Studying abroad can train one in all aspects, both academically and personally. As an international student, one will redefine his/her learning perspectives and methods and will also learn to adapt to different teaching methods in new places. The definition of studying abroad is receiving education in a foreign country in order to gain a broader view of exploring new horizons and cultures. Every student dreams of going abroad for a higher academic level. The scope and infrastructure of education abroad are well developed, and there are thousands of processes available there. There are some countries with no tuition fees for international students, which means that one can continue to receive higher education for free and only have to pay living expenses. This is excellent news for all students. Also, it is one of the great benefits of studying abroad.
Countries with free college create enormous opportunities for students from all over the country. Many talented students never get a chance to stu
dy abroad due to a lack of opportunities and finances. But countries where the tuition fee is free to show a bright path to students whose dream is to study abroad for their higher studies. These colleges are a significant opportunity for every student to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.What is Free College?
College is a time of exploration, learning, and growth. It is the time when you find out who you are and what you want to do with your life. For some people, this opportunity is not available due to financial reasons. But there are some colleges that offer free tuition programs for qualified students.
There are two types of free college programs: need-based and merit-based. Need-based programs can be offered by public or private colleges, while merit-based scholarships are usually offered by private institutions.
To be eligible for a need-based program, a student must demonstrate that they cannot afford the cost of attendance without financial aid from the institution or federal/state grants or loans. To qualify for a merit-based program, applicants must have high grades and test scores as well
What are the Pros and Cons of Free College
Pros:
-Students are more likely to learn and be more engaged in class.
-It is a way to make college affordable for everyone.
-It helps the middle and lower-class families who may not be able to afford it otherwise.
-College graduates will have a better chance of getting a job with their degree.
– Students who are not interested in college will be more likely to enroll if they don’t have to pay.
– It is also good for students who are financially struggling and need help.
– The government can save money by not paying for these students’ tuition.
Cons:
-Some students might slack off in classes because they don’t have to pay for them, which could lead to lower grades and less of an understanding of the material learned.
-Some students might take out more loans because they have free tuition, which could lead them into debt later on in life if they can’t find a job with their degree or if they decide not to go after graduating from college.
– Students might take advantage of the free college and not go to class.
– It might be difficult for the school to find funding because it has to provide free education for all students.
Here are the top 7 countries list that offers an excellent education to international students almost free of cost;
- Germany
- Norway
- Spain
- France
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Austria
Here is the name of 7 countries without tuition fees and some important pieces of information given;
| Country | Tuition fees
EU/EEA Students |
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA Students |
Living Cost
(Per Year) |
| Germany | No tuition fee
(Public Universities) |
No tuition fee
(Public Universities) |
€10,236 (~US$11,330) |
| Norway | No tuition fee | No tuition fee | NOK 123 519 |
| Spain | No tuition fee | €750- €2,500 (~US$830-2,760) per year | €10,800- €13,200 (~US$11,940 – 14,600) |
| France | €170 (~US$190) | €2,770 (~US$3,065) | €9,600 (~US$10,620) |
| Sweden | No tuition fee | 7,500 – 25,500 EUR/year | 3500 to 5000 SEK |
| Denmark | No tuition fee | 5,000 and 15,000 EUR/year | EUR 15,360 |
| Austria | No tuition fee | €726.72/Per Sem | €11,400 |
Germany
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When we talk about free education in the world, Germany ranks first. It is astonishing after finding that public universities in Germany do not charge fees to international students or EU students. Furthermore, Germany also offers full free scholarships, including accommodation, allowances, etc.
The reason for the increasing demand for international students to study in Germany in recent years is that almost all public universities do not require German and international students to pay for university tuition.
Top 3 German universities with free tuition fees and living cost
| Country | University Name | Tuition fees
EU students |
Tuition fees
Non-EU Students |
Living Cost (Per Year) | Language |
| Germany | 1. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (Heidelberg University) | — | €3,000 | €10,020 | German |
| 2. Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin) | — | — | € 2,800 | German | |
| 3. Humboldt University of Berlin | — | — | $7824-$14844 | German |
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Norway
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In Norway, most Norwegian universities and the public university colleges that make upstate universities do not charge tuition fees. In Norway, most Norwegian universities and the public university colleges that makeup state universities do not charge tuition fees. No tuition fee policies apply for both citizens and non-citizen students. However, Private universities’ tuition fees tend to be cheaper than other country’s tuition fees. Both Norwegian and international students in Norway pay the same prices for their higher studies. Fees from international students are not charged at universities in Norway. Accommodation costs are so high In Norway. So, One has to have enough funds to cover one’s settlement and food costs in Norway. It depends on how the individual manages his/her expenses.
