Study Abroad on a Budget: How Students from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Afford a European Degree

The idea that studying abroad is only for wealthy families is outdated. In 2025, thousands of students from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, and across the MENA and South Asia regions are completing full bachelor's and master's degrees in Europe for less than they would pay for a private university at home. Here is exactly how they do it.

Choose the Right Destination

Western Europe (UK, France, Germany, Netherlands) gets most of the attention, but Eastern and Central Europe offer far better value for international students. Romania, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic have tuition fees between $2,000 and $10,000 per year for most programs — including medicine, engineering, and business. Living costs in cities like Bucharest, Budapest, or Krakow run $500 to $800 per month, a fraction of London or Paris.

Find Scholarships Early

Many European universities offer merit-based partial scholarships for international students, and some governments fund specific bilateral programs with Gulf countries. The key is applying 12 to 18 months before your intended start date. Education Track tracks scholarship availability at partner universities and flags these opportunities to students in our pipeline.

Use an Education Consultant (and Avoid the Middleman Trap)

A good consultant saves you money, not costs you money. They know which universities have the highest acceptance rates for your profile, which programs have hidden costs, and which visa requirements could derail a late application. They also handle the paperwork that otherwise costs you weeks of time and multiple government visits. The mistake students make is using a consultant who works on commission from universities — their incentive is to place you, not to advise you. Education Track charges a flat service fee and represents your interests, not the university's.

Plan Housing Before You Arrive

Accommodation is where students overspend most often — either by booking an expensive short-term apartment out of panic, or by arriving without a plan and paying premium prices for the first month. Booking through the university's student housing office or a trusted local platform 3 to 4 months early cuts this cost significantly. Education Track's packages include housing sourcing to protect you from this.

Get Your Free Eligibility Assessment

Not sure which country or program fits your budget and academic background? Education Track offers a free 60-second eligibility assessment that matches your profile to the best European programs available for your situation. Take it now and book a free 30-minute consultation with our team to build your study abroad plan.