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Course & University Finder
Answer a few questions and see which countries and universities fit your grades, English and budget — for a bachelor's, master's or PhD — with real tuition fees, PhD funding, the money you'll need to show for the visa, work rights, post-study visas and the earliest start you can still make.
Twelve countries at a glance
Typical yearly tuition for international students, the money you must show for a first-year visa, and what you can do while and after you study. Amounts in US dollars are approximate.
| Country | Bachelor's / year | Master's / year | PhD / year | Funds for the visa | Work while studying | After graduating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | US$21,000 – 49,000 | US$24,500 – 61,000 | US$24,000 – 28,500 | US$21,000+ tuition | 48 hrs a fortnight | Usually 2–3 years |
| New Zealand | US$19,000 – 34,500 | US$21,500 – 33,000 | US$5,300 | US$11,500+ tuition | 25 hrs a week | Up to 3 years |
| Germany | US$0 – 6,700 | US$0 – 13,500 | No tuition | US$13,500 | 140 full days a year | 18 months |
| Sweden | US$8,100 – 15,000 | US$8,100 – 15,000 | Paid position | US$13,000+ tuition | 15 hrs a week in term | 12 months |
| Finland | US$10,000 – 22,500 | US$10,000 – 22,500 | No tuition | US$10,500+ tuition | 30 hrs a week (average) | 2 years |
| Lithuania | US$1,500 – 7,800 | from US$2,600 | from US$9,400 | US$9,700+ tuition | 20 hrs (bachelor's) / 40 hrs (master's) | 12 months |
| Poland | US$1,100 – 6,700 | US$1,700 – 8,900 | No tuition | US$3,700+ tuition | No weekly cap | 9 months |
| Hungary | US$4,000 – 10,000 | US$3,600 – 10,000 | Varies | No fixed amount | 30 hrs a week | 9 months |
| Ireland | US$11,500 – 32,500 | US$13,500 – 44,500 | US$14,500 – 19,500 | US$11,000+ tuition | 20 hrs a week in term | 1–2 years |
| Italy | US$200 – 4,800 | US$200 – 4,800 | US$200 | US$12,000 | 20 hrs a week | 9–12 months |
| Portugal | US$3,900 – 8,900 | US$3,900 – 11,000 | Varies | US$12,500 | No weekly cap | 1 year |
| United Kingdom | US$23,500 – 63,000 | from US$24,000 | US$37,000 – 44,500 | US$14,500+ tuition | 20 hrs a week in term | 18 months (from 2027) |
Germany: most public universities charge no tuition, but Baden-Württemberg and some Bavarian universities do. Hungary sets no fixed funds amount. Checked 1 November 2026; converted at ECB rates of 30 October 2026.
Questions students ask us
On tuition alone, Germany's public universities (no tuition in most states), Italy's public universities (about €150–4,300 a year, set by family income), Lithuania (from €1,300) and Poland (€1,000–6,000) are the lowest of the twelve. Don't forget the money you must show for the visa: Germany asks for €11,904 in a blocked account for the first year whatever you pay in fees.
Sometimes. Lithuania, Poland and Hungary accept previous education taught fully in English, and some universities there run their own test. Sweden and Finland don't accept an English-medium letter on its own, the UK needs a test or a formal assessment, and Australia's visa still needs a test even when a university waives it.
Poland and Portugal set no weekly hour cap for full-time students. Finland allows an average of 30 hours a week and Hungary 30 in term; New Zealand 25; Australia 48 hours a fortnight; the UK, Ireland and Italy 20. Sweden became the strictest on 11 June 2026, at 15 hours a week during semesters.
New Zealand gives up to 3 years after a master's, Australia usually 2–3 years, Finland 2 years and Ireland 2 years after a master's. Germany gives 18 months, and the UK 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. Lithuania, Italy, Portugal and Sweden give around 12 months, Poland and Hungary 9 months.
Yes, in several of these countries. In Sweden PhD students are employed and paid a salary. Germany and Finland charge no tuition for doctoral students, Polish doctoral schools are free and pay a monthly scholarship, and many Italian PhD places come with a scholarship. New Zealand charges international PhD students the domestic fee. The UK, Ireland, Australia and Lithuania charge PhD fees, with competitive scholarships.
Most student visas ask for evidence that you can pay your living costs — and often your first year's tuition — before the visa is granted. It is a legal minimum, not a budget: Ireland asks for €10,000, while Trinity College estimates €19,937–29,050 a year to live in Dublin.
No. They're based on official requirements checked on 1 November 2026 and on what you tell us. Universities set their own entry rules and every visa is assessed individually. A consultant will check your documents before you apply.
Looking further ahead? Read our study guides for step-by-step applications, or check your options for permanent residence after graduating.
Prefer to talk it through?
A licensed consultant can look at your documents and tell you, in one free call, which country and intake is realistic for you.