Top 3 Norway universities with no tuition fees and living cost
| Country | University Name | Tuition fees
EU students |
Tuition fees
Non-EU Students |
Living Cost (Per Year) | Language |
| Norway | 1. University of Oslo
|
— | — | €14,400 | Norwegian |
| 2. University of Bergen | — | — | NOK 123 519 (USD 13 760) | Norwegian | |
| 3. University of Stavangar
|
— | — | $11,256-$21708 | Norwegian |
Spain
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Spain’s Mediterranean climate attracts students from all over the country. Many students come to study in Spain because of Spain’s nature and beauty. Spain has amiable residents with affordable prices for students and also opportunities to learn the Spanish language very quickly.
Spain is an attractive country to international students due to its Spain offers a free college education to EU citizens only like other European countries, but it provides low-cost education for college students outside the EU and affords a realistic cost of living. Non-EU students are required to pay a fee that is not very high. For non-EU students, they hardly have to pay the US $ 2000-2500 per semester. Spain’s cost of living is very affordable for European students.
Top 3 universities in Spain without tuition fees and living cost
| Country | University Name | Tuition fees
EU students |
Tuition fees
Non-EU Students |
Living Cost (Per Year) | Language |
| Spain | 1. University of Navarra | 12,221 USD/year | 11,000 USD/year. | €15480 | Spanish |
| 2. University of Granada | 1,222 USD/year. | 1,000 USD/year. | $5376-$10,032 | Spanish | |
| 3. Universitat Internacional de Catalunya | 780USD
|
780USD
|
$7068-$13,188 | Spanish |
* These universities offer so many scholarship programs for both EU and Non- EU students where students can study without tuition fees.
France
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The official name of France is the French Republic. France is located in northwestern Europe. It has a rich history and culture and is considered one of the oldest countries in the world. France is the preferred destination for studying abroad, especially for students who are in love with the French culture. International students may consider further studies in France because of the advanced education sector in France, and the country’s higher education is accessible at various universities.
Technically, university tuition does exist in public universities in France. Still, for EU/EEA/Swiss students, it is a fraction of the fees charged by most countries at just €170 (~US$190) per year at the undergraduate level. But numerous universities in France offer 100% scholarships for many programs. These kinds of scholarship programs are offered by the government and non-government.
The top 3 universities in France with scholarships and living cost
| Country | University Name | Tuition fees
EU students |
Tuition fees
Non-EU Students |
Living Cost (Per Year) | Language |
| France | 1. Paris Dauphine University | 1,222 USD/year | 217 USD/year | $10,872-$19,452 | French |
| 2. Science Po University | 5,350 euros | 5,350 euros | €350-€450 (water and electricity included) | French | |
| 3. University of Paris- Saclay | €170 | €2,770 | €9600 | French |
* French universities also offer scholarships for international students.
Sweden
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International students consider Sweden to be the second-best study abroad destination in Europe. Many universities in Sweden offer free Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees for Swedish students, EU/EEA students, and Swiss students. International students in Sweden are also eligible for many scholarships offered by many universities in Sweden.
The top 3 universities in Sweden with scholarships and living cost
| Country | University Name | Tuition fees
EU students |
Tuition fees
Non-EU Students |
Living Cost (Per Year) | Language |
| Sweden | 1. University of Gothenburg | 121 USD | 789 USD | $8340-$15,384 | Swedish |
| 2. Jönköping University | 3,000-6,500 SEKSEK 100,000 | 3,000-6,500 SEK | 3,000-6,500 SEK | Swedish | |
| 3. Dalarna University | 43 500- 71 000 SEK. | 43 500- 71 000 SEK. | 8000 SEK | Swedish |
* To get a full scholarship in these universities, students have to pass the IELTS Test with 6.5.
Denmark
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According to the StudyPortals’ International Student Satisfaction Awards 2014, Denmark ranks as the 3rd best study destination in Europe. Another Nordic country, Denmark’s tuition policy, is similar to that of Sweden. EU/EEA Citizens, Permanent Residents, Exchange Students, Temporary Residents who can upgrade to Permanent Residence, students of Non-EU/EEA Parents Holding a Residence Permit, and Swiss Citizens are exempt from paying tuition fees. The remaining tuition fees can be between $ 7,000 and $ 20,000.
