When you’re planning to study abroad, one of the biggest financial considerations — apart from tuition and living expenses — is the student visa fee. Every country has its own visa regulations and fee structures, which can vary widely depending on nationality, study duration, and program type. In this 2026 guide, we’ll compare student visa fees for the top 10 most budget-friendly countries, helping you make a well-informed decision
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why student visa fees differ. The application fee for student visa covers administrative and processing costs that governments charge international students. However, what’s surprising is how much this fee can vary — from under $50 in some European countries to over $500 in others.
As tuition and living costs continue to rise globally, choosing a country with a low student visa fee can make your study-abroad plan significantly more budget-friendly.
Germany consistently ranks among the best countries for affordable higher education — and the German student visa fees are no exception.
Visa Fee (2026 Estimate): €75 (around USD 80)
Processing Time: 4–8 weeks
Germany offers tuition-free education at most public universities, so the visa cost is practically the only major pre-departure expense.
Germany’s student visa fee remains one of the lowest in the world, especially when you compare it to destinations like the U.S., the U.K., or Australia. But the affordability doesn’t stop there.
Most German public universities do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate and many postgraduate programs — even for international students. Instead, you only pay a small semester contribution, typically between €250–€350, which often includes local public transport passes and student union fees.
The German student visa fees are only €75, making it incredibly economical compared to the American student visa cost (USD 185 + SEVIS fees). This means you can allocate more of your savings toward living expenses or travel within Europe.
Scholarships such as DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), Erasmus+, and Deutschlandstipendium provide financial assistance to deserving students. Many of these scholarships cover living costs and sometimes even your flight tickets, making your education journey smoother and stress-free.
While cities like Munich or Frankfurt can be expensive, students in places like Leipzig, Dresden, or Aachen can live comfortably on €800–€1,000 per month — including accommodation, food, transport, and leisure.
Germany’s appeal doesn’t end with affordable education. After graduation, students can stay for up to 18 months to seek employment through a post-study work permit — a major attraction for those hoping to gain international experience.
If you secure employment related to your degree, you can transition to a residence permit or even a Blue Card, which allows for long-term residence in the EU.
This makes the German student visa fees even more worthwhile — it’s not just an entry pass to study, but a gateway to a rewarding international career.
Expert Tip: Always ensure your blocked account meets the financial requirement (around €11,208 per year) before applying.
When it comes to balancing cost, quality, and post-study opportunities, Canada continues to shine as one of the most practical destinations for international students. In 2026, the Canadian study permit cost remains stable and transparent, offering excellent value considering the global recognition of Canadian qualifications.
Unlike many countries where education and living expenses are rising sharply, Canada’s visa structure stays consistent, making the overall student visa fee relatively manageable. Students are not only drawn by the affordability of the canadian student visa application fee, but also by the life-changing opportunities that come after graduation — including the chance to gain work experience, apply for permanent residency, or even launch a global career.
Study Permit Application Fee: CAD 150 (around USD 110)
Biometric Fee: CAD 85
Medical Examination (if required): CAD 100–250
Processing Time: 4–10 weeks (varies by region)
These fees are among the most reasonable in developed nations, particularly when you consider that Canada offers one of the world’s best student support systems and a clear path to long-term residence for international graduates.
Reasonable canadian student visa application fee
Access to post-graduate work permits
Multiple scholarship opportunities
To better understand how the canadian study permit cost fits into your overall expenses, here’s an approximate budget for a typical international student for the first year:
While the student visa fee is a small portion of this total, it represents the first official step in your journey toward Canadian education and career success.
From a global perspective, Canada’s balanced approach between affordability and opportunity is unmatched. The country not only invests heavily in education but also ensures international students are integrated into its economy.
Unlike some destinations where the visa cost is high with limited stay options, Canada provides a complete ecosystem — affordable visa, flexible work permits, and clear immigration pathways. These factors collectively make the canadian study permit cost one of the best-value investments in 2026.
France continues to rank among the most desirable destinations for international students seeking a prestigious European education without the hefty price tag. Known for its cultural charm, academic excellence, and moderate student visa fees, France blends quality and affordability perfectly for global learners.
