Countries with free education is an intriguing issue for students at home and abroad. Education is often seen as the key to unlocking opportunities, but for many students around the world, the high cost of tuition can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, some countries have made it their mission to provide education free of charge, not only to their citizens but, in some cases, to international students as well. These nations recognize the value of an educated population and the long-term benefits of investing in human capital.
In this blog, we’ll explore the Top 10 Countries with Free Education, delve into the reasons why some countries offer free education to international students, and outline the admission requirements for students interested in pursuing their studies in these tuition-free destinations. Whether you’re a prospective student or simply curious about the global education landscape, this guide will provide valuable insights into how free education systems work and how you can take advantage of them.
List of Cheap Countries to study
| Country | Region | Tuition Fee | Cost of Living/ month including rent | Post Grad Work Visa | Can work during studies? | If yes, do they need a work permit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | Europe | €220 – €4,000/year | €466–€567 | N/A | Yes, 20 hours per week | N/A |
| Andorra | Europe | Starting from €750/year | €1,011–€1,270 | N/A | Yes, part-time | All foreign nationals should obtain a work permit to work in Andorra |
| Austria | Europe | EU/EEA/Switzerland and developing countries: Free | €1,048–€1,304 | Yes, 1 year | Yes, up to 20 hours per week | No, they don’t need to apply for a work permit |
| Non-EU: Starting from €762/semester | ||||||
| Belarus | Europe | €1,000 – €6,000/ year | €507–€595 | Yes, 1 year | Less than 30 hours per week | a work permit is not required (you can work on a par with Belarusian students) |
| Belgium | Europe | Wallonia-Brussels Federation or EU: €835/year | €963–€1,297 | Yes, 1 year | Yes, up to 20 hours per week | International students usually need to have a work permit |
| Non-EU: Starting from €2,505/year | ||||||
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | Europe | Starting from €936/year | €452–€523 | N/A | Yes, part-time | They need a work permit in advance |
| Bulgaria | Europe | EU: Starting from €300/ year | €542–€655 | Yes, 9 months | Yes, 20 hours per week during their studies and holidays too | They have to apply for a work permit after graduation |
| Non-EU: Starting from €1,750/year | ||||||
| Croatia | Europe | Starting from €1,000/year | €663–€824 | N/A | Yes, part-time only | Yes, they need a work permit |
| Cyprus | Europe | Cyprus & EU citizens: Free | €1,029–€1,259 | Yes, 60 days | Yes, up to 20 hours per week | They need a student permit from the Immigration Authorities |
| Non-EU/EEA: Starting from €6,834/year | ||||||
| Czech Republic | Europe | Czech taught-degres (both EU and Non-EU): Free | €823–€1,071 | Yes, up to 9 months | Up to 30 days within a calendar year | A student must be enrolled in a degree programme accredited by the Ministry of Education to be eligible to work |
| English/ another foreign language: The tuition fees’ median is €6,250 | ||||||
| Denmark | Europe | EU/EAA and Switzerland: Free | €1,215–€1,484 | Yes, 6 months | Yes, 20 hours per week and full-time during summer break | They need a work permit or an establishment card when applying for work after graduation |
| Others: Starting from €6,000 | ||||||
| Estonia | Europe | Starting from €1,660/year | €823–€1,011 | Yes, Non-EU students up to 9 months | Yes, there is no limitation on the number of working hours for students | They need the work permit after graduation if they want to stay in the country |
| Finland | Europe | Finnish or Swedish-taught degrees: Free | €978–€1,296 | Yes, two years | Yes, up to 30 hours per week | N/A |
