20 Countries With Free Education For International Students

Are you willing to study abroad but without experiencing a lack of confidence due to financial constraints? There are many countries with free education in 2024; you just have to pay some associated costs like insurance, administrative fees, and the cost of living. With university fees skyrocketing, there is still hope - you can find many countries with free education. Yes, you can make the best of these economical destinations that also can help you reach your potential. Students feel less burdened with no tuition fees. You can consider some of the European countries for free education and shape your dream. To gain better insights into the free education countries for international students and the courses to choose there, let's go through this list of countries for free education together. 

Top 20 Countries With Free Education

If you are wondering which countries provide free education for international students, then don't worry; various free education countries for international students are convenient. Below, we will explore the top 20 free education countries. To make the decision-making process simpler for you, we have also divided the list into 2 sections, with lists of countries offering free tuition and countries offering low tuition. So, let's get ready to learn about the fees, average cost of living (per person), universities, and beyond!

Countries Offering Free Tuition

If you want to study abroad but don't want to pay hefty tuition fees, there are many nations that offer fantastic chances for international students to get top-notch education for nothing. Public colleges in these nations offer tuition-free programs to students, particularly those pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. When wondering which country has free education, remember that these locations not only provide financial assistance but also encourage intellectual and cultural enrichment. The following free education countries provide free tuition, enabling a wide range of students to have access to high-quality education. 

1. Germany

Fees for EU/Non-EU Citizens: Free
Average Cost of Living: €934/month
Best Universities: Heidelberg University, Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University in Berlin
Visa Requirements: Student visa required; must have university acceptance, proof of funds (~€10,332/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: DAAD Scholarships – offers various scholarships for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
With a world-class curriculum, Germany has become one of the most popular free education countries. With the option to work full-time for 120 days or part-time for 240 half days during their studies, students can support themselves while pursuing their passions. After graduation, they can stay in the country for up to 18 months to find a suitable job. Furthermore, the short-term student accommodation in Germany eases your journey in this country with free education, making it one of the best free education countries.  

2. Norway

Fees for EU/EEA Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU/EEA Citizens: €13,000/year
Average Cost of Living: €1,200 - €1,600/month
Best Universities: University of Tromso, Bergen University College
Visa Requirements: Student visa required; must provide admission letter, proof of financial means (~€12,200/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: Quota Scheme Scholarship – provides funding for international students from developing countries.
Besides being one of the 10 most immigrant-friendly countries in the world, Norway deserves to be on the list of free education countries and welcoming neighbourhoods. Numerous programs are taught in English, barring the language gap for international students. Moreover, the job seeker visa is valid for 12 months to seek employment in this country with free education. With all these benefits, Norway is certainly one of the best free education countries to consider. 

3. Austria

Fees for EU/EEA/Switzerland Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU Citizens: €762/Semester
Average Cost of Living: €900 - €1,500/month
Best Universities: University of Vienna, University of Salzburg, Medical University of Vienna
Visa Requirements: Student visa required for non-EU; university acceptance, proof of funds (~€12,000/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: OeAD Scholarships – offers scholarships for international students for all degree levels.This European gem boasts not only a high quality of life and rich culture but also is one of the best free education countries for EU students and affordable for others. Austria is undoubtedly considered one of the top free education countries where international students can work up to 20 hours per week without a permit. After graduation, they can even apply for a one-year visa to search for employment. Additionally, this education free country has a variety of scenic views to visit as well. 

4. Finland

Fees for EU/EEA Citizens: Free (for Finnish or Swedish-taught Degrees)
Fees for Non-EU/EEA Citizens: €4,000 – €18,000 (for English-taught degrees)
Average Cost of Living: €700 – €1,300/month
Best Universities: University of Helsinki, University of Vaasa, Tampere University
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; proof of acceptance and funds (~€6,720/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: Finland Government Scholarship – available for international students at Master's and PhD levelsFinland is one of the best countries offering free education for international students. International students can also work up to 30 hours per week during their studies and stay in the country for up to two years after graduation. This is also one of the best free education countries that focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving.

5. Sweden

Fees for EU/EEA, other Nordic countries, and Switzerland citizens: Free
Non-EU/EEA: Starting from €7,500/year
Average Cost of Living: €924 - €1,217/month
Best Universities: University of Gothenburg, Jönköping University, Dalarna University, Luleå University of Technology
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; admission letter and proof of financial means (~€9,000/year).
Scholarship Opportunities: Swedish Institute Study Scholarships – provides fully-funded scholarships for non-EU students.
When talking about countries for free education, then Sweden is definitely one of the best additions to the list. In Sweden, education revolves primarily around practical and group work, which is designed to enhance the overall learning experience for students. International students can work as many hours as they want during their studies but must spend 40 hours per week on academic responsibilities. Sweden is definitely one of the best free education countries in the world for those who prefer practical work over theory. 

