Top 5 Countries Where Tuition is Free in 2024. If you are unable to qualify for fully-funded university scholarships, consider enrolling in universities that offer free or low tuition fees or tuition fee waivers. Countries like Norway, Austria, Germany, Finland, and Sweden have different schemes to support international students.
1. Norway
Tuition Free Universities
Norwegian state universities and university colleges do not charge tuition fees for all students, including international students, for undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. programs. However, students need to pay a semester fee of NOK 300-600 each semester.
Cost of Living
Living expenses in Norway are higher than in many other countries, estimated at NOK 90,000-100,000 per year.
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2. Austria
Tuition Free Universities
Non-EU/EEA students pay about 726.72 Euros per semester plus 20.20 Euros for student union membership and insurance fees. Exemptions and refunds are available in special cases, such as scholarship holders and exchange program participants.
Cost of Living
Living expenses in Austria are approximately 800 Euros per month, covering accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
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3. Germany
Tuition Free Universities
Since October 2014, most universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for bachelor’s and consecutive master’s degree programs. Students may need to pay a semester contribution (around 50 Euros) and/or administration fees. Non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg pay tuition fees of €1,500 per semester.
Cost of Living
Average living expenses in Germany range from 500-800 Euros per month.
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4. Finland
Tuition Free Universities
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students were introduced for English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programs from autumn 2017. Doctoral level studies remain free for all students. Scholarships are available for non-EU/EEA students.
Cost of Living
Estimated living expenses for a single student in Finland are around 700-900 Euros per month.
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5. Sweden
Tuition Free Universities
Application and tuition fees apply for non-EU/EEA students at the bachelor’s or master’s level. However, many universities offer full and partial scholarships. PhD positions usually come with paid positions, covering fees and providing a salary.
Cost of Living
Living expenses vary widely, but are generally estimated to be around 8,000 SEK per month.
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Online Tuition-Free Universities
University of the People
A tuition-free, non-profit, accredited online university offering Associates and Bachelors Degrees in Business Administration, Health Science, and Computer Science, as well as an MBA program.
edX
An initiative by MIT and Harvard, offering free online courses from top universities, including Harvard, MIT, and UC Berkeley.
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These countries and institutions offer excellent opportunities for international students seeking quality education without the burden of high tuition fees.
