Lori Meadows
The high cost of a college education in the US has many prospective students looking at other countries that offer free or low-cost tuition. Some colleges in the US already offer free education for students, including Harvard and Brown. However, for those looking further afield, there are many options. Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, France, and Denmark all offer free or low-cost tuition to international students. Outside of Europe, tuition-free universities for international students can be hard to come by. However, some universities in China offer full scholarships to international students, and public universities in Brazil, Egypt, and Panama are free for all students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries with free tuition for international students | Norway, Germany, France, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Greece, Czech Republic, Brazil, Egypt, Panama, Poland, China, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Andorra, South America |
| Countries with free tuition for EU/EEA students | Norway, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, France, Greece, Poland, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus |
| Countries with free tuition for citizens | Norway, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Czech Republic, Brazil, Egypt, Panama, Poland, China |
| Countries with free tuition for citizens and some international students | Norway, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, France, Czech Republic, Egypt, Panama, Poland, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus |
| Average cost of living for international students | €700 – €1,600/month |
| Visa requirements for international students | Student visa, proof of acceptance, proof of funds |
| Scholarships available for international students | Quota Scheme Scholarship (Norway), OeAD Scholarships (Austria), Finland Government Scholarship, Schwarzman Scholarship (China) |
| Work opportunities for international students | Part-time work allowed in Andorra, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Greece; full-time work allowed in Germany |
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Norway
Public universities in Norway did not charge tuition fees to international students until 2022. However, the Norwegian government has recently introduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens. Despite the new fees, Norway remains a more affordable study destination than traditional study-abroad countries such as the UK, US, or Canada.
International students can still study in Norway for free by applying for scholarships and grants. The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund is a government-backed organization that helps students pay for their education. The Ostfold University College and the University of Stavanger are the two universities that offer the most scholarships. Doctoral research fellowships are also available at the University of Oslo for qualified international applicants, which include a salary ranging from NOK482,200 to NOK526,000 per year, as well as significant welfare benefits.
While tuition may be free, students are expected to cover their living expenses, which can be quite high in Norway. The State Educational Loan Fund estimates the average monthly expenditure for students to be about NOK 9,000 (approximately €1,000 or $1,100). This amount is expected to cover board and lodging, clothing, transportation, medical and dental care, and other necessities. Students who plan to rent their homes should budget approximately NOK 11,500 per month to cover basic costs, including rent, food, transportation, and other essential expenses.
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Germany
There is an exception to this rule in the state of Baden-Württemberg, where universities charge a tuition fee of €1,500 ($1,657 USD) per semester for students from outside the EU. Some individual universities outside of Baden-Württemberg, like the Technical University of Munich (TUM), have also elected to charge tuition fees.
As an international student in Germany, you’ll need to have enough money to cover living expenses. Some cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt have higher living costs which will affect your overall budget.
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France
While there are no universities in France that are entirely free for international students, there are still ways to make studying in the country more affordable. Firstly, public universities in France are generally cheaper than private institutions. For EU students, fees can be as low as €170 per year for Bachelor's programs and €0 to €250 for Master's programs. Additionally, many French universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students. These scholarships can be need-based or merit-based and are offered by universities, the French government, or foreign embassies. For example, the Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence aims to attract top foreign students for PhD and Master's programs, while the Emile-Boutmy Scholarship is available for international students at both Bachelor's and Master's levels, covering tuition grants ranging from €3,000 to €13,000. The Regional Council of Ile-De-France also provides scholarships to international students studying in the region.
Another way to study in France for free is through partnership programs between universities, such as the Erasmus+ exchange program. Students participating in these programs are exempt from enrolment fees. Additionally, international students can work while studying in France, up to 20 hours per week, to help cover living expenses.
Some specific universities in France that are known for offering affordable degrees include the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, and the University of Burgundy. These universities offer competitive tuition fees and numerous scholarships, providing opportunities for students to access high-quality education at a lower cost.
In conclusion, while there may not be free universities in France for international students, the country offers various options to make education more accessible and affordable. Through a combination of scholarships, financial aid, low tuition fees at public universities, and the opportunity to work while studying, international students can pursue their academic goals in France without incurring excessive costs.
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Brazil
Federal and state institutions
Tuition is free at federal and state institutions, which are generally known as 'universities'. Municipal governments tend to run smaller institutions that sometimes charge tuition fees.
Scholarships
There are a variety of scholarships available to international students in Brazil. The Brazilian Government Exchange Program gives students with academic potential from developing countries and conflict zones a free ride. The Organization of American States awards the PAEC OAS-GCUB Scholarship every year for Master's and PhD students who want to study at specific top universities in Brazil. However, applicants must be citizens of a country that is a member of the Organization of American States.
Cost of living
Language
To study in Brazil, you will need to take a Portuguese language exam to prove that you can speak and write the language to an academic standard.
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Austria
In terms of fees, EU/EEA students can study for free at any degree level at public universities in Austria. After this period, students pay a small fee of €363 per semester. International students from outside the EU/EEA can expect slightly higher fees of around €726 (~US$803) per semester, which is still very reasonable compared to other European countries. Private universities in Austria can set their own rates, which tend to be considerably higher, ranging from 3,000 to 23,000 EUR per year. However, there are a couple of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Austria, such as the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FH Vorarlberg) and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, where courses are free for all international students. All students enrolled at a University of Applied Science must pay student union and student insurance fees.
Living costs in Austria will set students back approximately €11,400 (~US$12,600) a year. International students can work up to 20 hours per week without a permit and can apply for a one-year visa to search for employment after graduation.
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Frequently asked questions
Germany, Norway, France, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark offer free or low-cost tuition to international students.
South American universities are mostly free or very cheap for international students, but courses are often in Spanish or Portuguese. Egypt, Brazil, and Panama also offer free tuition at public universities for international students.
International students in Austria, Germany, and France can work part-time during their studies. Austria and Germany also offer a 12-month job-seeker visa after graduation.
Yes, there are scholarships available for international students, such as the Schwarzman Scholarship at Tsinghua University in China and the OeAD Scholarships in Austria.