6. Czech Republic

Fees for EU and Non-EU Citizens: Free‍‍ (for Czech-Taught Degrees)
Fees for EU and Non-EU Citizens: Free and for some countries it is up to €18,500/year (for English/Foreign Language-taught Degrees)
Average Cost of Living: €300 - €750/month‍
Best Universities: The Academy of Fine Arts, The Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; requires university acceptance and proof of finances.
Scholarship Opportunities: Czech Government Scholarships – for students from developing countries and for selected fields of study.
This enchanting country for free education is also famous for its castles, stunning architecture, and rejuvenating spa. If you pursue a degree that the Ministry of Education accredits, you can also work during your studies. Being one of the free education countries, you can work for 30 days a year. In case you are looking for a job after graduation, you can apply for a post-study residence permit, which is usually for 9 months.

7. Iceland

Fees for EU/EAA Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU/EAA Citizens: Free
Average Cost of Living: €1,300 - €2,000/month
Best Universities: Bifrost University, Iceland Academy of Arts, University of Iceland
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; must show admission and proof of funds (~€1,000/month).
Scholarship Opportunities: Icelandic Government Scholarships – offered to students studying Icelandic as a second language.

Iceland is one of the most favoured free education countries, owing to its safe environment, inclusive community, and multicultural atmosphere. Plus, an exciting student life and a stay-back period of 6 months are other crucial benefits of studying in this option for countries with free education. The students can work up to 15 hours/week during their academic years, making Iceland one of the top countries with free education.

8. Greece

Fees for EU/EEA Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU Citizens: Starts from €1,500/year
Average Cost of Living: €450 - €750/month
Best Universities: University of Crete, National Technical University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; requires admission letter and financial proof (~€4,000/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: IKY Scholarships – available for international students for postgraduate and research programs.

Greece is home to a number of prestigious universities, making it one of the free education countries. Along with a standard of living at affordable prices, gathering rich cultural experiences is another reason to study in this country with free education. Students can also work for 20 hours per week during the semester. However, during vacations, students can work up to 40 hours per week.

Countries Offering Low Tuition Fees

Many nations provide much lower tuition fees than other parts of the world, making them attractive options for students looking for countries with free education. These nations provide excellent academic programs at a fraction of the price, which makes them perfect for individuals who wish to continue their education with minimal private education loans. Some of the best countries to offer low tuition fees include:

9. France

Fees for EU/EEA, Andorra, and Switzerland Citizens: €170 – €380/year
Fees for Non-EU Citizens: €2,770 (Bachelor's); €3,770 (Master's)
Average Cost of Living: Around €900/month
Best Universities: Le Mans University, Sorbonne University, University of Clermont Auvergne
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; university admission and proof of funds (~€7,380/year).
Scholarship Opportunities: Eiffel Excellence Scholarships – offers funding for Master's and PhD students in specific fields.

France is among the best countries with free education for international students. You can work for up to 964 hours per year while studying and stay in the country for up to one year after graduation to explore job opportunities. With a comprehensive guide to studying in France, you will easily navigate your way to one of the brilliant countries with free education.

10. Poland

Fees for Polish, Switzerland and EU/EEA Citizens: Free (for Polish-taught degrees)
Fees for Non-EU Citizens: €2,000/year
Average Cost of Living: €600 - €900/month
Best Universities: University of Warsaw, Lazarski University, University of Lodz
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; must provide acceptance letter and financial means (~€6,000/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: Polish Government Scholarships – aimed at international students, especially for Master’s programs.

Poland is amongst the few countries with free education that also offers an affordable standard of living compared to other nations. With a student-friendly atmosphere and enriched culture, this country with free education allows international students to stay up to 12 months after completing their studies with their job seeker visa.

11. Luxembourg

Fees for EU, EEA & Swiss Citizens: Free (for Luxembourgish-taught Degrees) & €1,200/year (for English-taught Degrees)
Average Cost of Living: €1,414–€2,036/month
Best Universities: University of Luxembourg, European Business University, United Business Institutes
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; proof of admission and financial means (~€13,000/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: Luxembourg Ministry of Higher Education Scholarships – available for international students in selected fields.

Luxembourg is one of the richest nations across the globe, yet it is ranked as one of the best countries with free education. With a high standard of living, a strong economy, and many opportunities in various sectors (such as finance, law, technology, and innovation), non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay in this education free country for 12 months to seek employment.

12. Belgium

Fees for Wallonia-Brussels Federation or EU Citizens: €835/year
Fees for Non-EU Citizens: €2,505/year
Average Cost of Living: €950 - €1,350/month
Best Universities: Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Hogeschool Gent (HOGENT)
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; university acceptance and proof of financial means (~€10,200/year).
Scholarship Opportunities: VLIR-UOS Scholarships – provides funding for students from developing countries for Master's programs.

Belgium, known for chocolates and free education, is also one of the countries with free education. Students studying in Belgium can work up to 20 hours a week during their academic years. If you are looking for a job in this country with free education, you can also apply for a residence permit for one-year post-graduation.

13. Portugal

Fees For EU/EEA citizens: Starting from €550/year
Average Cost of Living: €752 – €1,026/month
Best Universities: Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies, University of Porto, University of Minho
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; admission letter and proof of funds (~€7,000/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: Erasmus+ Scholarships – available for international students as part of exchange programs.
In addition to having an amazing football team and delicious varieties of cuisines, Portugal is also known all over the world as one of the best countries with free education for its affordable educational opportunities. In fact, aspiring students considering Portugal as their educational destination can live pretty comfortably with low costs of living and expenditures. Additionally, international students who live in Portugal can work 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during vacations, making it one of the best countries with free education.

14. Estonia

Fees for EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Free (for Estonian-taught degrees)
Fees for EU/EEA Citizens: Starts at €1,660 (for English-taught degrees)
Average Cost of Living: €500 - €750/month
Best Universities: University of Tartu, Tallinn University, Estonian Business School (EBS)
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; university acceptance and proof of financial means (~€6,000/year).
Scholarship Opportunities: Estonian Government Scholarships – for Master's and PhD programs for international students.

With a budget-friendly tuition fee and no restrictions on working hours for international students, Estonia is amongst the best countries with free education, offering the perfect opportunities to accelerate your academic career. Non-EU students can even apply for a post-study work visa and stay up to 9 months to find their dream job in this countries with free education option.

15. Netherlands

Fees for EU/EAA, Switzerland or Surinam citizens: €2,314
Fees for Non-EU/EAA: Starting from €6,000
Average Cost of Living: €1,165 - €1,646/month
Best Universities: HZ University of Applied Sciences (HZ), Nijmegen School of Management (NSM), HAS University of Applied Sciences
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; admission and proof of funds (~€11,000/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: Holland Scholarship – offers funding for international students for Bachelor's and Master's programs.

When looking for a free education country in the world, the Netherlands is definitely one to consider. Known for its interactive and student-centric style of teaching, the Netherlands has some of the best universities that offer a variety of degree courses and programs at affordable prices. Another interesting thing to note is that students can spend one year in the country after graduation to look for a job.

16. Spain

Fees for EU/EAA: Starting from €1,200/year
Fees for Non-EU/EAA: Higher tuition rates apply
Average Cost of Living: €805–€1,098/month
Best Universities: Universitat de Barcelona, Pompeu Fabra University, University of Valencia
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; admission and financial proof (~€7,000/year).
Scholarship Opportunities: Spanish Government Scholarships – available for international students pursuing higher education in Spain.

Spain is ranked among the best free education countries, with 208,366 international students enrolled in its higher education institutions—a 36% rise over the previous five years. Compared to many English-speaking nations, tuition costs and living expenditures are comparatively less, averaging between €805 and €1,098 a month. In Spain, international students are permitted to work 20 hours a week during the school year and full-time during breaks between semesters. After graduation, students may remain in this education free country for a maximum of 12 months in order to search for employment, making it one of the best countries with free education, or low education costs.

17. Denmark

Fees for EU/EEA and Switzerland Citizens: Free
Fees for Other Citizens: €6,000 – €16,000/year
Average Cost of Living: €750 – €1,200/month
Best Universities: University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Aalborg University
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; requires proof of acceptance and financial means (~€13,000/year).
Scholarship Opportunities: Danish Government Scholarships – offered to highly qualified non-EU/EEA students at Danish universities.

If you are looking for one of the best free education countries and innovative learning methods, Denmark should be one of your choices. Plus, one can work up to 20 hours a week. Moreover, you can apply for a six-month work visa after completing your graduation in this country with free education. Curious about your career prospects after you complete your education in Denmark? Rest assured knowing that this is one of the best countries to work abroad in 2024.

