collageWith the rise in the cost of higher education, students are looking for cheaper options to study abroad.
The United Kingdom and the United States of America are among the most popular countries where students wish to pursue their LLM degrees.
However, these countries are also among the most expensive ones in terms of tuition fees.
This article lists some of the cheapest countries where international students can earn an LLM degree without breaking the bank.
A European LL.M. degree is a significant financial investment because the returns can be so huge, with graduates of top programs enjoying unparalleled career prospects in the legal world. That’s one of the reasons why LL.M. programs in Europe are consistently in demand, and international students from all over the world flock to the continent to study law.
But a leading LL.M. in Europe does not need to cost the world.
Indeed, there are budget LL.M. programs in Europe that offer high-quality education without the high fees, even for international students. The continent has several countries in which there is a tradition of low or no tuition, among them Germany, with its strong tradition of public schools, and the Nordic nations. However, there are law schools in other European countries, such as France, Italy, and Switzerland, among others, that also offer LL.M. programs that are friendly to the wallet.
Some European law schools also offer a range of scholarships and other funding options to study in their LL.M. programs, which can help to offset tuition fees and other expenses. This will vary by law school, so make sure you look into all funding options.
LLM (Master of Law) in the USA is offered in various specialized fields like taxation, commercial law, social justice, human rights, environmental law, criminology, and others. It is a 9-to-1-year course available as a residential program at most universities. Some institutes also offer it as a distance-learning program. International students are required to have a 3-year bachelor’s degree in law is required to apply for LLM in the USA.
10 Of The Most Affordable Places To Study Abroad
Believe it or not, it is indeed possible to study abroad on a budget! Some of the best places to study abroad are also ones where tuition fees are low, or even non-existent. Read on to find out more about 10 of the cheapest countries to study abroad, in no particular order…
1. Norway
Although all of the Nordic countries are relatively affordable study destinations, Norway is our pick as it remains free for everyone, from both within and outside the EU, at public universities, with the exception of a few specialized programs. Europe’s Nordic countries are known for their high quality of life and stunning natural beauty, and Norway is no exception. Another reason to study in Norway is the availability of English-taught programs at all study levels, as well as the high number of locals proficient in English. However, as with the other Nordic countries, Norway comes with a high price tag in terms of living costs; you’ll need around NOK 139,680 (US $17,200) per year.
2. Taiwan
Heading to Asia, Taiwan is another of the cheapest countries to study abroad. For example, at National Taiwan University – the nation’s leading university at 72nd in the QS World University Rankings® 2019 – tuition fees for undergraduates start at TW $100,920 (US $3,300) per year for liberal arts programs, up to TW $124,200 (US $4,050). The country offers more than 120 courses taught in English, at over 40 universities, and Taiwan is also a popular destination for learning Mandarin. Taiwan also offers a good quality of life with relatively low living costs; accommodation costs as little as TW $88,000 (US $2,900) per year.
3. Germany
Known as “the land of ideas’, Germany is continuing to grow in popularity with international students, and it’s not hard to see why—it offers reputable universities, relatively low costs, and high quality of life. There are no tuition fees charged at undergraduate and Ph.D. levels at all public universities, excluding those in Baden-Württemberg. Master’s students who have not studied for their undergraduate degree in Germany will typically pay upwards of €20,000 (US $23,450) per year, but you may be able to find a scholarship to help. To cover living costs, you’ll need at least €10,200 (US $11,950) per year, but possibly more, depending on your lifestyle, location, and spending habits. And there is a range of English-taught courses, particularly at the graduate level.
4. France
Tuition fees in France are the same for domestic and international students, and for 2019/20 are set at €170 (the US $200) per year for bachelor’s (licence) programs, €243 (the US $285) for most master’s programs, and €380 (the US $445) for doctoral programs. Fees are considerably higher at the highly selective grandes écoles and “grands établissements, which set their own fees. Living expenses will be highest in the capital, Paris, but you may find it worth the extra cost – after all, Paris was named the world’s number one student city four times in a row (and currently stands at fifth). If you’re not yet a fluent French speaker, you can study in France in English, with the majority of English-taught programs found at the postgraduate level.
