12 Cheapest Universities in Phnom Penh for International Students

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In Phnom Penh, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Cambodia without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Phnom Penh, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 36 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Phnom Penh, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Phnom Penh for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Phnom Penh ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
National Institute of Business 164,200 KHR - 2,257,800 KHR 99%
Panha Chiet University 2,052,200 KHR 78%
University of Cambodia 3,699,900 KHR 59%
BELTEI International University 4,111,000 KHR 55%
Pannasastra University of Cambodia 5,905,500 KHR 35%
Paragon International University 12,306,000 KHR - 18,454,500 KHR -36%
CamEd Business School 19,164,700 KHR -112%
American University of Phnom Penh 24,596,500 KHR -173%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 9,000,000 KHR for universities in Phnom Penh.

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1. National Institute of Business

The National Institute of Business was established to provide quality entrepreneur education and training in accounting and finance, business administration, international business administration, and other related fields. This institution which is accredited by the International Standard Organization and the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia has shown a deep commitment to training quality human resources that meet the needs of foreign and domestic labour markets.

2. Panha Chiet University

Founded by the renowned Dr. Run Rathveasna, Panha Chief University (PCU) has been at the forefront of providing quality education at an affordable price point – providing equal opportunities, specifically for those belonging to marginalized backgrounds.

PCU is also highly regarded for offering study programs with international standards, as such, it has implemented to use of the English language as one of its mediums of instruction. Overall, with its high standards of teaching, the university is committed to producing global citizens who will lead the socio-economic growth of society.

3. University of Cambodia

The University of Cambodia is relatively one of the younger universities in the country but it has established itself as a national frontrunner in higher education. It is dedicated to developing future leaders who continuously pursue knowledge and wisdom for the betterment of society. The university also has a vast network of organizations from the private and public sectors for its students to participate in internships and other social work activities.

4. BELTEI International University

BELTEI International University is a private institution dedicated to contributing to the improvement of Cambodia’s education system and producing highly-qualified human resources to assist in the development of industries inside and outside the country. The acronym “BELTEI” in its name stands for Business, Economics, Law, Tourism, English, and Information Technology which are the six main disciplines the university strives to excel at. 50% of the university’s faculty are foreign lecturers with vast international expertise and influence.

5. Pannasastra University of Cambodia

Pannasastra University of Cambodia believes that the sustainable progress of a nation lies in empowering the people through education, which will ensure that they are fulfilling their purpose by becoming visionary leaders. As a result, the school provides high-quality education that develops intellectuals and mentally strong individuals filled with wisdom. The school is also committed to meeting the global community’s needs; hence, it emphasizes research-based education and involvement in social responsibility.

6. Paragon International University

Paragon International University is one of the top universities in Cambodia. The private institution offers quality teaching and research opportunities in technology, administrative sciences, finance, and other fields of study. The school also encourages entrepreneurship, inquiry-based learning, and a sense of social responsibility. Students who graduate from this school are also equipped with employability skills and cross-cultural competence that make them suitable for the labour market.

7. CamEd Business School

CamEd Business School is a private institute that was established in 2000 and is among one of the leading institutes in Cambodia. The University has the vision of nurturing future finance professionals and business leaders with a curriculum combining theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The highly qualified faculty of the institute brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. 

8. American University of Phnom Penh

The American University of Phnom Penh is a private institute established in 2013 with a vision of becoming a leading center of academic excellence in Cambodia. The institute has a diverse population, but it promotes treating all individuals fairly and respectfully and encourages understanding the diversity of beliefs. The university prepares students to have the highest professional and ethical standards.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Phnom Penh for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Phnom Penh ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Royal University of Phnom Penh 2,060,000 KHR - 13,390,000 KHR 75%
National Institute of Business 2,873,500 KHR 65%
Royal University of Agriculture 2,877,700 KHR 65%
Panha Chiet University 4,104,400 KHR 50%
Build Bright University 4,625,400 KHR 44%
Vanda Institute 4,925,000 KHR 40%
Institute of Technology of Cambodia 4,940,400 KHR 40%
BELTEI International University 6,166,500 KHR 25%
University of Cambodia 7,399,800 KHR 10%
Pannasastra University of Cambodia 14,173,100 KHR -73%
Paragon International University 16,404,000 KHR - 20,505,000 KHR -100%
American University of Phnom Penh 27,733,000 KHR -238%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 8,190,300 KHR for universities in Phnom Penh.

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1. Royal University of Phnom Penh

The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) is arguably one of the best higher education universities in Cambodia. But, before it became one of the country’s best, it has undergone several reformations, such as improving the educational structure, building modern facilities and advanced technologies, and developing cutting-edge programs. Today, RUPP is responsible for providing a capable workforce who are in charge of reshaping the country’s socio-economic development.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Royal University of Phnom Penh should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 2,060,000 KHR to 13,390,000 KHR annually for their master's degree.