| Non-EU/EEA: Starting from €4,000 for English-taught degrees | ||||||
| France | Europe | EU/EAA, Andorra and Switzerland: Starting from €170 EUR/year | €1,039–€1,249 | Yes, up to 1 year | Yes, up to 964 hours per year | If the number of working hours exceeds 964 per year, the employer should apply for a temporary work permit on the Ministry of the Interior website on behalf of the student |
| Non-EU: Bachelor: €2,770 | ||||||
| Master: €3,770 | ||||||
| Germany | Europe | EU/Non-EU: Free | €1,040–€1,277 | Yes, 18 months | Yes, full-time job for 120 days or part-time for 240 half days | They can work without a work permit |
| Greece | Europe | EU/EEA (except for some master programs): Free | €761–€895 | EU/EEA can stay and work in Greece without a work permit. A certificate of Registration or Residence Certificate has to be valid | Yes, 20 hrs /week during the semester and 40 hrs/ week during vacations | N/A |
| Non-EU: Starting from €1,500/year | ||||||
| Hungary | Europe | EU: Starting from €1,200/year | €612–€742 | Yes, 9 months | Yes, up to 24 hours a week during the semester | Non-EU international students will need to obtain a permit. |
| Non-EU can expect higher tuition | ||||||
| Iceland | Europe | EU/EEA and Non-EU/EEA: Free | €1,369–€1,976 | Yes, up to six (6) months | Non-EEA/EFTA students can work up to 15 hours per week during the academic year | Yes they should apply for a work permit |
| Italy | Europe | EU: Starting from €900/year | €894–€1,103 | Stay back options are only permissible if you have completed a PhD or level 2 Masters Program in Italy, for 12 months | Yes, 20 hours per week | N/A |
| Non-EU can expect higher tuition | ||||||
| Latvia | Europe | EU: Starting from €1,200 | €693–€808 | Yes, 1 year | Yes, up to 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours a week during the semester break | No, they don’t thave to apply for a work permit while on student visa |
| Non-EU: Starting from €2,500 | ||||||
| Liechtenstein | Europe | EU/EEA, Swiss nationals: €960/semester | €1,509–€1,900 | Yes, 1 year | Students who live in Liechtenstein with a short-term residence permit are allowed to work up to 35% during the semester and 100% during semester breaks. | Yes, they need a working permit from Ausländer- und Passamt |
| Non-EU/EEA: Starting from €1,260/semester | ||||||
| Lithuania | Europe | EU & Non-EU: | €735–€908 | Yes, 1 year | Yes, up to 40 hours per week | They need to have a temporary residence permit to be able to work |
| Starting from €1,300 | ||||||
| Luxembourg | Europe | EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals: €1200/year | €1,414–€2,036 | Yes, 9 months | Yes, 346 hours during the academic year | N/A |
| French, German or Luxembourgish taught degrees: Free | ||||||
| English-taught degrees: Starting from €1200 | ||||||
| Malta | Europe | Maltese citizens, EU, the EEA, and Switzerland: Free | €948–€1,270 | Yes, 6 months | Yes, a maximum of 20 hours per week | All foreign nationals need a work permit in Malta |
| Non-EU: Starting from €1,080 | ||||||
| Moldova | Europe | International students except citizens of Romania and Ukraine: Starting from €1,000/year | €499–€587 | N/A | Yes, 20 hours per week | N/A |
| Montenegro | Europe | €1,500 – €3,000/year | €616–€725 | N/A | Yes, part-time | N/A |
| Netherlands | Europe | EU/EAA, Switzerland or Surinam: €2,314 | €1,165–€1,646 | Yes, 1 year | Yes, up to 16 hours per week and full-time in summer months | They need a work permit |
| Non-EU/EAA: Starting from €6,000 | ||||||
| North Macedonia | Europe | Starting from €2,341 | €414–€585 | N/A | Yes, up to 20 hours per week | N/A |
| Norway | Europe | EU/EEA and Switzerland: Free | €1,211–€1,578 | Yes, 1 year | Yes, up to 20 hours per week | N/A |
| Non-EU/EEA: | ||||||
| $13,000 | ||||||
| Poland | Europe | Polish, EU/EEA & Switzerland (Polish taught-degree: Free | €660–€887 | Yes, 9 months | 20 hours per week during studies and 40 hours per week during holidays | No, they don’t need a work permit |