5. Mexico
Full of interesting and unique cultures to explore, Mexico is one of Latin America’s most-visited nations and has lots to offer international students. Tuition fees vary, with private universities charging more, and an average of around the US $6,300 per year for international undergraduate students in the capital, Mexico City, which was named one of the world’s top 100 cities for students. Living expenses are also reasonably low in Mexico, with all living expenses adding up to around US $9,250 on a standard budget in the capital or the US $6,450 elsewhere. Although the main language of instruction is Spanish, Mexican universities are offering more English-taught courses to attract international students.
6. India
Heading back to Asia for the next country on our list of the cheapest countries to study abroad, India is a fantastic option for students who want to combine affordability with cultural diversity. While Hindi is the most prominent of the 100+ languages spoken, English is often used as the language of instruction at Indian universities, especially at the postgraduate level. Living costs are incredibly affordable; a one-way trip using public transport can cost as little as 29 cents. Tuition fees vary depending on your study level and university but are typically no higher than US$7,880 a year, and you should be able to live comfortably on as little as US$4,600 a year.
7. Argentina
Argentina is the second-largest country in South America and boasts stunning natural beauty along with a diverse geography that makes it ideal for students keen on outdoor adventure and exploration. Argentina is also considered one of the safest countries in the region and is known for its fun-loving culture and passionate national identity. You can typically study for free at any state-funded (public) university, with tuition fees of around $5,100 per year at private institutions. You’ll need around US $5,000 for living expenses, with rent costing as little as the US $350 per month.
8. Poland
Another of the best places to study abroad on a budget is Poland, which also offers a high quality of education along with plenty of fantastic cultures and history to explore. You can study for free if you can speak Polish, and if you take the same entrance exams as Polish students and study your course in Polish. However, there are also many English-taught programs available, costing around €2,000–3000 (about $2,340-3,500) per year. Living costs are also on the low side, as you shouldn’t need more than €6,600 (about $7,700 USD) per year. The capital city, Warsaw, was ranked within the top 20 cities for affordability in the latest QS Best Student Cities index, and 53rd overall.
9. Malaysia
Malaysia is undoubtedly one of the cheapest countries in which to study abroad, particularly in terms of living costs. Its capital, Kuala Lumpur, came first for affordability in the QS Best Student Cities 2016, and most students will only need about MYR 14,400 (US $3,550) per year to live comfortably in Malaysia. In terms of tuition fees, you’ll pay an average of US $4,100 per academic year, but some courses are even cheaper. Malaysia is also home to a number of branch campuses of international universities, such as the UK’s University of Nottingham or Australia’s Monash University, offering the opportunity to gain a degree accredited by these institutions at a lower cost.
10. South Africa
Concluding our look at some of the best places to study abroad on a budget, South Africa is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and turbulent history. Another great choice for students with a love of the outdoors, it’s also reasonably inexpensive, with a low cost of living and tuition fees. Fees vary but come to an average of US$6,000 for international undergraduates studying at the University of Cape Town (South Africa’s highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings) and the University of the Western Cape. You’ll need around R 120,000 ( $9,150) per year to cover your living costs.
Cheapest Country To Study LLM
In order to avoid all the hassle and expense of studying a particular subject, one should go to the cheapest country possible.
The highest-paid lawyers are in the United States, with the lowest-paid in Eastern Europe
The most expensive country to study law in New York
It costs about $4,000 for a year’s education in the U.S.
It costs about $2,500 for a year’s education in Mexico
It costs about $1,500 for a year’s education in Argentina
It costs about $1,200 for a year’s education in the United Kingdom
The cheapest country to study law in Spain
which country is best for LLM for indian students
Universities worldwide have seen a constant rise in the number of Indian students enrolling for a degree away from their home country.
The main reason behind their choice is the fact that the Indian job market appreciates a degree from a top international university more compared to an Indian’s Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Additionally, universities from several countries provide top-quality higher education, far better facilities, and most importantly, focus more on research than Indian universities. So, which are the best countries to study abroad?
