Is Education Free in Europe?

Answer: Many European countries offer free education (almost free - there might be some minimal fees that you have to pay. You need to cover your living costs). Yes, international students are included in free education. Yes, you can receive scholarships or stipends (if available). You can also work 20 hours/week (for most countries). Many courses are offered in English. Note: Only tuition and fees are free; health/travel and living expenses are not covered.

Which European countries offer free education?

If you want to study in Europe, your parent's income may not be the deciding factor in the quality of education you receive. There are world-class tuition-free universities (for international students) in European countries such as Norway, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, and Finland. You might have to pay administrative fees of a few hundred Euros. If you plan to study abroad, this might be your cheapest option to get the most affordable degree from top European universities.
Note: Living costs/Health insurance, etc, are not covered (You can still get scholarships based on availability, but there is close to zero tuition fee!).

Norway

International students flock to Norway to study as they get a high-quality education at little to no cost. The Norwegian government finances education with taxpayers' money so international and native students can enjoy a free ride at state universities. However, the catch with studying in Norway is that living expenses can be high, with NOK 8,900 (approx. 1,200 GBP) needed for monthly subsistence. This will cover room and board, clothing, healthcare, transport, and miscellaneous expenses.

In Norway, there are eight universities, twenty state universities, and sixteen private colleges. The University of Oslo, University of Bergen, University of Stavanger, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), University of Agder (USA), and the University of Nordland are some tuition-free universities that this Scandinavian country boasts of.

The Norwegian Universities and College Admission Service (NUCAS) coordinates undergraduate admission.

University of Oslo
The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), otherwise known as the Shanghai Ranking, has ranked the University of Oslo as the 67th best University in the world. The University has several outstanding academics and alumni spanning many disciplines. The University has produced five Nobel Prize winners and is institutionally connected to some of the world's most prestigious prizes. Between 1947 and 1989, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded at this University. Furthermore, it is the only University that has hosted a Nobel Prize ceremony.

Sweden

Until 2010, Sweden was one of the few European countries without tuition fees. It did not matter what your nationality was, as Swedish taxpayers would foot the bill. But all good things come to an end, and in 2010, the Swedish parliament passed a law to charge tuition and application fees for non-EU/EEA students. At the same time, scholarship programs were offered.

Even though there are no tuition-free universities in Sweden anymore, a large number of these institutions offer full scholarships (tuition waivers, etc. actually ) for international students.

Top Tuition Free Swedish Universities

• Lund University
• Halmstad University
• Uppsala University
• Stockholm University
• Stockholm School of Economics
• Jonkoping University
• Uppsala University

This research university in Uppsala is the country's oldest, founded in 1477. It ranks among the best universities in Northern Europe and is quite prominent in international rankings.

The University became considerably recognized during the rise of the Swedish Empire at the end of the 16th century.

Germany

Germany is a trendy destination for higher education. In 2024, around 460,000 students were enrolled in German Universities. Around 20% of the above population is from India and China.

German universities have only recently started charging tuition fees for undergraduate study programs. Currently, just four out of 16 Federal Statesâ€"Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg, and Lower Saxonyâ€"charge tuition fees as little as 500 Euros per semester. All other federal states request a small semester contribution of around 50 Euros, and no tuition fees are charged.

Tuition fees for Graduate Programs
Tuition fees are charged for Master's programs. Here, the fees range from 650 Euros to 3,000 Euros per Semester. The estimated cost of studying and living in Germany is much less than

Denmark

Most colleges in Denmark offer free education (for Citizens, EEU, people with certain visa types, etc.). Significant universities (among the best in Europe) are the University of Copenhagen and the University of Kiel. All Danish citizens are also offered tuition aid/scholarships.

Finland

Currently, there is no tuition fee for studying in Finland. Since 2017, non-EU/EEA students have had to pay tuition fees (for courses offered in English). Each University will have its own fee structure. The University of Helsinki and the University of Turku are the top-ranked universities in Finland. Students need to cover their living expenses.

Austria

Education in Austria is not tuition-free, but tuition and fees are pretty low! For EU/EEA nationals, tuition is almost insignificant; for non-European countries, it's <1000 Euro per semester. Some top-ranked Universities are the University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Innsbruck, and Vienna University of Technology.

Greece

Education in Greece is also free for EEU nationals (for most programs). Even international tuition/fees are quite low compared to many other countries (like the US, Canada, UK, and Australia).

France

Education in France is not free, but tuition fees are quite low. If you are from the EU region or a French national, you will be paying a few hundred euros for your tuition, which is quite low! Even international student fees are quite low compared to the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. For international students, tuition fees (in public institutions) will be around 3000-4000 Euros per year.

Norway and other Nordic countries. German students spend roughly 800 Euros on average for accommodation, transport, food, and other necessities. Germany's research-driven programs are a top draw, and they have inspired today's American graduate schools.