2. National Institute of Business

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is National Institute of Business. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at National Institute of Business is 2,873,500 KHR.

The National Institute of Business was established to provide quality entrepreneur education and training in accounting and finance, business administration, international business administration, and other related fields. This institution which is accredited by the International Standard Organization and the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia has shown a deep commitment to training quality human resources that meet the needs of foreign and domestic labour markets.

3. Royal University of Agriculture

As Cambodia’s first administrative public institution, the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) plays a crucial role in Cambodia’s agricultural sector, in terms of knowledge dissemination.

RUA aspires to progressively develop its educational and research quality according to international standards. While also aiming to contribute to the development of Cambodia’s agricultural sector in a sustainable manner.

The tuition fee at Royal University of Agriculture for incoming international master’s students is 2,877,700 KHR. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Panha Chiet University

Another affordable university to consider in Phnom Penh is Panha Chiet University.

Founded by the renowned Dr. Run Rathveasna, Panha Chief University (PCU) has been at the forefront of providing quality education at an affordable price point – providing equal opportunities, specifically for those belonging to marginalized backgrounds.

PCU is also highly regarded for offering study programs with international standards, as such, it has implemented to use of the English language as one of its mediums of instruction. Overall, with its high standards of teaching, the university is committed to producing global citizens who will lead the socio-economic growth of society.

The tuition fee in Panha Chiet University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 4,104,400 KHR.

5. Build Bright University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Build Bright University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 4,625,400 KHR yearly.

Build Bright University (BBU) is among the leading institutes of higher education in Cambodia. BBU provides education to many regions in Cambodia via its 8 campuses, located in different regions.

BBU was first established with the idea of contributing trained and qualified individuals to the country’s lacking workforce. The institute now has plenty of successful graduates in renowned positions of employment.

6. Vanda Institute

Vanda Institute is a well-established Cambodian higher education institute that focuses primarily on the field of accounting. Started as an academic center in 1997 that provided short courses in accounting, it has grown into a thriving institute that awards undegraduate and graduate degrees.

Currently, the institute has three campuses across the country – a campus in the capital city of Phnom Penh, one in Siem Reap, and its third campus located in the province of Battambang.

7. Institute of Technology of Cambodia

With more than 50 years in the academic industry, the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) is a leader in delivering cutting-edge education in engineering and technology. ITC has tremendously put in the efforts to develop quality programs that will produce competent human resources. Presently, it partners and has agreements with outstanding international universities and institutes to help improve the school’s educational system, as well as develop future-oriented programs.

8. BELTEI International University

BELTEI International University is a private institution dedicated to contributing to the improvement of Cambodia’s education system and producing highly-qualified human resources to assist in the development of industries inside and outside the country. The acronym “BELTEI” in its name stands for Business, Economics, Law, Tourism, English, and Information Technology which are the six main disciplines the university strives to excel at. 50% of the university’s faculty are foreign lecturers with vast international expertise and influence.

9. University of Cambodia

The University of Cambodia is relatively one of the younger universities in the country but it has established itself as a national frontrunner in higher education. It is dedicated to developing future leaders who continuously pursue knowledge and wisdom for the betterment of society. The university also has a vast network of organizations from the private and public sectors for its students to participate in internships and other social work activities.

10. Pannasastra University of Cambodia

Pannasastra University of Cambodia believes that the sustainable progress of a nation lies in empowering the people through education, which will ensure that they are fulfilling their purpose by becoming visionary leaders. As a result, the school provides high-quality education that develops intellectuals and mentally strong individuals filled with wisdom. The school is also committed to meeting the global community’s needs; hence, it emphasizes research-based education and involvement in social responsibility.

11. Paragon International University

Paragon International University is one of the top universities in Cambodia. The private institution offers quality teaching and research opportunities in technology, administrative sciences, finance, and other fields of study. The school also encourages entrepreneurship, inquiry-based learning, and a sense of social responsibility. Students who graduate from this school are also equipped with employability skills and cross-cultural competence that make them suitable for the labour market.

12. American University of Phnom Penh

The American University of Phnom Penh is a private institute established in 2013 with a vision of becoming a leading center of academic excellence in Cambodia. The institute has a diverse population, but it promotes treating all individuals fairly and respectfully and encourages understanding the diversity of beliefs. The university prepares students to have the highest professional and ethical standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Phnom Penh?

Applying to cheap universities in Phnom Penh requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Cambodia for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Phnom Penh?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Phnom Penh. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Phnom Penh is the American University of Phnom Penh, which offers Business Administration, Global Affairs, and Law to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the American University of Phnom Penh offers Business Administration, Law, and Legal Studies.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Phnom Penh, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Phnom Penh as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Phnom Penh for international students was helpful!