According to data collected by Studyportals, the top five countries where Indian students choose to go abroad are:
Check out the English-taught Master’s degrees offered in these countries and see which one fits you best.
1. Why study for a Master’s degree in Canada?
Based on statistics, around 14% of all international students in Canada are comprised of Indian students. The Canadian government has recently introduced immigration policies that bring several benefits to Indian students, such as offering permanent residency to highly skilled students who graduate from a Canadian university.
Top advantages for Indian students who want to study abroad in Canada:
English speaking country
Canada has two official languages, English and French, but in most regions, all people speak English. This is an advantage for foreigners in general since you don’t have to deal with a language barrier and you can easily communicate with people all over Canada.
High-quality of life
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world and also has a high quality of life. In fact, Global News ranked Canada as the second country in the world in terms of social and economic progress and development.
Cosmopolitan environment
Canada has a wide multicultural environment and you will soon realize it once you enroll in a Canadian university because you will be surrounded by students coming from numerous different places. Your peers will be Americans, Polish, Spanish, Greek, you name it. Such a diverse population will make you feel less like a stranger and you can easily make new friends.
Here are a few universities we recommend in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- York University
- University of Winnipeg
2. Why study for a Master’s degree in Germany
Top advantages for Indian students who want to study abroad in Germany:
Costs of education: free in public universities
Particularly for the Master’s degree level, international students enjoy free tuition in German public universities for various English-taught degrees. Considering the only cost for students is a small semester fee, it’s easy to understand why so many foreign students, including those coming from India, choose Germany as their study abroad destination.
Many scholarships for international students
There are many scholarship providers in Germany who offer financial support to talented students, but DAAD in particular, has a special program dedicated to Indian students.
Extensive focus on research in German universities
If you’re interested in studying engineering, technology, or sciences, you will benefit from the advantage of getting involved in advanced research in your study field.
In order to encourage this, top universities in Germany offer quality education, have a wide network of partnerships with local and international research institutes, and provide modern research facilities and laboratories.
Here are a few universities we recommend in Germany:
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- University of Bonn
- RWTH Aachen University
3. Why study for a Master’s degree in Australia
One of the reasons why many Indian students choose Australia is the fact that the visa application process for many Asian students has become more relaxed in terms of financial requirements.
Top advantages for Indian students who want to study abroad in Australia:
Safe country
Australia is one of the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate, which makes it very popular among international students and tourists in general.
Multicultural and friendly environment
Apart from being the home of thousands of citizens worldwide, Australian people are known to be extremely friendly and outgoing people. So as a foreign student here, feeling welcomed is just one of the perks of studying abroad in Australia.
Great opportunities for work during studies and after graduation
International students in Australia can work up to 20 hours a week and after graduation, they can also benefit from a post-study work visa.
Additionally, the Australian government has initiated a Professional Year Program dedicated to all graduates of accounting, information technology, and engineering programs, allowing them to work in a local company.
Here are a few universities we recommend in Australia:
- University of Canberra
- CQUniversity Australia
- University of Newcastle
4. Why study for a Master’s degree in the United States
Top advantages for Indian students who want to study abroad in the USA:
American universities provide top education
By simply considering any university ranking, U.S. universities are among the world’s best, perfectly blending academics with research and extracurricular activities. Although the education system in the USA attracts an astounding number of international students, universities have a high student satisfaction rate thanks to the numerous student services they provide.
Access to numerous scholarships
Indian students who plan to study in the U.S. can apply to several merit-based but also need-based scholarships. For merit-based scholarships, you will have to prove either academic or non-academic excellence (e.g. voluntary activities), while need-based scholarships are solely offered to students who can’t afford to cover their study costs.
Worldwide recognition of your qualification
Completing your degree or even just a part of it in the U.S. will impress anyone, especially potential employers. Higher education in the U.S. is known to prepare talented professionals that are highly skilled; companies will see you as a candidate with an international mindset and a problem solver.
