Douglas Olsen
The cost of education varies greatly across the world, with some countries offering free tuition for domestic and international students, while others have high fees and associated costs. For example, in 2019, expenditures per full-time-equivalent (FTE) student at the elementary/secondary level ranged from $3,000 in Mexico to $25,600 in Luxembourg. The United States, known for its expensive higher education system, spent $15,500 per FTE student at the elementary/secondary level, which was 38% higher than the average of OECD countries reporting data. However, some countries like Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland have introduced incentives such as tuition-free education, scholarships, and equal pay certifications to attract international students and promote cultural diversity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries where education is free for international students | Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany |
| Countries with high expenditure per student | Luxembourg, Norway, Austria, Republic of Korea, United States |
| Countries with high average salary for graduates | United States |
| Countries with low average cost of education | Canada, Australia |
| Countries with high average debt for graduates | United States |
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What You'll Learn
Countries with free higher education
Several countries offer tuition-free or low-cost college options for their citizens and, in many cases, citizens of other countries. These policies help open access to higher education and reduce student debt. Many of these countries are democratic socialist states in which the government also provides other essential services such as universal or single-payer health care.
Germany, for example, has become well known for its tuition-free policy at public universities. Since 2014, most German states removed tuition fees for undergraduate students at public institutions. Students only pay small administrative fees of about €250 per semester. German universities are supported by public funding, making higher education more accessible and helping to keep student loan debt low.
Similarly, Norway offers free higher education to students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. International students from other locations pay tuition according to their chosen subject. Norway is a sought-after country for international students due to its emphasis on work-life balance.
Denmark also offers free higher education to Danish citizens, as well as those from EU countries or Switzerland. Exchange program students, permanent residents, and some temporary residents also qualify.
Iceland offers free college tuition to all students, regardless of nationality. International students make up around 5% of Iceland's college population. While public universities do not charge tuition fees, Iceland's private universities do. Icelandic graduates can renew their residence permits for up to three years after graduation to look for employment in their field of expertise.
Other countries that offer free or low-cost higher education include Brazil, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Slovenia, Scotland, Egypt, Kenya, and Luxembourg.
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Average salary after graduation
The average salary after graduation varies across countries and depends on several factors, including the field of study, industry, and demand for specific skills. Here is a look at the average salaries for graduates in different countries:
United States:
The United States is known for its high-quality higher education and is among the best countries for international students. The average projected starting salary for bachelor's degree holders in the US for the class of 2025 is $68,680. However, salaries vary by field of study. For example, engineering majors have the highest projected salary of $78,731, followed by computer science at $76,251. Business degree holders can expect an average salary of $65,000, while in-demand careers like registered nurses earn an average of $88,828.
Luxembourg:
Luxembourg consistently ranks high in terms of expenditures per student and offers attractive opportunities for graduates. While specific salary data for graduates is limited, entry-level positions in business can start at $54,413, and law graduates can expect salaries between $43,531 and $59,855.
Norway:
Norway offers free tuition for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, making it attractive for international students. Norwegian students have relatively high salary expectations, with undergraduates expecting to make around $6,556 per month or $78,672 per year before tax, according to a Universum survey.
Switzerland:
Switzerland is known for its high cost of living and low unemployment rate, creating a competitive job market. Students in Switzerland have high salary expectations, with female students expecting around $6,468 per month, while male undergraduates hope to earn $7,454, showcasing a gender gap in expected salaries.
Denmark:
Denmark offers attractive opportunities for graduates, especially in the legal field. Entry-level lawyers in Denmark can earn approximately $90,656 yearly, with expectations of an 18% increase in the next five years. Arts and Culture graduates can expect a monthly salary between $2,942 and $7,845.
While these countries offer varying salary prospects for graduates, it's important to consider other factors such as cost of living, job market competitiveness, and specific industry demands when making career decisions.
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Cost of living for students
The cost of living for international students varies greatly depending on the country and city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation chosen. The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom are among the countries with the highest living expenses for international students, with budgets ranging from USD $13,000 to over USD $25,000 per year, not including tuition fees. On the other hand, Canada and New Zealand offer more affordable options, with annual living cost requirements of CAD $10,000 and NZD $15,000, respectively.
