland | €200–350 | Medium | Stable |
| Hungary | €250–400 | High | Stable |
| Malaysia | $150–350 | Medium | Very Stable |
| Turkey | $200–400 | High | Stable |
| Canada | CAD 600–1,200 | High | Moderate |
| Portugal | €350–700 | Medium | Moderate |
Tips to Reduce Housing Costs as a Student
- Apply early for university dorms
- Choose secondary cities, not capitals
- Share apartments with 2–4 students
- Avoid short-term rentals (Airbnb-style)
- Ask if scholarships include housing stipends
Final Thoughts
The best study-abroad destination isn’t always the most famous. It’s where scholarships align with affordable housing. The destination also has stable rent markets.
Countries like Germany, Poland, Hungary, Malaysia, and Turkey consistently rank high. They understand one key truth:
🎓 Education access depends just as much on housing as it does on tuition.
If you’re planning to study abroad, evaluate rent, student housing availability, and cost of living. Also, consider scholarship offers. This evaluation can save you thousands every year.
FAQ: Scholarships and Affordable Housing for Students
1. Which country offers the most affordable education and housing for international students?
Germany is widely considered the most affordable option due to tuition-free public universities and subsidized student housing. Poland, Hungary, and Malaysia are also very cost-effective.
2. Do scholarships usually cover accommodation costs?
Some scholarships do. Programs like Germany’s DAAD, Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum, and Türkiye Scholarships often include housing allowances or free dormitory accommodation.
3. Is it cheaper to live on-campus or off-campus as a student?
In most countries, on-campus housing is cheaper, especially when subsidized by universities or governments. Off-campus shared apartments can also be affordable in smaller cities.
4. Which countries have the lowest student rent in Europe?
Poland, Hungary, and parts of Germany offer some of the lowest student rents in Europe. These rents typically range from €200 to €400 per month.
5. Can international students work part-time to cover rent?
Yes. Most countries allow international students to work part-time. They can typically work between 15–20 hours per week. This can help cover rent and daily expenses.
6. Are capital cities always more expensive for students?
Yes. Capital cities usually have higher rent and living costs. Students can save significantly by choosing secondary cities with strong universities and lower housing demand.
7. How early should I apply for student housing?
As early as possible. Many student dorms have limited spaces, and early application greatly increases your chances of securing subsidized housing.
8. Is shared housing safe for international students?
Yes, especially when arranged through university housing offices or verified student accommodation platforms. Sharing apartments is common and cost-effective.
9. Which non-European country is most affordable for international students?
Malaysia stands out for its low rent, affordable food, and availability of English-taught programs, making it a top non-European option.
10. Should I consider housing costs before accepting a scholarship?
Absolutely. A scholarship with partial tuition coverage may still be expensive if housing costs are high. Always evaluate rent, utilities, and transportation costs before making a decision.