| Non-EU: Starting from €2,000/year | ||||||
| Portugal | Europe | EU/EEA: Starting from €550/year | €752–€1,026 | Yes, 1 year | Yes, 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during vacations | N/A |
| Romania | Europe | EU: €1,000/year | €528–€641 | Yes, 9 months | 20 hours per week | They don’t need a work permit. Those with a work permit can work more hours in the country |
| Non-EU: €2,000/year | ||||||
| San Marino | Europe | €2,000 – €3,000/year | €747–€1,039 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Serbia | Europe | Starting from €1000/year | €527–€641 | N/A | Yes, up to 20 hours per week | N/A |
| Slovakia | Europe | EU: Free | €695–€889 | Yes, 9 months | Yes, up to 20 hours per week | N/A |
| Non-EU: Starting from €2000/year | ||||||
| Slovenia | Europe | EU, citizens of BiH, Montenegro, Kosovo, the Republics of Macedonia and Serbia: Free | €807–€985 | Yes, 1 year | Yes, temporary and part-time work under “Student Work” | They need a contract from Student Services employment agency |
| Non-EU: Starting from €2,000/year | ||||||
| Spain | Europe | EU: Starting from €1,200/year | €805–€1,098 | Yes, 12 months | 20 hours per week and full-time during the semester breaks | They need work authorization |
| Non-EU can expect higher tuition | ||||||
| Sweden | Europe | EU/EEA, other Nordic countries, and Switzerland: Free | €924–€1,217 | Yes, 1 year | They are allowed to work as many hours as they want, for as long as they spend 40 hours/week on academic responsibilities | N/A |
| Non-EU/EEA: Starting from €7,500/year | ||||||
| Switzerland | Europe | Both EU and Non-EU: Starting from €400/year | €1,872–€2,416 | Yes, 6 months | Yes, 15 hours per week during term-time, full-time during summer breaks | They should apply for a work permit after graduation |
Top 10 Countries with Free Education
1. Germany
- Capitaland Largest City: Berlin
- EU/Non-EU: Free
- Average Cost of Living: €1,040 – €1,277/month
- World Class Universities: Heidelberg University, Leipzig University, University of Rostock
Most of the German universities are public institutions, and students traditionally study without fee payment. The general requirement for attending university is the Abitur. According to an OECD report in 2014, Germany is the world’s third leading destination for international study. The established universities in Germany include some of the oldest in the world, with Heidelberg University (established in 1386), Leipzig University (established in 1409) and the University of Rostock (established in 1419) being the oldest. The Humboldt University of Berlin, founded in 1810 by the liberal educational reformer Wilhelm von Humboldt, became the academic model for many Western universities. In the contemporary era Germany has developed eleven Universities of Excellence.
2. France
- Capitaland Largest City: Paris
- EU/EAA, Andorra, and Switzerland: Starting at €170/year
- Non-EU: €2,770 (Bachelor); €3,770 (Master)
- Average Cost of Living: €1,039 – €1,249/month
- World Class Universities: Sciences Po Paris, HEC Paris, Polytechnique
Higher education is divided between public universities and the prestigious and selective Grandes écoles, such as Sciences Po Paris for political studies, HEC Paris for economics, Polytechnique, the École des hautes études en sciences sociales for social studies and the École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris that produce high-profile engineers, or the École nationale d’administration for careers in the Grands Corps of the state. The Grandes écoles have been criticised for alleged elitism, producing many if not most of France’s high-ranking civil servants, CEOs and politicians. International students in France benefit from affordable tuition and a budget-friendly average cost of living.
3. Greece
- Capitaland Largest City: Athens
- EU/EAA: Free, except for some master programs.
