International Students: Free Tuition At Public Universities?

With rising university fees worldwide, many prospective students are now looking at countries that offer free or low-cost tuition. While public universities in the US charge fees, there are several countries where public universities are free for international students. These include Germany, France, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Iceland. However, some countries have introduced fees for non-EU/EEA students, and there may be other costs such as administrative fees, living expenses, and the cost of language courses.

Germany's public universities: free for all international students

Germany is one of the few countries in the world to offer free tuition to international students. This applies not only to German and EU citizens but also to international students from around the world. This is possible because public universities in Germany are government-funded and supported by taxes.

Tuition fees

There are no tuition fees at most public universities in Germany, and this applies to both German students and internationals, regardless of nationality. Just a small nominal university fee is charged, of around €150-250 (~US$170-280), to cover administration costs.

Exceptions

The state of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany is an exception. In autumn 2017, it reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students. These students must pay €1,500 (~US$1,660) a semester (€3,000 or ~US$3,320 per year). PhD students and refugees aren’t affected, and the fees are reduced for those pursuing a second degree.

Since 2017, public universities in Baden-Württemberg can charge tuition fees from non-EU/EEA students. The tuition fees are set at 1,500 euros per semester, which is still much more affordable than in many other countries in Europe.

Since 2023, public universities in the state of Bavaria can also charge tuition fees from non-EU/EEA students. So far, the only university that has chosen to do so is the Technical University of Munich (TU München). Their fees are between €4,000 and €6,000 per year for Bachelors and between €8,000 and €12,000 for Masters.

Other costs

Although tuition is free, students will pay around $100-$400 USD in fees per semester. At some universities, this fee covers an unlimited transit pass for the local area.

As an international student in Germany, you’ll need to budget for living expenses. Here is an idea of an average monthly budget for a student in Germany:

• Housing: $250-$550 USD for a room in a shared apartment
• Groceries: $200-$300 USD
• Healthcare: $120 USD
• Personal expenses: $75-$100 USD
• Fun money: $50-$200 USD
• Estimated monthly total: $700-$1,300 USD

Some cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt have higher living costs, which will affect the overall budget.

Germans generally believe that education should not be treated as a commercial product and that free access to higher education ensures economic growth and welfare for the greater population. Germany also wants to attract the smartest minds to study in the country and ideally stay and work after graduation.

France's public universities: cheap for international students

Frances public universities: cheap for international students

France is known for its rich culture, history, and cuisine, making it a popular choice for international students. While living in France can be expensive, international students can benefit from low-cost or tuition-free education at public universities. This is because the French government subsidizes higher education, resulting in relatively low tuition rates for students.

Tuition Fees in France

The true cost of education in France is around €10,000 a year, but the government covers a large portion of this amount. For the 2024/25 academic year, European students paid the following tuition fees at public institutions:

• €175 per year for a bachelor's degree
• €250 per year for a master's degree
• €618 per year for an engineering program
• €391 per year for a doctoral degree

Non-EU students may be required to pay differentiated registration fees, which are still significantly lower than the average international tuition fees. For the same academic year, non-EU students paid:

• €2,850 per year for a bachelor's degree
• €3,879 per year for a master's degree
• €391 per year for a doctoral degree

Affordable Public Universities in France for International Students

• Sorbonne University: Located in Paris, this top-performing research institution offers engineering and science programs. Both bachelor's and master's programs are free for international students.
• Paris Cité University: This university, also located in Paris, offers various research sites and advanced educational tools to aid students in their academic pursuits. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• University of Burgundy: With a focus on science and technology programs, the University of Burgundy has numerous worldwide partners and advanced equipment. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3: This public university specializes in social sciences and arts and is known for its equal opportunities and community engagement. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• University of Angers: The University of Angers maintains innovative teaching methods and close relationships with businesses, resulting in a high employment rate among its graduates. International bachelor's tuition ranges from €170 to €601, while master's tuition ranges from €243 to €601.
• University of Caen Normandy: Founded over five centuries ago, this university offers a beautiful campus with a mix of historic and modern architecture. It is known for its research facilities and resources. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• Paris-Saclay University: Ranked among the highest academic institutions in the world, Paris-Saclay University offers excellent degree programs and a strong reputation for research. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• Paris Nanterre University: The only university in the region offering degrees in all human and social sciences, Paris Nanterre University provides an innovative educational approach. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations: Located in Paris, this public university specializes in teaching languages and cultures from around the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in language, civilization studies, and related fields. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• Jean Moulin University Lyon 3: With numerous partnerships around the world, this university offers career-oriented programs that promote intellectual and personal development. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• Le Mans University: Le Mans University has a long history of providing quality education and hosts 12,000 local and international students. International bachelor's tuition is €170.
• University of Clermont Auvergne: This university was created through the merger of two former institutions to meet the educational needs of the region. It has six campuses and multiple academic and research buildings. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• University of Orléans: Founded in 1306, the University of Orléans is one of the oldest universities in Europe and is known for its excellent research output and facilities. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €170.
• University of Franche-Comté: Located in the heart of the city, this university is known for its comprehensive educational training and student-friendly principles. International bachelor's tuition is €170.
• University of Perpignan – Domitian: Established over 670 years ago, this university offers programs focused on understanding environmental adaptations. It actively participates in international mobility programs. International bachelor's and master's tuition is €172.

