Introduction
Are you planning to study abroad in 2026? Applications are already open for several European universities offering English-taught programs, scholarships, and affordable tuition options for international students from Africa and Southeast Asia.
Europe remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students because it combines world-class education, cultural diversity, and low tuition costs compared to countries like the US or Canada.
This post will guide you through:
- Which countries are currently open for 2026 intake
- When to apply
- Average tuition and living costs
- Available scholarships
- How SchoolOutside can help you apply successfully

1. Countries with Ongoing 2026 Applications
Here’s a quick look at where applications have already started or are opening soon:
| Country | Application Window | Intake | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Open (Oct 2025 – Mar 2026) | Sept 2026 | Study in English or French with affordable tuition |
| Germany | Open (Oct 2025 – April 2026) | Sept 2026 | Many tuition-free programs |
| Spain | Open (Nov 2025 – May 2026) | Sept 2026 | English-taught business and hospitality programs |
| Italy | Open (Oct 2025 – April 2026) | Sept 2026 | Great scholarships for international students |
| Finland | Opening soon (Dec 2025) | Aug 2026 | Apply early for 50–100% scholarships |
| Netherlands | Open (Nov 2025 – April 2026) | Sept 2026 | Strong English programs and practical training |
| Lithuania | Open (ongoing) | Feb & Sept 2026 | Low tuition, easy visa processing |
| Ireland | Opening Nov 2025 | Sept 2026 | Post-study work visa up to 2 years |
| United Kingdom | Open (rolling) | Sept 2026 | Early application advised due to visa queues |
2. Average Tuition and Living Costs (per year)
| Region | Tuition (€/year) | Living Cost (€/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Western Europe | €8,000 – €18,000 | €900 – €1,500 |
| Southern Europe | €6,000 – €14,000 | €700 – €1,100 |
| Northern Europe | €9,000 – €20,000 | €1,000 – €1,300 |
| Eastern Europe | €3,000 – €7,000 | €500 – €800 |
Tip: France, Germany, and Lithuania are the most budget-friendly destinations with many low-cost public universities.
Compare Tuition Fees Across Top 10+ European Countries
3. Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
Students from Africa and Southeast Asia can benefit from the following major scholarships:
- Eiffel Scholarship (France) – Covers tuition + monthly allowance
- DAAD (Germany) – Full scholarships for Master’s and PhD
- Erasmus Mundus (EU-wide) – Fully funded master’s programs
- Invest Your Talent in Italy – For tech, engineering, and business programs
- Finnish Government Scholarships – 50–100% tuition waiver
- Irish Government GOI Scholarships – Full funding for high-achieving students
4. When Should You Start Applying?
- October–December 2025: Prepare documents, choose universities, and check scholarship deadlines.
- January–March 2026: Submit your applications and attend interviews if needed.
- April–June 2026: Receive admission offers and start visa processes.
- July–August 2026: Book accommodation and travel for the fall semester.
5. Documents You’ll Need
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid international passport
- Motivation letter and CV
- Proof of language proficiency (English or French)
- Reference letters
- Proof of funds or scholarship award (for visa)
6. How SchoolOutside Can Help
At SchoolOutside, we support you every step of the way — from choosing the right university to preparing your application and visa documents.
We help students from America, S.E Asia, West Africa, South Africa, and Ethiopia access quality education in Europe at affordable rates.
✅ Personalized counseling
✅ School and scholarship matching
✅ Application and visa guidance
✅ Affordable programs from €3,000 to €11,000 per year
Act now
🎯 Applications for 2026 are now open — don’t wait!
Let us help you apply early and secure your admission.
👉 Email: info@schoolabroad.org