Are you willing to study abroad but experiencing a lack of confidence due to financial constraints? With university fees skyrocketing, there is still hope - you can find many countries with free education. Yes, you can make the best of breathtaking destinations that also can help you reach your potential. While the USA is a dream destination for many, you can consider some of the European countries for free education and shape your dream. Of course, you may have to pay for small administrative fees! To gain better insights into the free education countries for international students and the courses to choose there, let’s go through this list!
Top 19 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 available. Below, we will explore the top 19 countries with free education. So, let’s get ready to learn about the fees, average cost of living (per person), universities, and beyond!
1. Austria
Fees for EU/EEA/Switzerland Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU Citizens: €762/Semester
Average Cost of Living: €900 - €1,500/month
Popular Courses: Law, History, Communication, Language studies, and Pedagogy
Best Free Universities: University of Vienna, University of Salzburg, Medical University of Vienna
This European gem boasts not only a high quality of life and rich culture but also is one of the best countries with free education for EU students and affordable for others. Austria is undoubtedly considered one of the top countries with free education, 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.
2. Belgium
Fees for Wallonia-Brussels Federation or EU Citizens: €835
Fees for Non-EU Citizens: €2,505/year
Average Cost of Living: €950 - €1,350/month
Popular Courses: Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, and Economics
Best Free Universities: Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Hogeschool Gent (HOGENT)
The nation known for chocolates and waffles is also one of the countries with free education. Students studying in Belgium can also work up to 20 hours a week during their academic years. You can also apply for a residence permit for one year post-graduation if you are looking for a job in this country with free education.
3. 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
Popular Courses: Dentistry Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Computer Science
Best Free Universities: Trakia University, Technical University of Gabrovo, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy
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 countries with free education, affordable tuition fees are the reason why.
4. 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
Popular Courses: Business Management, Computer Engineering, Graphic Design, Law
Best Free Universities: European University of Lefke, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Near East University (NEU)
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.
5. Czech Republic
Fees for EU and Non-EU Citizens: Free (for Czech-Taught Degrees)
Fees for EU and Non-EU Citizens: €0-18,500/ year (for English/Foreign Language-taught Degrees)
Average Cost of Living: €300 - €750/month
Popular Courses: Economics, International Affairs, Tourism, and Architecture
Best Free Universities: The Academy of Fine Arts, The Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
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.
6. 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
Popular Courses: Geography, Anthropology, Social Sciences, and History
Best Free Universities: University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Aalborg University
If you are looking for one of the best countries with free education and innovative learning methods, Denmark should be one of your choices. Plus, one can work up to 20 hours a week and even full-time during summer breaks to earn while studying. 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.
7. 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
Popular Courses: Area Studies, International Relations, Anthropology, and Architecture
Best free universities: University of Tartu, Tallinn University, Estonian Business School (EBS)
With a budget-friendly tuition fee and no restrictions on working hours for international students, Estonia is amongst the 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 European country with free education.
8. 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
Popular Courses: Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Education, and Nursing
Best Free Universities: University of Helsinki, University of Vaasa, Tampere University
Finland 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 country with free education, also, focuses on critical thinking and problem solving.
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
Popular Courses: Contemporary Philosophy, History and Philosophy of Art, Management, Engineering, and Film Studies
Best Free Universities: Le Mans University, Sorbonne University, University of Clermont Auvergne
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. Along with a comprehensive guide to studying in France, you will easily navigate your way to one of the brilliant countries with free education.
10. Germany
Fees for EU/Non-EU Citizens: Free
Average Cost of Living: €934/month
Popular Courses: Business Administration, Architecture, Engineering, Data Science, Law
Best Free Universities: Heidelberg University, Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University in Berlin
With a world-class curriculum, Germany has become one of the most popular countries with free education. 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.
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/year
Popular Courses: Medicine, Engineering, Humanities, Psychology, Economics
Best Free Universities: University of Luxembourg, European Business University, United Business Institutes
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 country with free education for 12 months to seek employment.
12. Greece
Fees for EU/EEA Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU Citizens: Starts from €1,500/year
Average Cost of Living: €450 - €750/month
Popular Courses: Tourism, Computer Science, Medicine & Healthcare, Philosophy, Education
Best free universities: University of Crete, National Technical University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Greece is home to a number of prestigious universities, making it one of the best countries with free education. 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, the students can work up to 40 hours per week.
13. Iceland
Fees for EU/EAA Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU/EAA Citizens: Free
Average Cost of Living: €1,300 - €2,000/month
Popular Courses: Environmental Studies, Nordic Studies, Business & Entrepreneurship, International Business
Best Free Universities: Bifrost University, Iceland Academy of Arts, University of Iceland
Iceland is one of the most favoured countries for free education, owing to its safe environment, inclusive community, and multicultural community. Plus, an exciting student life and a stay-back period of 6 months are other crucial benefits. The students can work up to 15 hours/week during their academic years, making Iceland one of the top countries offering free education to international students.
14. Norway
Fees for EU/EEA Citizens: Free
Fees for Non-EU/EEA Citizens: €13,000
Average Cost of Living: €1,200 - 1,600/month
Popular Courses: Renewable Energy, Petroleum Engineering, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Best Free Universities: University of Tromso, Bergen University College
Besides being one of the 10 most immigrant-friendly countries in the world, Norway deserves to be on the list of countries with free education & 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.
15. 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
Popular Courses: Medicine & Dentistry, Law, Fine Arts, Social Studies
Best Free Universities: University of Warsaw, Lazarski University, University of Lodz
Poland is amongst the few countries with free education that also offers an affordable standard of living if compared to other nations. With a student-friendly atmosphere and enriched culture, this country with free education allows international students can stay up to 12 months after completing their studies with their job seeker visa.
16. 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
Popular Courses: Marine Biology, Business & Management, Tourism & Hospitality
Best Free Universities: University of Malta, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
Maltese universities are widely popular for their diverse learning environment. Moreover, it has become one of the preferred countries offering free education to international students 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.
17. 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
Popular Courses: Medicine, Social Sciences, Law, Business, Management, and Agriculture
Best Universities: University of Gothenburg, Jönköping University, Dalarna University, Luleå University of Technology
When talking about countries with free education, then Sweden is definitely one of the best additions to the list. In Sweden, the education revolved primarily around practical and group work which is designed to enhance the overall learning experience for students. An interesting thing about studying in Sweden is that international students can work as many hours as they want during their studies. However, they must spend 40 hours per week on academic responsibilities too.
18. Portugal
Fees For EU/EEA citizens: Starting from €550/year
Average Cost of living: €752 – €1,026/month
Popular Courses: Business Management, Medical Studies, Arts, and Engineering.
Best Universities: Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies, University of Porto, University of Minho
In addition to having an amazing football team and delicious varieties of cuisines, Portugal is also known all over the world 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 in Portugal can work 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during vacations.
19. 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
Popular Courses: Accounting, Engineering, Health Care, Social Science, Law, Computer Science, and Arts.
Best Universities: HZ University of Applied Sciences (HZ), Nijmegen School of Management (NSM), HAS University of Applied Sciences.
When looking for a free education country in the world, then the Netherlands is definitely one to consider. Known for its interactive and student-centric style of teaching, the Netherlands have 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.
Now that you have a list of the countries offering free education to international students throughout the world, your next step should be looking for student accommodation. Amber provides the best student accommodations with a feel of comfort with 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.