Have you always dreamed of studying, working, or living abroad but felt limited by money? Good news—moving abroad doesn’t always require a huge budget. With the right opportunities, you can study for free, land a visa-sponsored job, or even get paid while learning new skills.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 8 affordable (or completely free!) ways to move abroad, along with some personal tips to help you get started.
1️⃣ Iceland – Free Tuition for International Students 🇮🇸
Iceland may be small, but its education system is big on opportunities. Public universities in Iceland do not charge tuition fees for international students.
👉 You’ll only need to pay a small annual registration fee (usually under €600).
Why Iceland?
💡 Tip: Apply early for programs taught in English at the University of Iceland or Reykjavik University. Keep in mind that living costs are high, so look for student housing and part-time work opportunities. For more information click here
2️⃣ Germany – Top-Tier Education with No Tuition Fees 🇩🇪
Germany is a global favorite for international students. Most public universities offer zero tuition fees—you just pay a semester contribution of €200–€350.
Why Germany?
💡 Tip: Learn some German! While many programs are in English, knowing the language boosts your chances of finding part-time jobs and integrating easily. For more information click here
3️⃣ Erasmus Mundus Scholarship – Fully Funded Study in Europe 🎓🇪🇺
If you want to study across multiple European countries on a fully funded scholarship, Erasmus Mundus is your golden ticket.
Benefits include:
Why Erasmus Mundus?
💡 Tip: Erasmus Mundus is competitive. Strengthen your application with strong references and a clear motivation letter explaining why you want to study in Europe. For more information click here
4️⃣ Study Loans – Finance Your Dream Abroad 💳
If free tuition isn’t available in your target country, student loans can bridge the gap. Some organizations even specialize in loans for international students (like Prodigy Finance).
Why consider loans?
💡 Tip: Only borrow what you really need. Check for scholarships first—loans should be your last option. For more information click here
5️⃣ Visa-Sponsored Jobs – Work Abroad While You Earn 💼
Many countries face worker shortages and are offering visa sponsorships for foreign employees. This means your employer helps you with the visa process (and sometimes covers relocation costs).
Top sectors hiring internationally:
Countries with visa sponsorship options:
💡 Tip: Search on platforms like EURES (Europe), Job Bank Canada, or LinkedIn filters for “visa sponsorship.” For more information click here
6️⃣ Brazil – Free Higher Education for Internationals 🇧🇷
Did you know Brazil offers free higher education at its public universities—even for international students?
Why Brazil?
💡 Tip: Most programs are in Portuguese, so learning the language is key. But some universities also offer exchange programs in English. For more information click here
7️⃣ Free Vocational Training Abroad – Earn Skills & Certification 🛠
Not everyone wants to pursue a university degree—and that’s okay. Some countries offer free vocational training programs where you can learn practical skills while getting paid.
Examples:
💡 Tip: These programs are great if you’re interested in trades like carpentry, mechanics, hospitality, or healthcare.
For more information Estonia click here
For more information Finland click here
For more information Spain click here
For more information Germany click here
For more information Norway click here
8️⃣ Finland – Learn Finnish & Study for Free 🇫🇮
Finland used to offer completely free education, but now non-EU students pay tuition fees. The catch? If you learn Finnish, you can still access free education in certain programs.
Why Finland?
💡 Tip: Start with a free Finnish language course online before applying. This makes your transition much easier.
For more information click here
🌍 Which Option Should You Choose?
If you’re more interested in studying for free → Germany, Iceland, Brazil, or Finland might be your best bet.
If you want a fully funded scholarship → Erasmus Mundus or scholarships in Australia, the U.S., or Italy are worth exploring.
If you prefer work opportunities → Look at visa-sponsored jobs or vocational training programs.
FAQs About Moving Abroad with Little Money
1. Can I work while studying abroad?
Yes! In most countries, international students can work part-time (10–20 hours/week). This helps cover living costs.
2. Do I need to know the local language?
Not always. Many programs are in English. But knowing the local language increases job opportunities and helps with daily life.
3. How competitive are scholarships like Erasmus Mundus?
They’re competitive, but thousands of students win each year. A strong application with good academics and a clear motivation letter is key.
4. What’s the cheapest country to live in as a student?
Brazil and Germany are among the most affordable. Nordic countries like Iceland and Finland have higher living costs, but education is free.
5. Can I settle permanently after studying or working abroad?
Yes—many countries offer pathways from student/work visas to permanent residency. For example, Canada and Germany have clear immigration routes.
✨ Final Thoughts
Moving abroad with little or no money may sound impossible, but as you’ve seen, there are real options out there. From free tuition in Iceland and Germany, to fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarships, to visa-sponsored jobs—your dream doesn’t have to wait until your bank account is full.
The key is to plan early, research requirements, and stay open to opportunities in different countries.
🌍 Would you move abroad to study for free or to work with visa sponsorship? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear which option excites you most!