Visa Fee (2026 Estimate): €99 (around USD 105)
Processing Time: 3–5 weeks
Subsidized Tuition at Public Universities: The French government significantly supports higher education, covering nearly two-thirds of tuition costs for both domestic and international students. This makes degrees in France far more affordable compared to other Western countries.
Affordable Living for Students: Students enjoy discounts on public transportation, museums, restaurants, and even housing—helping reduce the overall cost of living in major cities like Paris, Lyon, or Toulouse.
Access to Schengen Zone (26 Countries): Holding a French student visa grants you freedom to travel across 26 Schengen countries for study, leisure, or research purposes, adding immense value to your international experience.
Diverse Scholarship Opportunities: Through programs like Eiffel Excellence Scholarships and Erasmus+, students can further ease their financial burden.
France’s public education model prioritizes accessibility. If you study at a public university, your tuition could be as low as €2,770 per year for undergraduates, thanks to state subsidies. This makes France one of the most cost-effective and academically rich study destinations in Europe—where you can receive a world-class education while exploring art, cuisine, and culture affordably.
New Zealand continues to be a preferred study destination for international students in 2026, combining quality education, safety, and a welcoming environment. Known for its stunning landscapes and research-driven universities, it also maintains a fairly competitive student visa fee, making it ideal for students seeking global exposure on a moderate budget.
Moderate Visa Costs: Compared to other English-speaking destinations, New Zealand’s student visa fee is relatively low, offering affordability without compromising on education quality.
Part-Time Work Opportunities: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks, helping cover living expenses.
Post-Study Work Options: Depending on your qualification and location, you may qualify for a 1–3 year post-study work visa, making it a cost-effective option for career growth.
Transparent System: The application fee for student visa in New Zealand is clearly structured, ensuring no hidden costs or processing surprises.
Before paying your visa or tuition fees, verify that your chosen institution is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Studying at an NZQA-recognized institution ensures eligibility for work rights and post-study benefits—crucial for maximizing the value of your educational investment.
In summary, New Zealand offers a balanced blend of affordability, academic excellence, and post-graduation opportunities—making it a smart and secure choice for international students.
Spain continues to attract thousands of international students each year with its affordable education system, vibrant culture, and warm Mediterranean lifestyle. As part of the Schengen Zone, Spain offers one of the most budget-friendly Schengen student visa fees in Europe, making it a perfect destination for students looking to balance quality education with low living costs.
Visa Fee (2026 Estimate): €80 (around USD 90)
Processing Time: 4–8 weeks
Low tuition compared to other EU countries
Simple visa documentation
Allows travel across 26 Schengen countries
Spain’s lifestyle and cultural richness make it a great value-for-money destination — perfect for students on a budget.
Ireland has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international students, offering a perfect balance between high-quality education and reasonable student visa fee costs. Known for its welcoming culture, innovation-driven universities, and strong graduate employability rate, Ireland continues to draw thousands of students each year who want to study in an English-speaking European
Visa Fee (2026 Estimate): €60 (around USD 65)
Lower visa fee than the UK
High graduate employability rate
Work opportunities during study
Ireland’s universities often help with documentation for the application fee for student visa, making the process smoother for international students.
Malaysia has steadily become a leading education hub in Asia, offering a powerful blend of affordability, academic quality, and multicultural exposure. With its low student visa fee and cost-effective living standards, Malaysia attracts thousands of international students every year. The country’s universities—both local and international branch campuses—offer globally recognized degrees at a fraction of the cost compared to Western nations.
Visa Fee (2026 Estimate): Around MYR 1,500 (USD 320) including multiple entry fees
Lower tuition fees than Western countries
Diverse study options in English
Quick visa processing (3–6 weeks)
Many international students prefer Malaysia due to its cost-effective combination of living, accommodation, and student visa fee structure.
Australia remains a leading global destination for international students, known for its vibrant multicultural environment, exceptional education system, and post-study work opportunities. While the student visa fee is slightly higher compared to other countries, the return on investment is substantial due to Australia’s strong employability outcomes and clear pathways to permanent residency.
