Top 7 Countries to Study for Almost Free

A Comprehensive Guide to Studying Abroad for Free: Top 7 Countries to Consider

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Are you an international student or someone looking for quality, affordable education? You’re not alone. Many people believe studying abroad is a rich kids’ sport, but it can be for anyone navigating the system. However, exorbitant tuition fees can only make schooling a dream realizable to the rich. Tuition costs are on the rise around the globe, and without a scholarship, you could spend five figures or more on education abroad. That’s not sustainable for many people who don’t have much money at their disposal.

But did you know there are places where you can study for free without a scholarship? In some countries on this list, some courses attract a fee that can be significantly low. Here is a list of the top 7 countries where you can study for free. These countries offer quality education at little or no cost to students worldwide. So, if you’re looking for an affordable way to get an education abroad, consider one of these countries.

Germany

Germany offers free higher education for most universities and courses. They do not discriminate against international students from any nation. You only have to cater to your other needs like accommodation and a small nominal university fee. 

The nominal fees can range from €150-€250, which covers administration costs. You only have to worry about accommodation and personal expenses. However, one state in South West Germany, Baden Wurttemberg, has introduced tuition fees for schools in their area. 

While you may pay fees, it is lower than in any other country. Some will ask for €1500 per semester for international students. It is unclear whether other states will introduce the costs in their universities. 

Germany has 40 universities in the top 1000 best universities to study in the world. It comes third to the UK and the US, making it a top destination for students. Its best cities for students include Berlin and Munich. 

France

France offers affordable education for international students. It provides free tuition for some courses and low costs to study the paid programs. The French education system is one of the best in the world. 

Studying in France required students to learn the language. However, the French education system offers some courses in English. Also, it is no longer a mandatory requirement for international students to learn and understand French. 

Depending on the degree level, you may have to pay hundreds of dollars to the school. It is a management fee that cannot compare to the price of a bachelor’s degree in some countries. 

While France has a lot to offer, there is a likelihood that the government will introduce fees for students who are not from France or the EU. A proposed bill introduced an annual fee of €2770 for a bachelor’s degree and €3770 for a master’s degree. 

Norway

Despite the harsh winters and the high cost of living, Norway is another considerable stop for international students. The education is free for anyone studying in public universities.  

Top universities in the country include the University of Oslo, the University of Bergen, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Most universities charge a semester fee of between $33-$66. 

Students willing to study there must have at least a high school diploma or one year of college with credits to back them up. You can take an advanced entry exam that requires you to get at least 3. Also, students that wish to study here need to have a mastery of the Norwegian language. 

Students from any part of the world can study here as long as they have the means to support themselves and cater to other expenses. They may spend at least NOK 128,887 per year. 

Austria

Austria offers low-cost education for international students. It is not entirely free and comes at a cost. Bachelor’s degree is free to pursue for all students. You get the same rights as Austrians, regardless of your country of origin. 

If anyone wishes to pursue further learning, like a master's or doctorate, they have to pay for education. Students from the EU/EEA can pay at least €363, while those outside the EU/EEA can expect a fee of about 726 Euros per semester. 

Austria’s capital city, Vienna, is one of the high-ranking best cities for students. 

Finland

Finland used to offer free education for all. However, in 2017, they introduced a fee for Bachelor’s and Master’s English taught courses for students outside the EU/EEA. Doctoral-level programs remain free for all students. 

The cost of living in Finland is around 700-900 Euros per month for a student. Students can apply for the EDUFI scholarship programs to cut tuition costs. 

The tuition cost for international students is 1500 EUR per year. Students that are exceptionally talented can get scholarships that cover the costs. Consequently, some universities can charge more for some courses. 

Denmark

Denmark offers tuition-free learning for EU, EEA, and Switzerland students. However, they charge more for students outside these countries. The cost of studying there as an international student ranges between Euros 6000 to 16000 per year. 

While Denmark sounds like a good place to study, the cost of living could hinder many. There are also many subjects to study in Denmark’s school systems. However, prestigious universities like the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the Technical University of Denmark are some top universities to study. 

Sweden

Sweden is another country where international students can get quality higher education with little to no tuition fees. The government offers various waivers and scholarships for international students. Students from Sweden, Nordic countries EEA/ EU do not have to pay for undergraduate and master level learning. 

Anyone that gets a chance to pursue Ph.D. level learning in Sweden gets paid a monthly salary. It is a learning position the university offers, paid for by the government or other funding bodies. 

Other countries

Several other countries offer low-cost higher education. Some will charge for English degrees and offer the rest for free. European countries are popular on this list as they provide low-cost education for international students. 

Some countries you can consider for tuition-free higher learning include. 

• Belgium- Non-EU pay a nominal fee

• Czech Republic- Pay for English courses

• Estonia- Nominal fee, free PhD 

• Iceland- Free education except for registration fees

• Italy- Nominal Fees

• Slovenia- Nominal fee for international students

• Luxembourg- Charges nominal fees for EU students

• Malta- Nominal fee for non-EU/EEA students

• Poland- Nominal fees for non-European students

Further, students can explore other countries beyond Europe. Some countries are relatively affordable to live in and study in. Countries like India have good Education systems, and you can pay little to acquire your degree or master’s degree.

Other notable places to study include Mexico and Brazil. It will only cost you a registration fee to join their public universities. The amount is very minimal owing to the low exchange rates. While students can study English in some universities, they can also learn Portuguese and Spanish. 

Students willing to study in China can pay between $2500 and $10,000 a year, making it affordable. The best deals are for students studying in Chinese. 

Final Thoughts 

You can study abroad without busting the bank. You can enjoy fun, adventure, and new culture in any of the top 7 countries to study for free. If you follow the guide, you can get the best deals for studying abroad. 

Quashing the tuition fees can take off the hefty weight of studying abroad. Other expenses are relatively low in some countries where the cost of living is student-friendly. Start your journey today by choosing an ideal place to study. 

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