Many African students dream of studying abroad but face challenges such as high tuition fees and expensive living costs. The good news is that there are countries where you can get a world-class education without spending a fortune. Even better, many of these countries offer scholarships for African students that cover tuition fees, accommodation, and sometimes even living expenses.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the 12 cheapest countries to study abroad with scholarships for Africans in 2025. Each country on this list was selected based on affordable tuition fees, availability of fully funded and partial scholarships, low cost of living, and the quality of education.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly which countries to target, which scholarships to apply for, and how to take advantage of affordable study opportunities abroad.
Summary Table: Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad With Scholarships for Africans 2025
Below is a quick summary of the top 12 cheapest countries, their average tuition fees, and examples of scholarships available for African students.
| Country | Average Tuition Fees (per year) | Cost of Living (per month) | Example Scholarships for Africans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | $0–$3,500 | $700–$1,200 | DAAD Scholarships, Heinrich Böll |
| Norway | $0 | $800–$1,300 | Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme |
| France | $2,000–$3,500 | $800–$1,200 | Eiffel Excellence Scholarships |
| Canada | $6,000–$10,000 | $900–$1,500 | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships |
| China | $2,000–$5,000 | $400–$800 | CSC Scholarships, Confucius Institute |
| India | $1,500–$3,500 | $250–$600 | ICCR Scholarships, Study in India |
| Turkey | $2,000–$4,000 | $400–$800 | Türkiye Scholarships |
| Poland | $2,000–$4,500 | $400–$700 | Polish Government NAWA Scholarships |
| Hungary | $2,000–$3,500 | $450–$750 | Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships |
| South Africa | $2,000–$5,000 | $300–$600 | Mandela Rhodes Scholarships |
| Malaysia | $2,500–$4,500 | $350–$700 | Malaysian Government Scholarships |
| Czech Republic | $1,500–$4,000 | $450–$800 | Czech Government Scholarships |
1. Germany – Free Tuition and DAAD Scholarships
Germany is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for African students because most public universities charge no tuition fees, even for international students. You only need to pay a small administrative fee each semester (around $250–$350).
Why Study in Germany?
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Free or very low tuition fees at public universities.
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Wide range of English-taught programs, especially at the Masters level.
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High-quality education and strong research facilities.
Scholarships Available
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DAAD Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for Masters and PhD students from developing countries.
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Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships: Available for students with excellent academic records and social commitment.
Cost of Living
The average monthly living cost in Germany is around $700–$1,200, depending on the city. Smaller cities like Leipzig and Bremen are cheaper compared to Munich or Berlin.
2. Norway – Tuition-Free Education
Norway offers free education at public universities for both domestic and international students. You only need to pay a small semester fee of about $50–$100.
Why Study in Norway?
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Tuition-free programs at top universities.
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High standard of living and safe environment.
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Wide availability of English-taught programs at Masters and PhD levels.
Scholarships Available
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Norwegian Quota Scholarship Scheme: For students from developing countries.
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University of Oslo Scholarships: Various funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of Living
Living expenses are higher compared to other countries, averaging $800–$1,300 per month. However, the lack of tuition fees balances the total cost.
3. France – Affordable Tuition and Prestigious Scholarships
France is known for its affordable tuition fees and generous scholarships. Public universities charge around $2,000–$3,500 per year for international students.
Why Study in France?
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High-quality education with affordable tuition.
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Access to rich cultural experiences and opportunities in Europe.
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Strong programs in arts, fashion, and engineering.
Scholarships Available
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Eiffel Excellence Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for Masters and PhD students.
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Campus France Scholarships: Numerous options for African students.
Cost of Living
Living expenses are around $800–$1,200 per month. Smaller cities like Lyon or Toulouse are more affordable than Paris.
4. Canada – Scholarships for Africans and High-Quality Education
Canada is a top destination for African students because of its high-quality education system and abundant scholarship opportunities. Tuition fees are higher than in Europe, but scholarships can make studying in Canada affordable.
Why Study in Canada?
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Globally recognized degrees and excellent research facilities.
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Friendly immigration policies and post-study work opportunities.
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Large African student community.
Scholarships Available
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Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: Fully funded for doctoral students.
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MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: For talented students from Africa.
Cost of Living
Expect to spend $900–$1,500 per month on living costs, depending on the city.
5. China – Low Tuition and Generous Scholarships
China is one of the cheapest countries for Africans to study abroad. Tuition fees are very low, and the Chinese government provides numerous scholarships.
Why Study in China?
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Affordable tuition and living costs.
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Fast-growing economy with opportunities for internships.
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Wide range of programs in English.
Scholarships Available
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Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
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Confucius Institute Scholarship: For students interested in Chinese language and culture.
Cost of Living
Living expenses are very affordable, averaging $400–$800 per month.
6. India – Very Low Living Costs
India is one of the most affordable countries for Africans to study abroad. Tuition fees range from $1,500–$3,500 per year, and living expenses are very low.