- Non-EU: Starting from €1,500/year
- Average Cost of Living: €761 – €895/month
- World Class Universities: University of Constantinople, Hellenic Open University
Greeks have a long tradition of valuing and investing in paideia (education), which was upheld as one of the highest societal values in the Greek and Hellenistic world. The first European institution described as a university was founded in fifth-century Constantinople and continued operating in various incarnations until the city’s fall to the Ottomans in 1453. The University of Constantinople was Christian Europe’s first secular institution of higher learning, and by some measures was the world’s first university.
According to the Framework Law, Public higher education “Highest Educational Institutions” (Ανώτατα Εκπαιδευτικά Ιδρύματα, Anótata Ekpaideytiká Idrýmata, “ΑΕΙ”) consists of two parallel sectors:the university sector (Universities, Polytechnics, Fine Arts Schools, the Open University) and the Technological sector (Technological Education Institutions (TEI) and the School of Pedagogic and Technological Education). There are State Non-University Tertiary Institutes offering vocationally oriented courses of shorter duration (2–3 years) which operate under the authority of other Ministries. Students are admitted to these Institutes according to their performance at national level examinations taking place after completion of the third grade of Lykeio. Students over 22 may be admitted to the Hellenic Open University through a lottery.
4. Italy
- Capitaland Largest City: Rome
- EU: Starting from €900/year
- Non-EU: Can expect higher tuition
- Average Cost of Living: €894–€1,103/month
- World Class Universities: Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Bologna University
Tertiary education is divided between public universities, private universities, and the prestigious and selective superior graduate schools, such as the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa. 33 Italian universities were ranked among the world’s top 500 in 2019. Bologna University, founded in 1088, is the oldest university still in operation, and one of the leading academic institutions in Europe. Bocconi University, the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, LUISS, the Polytechnic University of Turin, the Polytechnic University of Milan, the Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Milan are also ranked among the best.
5. Austria
- Capitaland Largest City: Vienna
- EU/EEA/Switzerland and developing countries: Free
- Non-EU: €762/semester
- Average Cost of Living: €1,048 – €1,304/month
- World Class Universities: University of Vienna
Education in Austria is entrusted partly to the Austrian federal states and partly to the national government. The Austrian university system had been open to any student who passed the Matura examination until recently. A 2006 bill allowed the introduction of entrance exams for studies such as Medicine. In 2001, an obligatory tuition fee (“Studienbeitrag”) of €363.36 per term was introduced for all public universities. Since 2008, for all EU students, the studies have been free of charge, as long as a certain time limit is not exceeded (the expected duration of the study plus usually two terms tolerance). When the time-limit is exceeded, the fee of around €363.36 per term is charged. Some further exceptions to the fee apply, e.g. for students with a year’s salary of more than about €5000. In all cases, an obligatory fee of €20.20 is charged for the student union and insurance.
6. Denmark
- Capitaland Largest City: Copenhagen
- EU/EAA and Switzerland: Free
- Other: Starting from €6,000
- Average Cost of Living: €1,215 – €1,484/month
- World Class Universities: University of Copenhagen
All educational programmes in Denmark are regulated by the Ministry of Education and administered by local municipalities. All university and college (tertiary) education in Denmark is free of charges, there are no tuition fees to enrol in courses. Students aged 18 or above may apply for state educational support grants, known as Statens Uddannelsesstøtte (SU), which provides fixed financial support, disbursed monthly. Danish universities offer international students a range of opportunities for obtaining an internationally recognised qualification in Denmark. Many programmes may be taught in the English language, the academic lingua franca, in bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorates and student exchange programmes.
7. Finland
- Capitaland Largest City: Helsinki
- Finnish or Swedish-taught degrees: Free
- Non-EU/EEA: Starting at €4,000 for English-taught degrees
- Average Cost of Living: €978 – €1,296/month
- World Class Universities: Aalto University, University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University
In tertiary education, two mostly separate and non-interoperating sectors are found: the profession-oriented polytechnics and the research-oriented universities. Education is free and living expenses are to a large extent financed by the government through student benefits. There are 15 universities and 24 Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in the country. The University of Helsinki is ranked 75th in the Top University Ranking of 2010. Other reputable universities of Finland include Aalto University in Espoo, both University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University in Turku, University of Jyväskylä, University of Oulu, LUT University in Lappeenranta and Lahti, University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio and Joensuu, and Tampere University.