Here are a few universities we recommend in America:
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- Washington State University
- Northeastern University
5. Why study for a Master’s degree in Italy
Top advantages for Indian students who want to study abroad in Italy:
Low tuition fees and living costs
Italy is a top destination for Indian students because it is one of the most accessible and affordable study options. Compared to many other countries, you will not only enjoy low tuition fees but also low living costs.
Great student life
In any city in Italy, you will be surrounded by World Heritage Sites, so studying abroad in Italy will also be a unique journey and cultural experience. What many students and youngsters like about Italy is that it is full of life, meaning the streets are full of people until late at night and you can enjoy partying and dancing in bars and clubs.
Taste some of the most fantastic food ever
If you’re a foodie, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Italian food. In Italy, you will get to taste “the real, quality” pizza and try numerous pasta dishes. That’s not all because Italian coffee and gelato are also tasty and delicious trademarks everyone appreciates.
Here are a few universities we recommend in Italy:
- University of Pavia
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
cheapest LLM in Europe
LLM in European Law is a two-year Master’s degree program. The LLM provides you with a thorough understanding of the legal framework that regulates the European Union. You will get a deep insight into how business and trade are regulated in Europe, as well as how governments function regionally, nationally, and locally within the EU.
The two-year Master’s program in European Law will prepare you for a career in the public sector, national or international companies, or organizations. The program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work within the framework of European law and its implementation at regional, national or local levels.
10 cheapest universities in Europe
1. Scuola Normale Superiore
We’re kicking off our list with one of the sweetest deals around for studying abroad in Europe. Scuola Normale Superiore is a top-rated college in Italy, and one of the best in all of Europe. The school has three main programs for undergraduate students: humanities, sciences, and political science. The humanities program offers specializations in topics such as paleography history of art, archaeology modern literature, and linguistics philosophy. The school also has biology, chemistry, and physic focuses in the school of science.
The best part about all of this? Scuola Normale is one of the tuition free universities in Europe for international students. That’s right. Free. As if that weren’t amazing enough, the school also covers living costs such as housing and food. You’ll barely pay a dime if you go here to study abroad.
- Location: Pisa, Italy
- Tuition Cost: Free!
- Popular Subjects: Humanities, Sciences, and Political Science
- Recommended Program: Study Italian in Pisa, Italy by The National Registration Center for Study Abroad
2. Sant’Anna
Sant’Anna is located in Pisa, which means tons of sightseeing opportunities for you.
Sant’Anna easily earns its spot on our list of cheapest universities in Europe. This school has two main programs: experimental & applied sciences and social sciences. While some courses are taught in English, you’ll need to know a decent amount of Italian to study here.
The extra effort to learn the language is worth it! This school is tuition-free, and they’ll cover your living expenses as well. You’ll love living and attending school in Pisa, all for free! This university is a perfect option to help you study abroad in Europe for free.
- Location: Pisa, Italy
- Tuition Cost: Free
- Popular Subjects: Experimental & Applied Sciences and Social Sciences
- Recommended Program: SAI Programs: Education Abroad Inspiring Creativity!
3. Free University of Berlin
The tuition at the Free University of Berlin is, you guessed it, free! You’ll be responsible for living costs such as rent and food. In Berlin, living costs come out to about 700 euros a month, just less than $800 per month! That’s a pretty sweet deal for such a great university. This university is also one of the cheap universities in Europe that teach in English. They offer a Bachelor of Arts program filled with courses taught in English. This school in Berlin is waiting for you to have tons of awesome study abroad adventures!
You’ll have a great time studying in Berlin.
- Location: Berlin
- Tuition Cost: Free
- Popular Subjects: North American Studies
- Recommended Program: API at Freie University of Berlin
4. University of Göttingen
Germany is the king of free schooling, and the University of Göttingen is yet another the tuition free university in Europe for international students! This university has programs in humanities, natural sciences, law, and social sciences some of which are in English! It’s also home to one of the largest libraries in all of Germany.
The only cost for this university is a small administrative fee of around 300 Euros per semester. That’s just $335 dollars for an entire semester of school! The only other cost is the cost of living. In Göttingen, the cost of living is similar to Berlin at around 700 euros, or less than $800 a month.
- Location: Göttingen, Germany
- Tuition Cost: ~€300 (~$335)
- Popular Subjects: Humanities, natural sciences, law, and social sciences
- Learn more: View the University of Göttingen’s website
5. RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University specializes in architecture, resources, and materials engineering. All bachelor’s study courses are taught in German, so you’ll need a certain amount of fluency to attend school here. 
Plus, Aachen, Germany is home to gorgeous cathedrals like this one.
Learning German is worth it, though! This university charges no tuition except for a small student body and processing fee of ~260 euros, or ~$290 per semester. The expected cost of living is about ~800 Euros per month, or just under ~$900. While this doesn’t quite help you study abroad in Europe for free, it’s pretty darn close!
- Location: Aachen, Germany
- Tuition Cost: ~260 euros (~$290)
- Popular Subjects: Architecture, resources, and materials engineering
- Learn More: View the RWTH Aachen University website
6. The University of Vienna
Vienna, Austria is another great place for cheap universities in Europe. The University of Vienna is tuition-free, with only a small processing fee of ~730 Euros, or ~$815 per semester. There are nearly 200 different programs from which to choose and many are even taught in English. Because it was founded in 1365, this University has tons of history and is one of the oldest universities around. The town of Vienna is famous for its culture and nightlife and will be the perfect place for you to study abroad.
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Tuition Cost: ~730 Euros, or ~$815 per semester
- Popular Subjects: Theology, Computer Science, Cultural Studies, Philosophy
- Recommended Program: Budget Low Cost – German Studies – the University of Vienna by Center For Study Abroad (CSA)
7. Nord University
As a publicly-funded Norwegian university, Nord University doesn’t charge tuition fees.
The only catch is that, as a non-EU citizen, you are required to prove that you have the funds to support yourself for a year in Norway in order to get a visa to study there. Currently, the cost of living in Norway for a year is around ~$13,000. 
Studying abroad in Norway means opportunities to see the Northern Lights!
While this is a little more than some of the other costs of living on our list, the Nord University experience is worth it. Nord University is among the cheap universities in Europe that teach in English. The programs taught in English include Circumpolar Studies, 3D art, Animation, Games and Entertainment Technology, Biology, and English.
- Location: Bodø, Norway
- Tuition Cost: ~725 Euros, or ~$800 per semester
- Popular Subjects: Circumpolar Studies, 3D art, Animation, Games and Entertainment Technology, Biology, and English
- Learn more: Visit Nord University’s website
8. Nantes University
If France is calling your name, then Nantes University has the study abroad adventure for you. Nantes University charges only a small processing fee of 184 euros or ~$200 per semester! The cost of living here is fairly low, at just 600 euros, or ~$670 per month.
Nantes University offers a variety of programs taught in English: biology and earth science; foreign languages, literature, and civilizations; and European and international studies.
- Location: Nantes, France
- Tuition Cost: ~184 Euros, or ~$200 per semester
- Popular Subjects: Health and medical technology, engineering, legal and political science, and other interdisciplinary programs
- Recommended Program: IES Abroad Nantes – French Language Immersion & Area Studies
9. University of Paris-Sud
Tuition-free universities in Europe for international students are the best! The University of Paris-Sud is one of the cheapest universities in Europe; they charge only a small processing fee of around ~€170 (~$190) per semester. Their English-taught programs include sciences and languages, physics, and economics and management.
Paris is gorgeous and everybody should study abroad here. 😉
And the location, Paris, is amazing! Eiffel Tower and many other French adventures await you! The only catch is because it’s such a big city, the cost of living in Paris tends to be a little higher. Still, with a university this cheap, your dreams of studying abroad in Paris are achievable here!
- Location: Paris, France
- Tuition Cost: ~170 euros, or ~$190 per semester
- Popular Subjects: Sciences and languages, physics, and economics and management.
