Top 6 countries with free education | How to study abroad for free!

Countries with free education | Is it really possible?

Education is not a commodity but sadly it has become one in most parts of the world. Quality higher education has particularly become out of reach for students with humble backgrounds in many countries. However, there is no need to spiral into despair and dejection. If you have great ambition, a good educational track record, and a competitive attitude, then there are plenty of options for you to study abroad for free. The best option? Apply to countries with free education systems. It is important to mention here that the free-of-cost nature of this education has no bearing on its quality.

In fact, the countries where education is free, many undergrad and post-grad programs are considered some of the best in the world. Without further delay, let’s look at countries with free education where you can pursue your degree in higher education.

6 countries with free education

Education is the bedrock of societal development, fostering innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. When countries invest in education, they are investing in their future. Free education has proven to be a powerful catalyst for social and economic progress, as it empowers individuals to acquire knowledge and skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.

1. Germany 

A list of countries with free education would be incomplete without a mention of Germany, one of the most industrious nations in the EU. Germany is considered one of the most welcoming places for international students who want to study abroad for free. German universities offer more than 1,000 programs in English, which shows their dedication to incoming students.

As of last year, there are some universities that have 100% fee waiver for international students; these include Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich, Karlsruher Institute of Technology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Technical University of Berlin, etc.

2. Norway

Norway is among the top countries with free colleges. In Norway, a majority of Norwegian universities and state university colleges are publicly funded. Because of this, you can enroll in public universities and study in Norway for free. The best part is, Norway believes in equal education for all and therefore, offers free education to students from both EU and non-EU countries.

Nonetheless, some universities need students to deposit a certain amount of money (refundable) to ensure they can bear their living expenses. Some of the top free universities in Norway are Bergen university college, University of Nordland, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences.

3. Ireland

Ireland is a part of Britain Isle and has a rich history of culture and literature. The country is usually funneling in more than 800 million Euros in the higher education landscape per annum. For that reason, higher education is absolutely free for all Irish and EU students. As for students who are not from the region, there are several scholarships available that entail 100% fee waivers. Any good consultant can guide you better in this regard. The University of Limerick, Cork Institute of Technology, and Dublin Business of School are some of the institutions where you may enroll for 100% free education.

4. Sweden

If you are a student bearing a passport from EU/EEA or Switzerland, then here is some good news: you can study in Sweden for free. If you’re a student from non-EU countries, you usually have to pay tuition fees for undergrad and post-grad programs. So, how can you study in Sweden for free? Well, if you study in universities that have partnered with Swedish universities and apply for exchange programs, you can receive free education. There are also a lot of scholarships available to international students such as the Lund University Global Scholarship Programme, Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme, Skovde University Scholarships, and more!

In addition, there are many Ph.D. programs offered by Swedish universities that are not only free for all students but also, offer a salary for these positions. Not only do they offer research in English, but many of them entail paid positions.

5. Denmark

Denmark is also one of those countries where education is free but only for EU/EAA students. However, international students can have their tuition fees waived if they can get an admission in a Danish university through an exchange program. If you’re a non-EU student, you can also apply to scholarships like Erasmus Mundus/Joint Master Degree, Nordplus, and many other easily offered Danish government scholarships. You can consult the university you apply to about the scholarships they offer and if you’re eligible for them.

6. Finland

 

Finland is another country that only offers free education to EU-based students. Up until 2017, Finland was one of those countries where education was free for all, no matter what part of the world they belonged to. However, Finland has excellent financial aid options so you can still study for free in Finland on scholarships. Keep in mind that if you’re an international student (Non-EU), you can still study in Finland for free if you pursue programs that are taught in the Finnish or Swedish languages.

Key takeaways

• There you go folks! If you play your cards right, you can apply to universities in any of these countries and study abroad for free.
• If you need any help choosing the right country, university or program, you can always consult the experts at iSchoolConnect and get further guidance on this matter.
• Get FREE counseling, perfect university recommendations, scholarship assistance, essay and SOP writing assistance, and so much more!

You can also check out our related blogs such as

1. Top 10 universities for masters in Ireland
2. How to apply for free education in Germany
3. Most affordable countries to study abroad, and many others.

Check out these blogs and ask us your doubts in the comments or on our study abroad discussion page. Until then, happy studying!

FAQs

Q1. Are the courses offered in these countries taught only in the local language?

Answer- No, many universities in these countries offer courses taught in English, making them accessible to international students.

Q2. What expenses do international students need to consider besides tuition fees?

Answer- International students should budget for living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, and other associated costs while studying abroad.

Q3. How competitive is the admissions process for free education in these countries?

Answer- The admissions process can be competitive, especially for popular programs and universities. However, meeting the necessary academic requirements and submitting a strong application can increase your chances of acceptance.