18. Republic of Cyprus

Fees for Cyprus & EU Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU/EEA Citizens: €7,000/year
Average Cost of Living: €700 - €1,000/month
Best Universities: European University of Lefke, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Near East University (NEU)
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; requires university acceptance and proof of funds (~€7,000/year).
Scholarship Opportunities: Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation – offers scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

This stunning island of Cyprus, which is known for its mythology and natural beauty, is one of the countries with free education for EU citizens. Bearing the subtropical climate, Cyprus also boasts high-quality education and the opportunity to work up to 20 hours per week during your studies. After graduation, you can stay in Cyprus for 60 days to search for employment or further make the best of affordable courses in this country with free education.

19. Bulgaria

Fees for EU Citizens: €300 – €1,700/year
Fees for Non-EU Citizens: €1,750 – €3,850/year
Average Cost of Living: €550 - €700/month
Best Universities: Trakia University, Technical University of Gabrovo, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; requires university admission and proof of financial means (~€4,000/year)
Scholarship Opportunities: Bulgarian Government Scholarships – offers limited scholarships for non-EU students, especially for language and cultural studies.

Bulgaria, one of the free education countries, hosts almost 14,000 international students and is a great way to explore other cultures. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week during their academic year and holidays. If you plan to stay post-graduation, you can apply for a post-graduation work visa, which is valid for 9 months. While you may wonder why Bulgaria is on the list of free education countries, affordable tuition fees are the reason why.

20. Malta

Fees for EEA/EU/Swiss Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU citizens: Starts at €1,080/year
Average Cost of Living: €950-€1,270/month
Best Universities: University of Malta, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
Visa Requirements: Student visa for non-EU; requires admission and proof of finances (~€8,000/year).
Scholarship Opportunities: Malta Government Scholarships – available for postgraduate international students in various fields.

Maltese universities are widely popular for their diverse learning environment. Moreover, it has become one of the preferred free education countries who can also work up to 20 hours every week. After completing your degree, you can obtain a temporary residence permit that allows you to stay in this country with free education for 6 months, making it one of the best countries with free education.

Why do countries offer free education to international students?

There are a number of reasons why there are free education countries. There are many countries with free tuition for international students, and this is not just an act of generosity. It’s a strategic investment that brings benefits both to the students and the host countries. By providing free education, these nations aim to attract talented individuals, boost their economies, foster international relationships, and build a global reputation for academic excellence. Here are a few more reasons there are countries where education is free:

1. Recruiting Intellectuals from all Over the World: Certain nations provide invitations to bright students to study for free. This contributes to improving the nation's labour force and strengthening its economy. These students also contribute fresh concepts that can improve firms.

2. Global Friendship: A country's popularity increases by being one of the free education countries. When kids from diverse backgrounds study together, they develop friendships and learn about one another's cultures. These relationships support the upkeep of international harmony.

3. Learning Together, Solving Big Problems: International students can collaborate to find solutions to major global issues like poverty and climate change when they study together. Everyone benefits from this partnership, and the world is a better place with these free education countries. 

4. Boosting the Local Economy: Despite not having to pay tuition, international students nevertheless make purchases while in these countries where education is free. Their purchases of food, housing, and other necessities support neighbourhood companies and provide employment.

Admission Requirements for Free Education Countries

Every institution in the country with free education has specific entrance requirements. You must achieve a minimum academic score to be considered for admission to a bachelor's degree program. The majority of universities require a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0. Additionally, you will need to score a certain amount on language competency exams like the TOEFL and IELTS. If you want to enrol in a postgraduate program at an international university, you might need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Similarly, when you apply for admission to an MBA program overseas, the university may request your Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) results.

English Proficiency Test Score

Educational institutions mandate an English proficiency test score to confirm that candidates can speak, write, and comprehend English effectively. IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are internationally recognized English language exams that you should consider taking to secure admission to your desired institution. Below are the minimum scores required for admission in countries offering free education:

General Exams Requirements

The eligibility criteria may differ based on the specific course requirements and the regulations of the university.

Minimum Education Qualification

1. To be eligible for the bachelor's program at countries with free university, you must have earned the bare minimum of marks in Class 12 (Higher Secondary Education).

2. You must have completed your bachelor's degree with the minimum amount of credits needed to enrol in a master's program.

3. You must have finished your Master's degree with the minimal number of credits needed to be admitted to a PhD program.

Now, you might have adequate information about which country provides free education for international students. With this list of countries offering free education to international students worldwide, your next step should be looking for student accommodation. Amber provides the best student accommodations, with a feel of comfort and plenty of amenities. So, why wait for a book today? Book early and unlock many perks in the best countries for free education! You can also check out our blogs on exam preparation to get an amazing education in these countries.