Which Countries Provide Free Education for International Students?

Germany

Higher education in Germany is mainly represented by state-recognized universities worldwide, the best of which receive additional funding from the state. Moreover: in Germany, you can get a bachelor’s or master’s degree without speaking the native language and without paying a penny. German universities offer about 900 programs exclusively in English. Their subjects range from sociology to engineering. For some programs, you are not even required to go through the formal application process.

The German government will only be happy if you decide to take advantage of their educational system. A variety of programs in English are designed to prepare German students for communication in English, as well as to attract foreigners, as the country needs qualified personnel.

Finland

Universities of this northern European country do not charge tuition fees and offer a large number of programs in English, but the Finnish government carefully reminds that foreign students will have to “independently cover their daily expenses.” In other words: In Finland, you will receive a free education, but not free coffee for breakfast. Since 2017, education in Finland has become paid for foreigners.

France

France can offer at least 76 undergraduate degree programs in English, but most of them are in private universities and are quite expensive. However, there are much more master programs for English-speaking students in France. In addition, one of the three doctoral degrees here is awarded to foreign students.

Now there is no longer any need to speak French to study in France.

To study at state universities, you only need to pay a small fee of about $200. In addition, elite universities operate according to a system whereby the cost of education depends on the income of the student’s parents. Young people whose parents are out of work can study for free while students from more privileged families have to pay more. This rule only works for citizens of EU countries, but even the maximum cost of education (about $14.000 per year) is still lower than in the United States. Studying at some universities, for example, at the Institute for Political Studies, involves working with two universities (French and American) and receiving two diplomas.

Sweden

This Scandinavian country boasts not only its wealth and beautiful landscapes. It also offers excellent value for money. More than 300 programs in 35 universities are presented in English. However, only doctoral programs are free.

Norway

Foreign students do not need to pay tuition at Norwegian universities. The higher education system in Norway is similar to the American one. It implies small groups of students and the opportunity to personally communicate with the professor. Many Norwegian universities offer programs in English. You can choose such programs as, for example, “In-depth study of solo or chamber music” and “Geography of development”.

However, do not expect to save money in Norway – one of the most expensive countries in the world. And be careful when choosing a region: Winters vary in different parts of the country, in the north you will have to endure the harsh arctic winters, while the winters in the south-west of the country look more like European ones.

Slovenia

In Slovenia, about 150 programs are available in English and you will only need to pay a small registration fee upon admission. Slovenia is bordered by Croatia and Italy and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. However, the Times Higher Education weekly English journal of higher education did not mention any of the Slovenian educational institutions in its ranking of world universities.

Brazil

Some courses at Brazilian universities are taught in English, and you only need to pay an entrance fee for admission to a public university. Times Higher Education has made 2 Brazilian universities in its ranking of the 400 best educational institutions in the world: the University of São Paulo and the State University of Campinas. However, Brazil is more suitable for foreign students interested in cultural experience rather than directly in the education itself.

“It is worth remembering that most of the activities at the University of São Paulo are held in Portuguese,” the university’s website warns.