In addition to these universities, there are other affordable options for international students in France, such as the Toulouse Institute of Technology, University of Lille, Arts et Métiers Institute of Technology, and Grenoble Alpes University. These institutions offer a range of programs and have their own unique strengths and features.

Nordic countries: free for EU/EEA/Swiss students

The Nordic countries, known for their high quality of life, stunning nature, and liberal politics, are also renowned for their strong higher education systems. Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Iceland offer opportunities to study free or at a low cost.

Norway

Norway offers university study free of charge to all students, regardless of nationality or study level. Students only need to pay a semester fee of around NOK 300-600 (approximately US$33-66). Undergraduate programs are mostly taught in Norwegian, so international students need to be proficient in the language to study at this level. However, at master's and PhD levels, English language programs are more common, and tuition remains free.

Iceland

Iceland's four public universities do not charge tuition fees, only a registration fee of around ISK 75,000 (about US$600) per year.

Denmark, Sweden, and Finland

These three countries offer free higher education to students from within the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Students from outside these regions must pay tuition fees for bachelor's and master's programs, which vary by country and institution. However, PhD programs in these countries are fully funded, offering exceptional candidates the chance to earn a degree without fees and even earn a salary. Additionally, non-EU/EEA students can study in Finland for free if they study in Swedish or Finnish.

While Nordic countries offer free or low-cost tuition, it is important to consider the cost of living, which is among the highest in Europe due to the strong economy and currency in the region.

Other European countries: free for certain nationalities

Austria offers free tuition at public universities for European students. Non-European students are charged a relatively affordable fee of €1,500 per year.

Denmark is a popular country for European students because it offers free tuition at high standards. Non-European international students pay up to €16,000 per year.

Finland has been charging tuition fees to non-European students since 2017. The costs are set by the universities and range between €5,000 and €20,000 per year. Citizens from the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA) continue to study for free.

France charges a negligible registration fee, and most public universities do not charge any tuition fees for Europeans. International students pay relatively modest annual fees of approximately €2,800 for Bachelors and €3,800 for Masters.

Germany is one of the most popular countries for international students. With the exception of a few private universities, you can study in Germany for free, regardless of your nationality. There is usually a small administrative semester fee, but this covers a public transport ticket at a fraction of its usual price.

Greece offers free education to all Europeans, and the cost for international students is also low, at around €1,500 per year. Combined with a relatively low cost of living, Greece is among the more affordable study-abroad destinations.

Hungary ranks among the top in affordability. There are no tuition fees for Europeans, very low tuition fees for non-Europeans, and a very low cost of living.

Norway offers free education to students who are citizens of the EU/EEA. Since 2023, students from other countries have had to pay comparably high tuition fees of between €15,000 and €30,000 per year, depending on the university and programme. Norway is also one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in.

Poland is a very affordable country for students. Europeans study for free, and non-Europeans pay only a small amount. Plus, it is very cheap to live there.

Slovenia offers free tuition for Europeans, but costs are around €5,000 per year for other international students.

Sweden offers free tuition for students from the EU/EEA. Other international students should expect hefty fees when studying in Sweden, combined with a relatively high cost of living.

Non-European countries: free for international students

There are several non-European countries where international students can study for free or at a low cost. Here are some notable examples:

• Mexico and Brazil: Public universities in these countries offer virtually free tuition for international students. In Mexico, international students pay only registration fees, which are minimal when considering exchange rates.
• China: International students can attend public universities in China for a fraction of US tuition rates, typically between $2,500 and $10,000 per academic year. The best deals are reserved for students who can pursue their studies in Chinese.
• India: International students in India usually pay no more than $7,300 per year in tuition fees, although private universities and graduate fees can be more expensive. Living costs are also very affordable, with consumer prices and rental prices significantly lower than in many other countries. However, international students are not allowed to work in India during their studies.
• Argentina: While Argentinian students enjoy free universities, international students pay a small nominal fee to enrol at public universities. Private institutions, on the other hand, can charge upwards of $5,000 per year.
• Taiwan: Top universities in Taiwan, such as National Taiwan University (NTU) Taipei, offer affordable programmes for international students.

Other Options

In addition to the above, there are a few other countries and regions that offer free or low-cost education for international students:

• Canada: While not entirely free, Canada offers a more affordable option compared to the US. Additionally, international students can work part-time during their studies, which can help offset the cost of living and tuition.
• Japan: Japan provides scholarships and waivers for international students, making it a more affordable option. The Japanese government also offers the MEXT scholarship, which covers tuition, a monthly allowance, and travel expenses for qualified students.
• South Korea: South Korea has a variety of scholarships available for international students, including the Global Korea Scholarship, which covers airfare, tuition, settlement allowance, and a monthly stipend.

Frequently asked questions