The World Economic Forum ranks Finland’s tertiary education No. 1 in the world. Around 33% of residents have a tertiary degree, similar to Nordics and more than in most other OECD countries except Canada (44%), United States (38%) and Japan (37%). In addition, 38% of Finland’s population has a university or college degree, which is among the highest percentages in the world. Adult education appears in several forms, such as secondary evening schools, civic and workers’ institutes, study centres, vocational course centres, and folk high schools.
More than 30% of tertiary graduates are in science-related fields. Forest improvement, materials research, environmental sciences, neural networks, low-temperature physics, brain research, biotechnology, genetic technology, and communications showcase fields of study where Finnish researchers have had a significant impact. Finland is highly productive in scientific research. In 2005, Finland had the fourth most scientific publications per capita of the OECD countries. In 2007, 1,801 patents were filed in Finland.
8. Iceland
- Capitaland Largest City: Reykjavík
- EU/EEA and Non-EU/EEA: Free
- Average Cost of Living: €1,369 – €1,976/month
- World Class Universities: University of Iceland
The University of Iceland was the first higher education institution in the country, and was established on 17 June 1911, uniting three former Icelandic schools: Prestaskólinn, Læknaskólinn and Lagaskólinn, which taught theology, medicine and law, respectively. In state-run institutions, students only need pay registration fees; there are no tuition fees. Private institutions, however, charge fees. All students are eligible to some financial support from the Icelandic Student Loan Fund; the exact amount depends on their financial and personal situation. The student must begin to repay this money two years after completing their study programme. In addition to Icelandic students, students from the European Union or EEA-EFTA member states are also eligible to apply for loans, if they have been working in their trade in the country for at least one year. Annually there are a limited number of scholarships available for foreign students to study the Icelandic language and literature at the University of Iceland, offered by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. Grants are available for post-graduates in research universities, which are awarded on the basis of joint submission from student and professor, and approval from the respective faculty.
9. Norway
- Capitaland Largest City: Oslo
- EU/EEA and Switzerland: Free
- Non-EU/EEA: $13,000
- Average cost of living: €1,211 – €1,578/month
- World Class Universities: University of Oslo
Higher education in Norway is offered by a range of ten universities, nine specialised universities (focused on a specific program area), 24 university colleges as well as a range of private university colleges. The national higher education system is in accordance with the Bologna process, with bachelor’s degrees (first cycle, three years), master’s degrees (second cycle, two years) and doctoral degrees (third cycle, three years). Acceptance is offered after finishing upper secondary school and meeting general university admissions certification. Public education is free for citizens from any country that is part of EU, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, but everyone else needs to pay a tuition fee to the university. The tuition fee can range from 80,000 NOK to 400,000 NOK per academic year. The higher education in Norway is divided into an academic year with two semesters, from August to December and from January to June. The ultimate responsibility for the education lies with the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.
10. Poland
- Capitaland Largest City: Warsaw
- Polish, EU/EEA & Switzerland (Polish taught-degree): Free
- Non-EU: Starting from €2,000/year
- Average cost of living: €660 – €887/month
- World Class Universities: Jagiellonian University
The Jagiellonian University founded in 1364 by Casimir III in Kraków was the first institution of higher learning established in Poland, and is one of the oldest universities still in continuous operation. In Poland, there are over 500 university-level institutions, with numerous faculties. The University of Warsaw and Warsaw Polytechnic, the University of Wrocław, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and the University of Technology in Gdańsk are among the most prominent. There are three conventional academic degrees in Poland – licencjat or inżynier (first cycle), magister (second cycle) and doktor (third cycle qualification).
Why do countries offer free education to international students?
- Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power
Offering free education allows countries to foster positive relationships with other nations. Countries use education as a form of “soft power” to increase their global influence. Graduates who have studied in a particular country often return to their home countries with a favorable opinion of that country, contributing to long-term goodwill and potentially influencing global decisions.
- Economic Benefits
Free education programs attract highly talented international students who may go on to contribute to the country’s workforce, research, and innovation. International students, while they may not pay tuition fees, still contribute economically through spending on housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses.
- Diversity and Global Competitiveness
International students add diversity to universities, which enriches classroom discussions and promotes a global perspective. This diversity can improve the institution’s academic reputation and competitiveness on the world stage. Many countries aim to have top-ranking universities that attract the best international students.
- Development of Education Systems
Some countries see free or subsidized education for international students as an investment in improving the overall quality of their education system. By offering free education to international students, countries are investing in future relationships. These students may become future professionals, business partners, or leaders who influence global affairs in ways that benefit the host country.
- Geopolitical Strategy
Free education can be part of a broader geopolitical strategy, especially if a country wants to strengthen its relationship with certain regions or nations. By attracting international students from specific countries or regions, the host country can create long-lasting diplomatic and economic ties.
- Support for International Development
Some countries offer free education to international students as a form of aid, particularly to students from developing countries. This is often seen as a way to invest in human capital development, fostering global economic growth and stability by helping individuals in low-income regions access quality education.
- Long-Term Return on Investment
While international students may not pay tuition fees, they may contribute to the local economy in other ways, such as working part-time jobs during their studies or later as skilled workers. Additionally, many countries offer pathways for international students to stay after graduation and contribute to the country’s workforce, particularly in industries facing skills shortages.
Admission Requirements for Countries with Free Education
- Secondary School Diploma
You must have completed your secondary education (high school) to qualify for undergraduate admission.
- Proof of Language Proficiency
You need to show that you can study in the language of instruction (whether it’s the local language or English).
- Entrance Examinations
Some universities or specific programs may require an entrance exam.
- Documents Required for Admission
You will need to provide specific documents to complete your application.
- Visa and Residency Requirements
If you’re an international student, you will likely need a student visa and residence permit to study.
Conclusion
In conclusion, countries with free education serve as an excellent example of how to ensure that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background, may access education. Countries like Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Finland show how investment in education can result in a better educated, equitable, and affluent society, even when the precise institutions and funding models differ. In addition to giving people the tools they need to better their lives, free education helps create a highly skilled labor force, which boosts the economy overall. It’s crucial to remember that free education is not necessarily free; it is paid for by taxes or other public sources of income and frequently has eligibility limitations. These nations provide a potent example as the global dialogue on the accessibility and affordability of education keeps expanding.
After you have decided to choose one of countries with free education for further education, accommodation is the first and foremost thing. uhomes.com is a platform providing affordable, reliable and comfortable student accommodation in countries with free education.
FAQ
Nordic nations Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden all offer opportunities to study free or at low cost: In Norway, university study is available free of charge to all students, regardless of study level or nationality.
Finland is renowned for having one of the best educational systems in the world, with a focus on providing equal opportunities for all students. Education in Finland is free at all levels, from pre-primary to university, and is based on the principle of equal access for all.
Public schools provide free education to children in the United States. They are paid for by the government with local taxes, state money, and federal resources.
Can you Study Abroad for Free? Is there any way to study abroad for free? Yes, there are many countries that offer high-quality education at low fees or zero cost. Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway are some of those country where you can pursue higher education at affordable prices.
Nine-year compulsory education policy in China enables students over six years old nationwide to get free education at both primary schools (grade 1 to 6) and junior secondary schools (grade 7 to 9). The policy is funded by government and tuition is free.
In Canada, the public school education system covers the costs of school for all children of Canadian citizens and permanent residents from kindergarten to the end of high school. Typically, this means that school is free for children from the ages of 5 or 6 to 18 years old.
