There is no totally free education in Europe. Some countries in Europe offer free or almost free education that will require the students paying for accommodation cost and feeding expenses. The free education also covers international students.
European countries offering free education
In Europe, there are standard tuition free universities for national and foreign students. So, the income of your parents may not be the deciding factor for you to study in any of the European countries like Germany, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Though there may be administrative fees of few hundred Euros. International students who want to study in Europe, may be opportune to get a degree from top universities.
Note: You ought to know that health insurance and living costs are not covered.
France
Higher education in France isn’t completely tuition-free free but it is quite affordable. French nationals are expected to pay a few hundred euros for tuition which is very low. As for international student, the tuition fees are very low as compared to Australia, UK, US, or Canada. Tuition fees for international students in public institution will be around 3000-4000 Euros per year.
Sweden
Sweden had been one of the few European countries that requires little or no tuition fees up until 2010. Swedish taxpayers foot the bill for both national and international students. It did not matter what your nationality was as Swedish taxpayers would foot the bill, but that changed in 2010 when the Swedish parliament passed a law to charge tuition and application fees for foreign students. Though the scholarship programs were offered to ease some of the expenses.
Though most of these universities still offer full scholarships and tuition waivers for students even if there are no tuition free universities in Sweden anymore, a large number of these institutions offer full scholarships for international students.
The research university in Uppsala, is the oldest in Sweden, it was founded in 1477. Apart from being the oldest, it is among the best universities in Northern Europe, and it ranks high international.
Top Tuition Free Universities in Sweden
- Uppsala University
- Stockholm university
- Lund University
- Halmstad University
- Stockholm School of Economics
- Jonkoping University
Germany
The universities in Germany have only just began charging tuition fees for undergraduate study programs. Out of the 16 Federal States, just 4 charge tuition fees that are low, as little as 500 Euros per semester. They include:
- Baden-Wurttemberg
- Bavaria
- Hamburg
- Lower Saxony
Other federal states are equally affordable because they merely request a small semester contribution of around 50 Euros with no tuition fees.
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 projected cost of studying and living in Germany is low.
German students spend approximately 800 Euros for food, transport, accommodation, and other necessities. The research-driven programs in Germany are outstanding, and they have been the motivation for American graduate schools.
Norway
Norway is haven for international students because they get a first-class education at practically no cost. Taxpayer’s money is used to finance education by the Norwegian government, so that national and international students can both benefit at state universities. However, living expenses can be high with NOK 8,900 (1,200 GBP) required just for subsistence per month. This amount also covers healthcare, room and board, clothing, transport and other miscellaneous expenses.
University of Oslo
The Shanghai Ranking, also called the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), has ranked the University of Oslo as the 67th best university in the world. The University of Oslo has several exceptional academics and alumni, covering many disciplines. This university is the only one to host a Nobel Prize ceremony. University of Olso has produced five Nobel Prize winners and is institutionally connected to some of the most high-status prizes globally. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded at the University of Oslo between 1947 and 1989.
There are eight (8) universities, twenty (20) state university colleges, and sixteen (16) private colleges. Some of the tuition free universities in Norway includes:
- The University of Oslo
- University of Stavanger
- University of Bergen
- University of Agder (UiA)
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB)
- University of Nordland
The coordinator of undergraduate admission is the Norwegian Universities and College Admission Service (NUCAS).
Greece
Greece also offers free education for EEU nationals for most programs. International tuition/fees are affordable compared to other countries like US, Canada, UK and Australia.
Denmark
Most Denmark colleges offer free education for its Citizens, EEU, and other nationals with certain visa types. All Danish citizens are also offered tuition aid/scholarships. Two of the best universities in Europe are in Denmark, they are the:
Austria
Austria does not completely offer tuition-free education, though the tuition and fees are affordable. Nationals of EU/EEA enjoy an almost free tuition, while for students from non-European countries, they pay a tuition of less 1000 Euro per semester, which is quite affordable. Some top Austrian Universities include:
Finland
There is presently no tuition fee for studying in Finland since the non-EU/EEA students were made to pay tuition fees for courses offered in English from 2017. Each Finland University have its fee structure. National and foreign students are made to cover their living expenses. The best universities in Finland are: