Student Savings Runway Calculator
How many months can your savings last as an international student? Enter your savings and destination to find out instantly.
Enter the amount you can dedicate to living abroad
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly (EUR) | % of Total |
|---|
Where Your Money Goes Each Month
Know how far your savings stretch in 50 countries — but matching yourself to the right programme matters even more than cost alone.
Find programmes that match your budget and profile
Our free 2-minute assessment matches you against 142 study-abroad programmes across 29 countries, including scholarships that could extend your runway even further.
Get Your Free Verdict →Monthly Student Living Costs by Country (EUR, 2026)
| Country | Rent | Food | Transport | Insurance | Misc | Total |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
Our data reflects Q1 2026 student-specific living costs compiled from Numbeo, Expatistan, OECD, and university cost-of-living guides. Figures represent typical costs for a single student in shared accommodation. Actual costs vary by city, lifestyle, and exchange rate fluctuations. Use results as a planning baseline and verify with local sources before making financial commitments.
The estimate covers five categories: shared accommodation rent, food and groceries, local public transport, mandatory health insurance, and miscellaneous expenses (phone, internet, study materials, personal care, and leisure). Tuition fees are excluded because they vary significantly by institution and programme. Use our Tuition Calculator for tuition estimates.
No. We recommend having at least 2-3 months of additional buffer beyond your calculated runway. Unexpected costs such as visa renewal fees, security deposits, travel, or emergency expenses can arise. Many visa applications also require proof of funds exceeding your actual expected costs by 10-20%.
No. This calculator shows how long your savings alone will last without any income. Many countries allow international students to work 15-20 hours per week during term time, which would extend your runway. However, relying on part-time income for essential expenses is risky, as job availability and pay rates vary significantly.
We use EUR as a universal comparison currency since a large share of international students hold or convert savings to EUR. All local costs are converted at Q1 2026 average exchange rates. If your savings are in USD, GBP, or another currency, convert to EUR first using current rates for the most accurate estimate.
Living costs can vary 30-50% within a single country. Our figures represent the primary student city average. For example, Munich is 40% more expensive than Leipzig in Germany, and London is 50% more expensive than Manchester in the UK. Choosing a university in a smaller city can significantly extend your runway.
Most visa authorities require proof of funds covering at least 10-12 months of living costs. Germany requires approximately EUR 11,904 in a blocked account, while Australia requires AUD 24,505 (approximately EUR 15,000) per year. We recommend savings covering at least your full first year of living expenses plus a 3-month buffer.
Absolutely. Monthly student costs range from EUR 350-500 in countries like Poland, Hungary, and Malaysia to EUR 1,500-2,000 in Switzerland, Norway, and Australia. Choosing a lower-cost country with free or low tuition can double or triple your runway. Take our free verdict to find affordable programmes you qualify for.
Last updated: March 2026