In the US, the cost of living for international students can vary depending on the state and city. For example, New York, California, Maryland, and New Jersey are known for their high cost of living. The type of accommodation also plays a significant factor, with on-campus housing costing around $9,800-$11,000 per year, while off-campus options average $3,500 per month. International students in the US can expect to spend around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, including accommodation, food, travel, textbooks, clothing, and entertainment.
Australia is another popular destination for international students but is known for its high cost of living. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive, while Hobart and Wollongong offer more affordable options. The high basic wage in Australia, coupled with part-time work opportunities, can help offset these high living costs.
New Zealand is an attractive option for international students due to its flexible visa conditions, allowing students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. This helps students manage their living expenses, which can be around NZD $15,000 per year. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are among the top cities in New Zealand, offering world-class universities and a high quality of life.
Canada is known for having the lowest living expense requirements among these countries, setting the bar at CAD $10,000 per year for international students. Sharing accommodation and choosing affordable grocery options can further reduce costs.
While not widely discussed, Iceland and Norway are also worth considering for their equal pay certifications and free tuition for EU/EEA and Swiss students, respectively. These countries prioritize work-life balance and offer opportunities for graduates to extend their residence permits while seeking employment.
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Countries with the most international students
The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom are the countries with the most international students. In 2022, there were 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the US, Australia, and the UK being the top three destinations. The US hosted 1,126,690 international students, Canada hosted 842,760, and the UK hosted 758,855. Australia has the highest ratio of international students per head of population in the world, with 775,475 international students enrolled in the nation's universities and vocational institutions in 2020.
Australia has seen the highest growth in international student enrollment since 2019, with 1,095,298 international student enrolments in 2024. However, the country is considering cutting international student numbers and slowing down visa processes.
The UK is home to prestigious universities and research-intensive institutions, making it a popular destination for those seeking rigorous academics. Similarly, the US is known for its access to great higher education, with 25 universities in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list.
China is also a popular destination for international students, with the number of international students growing steadily since 2003. In 2018, China hosted 492,185 international students, with the majority coming from Asia (60%), followed by Europe (16%) and Africa (14%). China has one of the largest education systems in the world, with over 3000 universities as of 2022.
Other emerging destinations for international students include Malaysia, Singapore, India, and South Korea. These countries have a combined share of approximately 12% of the global student market, with 250,000 to 300,000 students choosing to pursue higher education in these countries in 2005-2006.
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Countries with the highest expenditure per student
The amount spent per student is a key indicator of a country's commitment to education. This expenditure covers costs such as tuition, transportation, book rentals, and food services, and can vary significantly between countries.
In 2019, Luxembourg had the highest expenditure per student at both the elementary/secondary level ($25,600) and the postsecondary level ($56,600). The United States ranked fifth in elementary/secondary education expenditure per student ($15,500) and second in postsecondary expenditure per student ($37,400). These amounts are substantially higher than the averages for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, which were $11,300 and $18,400, respectively.
Norway, Austria, and the Republic of Korea joined Luxembourg and the United States in the top five countries for elementary/secondary education expenditure per student in 2019. Notably, the United States had a higher expenditure per student than the OECD average, with a 38% higher expenditure at the elementary/secondary level.
Other countries that invest significantly in education include Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, Ukraine, Poland, and Canada. These countries recognise the value of education and allocate a larger portion of their resources to this sector.
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Frequently asked questions
Luxembourg has the highest expenditure per FTE student at both the elementary/secondary level and the postsecondary level.
Germany, Norway, and Sweden offer tuition-free education for international students. Additionally, Norway and Sweden provide scholarships and financial aid to international students.
The US has one of the most expensive higher education systems in the world. Tuition at a four-year public university averages more than $10,000 per year, while private colleges can cost three times that amount.
In the UK, students do not have to pay upfront for their education. They can take out loans and pay back the amount after graduation through payroll taxes. The government also offers loan forgiveness after 30 years.
The US is among the best countries for international students due to its high-quality education and the potential for well-paying jobs. The national average salary for registered nurses, for example, is $88,828.