Why Study in India?
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Very low cost of living (as low as $250–$600 per month).
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Wide range of courses in medicine, engineering, and IT.
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Strong cultural ties between Africa and India.
Scholarships Available
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Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships: Covers tuition and living expenses.
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Study in India Program: Offers numerous scholarship options for African students.
7. Turkey – Türkiye Scholarships
Turkey is becoming a popular study destination due to its affordable fees and high-quality education.
Why Study in Turkey?
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Affordable tuition fees and low cost of living.
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Strategic location between Europe and Asia.
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Programs taught in English and Turkish.
Scholarships Available
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Türkiye Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, and flights.
Cost of Living
Living expenses are around $400–$800 per month, making Turkey one of the cheapest countries on this list.
8. Poland – Affordable European Option
Poland is an excellent choice for African students who want to study in Europe on a budget.
Why Study in Poland?
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Affordable tuition fees (around $2,000–$4,500 per year).
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Low cost of living compared to Western Europe.
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Rich history and vibrant student life.
Scholarships Available
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Polish Government NAWA Scholarships: Available for students from developing countries.
Cost of Living
Monthly living expenses are about $400–$700.
9. Hungary – Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships
Hungary has a growing reputation as a budget-friendly study destination for Africans.
Why Study in Hungary?
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Wide range of programs in English.
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Affordable tuition and living costs.
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Strong scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships Available
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Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living allowance.
Cost of Living
Expect to spend around $450–$750 per month.
10. South Africa – Affordable African Destination
For those who prefer to stay within Africa, South Africa offers world-class universities and affordable education.
Why Study in South Africa?
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Affordable tuition and living costs.
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High-quality universities with international recognition.
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Diverse cultural experience.
Scholarships Available
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Mandela Rhodes Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for African students.
Cost of Living
Living costs are very affordable, averaging $300–$600 per month.
11. Malaysia – Growing Education Hub
Malaysia is known for its low cost of living and excellent education system.
Why Study in Malaysia?
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Affordable tuition and accommodation.
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Many universities have partnerships with Western institutions.
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Multi-cultural environment.
Scholarships Available
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Malaysian Government Scholarships: Available for African students in selected programs.
Cost of Living
Expect to spend $350–$700 per month.
12. Czech Republic – Low Tuition and Government Scholarships
The Czech Republic is one of the cheapest European countries to study abroad.
Why Study in the Czech Republic?
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Low tuition fees and affordable living expenses.
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High-quality universities in the heart of Europe.
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Programs available in English and Czech.
Scholarships Available
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Czech Government Scholarships: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
Cost of Living
Monthly living expenses range from $450–$800.
How to Apply for Scholarships to Study Abroad
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Research Early: Start searching for scholarships at least one year before your intended start date.
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Meet All Requirements: Prepare academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.
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Apply to Universities First: Many scholarships require you to have an admission offer.
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Write a Strong Personal Statement: Clearly explain your goals and why you deserve the scholarship.
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Submit Applications Before Deadlines: Most deadlines fall between December and March.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the cheapest country to study abroad for Africans in 2025?
Countries like Germany, Norway, and India are among the cheapest because of their low or no tuition fees and availability of scholarships.
2. Can I study abroad for free as an African student?
Yes. With fully funded scholarships like DAAD (Germany), Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey), and CSC (China), you can study abroad for free.
3. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply for these scholarships?
Most universities require proof of English proficiency unless your previous studies were in English.
4. Are living expenses covered by scholarships?
Many fully funded scholarships also provide a monthly stipend for living expenses. Partial scholarships may only cover tuition.
5. Can I work while studying abroad?
Yes. Most countries allow international students to work part-time (usually 15–20 hours per week).
6. Which countries have the highest number of scholarships for Africans?
Germany, Canada, and China offer a wide variety of scholarships for African students.
7. Is it better to study abroad in Europe or Asia?
Both regions have excellent opportunities. Europe generally has more tuition-free programs, while Asia (e.g., China, India, Malaysia) offers lower living costs.
8. Can I apply to multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes. Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of success.
9. When is the best time to apply for 2025 scholarships?
Most scholarships open in September and close between December and March for the following academic year.
10. Are there scholarships for undergraduate, Masters, and PhD levels?
Yes. Most of the scholarships mentioned in this article cover all levels of study, but always check the eligibility criteria.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is no longer out of reach for African students. With careful planning, you can take advantage of the 12 cheapest countries to study abroad with scholarships in 2025. Countries like Germany, Norway, China, and Turkey offer affordable or even free tuition, while Canada, France, and Malaysia have numerous scholarship options.
Next Step:
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Shortlist the countries and universities that fit your academic goals and budget.
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Start preparing your documents and applications early.
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Apply to as many scholarships as possible before the deadlines.
By following these steps, you can secure a place in a top international university and achieve your dream of studying abroad without financial stress.