Top 3 Universities in Denmark with scholarship and living cost
| Country | University Name | Tuition fees
EU students |
Tuition fees
Non-EU Students |
Living Cost (Per Year) | Language |
| 1. Copenhagen Business School (CBS) | —
(Full Scholarship) |
—
( Full Scholarship) |
DKK 7,000 | Danish | |
| 2. Aarhus University (AU) | —
(Full Scholarship |
—
(Full Scholarship |
$8472-$17,016 | Danish | |
| 3. Roskilde University (RUC) | 9,000 DKK | 3,900 EUR | $9084-$18,732 | Danish |
Austria
Photo by Dahee Son on Unsplash
As a European country, in Austria, students can study for free or at a meager cost. EU/EEA college students experience equal rights as Austrians when it comes to the fee of higher education, and one can study for free at any degree level. After that, students only need to pay a fee of €363 per semester. International students from outside the EU/EEA expect a slightly higher cost per semester, about €726 (~US$803).
The top 3 public universities of Austria with full scholarship and living cost
| Country | University Name | Tuition fees
EU students |
Tuition fees
Non-EU Students |
Living Cost (Per Year) | Language |
| Austria | 1. The University of Vienna | — | — |
400 Euros
|
German |
| 2. Johannes Kepler University | — | — | $8,868-$16,392 | German | |
| 3. TU Wien | — | — | 3600- 9600 Euros | German |
FAQ
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How do countries with free college pay for it?
Ans- Countries with free college pay for it by Taxes. Countries around the world offer free education to both citizens and non-citizens students. These countries’ college expenses bear the government and the citizens. The citizens of a country who earn money pay tax with some part of their income. And an amount of this tax is spent on education. This is how countries provide free tuition to all students in the world. Apart from Taxes, there are also a few sources where the education money comes from, like donations, a loan taken, money raised from the public, private donation centers, etc. Many countries throughout the world, including Germany, Finland, and Sweden, provide free college education to their citizens. Yet the United States has lagged behind in providing this service to its citizens. The basic argument for making college free is that graduates will more likely have a higher earning potential and will therefore be able to pay their share of taxes back to the government through income tax. There are also some benefits for society as a whole if they have a more educated population.
In a normal country, the taxes citizens pay go towards the things that benefit them. It’s sort of like when you buy a car, and the money goes to paying off the loan for the car. Countries need to be able to allocate their resources in order to experience success in areas such as health care, education, national security, etc.
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What is the current situation for free college tuition on this Covid-19?
Ans- As we know, Covid-19 has dramatically damaged our daily lives, in which case colleges without tuition face programs have gone after a severe risk. Although education funds have been planned and saved for many years, the current situation of Covid-19 is now threatening everything. Governments of all countries have started many programs for Covid-19 like ‘Federal health Care,’ where the government provides all medical costs of a patient by using funds. So it’s now a great risk for public schools and colleges to offer scholarships and no tuition fee programs. Both citizen and non-citizen students are facing problems with their scholarships. Though European countries are well aware of their education programs, Non-EU students still have some significant issues with their scholarships.
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Why are these countries providing free education?
Ans- The main purpose behind providing free education is fundamental or equitable guaranteeing that everyone has access to education. Since many people in many countries cannot afford to send their children to school, under the concept of free education, everyone has access to similar educational standards that they need to survive in society.
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What are the benefits of countries with free education?
Ans- Education is the most important asset of a nation. Education helps a nation to become developed. Countries with free college give opportunities to students from all over the country. Countries with free colleges would help those at the lower strata of society improve their own condition and share their economic, social, and political visibility. It also helps to make a significant relationship between two different countries because of free education programs.
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Countries with free college vs. America: which one is better?
Ans- Of course, countries with free colleges are better. US study programs are pretty expensive, making it impossible for many students to afford their study expenses. But we appreciate the fact that American studies programs are very outstanding and effective for students. Still, we can’t ignore that US universities are not always ranked 1st now. Also, many great leaders and talented people are not coming from US school universities. The world’s education system is significantly developed now. Many prestigious colleges worldwide are giving full scholarships to international students only by seeing their talents and educational background. Also, general students are getting the opportunities to study for those free colleges. Now no students will be deprived of their educational rights for those free colleges.
