I'm from Eastern Europe and I've been applying to UK's companies for a graduate software developer position. I have been invited to face to face interview, however the company does not offer any reimbursements for the expenses. I did the maths and plane tickets + hotel + meals + transport would come up to about half of average monthly wage (which I do not earn at the moment, due to still studying and being unemployed). I have some savings, however I want to spend them on the relocation, rather than on interview that might not lead anywhere.
I thought of three options
Politely decline the invitation, stating no reason/saying I'm no longer interested in the position.
Decline the invitation, but state that I can't afford to fly to UK few days.
Ask if it's possible to do the interview over Skype/Google Hangouts or similar service
I'm afraid the first one might burn some bridges, the second one might (if they change their mind and pay for the costs) make my position weaker when it comes to salary negotiations. I'm guessing the third one is improbable, since we did phone interview over Skype, and they asked me to come to their offices for face to face.
Which course of action should I take?