European countries with free education coherently infuse their educational system to help make education an inevitable opportunity for all students. European countries with free education are funded by the government through respective ministries invested in the responsibility.
Europe is one of the 7 continents in the world. It consists of 44 countries and a geographical area of 10.186 million km2 according to the United Nations.
Students are welcome to pursue admission to any European country with free education but must meet the respective requirements before starting their studies.
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Why Study in Europe?
You can apply to any European country with free education for undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and more, all in our scholarship database. Consequently, 20 European countries with free education for students who wish to study an undergraduate and postgraduate program in Europe will be listed. Also, will give a list of prominent universities in each respective country to ease the hitch of much research.
Is It Hard To Find A Free University In Europe?
Finding a free university in Europe is not difficult, as many European countries offer free college education to all students, irrespective of their family status. However, it’s essential to note that while tuition fees are often waived, the cost is covered by taxpayers.
European countries operate with lower college enrollment rates compared to the United States, and their higher taxes support a broader range of social services, including free education. This system reflects a different approach to funding higher education, emphasizing public investment and accessibility for all. (Jackson, 2017)
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Top 20 European Countries with Free Education
Here, is a list of 20 European Countries with Free education.
#1. Norway
Norway is the only European country with free education for international students from anywhere in the world. Its educational system is regulated by a governmental agency named the Norwegian Universities and College Admission Service.
Universities in Norway are considered a top catch for international students in the world. This is a result of the following criteria; quality teaching environment, research, citations, international outlook, and industrial income. Norwegian public universities offer a wide range of academic disciplines at various degree levels most taught in Norwegian and English.
Norway is an autocratic and unitary monarchy country, sharing borders with Denmark, Finland, and Russia. The country has a top market economy for thriving entrepreneurs making it a dream abode for international students. It is also considered to be one of the most developed democracies and constitutional states in the world.
Norway is a blessed and crowd-pleasing destination for students because they are one of the European countries with free education. This makes it more affordable for students considering they only have to cater for the cost of living.
Students are welcome to pursue admission to a Norwegian language program at any tuition-free university in Norway but must meet the language requirements, mostly putting for a one-year language course before starting studies.
Top Free Education Universities in Norway
Cost of Living
It’s possible that Norway implemented free college tuition as a way to counterbalance the elevated cost of living. According to Educations.com (2021), here’s a breakdown of the average monthly living expenses in Oslo, converted to USD:
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#2. Germany
Most public universities in Germany offer free Education for Indigenes and international students as they do not charge tuition fees. It is one of the European countries with free education.
Germany is located in Western and Central Europe bordering around nine other European countries showing its vibrant international outlook and one of the best European countries with free education.
German universities are enviable for their top-class education quality and serene study environment. They charge administrative fees per semester between €50 and €250 which includes registration, student union memberships, and transport passes among others depending on the region.
Top Free Education Universities in Germany
Cost of Living
Living in Germany can be expensive too. According to DAAD (2021), the monthly cost of living (converted to USD) is summarized as:
#3. Denmark
Denmark offers free education to students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Students outside this group are expected to pay little tuition fees.
Danish universities are well known for their advanced research and equipped educational facilities. They are well-ranked by the World Universities ranking body. Also, offers free Danish lessons to all international students for a proper understanding of academic lessons.
Denmark’s environment encompasses amazing wildlife & landscapes and students are very resourceful among other European countries with Free Education.
Top Free Education Universities in Denmark
#4. Finland
Finland hosts a naturally attractive environment, well known for government transparency and stability among European countries with free education. Finnish varsities are an abode for international students who value top educational quality in a serene and conducive environment.
Finnish Universities offer free education to students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Students outside this group are expected to pay little tuition fees.
Finland boasts a vibrant international community and a strong local culture as they are located on the northern axis of Europe. The Finnish land shares borders with Russia, Norway, and Sweden making them one of the most sought-after technologically advanced countries in the world.
Top Free Education Universities in Finland
#5. Greece
Greece is a top European country with free education for students from the EU and EEA. Non-EU/EEA students are expected to pay little tuition fees.
