Most students dream of studying in Europe. But when you hear “study in Europe,” your mind probably jumps to sky-high tuition fees, expensive living costs, and competitive admissions. But Malta and Hungary are offering world-class education at prices lower than many Asian countries. They are Europe’s best-kept secrets.
In 2026, while students spend €20,000 to €40,000 annually in the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands, smart international students are heading to Malta and Hungary, where total annual costs range from €5,000 to €15,000, including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. That’s European Union-recognised degrees at prices that won’t put you into debt.
This comprehensive guide reveals why studying affordably in Europe, specifically in Malta and Hungary, should be your next destination. It covers tuition fees, living costs, top universities, scholarships, and post-study opportunities.
Why Choose Malta for Education in Europe?
Malta is a small island nation south of Sicily. It offers a 100% English-speaking environment combined with EU membership and affordable tuition fees. For international students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and across Asia and Africa, this eliminates the language barrier that complicates studying in France, Germany, or Spain.
Tuition Fees in Malta (2026)
Public Universities (University of Malta)
- EU/EEA students: FREE for most programs
- Non-EU students: €2,160 – €8,000/year, depending on the course and university
Private Universities
- American University of Malta: €9,000 – €12,000/year
- Global College Malta: €5,500 – €9,500/year for non-EU students
- London School of Commerce Malta: €6,950/year for MBA
When you compare this to other top countries, you will understand why we call these affordable options.
- UK: £16,000 – £25,000 (€20,000 – €29,000)
- USA: $25,000 – $50,000
- Australia: AUD $30,000 – $50,000
Studying in Malta saves international students €10,000 – €20,000 annually compared to traditional Western European destinations.
Living Costs in Malta for Students
Monthly Expenses
- Accommodation: €500 – €800 (university dorms cheaper, private flats €700 – €1,500)
- Food: €200 – €350
- Transport: €50 – €80 (student discounts available)
- Miscellaneous: €100 – €150
- Total monthly: €1,000 – €1,500
- Annual living costs: €12,000 – €18,000
- Total annual cost (tuition + living) in Malta: €14,000 – €25,000, making it one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe.
Top Universities in Malta
- University of Malta
- The only public university in Malta
- Founded in 1769
- Popular Programs are Business, IT, Medicine, Engineering and Tourism
- EU-recognised degrees
- Strong industry connections
- Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST)
- Vocational and technical programs
- Tuition fees range from €5,000 to €8,500 per year.
- High employability rates
- American-style education in Europe
- Engineering, Business, Architecture programs
- Modern facilities
- Global College Malta
- Affordable private option
- Business and IT focus
- Small class sizes
Why International Students Love Malta
- English-speaking: No language barrier since English is the official language
- EU member: Schengen travel access to 27 countries
- Mediterranean climate: 300+ sunny days/year
- Safe environment: Low crime, welcoming culture
- Work rights: 20 hours/week during studies
- Post-study opportunities: Graduates can work in Malta’s growing IT, gaming, finance, and tourism sectors
- Strategic location: 3 hours from most European capitals
Study in Hungary 2026: Lowest Cost in Europe
Hungary has quietly become one of Europe’s fastest-growing study destinations. It attracted over 30,000 international students in 2025 (expected to reach over 65,000 by 2030). The reason is simple. World-class universities, lowest living costs in Europe, and generous government scholarships make studying in Hungary incredibly attractive.
Tuition Fees in Hungary (2026)
Public Universities
- Undergraduate & Master’s: €1,200 – €5,000/year (most programs)
- PhD: €6,000 – €8,000/year
- Medicine/Dentistry: €12,000 – €16,000/year
- Application/Registration Fees: €100 – €150/each
Top Public University Examples
- Eötvös Loránd University
- University of Debrecen
- University of Pécs
- Budapest University of Technology
- Semmelweis University (Medicine)
Hungary matches or beats most European destinations on affordability.
Living Costs in Hungary (2026)
Monthly Expenses in Budapest (Capital)
- Accommodation: €275 – €635 (university dorms are under €100!)
- Food: €115 – €150
- Transport: €30 – €50 (student pass)
- Miscellaneous: €100 – €150
- Total monthly cost in Budapest: €520 – €985
Regional Cities (Debrecen, Pécs, Szeged)
- Accommodation: €200 – €450
- Food: €100 – €130
- Transport: €20 – €40
- Miscellaneous: €80 – €120
- Total monthly regional: €400 – €740
Annual living costs: €4,800 – €11,820
Total annual cost in Hungary (tuition + living): €6,300 – €16,000, which is one of the cheapest study options in Europe.
Top Universities in Hungary
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
- Ranked among Europe’s top 500
- Located in Budapest
- Strong in Sciences, Humanities and Business
- Founded 1635
- University of Debrecen
- Second-largest Hungarian city
- Medical programs are globally recognised
- Affordable living costs
- Vibrant student atmosphere
- University of Pécs
- Founded 1367 (one of Europe’s oldest!)
