Cheap Study Abroad Destinations: An Introduction to The Baltic States

Every student, at some point or another wishes to go abroad and study. The motivations may be different but the aspirations are similar. Many give up the idea simply because of the costs involved. While the more traditional destinations like USA and UK offer an excellent infrastructure and great quality of education, the extremely high costs of studying in these countries dampens the spirits of many. We ask you to wait, look around and explore. Here is a look at three countries in Europe that offer you an excellent educational infrastructure, great universities and all of the European beauty and culture you aspire to imbibe during your study abroad journey. And yes, the best part…they don’t cost a bomb. The beautiful Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are the perfect answer to your study abroad dreams. And yes…they all have programs that are taught in English.

Estonia

Starting with the largest of the Baltic States, Estonia is an exemplary place. Though not known widely enough, this country is one of the world’s largest digitized nations of the world – with 95% digitization. Everything in the country is electronic…government to health, to living. There are e-schools, e-transport and even e-parking! It is indeed an E-Estonia. No wonder then that the world’s most successful technology start-ups have roots in this European Paradise. A few example – Skype, TransferWise, etc.

Adding to the many virtues of the country are the excellent universities that offer top facilities. Though these might not feature in the top 50 of the world, they are recognized and offer sound academic foundations. As far as courses are concerned, Estonia is an excellent location for engineering and related education. However, the trend suggests students travel to Estonia for a wide variety of courses. Also, many of its top universities are part of the Erasmus Mundus Program and offer excellent exchange options with over 200 universities across European Union.

Cost of studying in Estonia is also much lower than other European destinations. Not comparing it to no tuition fees in countries like Germany; on an average anunder-graduate degree in Estonia costs about €1,000 - €9,600 per annum. The range for masters is however a bit higher but does not exceed €15,000 per annum. Also, the living costs in Estonia are much more reasonable. The average cost of living in the country would be somewhere around €300 - €600 per month. Estonia is also part of the Schengen Area and hence all the applications of the Schengen Visa also applies to students in Estonia.

Here are some good universities of Estonia

• University of Tartu
• Tallin University of Technology

Latvia

Located next to Estonia, this small country is perhaps one of the most beautiful countries of the world and boasts of an unbelievable 44% of forest cover. It is also arguably one of the most well preserved countries. Also, its capital city Riga is as inspired and culturally bestowed as any of the famous European cities. Sitting at the cross roads of East and West Europe, the country has seen a steady influence of cultures and ideologies, making it a cultural hub. In fact, Riga was named the cultural capital of Europe for 2014.

From the perspective of an International student, Latvia offers excellent advantages ranging from excellent infrastructure to cheaper study costs. On an average, tuition costs in Latvia vary from €1,500 to €15,000 with Medical studies typical costing more. These are annual averages. Cost of living is also much less than many European nations with the average cost of living at about €450 per month.

Some of the famous universities in Latvia include

• Riga Technical University
• Riga Stradins University
• University of Latvia

Lithuania

Last but not the least of the Baltic States is the state of Lithuania. Situated south of Latvia and north of Poland, the country has some unique offerings that benefit the students from around the world. Culturally vibrant, the country offers excellent academic facilities and infrastructure. Member of EU and NATO, the country is highly bilingual and offers affordable study options. Famous for its engineering as well as management programs, the degrees from the universities of the country are widely recognized.

Cost of studying in Lithuania is also on the cheaper side with an average tuition costs for a year being roughly in the range of €1,000 - €5,300 for bachelors and €2,200 - €6,300 for master’s program. Along with that, the cost of living in Lithuania is also relatively less than the other more famous European cities. Part of the Schengen Area, some of the famous universities of the country include

• Aleksandro Stulginskio University
• International Business School at Vilnius University