Greece’s natural history and civilizations in an affordable student lifestyle. Universities in Greece are revered for the industrial employability rate of their graduates with vast experience. The cost of living in Greece is low as some schools cater meals, books, and free use of gyms to students.
Top Free Education Universities in Finland
Cost of Living
Living in Greece is more affordable. Find a Ph.D. (2021) provides an overview of the cost of living in Greece (converted to USD):
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#6. France
France is one of the best European countries with free education to study abroad. It offers subsidized tuition fees for EU/EEA students to the federal government. While non-EU/EEA students pay more fees.
French Universities provide accommodations for international students at a friendly rate and are well-ranked as one of the best study conducive environments in the world.
France accord students the chance to study in a prosperous student life environment with a prestigious research enterprise.
Top Free Education Universities in France
Cost of Living
Living in France, particularly in Paris and major cities, can be expensive. According to Campus France (2021), here’s an overview of the monthly costs international students might face (converted to USD):
#7. Poland
Polish University provides free education to students of European nationality (EU, EEA, and Switzerland). Other international students pay a small amount of tuition fees.
Poland is well known as one of the European countries with free education about the cost of living and accommodation facilities. Students are also convinced by its high-quality educational institutions with a technologically advanced curriculum.
Poland is located in the middle of Northern Europe, serving as an economic and geographical link between Eastern and Western Europe.
Top Free Education Universities in Poland
Cost of Living
Living in Poland is more affordable. The National Agency for Academic Exchange or NAWA (2021) provides a summary of monthly expenses in Poland (converted to USD):
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#8. Scotland
Scotland is also a European country with free education that has been a dream abode for international and local students. It offers a free undergraduate program to students from EU/EEA. Other students would pay for registration and tuition.
Studying in Scotland gives you an edge in research prowess and scientific advancement among other European countries with free education.
Top Free Education Universities in Scotland
#9. Slovenia
Slovenian universities offer free education to students from the European Union. While Non-EU/EEA pay a particular amount for tuition.
Slovenia breeds success in a budget-friendly environment as accommodation and cost of living are relatively cheap compared to other European countries with free education. Its universities are also fairly rated among universities in Europe.
Top Free Education Universities in Slovenia
Cost of Living
Living in Slovenia costs around 600 EUR ($695) per month. The University of Ljubljana (2021) details the monthly living expenses in Slovenia (converted to USD):
#10. Sweden
Swedish Universities are offering free education to students of EU, EEA, and Switzerland origin. Also, a lot of scholarship packages and tuition waivers are available for eligible international students.
Sweden is a highly innovative country with a top employability rate. Its university is known for quality education and developing creativity among students. Also, well compatible with international students since everyone speaks English.
Top Free Education Universities in Sweden
#11. Austria
Austria is top-ranked for its quality education, research work, and skill acquisition making it among the best European countries with free education.
Austrian Universities provide free education to students from the EU/EEA. Other students pay a particular tuition fee. They are blessed with bountiful opportunities both in the classrooms and out-of-door experience.
Top Free Education Universities in Austria
Cost of Living
Austria’s cost of living is comparatively lower than in other European countries. OeAD (2021) outlines the monthly living expenses (converted to USD) as:
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#12. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers free education to all international students of various nationalities who are willing and able to study in Czech. Students who intend to study in another language pay a particular fee.
The Czech environmental living costs are relatively cheaper than other European countries with free education. Its universities offer five-star educational quality in a serene and industrious environment.
Top Free Education Universities in the Czech Republic
Cost of Living
The monthly expenses for students in the Czech Republic, as outlined by Study in the Czech Republic (2021) and converted to USD, include:
#13. Iceland
Iceland runs a free educational program for all international students across all countries. Thou, you are required to pay a registration fee annually.
Icelandic public universities are concordantly rated among the top universities in Europe for their contributions to education and research. Iceland boasts a location in the North Atlantic Ocean close to the Arctic Pole which makes it a fantastic place to live and study.