Visa Fee (2026 Estimate): AUD 710 (around USD 460)
Globally Recognized Education: Australia is home to top-ranked universities such as the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and the University of Sydney, offering degrees that hold international value.
High Employability Rates: Graduates from Australian institutions enjoy excellent global employability prospects, with many securing roles in Australia through the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Flexible Work Options: Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and full-time during holidays, which helps offset tuition and living costs.
Pathways to Stay Longer: Australia’s student visa extension and post-graduation visa programs make it easier to gain professional experience or transition to skilled migration.
Even though the application fee for student visa might seem steep initially, Australia offers immense value through its career prospects, safe environment, and high living standards. Many international students balance their expenses through part-time employment, internships, and scholarships, making it one of the most rewarding study destinations globally.
When it comes to higher education, the United States remains the dream destination for millions of students worldwide. Although the American student visa cost tends to be higher than in many other countries, the unmatched academic excellence, diverse learning environment, and global career prospects make it a worthwhile investment for your future.
Visa Fee (2026 Estimate): USD 185 (for F-1 Visa)
SEVIS Fee: USD 350
Processing Time: 2–4 weeks
Top-Ranked Universities: The U.S. houses over half of the world’s top 100 universities, offering programs across every discipline imaginable.
Diverse Scholarship Programs: Many institutions provide need-based and merit-based scholarships that significantly offset tuition and living expenses.
Work Opportunities: Through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), students gain valuable industry experience while studying.
While the American student visa cost may appear high initially, proper financial planning can minimize expenses. Securing scholarships, assistantships, or on-campus employment can greatly reduce your overall costs—making the U.S. not just a top-tier academic destination but a strong long-term career investment.
Norway consistently ranks among the most student-friendly destinations in the world, particularly for those seeking a high-quality education at minimal cost. What makes Norway stand out is its policy of offering free education to all students, regardless of nationality. This means that the student visa fee becomes one of the only significant upfront costs international students must bear.
Visa Fee (2026 Estimate): NOK 5,400 (around USD 495)
No Tuition Fees: Norway’s public universities charge no tuition fees for both EU and non-EU students, which dramatically lowers total education expenses.
Quality of Education: The country’s universities are globally recognized for excellence in research, innovation, and sustainability.
English-Taught Programs: A large number of master’s programs are offered in English, making it accessible to international students.
Safe and Stable Environment: Norway is renowned for its high standard of living, low crime rate, and strong social systems, creating a secure environment for students.
While living expenses—especially in cities like Oslo or Bergen—can be relatively high, the absence of tuition fees compensates for these costs over time. Many students also find part-time work or receive housing assistance to manage living expenses. Overall, Norway offers one of the best returns on investment in global education—combining affordability, safety, and academic excellence.
Apply Early: Early submission prevents premium or emergency service fees.
Use Official Channels: Always pay your application fee for student visa on the official immigration website.
Avoid Agents Without Accreditation: This ensures you don’t fall prey to fraudulent processing.
Apply for Scholarships: Many government scholarships reimburse visa fees for selected students.
Prepare Perfect Documentation: Incomplete forms can cause reapplications — doubling your student visa fee.
Ireland currently offers one of the lowest student visa fees in 2026, at around €60.
Not always. Countries like Canada and Australia charge separately for biometrics and medical exams.
Generally, no. The application fee for student visa is non-refundable once processing begins.
Yes, most Schengen countries have standardized schengen student visa fees of about €80–€99.
Yes. Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand allow international students to work during studies to offset these costs.
Choosing where to study abroad isn’t just about the reputation of the institution — it’s also about understanding your financial landscape. By comparing student visa fees, you can strategically choose a country that offers both affordability and world-class education.
As 2026 approaches, students have more transparent, fair, and digitalized visa systems than ever before. Whether you choose Germany’s free education, Ireland’s low visa cost, or Canada’s balanced model, understanding the student visa fee can save you hundreds of dollars and make your dream of studying abroad a reality.
