If you’ve always wanted to study overseas but don’t have a ton of cash, why not try enrolling at universities overseas that have NO tuition fees? A number of schools in Europe offer tuition fee-free courses for international students – you do have to qualify for their entry requirements, and you’ll need to cover your own living expenses (unless you qualify for their scholarships/grants). Some will require that you’re proficient in the local language. Here are some countries to consider:
Finland
Regarded as one of the best education systems in the world (most of their citizens have a Master’s degree), Finnish universities offer about 450 international programmes (Bachelors to Masters) in English. Non-EU students will have to pay a tuition fee (€5,000-€18,000 annually) for English-language courses. However, students studying in programmes taught in Finnish or Swedish are not required to pay fees regardless of their nationality. Doctoral level studies remain tuition fee-free, and are available for international students.
Living expenses: about €6,000-€9,600 a year.
Iceland
Iceland has 7 universities, with 4 public ones offering international students tuition-free education (some in English), with only a ISK75,000 annual application fee. Students enjoy a post-graduation stay period of 6 months, and can work up to 15 hours a week throughout their studies. Iceland’s location in the far north with its unusual geology and landscapes make it a particularly good place to study natural sciences.
Living expenses: about ISK 2,691,996 a year.
Germany
Since 2014, all universities in Germany offer tuition free education for undergraduate studies for all students including international students. However, universities in some states may charge administration fees (about €50) and/or long-term fees up to €800). Since 2017, south-west state of Baden-Württemberg imposed tuition fees (€3,000 a year) for non EU students, and it’s unclear if other states will follow suit. Most undergraduate courses are taught in German (some in English), meaning would-be students will need to demonstrate sufficient understand of the language with a DSH or the Test DaF certificate in order to enrol at a German university.
Living expenses: about €10,200-€12,000 a year.
Norway
As of 2023, Norwegian universities now charge tuition fees (about NOK80,000-300,000) for students outside of Europe (EU & Switzerland). However, exchange students and doctoral candidates are normally exempted from paying tuition at public institutions. For private universities, foreign students don’t pay higher tuition fees than Norwegian students.
Living expenses: about NOK137,907 a year.
Austria
Austria may not offer any free tuition for non-EU students, but its tuition fee is pretty low. It costs about €730 per semester (2 sem a year). Located in the centre of Europe, there are 70 universities to choose from. Students are also allowed to work without a permit.
Living expenses: about €12,000-€14,000 a year.
Sweden & Denmark
While Sweden and Denmark charge tuition fees (€6,000-€16,000) international students, a significant number of Swedish universities still offer scholarship programmes (tuition waiver and/or living expenses). However, most of these are for those in Masters courses. For both countries, if you’re offered a PhD position, there will be no tuition fee, plus there will be a monthly salary.
Living expenses: about SEK 10,320 (Sweden) / DKK 80,500 (Denmark) a year.
The list may seem very short when it comes to free education offered to international students, but if you’re really keen on an overseas education, you’d be surprised to know that there are plenty of universities around the world that have very little tuition fee. Lower even than Singapore universities.