- UNESCO World Heritage city
- Medicine, Engineering, Arts
- Culturally rich environment
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
- Top engineering university
- Strong industry partnerships
- Research-focused
- High graduate employability
- Semmelweis University
- Premier medical university
- Globally recognised medical degrees
- English-taught programs
- High acceptance rates for international students
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026
The Stipendium Hungaricum government scholarship makes studying in Hungary truly attractive.
It covers Full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of HUF 47,000 (€130), an accommodation allowance, and medical insurance.
Eligibility:
- Students from 90+ countries (including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, and many others)
- All degree levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Merit-based selection
5,000 scholarships are awarded annually. This makes Hungary one of the most generous scholarship providers in Europe.
Other Hungarian scholarships
- Bilateral State Scholarships
- Erasmus+ funding
- CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Program)
- University-specific scholarships (up to 30% tuition reduction)
Malta vs Hungary 2026: Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Malta | Hungary | Winner |
| Annual Tuition | €2,200 – €9,500 | €1,200 – €5,000 | Hungary |
| Living Costs/Year | €12,000 – €18,000 | €4,800-€11,820 | Hungary |
| Total Annual Cost | €14,000 – €25,000 | €6,300 – €16,000 | Hungary |
| Language | English (official) | Hungarian (English programs available) | Malta |
| Climate | Mediterranean | Continental | Both |
| Scholarships | Limited | Generous (Stipendium Hungaricum) | Hungary |
| Work Rights | 20 hrs/week | 20 hrs/week (permit needed) | Malta |
| Post-Study Work | Yes (growing sectors) | Yes (EU opportunities) | Malta |
| EU Member | Yes (Schengen) | Yes (Schengen) | Both |
Bottom line: Malta wins for English speakers wanting a Mediterranean lifestyle affordably. Hungary wins for the lowest costs and best scholarships in Europe.
Post-Study Work Rights in Malta & Hungary
There are generous post-study work opportunities in Malta & Hungary that you can benefit from directly.
Malta Work Opportunities
Growing Sectors:
- IT & Gaming (Malta is the iGaming hub of Europe)
- Finance (EU banking sector)
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Maritime & Logistics
- English Language Teaching
Average graduate salary: €20,000-€30,000/year
Permanent Residency: 5 years of continuous residence required
Hungary Work Opportunities
Growing Sectors:
- Engineering (automotive, manufacturing)
- IT & Software Development
- Healthcare
- Research & Academia
- Business & Finance
Average graduate salary: HUF 4-6 million/year (€10,000-€16,000)
Permanent Residency: Pathways available through employment
The exciting thing is that these countries offer EU work mobility. Once you’re employed in Malta or Hungary, you can work anywhere in the European Union.
Who Should Choose Malta and Hungary?
Choose Malta if:
- English is your only language
- You want an affordable Mediterranean island lifestyle
- You prefer a warmer climate year-round
- You’re studying Business, IT, Tourism or Maritime
- You want easy travel across Europe
Choose Hungary if:
- You want the absolute lowest costs in Europe
- You’re willing to learn basic Hungarian
- You want access to the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship
- You’re studying Medicine, Engineering or Sciences
- You prefer a Central European cultural experience
Both Malta and Hungary provide affordable, high-quality, EU-recognised education without the Western European price tag. You can choose anyone and still be a winner!
Ready to explore affordable European education? At Aspire Global Pathways (AGP), we specialise in guiding students toward smart, affordable study destinations like Malta and Hungary. Don’t overpay for European education. Get free expert guidance from AGP today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to study in Malta for international students?
Total annual costs in Malta range from €14,000 to €25,000 per year, including living costs. It is significantly cheaper than the UK, USA or Australia.
2. Are degrees from Hungary recognised globally?
Yes! Hungary is an EU member following the Bologna Process, meaning its degrees are recognised across Europe and globally. Hungarian medical degrees from universities like Semmelweis and Debrecen are particularly well-recognised worldwide.
3. What is the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, and how do I apply?
Stipendium Hungaricum is Hungary’s government scholarship offering full tuition, a monthly stipend (HUF 47,000/€130), an accommodation allowance, and medical insurance. It’s available to students from 90+ countries for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. Applications open annually (September-January) through the Hungarian government portal. 5,000 scholarships awarded per year.
4. Can international students work while studying in Malta and Hungary?
Yes, in Malta, international students can work 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during holidays. No separate work permit needed for students. And for Hungary, yes, too, you can work 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during holidays, but non-EU students need a work permit.
5. Do I need to learn Hungarian to study there?
Not mandatory for English-taught programs (300+ available), but learning basic Hungarian helps with daily life and improves employability. Most universities offer free Hungarian language courses for international students.
6. Is IELTS required to study in Malta or Hungary?
Most universities require IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent. Some accept medium of instruction certificates from English-medium schools.
7. Can I get PR (Permanent Residency) after studying in Malta or Hungary?
Yes. Malta requires 5 years of continuous legal residence. Hungary offers residency pathways through employment after graduation.