- Learn more: Visit the University of Paris-Sud’s website
10. University of Athens
This university is the oldest one in all of Greece! Their undergraduate programs range from dentistry to music studies, in addition to nursing, social theology, and theatre studies. You’ll love attending school amidst Greek columns and architecture.
And the city of Athens has Greek ruins sprinkled throughout the entire city; you’ll have tons to explore and see during your time studying abroad there. The median cost of living in Athens is ~$800 per month but can be as little as ~$500.
- Location: Athens, Greece
- Tuition Cost: ~$400 per semester
- Popular subjects to study: Dentistry, music studies, nursing, social theology, and theatre studies
- Learn more: Visit the University of Athens’ website
cheapest law schools in the world for international students
For those of you who are not yet familiar with the QS Rankings, they are a comprehensive list of the top universities around the world ranked according to academic reputation, subject, employer reputation or geographical location.
Every year, high-achievers scroll though the names, short-listing their choices according to a series of subjective factors (from academic achievement, entry requirements, campus type, geographic location etc.). Undoubtedly, it’s very exciting to picture yourself at a place like Harvard or University of Tokyo. However, an important factor that often gets left out during this zealous vision-painting session is the value of tuition fees. The idea that students must pay a large amount of money in order to receive a quality education floats like a dark cloud above our heads.
As such, we’ve scoured the QS Top 100 Universities for Law and have come up with a list of the 6 most affordable destinations for law students according to this year’s ranking.
- Norse Countries: No Tuition Fees
Many countries in Northern Europe have state-funded Universities, which is why EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition fees for their studies. The combination between academic excellence and the innovative approach to learning often makes such places appealing to students. The Universities of Stockholm, Helsinki, and Oslo grace the QS rankings for law at numbers 68, 92, and 93 respectively, and are definitely worth considering if you want a cost-effective and academically-driven experience.
2. Germany: Administrative Fees
Since 2012, German public universities have also adopted a no-tuition fee policy for their EU/EEA students. Unlike in Northern Europe, students are required to pay an administrative fee each semester (between 50-80 Euros). This is a very small price to pay if you choose to go to a prestigious institution like Ruprecht-Karls-Universitaet Heidelberg (39) or Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munchen (48).
International students are beginning to recognise the knowledge of the German legal system as a trump-card in their future careers. They have been flocking to places like Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin (58), Universitaet Frankfurt am Main (83) and University Hamburg (84) to get valuable insight into the area.
3. France: Less than 500 Euros/year
In keeping up with promoting an inclusive higher education system, the French have among the lowest tuition fees at their public Universities. The cost of attending the famous Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne (20) or Sciences Po (66) is 189.10 Euros/year for undergraduate studies and 261.10 Euros/year for postgraduate degrees. Both these institutions have a long-standing tradition of teaching law and producing some of the most important legal thinkers in recent history.
4. Belgium: Less than 1000 Euros/year
Belgium may not be a large country, but its education system prides itself on having the most national diversity at the university level. With tuition fees this year ranging between 835 – 900 Euros/year, law students are drawn to KU Leuven (33) and UC Louvain (85).
Much like Germany, Belgium is a country in the midst of all the political and legal changes taking place in Europe. Law students chose Belgium for the immersive nature of their education, as they have access to key institutions in the EU – the Council of the European Union or the European Parliament.
5. Switzerland: Less than 1500 Euros/year
In a country whose name is synonymous with luxury, it may be hard to believe that the higher education system is quite affordable. To attend the University of Zurich (97), students are obliged to pay only the equivalent of 533 Euros/semester (588 CHF).
Students who can afford the living costs (which are quite high!) put this University at the top of their list. Attending a Swiss University is regarded as an intense experience, with students being among the most competitive in Europe. Getting into University of Zurich can require a considerable intellectual effort, but if you’re willing to put in the hours in order to pursue your dream, then there should be no stopping you!
Conclusion
Throughout the world, there are many countries that host renowned law schools, many of which offer LLM programs. In the end, though, if you’re hoping to find the cheapest country to study LLM in, you’re probably best off looking into Eastern Europe. While there are some expensive outliers, most programs in Eastern Europe are cheaper than those in other parts of the world.
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