Top Free Education Universities in Iceland
Cost of Living
Living in Iceland, like Norway, is pricey. The University of Iceland (2021) estimates monthly living expenses in Reykjavík (converted to USD), including study materials:
#14. Belgium
Belgium is a European country with various languages and diverse cultures. It is located in the political heart of Europe with a vibrant international feel making it an abode for many students.
Belgian universities do charge relatively low tuition fees and governmental bodies offer scholarship opportunities to international students from around the globe. They are also known for their high caliber of education and industrial productivity.
Top Low Tuition Fee Universities in Belgium
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#15. Hungary
Hungary is a top European country that charges low tuition fees for students. It is popular for its historical monuments and rich culture. The Hungarian government also provides specific scholarship packages for eligible students.
Universities in Hungary are revered for the industrial employability rate of their graduates with vast experience. The cost of living and accommodation in Hungary is low compared to other European countries with free education.
Top Low-Tuition Universities in Hungary
Cost of Living
A study in Hungary (2019) outlines the cost of living in Hungary (in USD):
#16. Italy
Italy is the eye of top-quality education located in southern Europe. Italian universities are not tuition-free, but public universities pay relatively low tuition fees.
Italian Universities are famous for quality education and research in courses such as fashion, humanities, and history. The cost and standard of living in Italy are affordable and the government provides accommodation for international students at an economical price.
Top Low-Tuition Universities in Italy
#17. Ukraine
Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe well known for its Orthodox churches. Thus, Ukraine universities charge little tuition fees when compared to some European countries. They are revered for academic courses related to Engineering and Medicine.
Ukrainian varsities deliver quality education in a thriving student life environment. They are certified internationally for quality teaching and emphasis on practical. Ukraine hosts a conducive study environment and transport facilities.
Top Low-Tuition Universities in Ukraine
#18. Spain
Spain is also a European country with free education that has been a prestigious place for international and local students. It offers free public education programs to students from EU/EEA. Other students would pay a little for registration and tuition.
Schooling in Spain gives you a plus in research prowess and scientific advancement among other European countries with free education. The only drawback is that Spain is quite expensive to live in contrast with some other European countries.
Top Free Education Universities in Spain
#19. Switzerland
Switzerland is located in central Europe with an eloquent quality of life and education. Its public universities charge little tuition fees from local and international students.
Swiss Universities are popular for top-caliber education and dutiful research making their graduates resourceful worldwide. It is also known as the happiest country in the world for its excellent arrays of life and thriving educational possibilities.
Top Low Tuition Fee Universities in Switzerland
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#20. Netherlands
The Netherlands is a European country with a vibrant international community and government stability. It is a dwelling place for top and excellent minds making it an abode for many students.
Dutch universities do charge relatively low tuition fees and governmental bodies offer scholarship opportunities to international students from around the globe. They are also known for their high caliber of education and career productivity.
Top Low-Tuition Fee Universities in the Netherlands
International Scholarships You Should Check Out
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below;
Frequently Asked Questions About European Countries with Free Education
Which European countries offer free education for international students?
Several European countries offer free education for international students, including Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland.
Is education completely free in these countries, or are there other costs to consider?
While tuition fees are often waived for international students in these countries, there are still living expenses to consider, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials.
How do I apply for free education in European countries?
The application process varies by country and university. Generally, it involves submitting an application form, academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, and sometimes additional documents like letters of recommendation or a statement of purpose.
Can I work while studying in these countries to cover living expenses?
In many cases, international students are allowed to work part-time during their studies. However, there are usually restrictions on the number of hours and the types of jobs they can take.
What is the duration of the free education programs?
The duration varies depending on the level of study. Bachelor’s programs typically last three to four years, master’s programs one to two years, and doctoral programs three to four years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, European countries offering free education provide an attractive opportunity for students worldwide. This system reflects a commitment to accessibility and public investment in education. While tuition fees may be waived, it’s important to consider associated living expenses. Each country has its unique offerings, application processes, and language requirements, so prospective students should carefully research and plan. Overall, the availability of free education in Europe underscores a dedication to fostering a knowledgeable and skilled global community.
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References
Research – Cost of Living
