Top Countries to Study Abroad for Free for International Students: Studying abroad for free is literally a dream come true for many people. As the fees for higher education in increasing, many countries offer courses for free like Germany, Norway and many more. Students choose to study abroad when they either are not eligible or score low rank in the entrance exams, so they should know about the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. Students must be very careful while choosing a course to study abroad as well.
There are many countries to pursue your dream course but people only follow in others’ footsteps while choosing a country. There are several opportunities for aspirants to study abroad for free if they have high ambition, a strong academic record, and a competitive mentality. Through this article, readers will learn about top countries to study abroad for free for international students.
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Top 7 countries to study abroad for free for International Students
Many Indian students dream of studying abroad for better opportunities and lifestyle changes. Foreign countries offer more advanced education options with thousands of courses to choose from. Some countries even provide free education to international students, so you can study without paying tuition fees, only covering living costs. Let’s explore which countries offer this opportunity in this article.
Students may pay the amount depicted here as their projected cost of living while attending that university and staying in Germany, but it may vary for every individual according to their choice and preferences. It is an average cost of Living.
1. Germany
Germany is a popular choice for studying abroad because most public universities offer education without tuition fees. Students only need to pay small administrative fees, which are much lower compared to other countries. The availability of English-taught courses adds to its appeal for international students. Germany is widely known as one of the best countries for higher education abroad.
Scholarship Offered by German Government for International Students
As an ideal destination for international students, Germany offers some of the best scholarship programmes to pursue a degree and experience German culture.
DAAD Scholarship Programs
International students can receive the most well-known scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes in Germany. The primary means by which this organisation promotes cross-national intellectual ties is through student exchange initiatives.
Eligibility: Students of all nationalities are eligible for these scholarships and are selected based on their academic proficiency.
Erasmus+ scholarships
One of the best and largest awards for studying in Europe are Erasmus+ scholarship. The European Commission oversees the entire ERASMUS+ scholarship scheme. As Erasmus + Partner countries, more than 4,000 higher education institutions from nearly 37 nations take part.
Eligibility: Students of all nationalities pursuing the Erasmus study program are eligible for these grants and they are selected based on their academic proficiency.
2. Norway
Norway is an attractive option for students seeking free higher education, as the government covers education costs through taxpayer funds. This means no tuition fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. However, many top universities require proficiency in Norwegian, so students must learn the language and pass proficiency tests. Norwegian universities offer state-of-the-art computer facilities with high-speed internet. Additionally, Norway is known for its safety, making it an appealing educational destination.
Scholarship Offered in Norway for International Students
As an ideal destination for international students, Norway offers some of the best scholarship programmes to pursue a degree and experience Norwegian culture.
NTNU Scholarship
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology offers a special scholarship for international students that covers the entire course fee, allowing them to study abroad for free. Norway specifically provides scholarships for master’s level courses, excluding living expenses. Applicants need a minimum grade of C in their bachelor’s degree. Scores from GMAT and GRE tests are also considered during the application process. Applications can be submitted alongside the university application or separately, before the deadline.
Grant – Covers entire tuition fee
BI Presidential Scholarship
Awarded to candidates with exceptional academic records, this scholarship in Norway is for all Master of Science students enrolled in the university. It is mandatory to have a grade A on the ECTS scale or equivalent to apply for this scholarship. It is mainly offered to the 3rd year MS students. You have to submit a 1-page long scholarship essay covering all the essential points regarding your career plans and economic status. GMAT/GRE scores are also considered in the selection process.
Grant – Covers entire tuition fee + Provides a stipend to cover the cost of living
3. Sweden
Swedish universities offer tuition-free education to students from any nationality, including both Swedish citizens and international students. PhD students in Sweden often receive financial support for their research. There are also many scholarships available to help international students studying in Sweden. Besides academics, Sweden’s vibrant culture and diverse food scene provide a great opportunity for students to explore and gain confidence while studying abroad.
Scholarship Offered in Sweden for International Students
As an ideal destination for international students, Sweden offers some of the best scholarship programmes to pursue a degree and experience Swedish culture.
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) target highly qualified students from selected countries and are awarded for full-time master’s level studies in Sweden. It covers tuition fees, living costs, and insurance.
The Visby Programme Scholarships
The Visby Programme provides some full scholarships for master’s programmes in Sweden to students from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. The scholarship covers the tuition fee, living expenses of SEK 9,000 per month, insurance, and a one-time travel grant of SEK 5,000.
4. Austria
Austria boasts remarkably affordable education costs at its universities, with international students typically required to pay only a nominal enrollment fee. The country offers a wide array of degree programs across advanced subjects, enhancing its appeal as an educational destination. Moreover, Austria’s favourable environment and relatively low cost of living further solidify its status as an ideal destination for students from all corners of the globe seeking higher education opportunities.
Scholarship Offered in Austria for International Students
As an ideal destination for international students, Austria offers some of the best scholarship programmes to pursue a degree and experience Austrian culture.
The Republic of Austria for Undergraduates, Graduates, and Postgraduates (International)
This Scholarship is available to all International students worldwide for Undergraduates, Graduates, and Postgraduates.
Target group: Undergraduates, Graduates, and Postgraduates
Scholarships of the Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria for Master’s Degree Studies in the Field of International Relations (International)
This Scholarship is available to all International students worldwide for the Master’s Degree program in the field of International Relations
Target group: Graduates
5. Finland
Finland is known for its tuition-free higher education system, especially for postgraduate and doctoral studies. It excels in fields like design, architecture, and communication, offering a wide range of courses to suit different academic interests. Finland also has excellent polytechnic colleges that focus on practical, hands-on education, making it a great choice for students looking for a well-rounded learning experience.
Scholarship Offered in Finland for International Students
As an ideal destination for international students, Finland offers some of the best scholarship programmes to pursue a degree and experience Finnish culture.
The University of Helsinki International Master’s Programme Scholarships
Scholarships are offered for excellent students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who want to complete a Master’s programme at the University of Helsinki.
Eligibility
- You are eligible for the Master’s programme at the University of Helsinki.
- You are liable for tuition fees: Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries who do not have permanent residence status in the EU/EEA area are liable for tuition fees.
- You meet the requirements for obtaining an entry visa and residence permit for Finland.
- You have obtained excellent results in your previous studies and can prove this in your application.
Finnish Government Scholarship Pool
The Finnish government gives scholarships for three to nine months for doctoral-level studies and research in any academic discipline at Finnish universities or state research institutions. The scholarship cannot be used for post-doctoral studies research or Master’s level coursework. Young researchers from Australia, China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States are welcome to apply for the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool programme. The scholarship comes with a EUR 1500 monthly stipend.
6. Belgium
Belgium provides top-tier education complemented by advanced infrastructure, fostering a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills development. The affordability of tuition fees adds to the attractiveness of pursuing education in the country. Moreover, completing courses in Belgium often leads to promising placement opportunities, further enhancing the value proposition for students seeking quality education and career prospects.
Scholarship Offered in Belgium for International Students
As an ideal destination for international students, Belgium offers some of the best scholarship programmes to pursue a degree and experience Belgian culture.
Belgium Government Scholarships
220 fully funded scholarships are provided to international students each year by the Belgian government. Short courses and Master’s degree programmes are eligible for the scholarships in Belgium. You are eligible for this scholarship if you are from a developing nation.
International students can also enrol in a practical training programme through the scholarship. The full cost of tuition, a monthly grant, living expenses, airfare, and other costs are all covered by this programme.
VLIR-UOS Scholarship Program
Numerous scholarships from more than 31 countries are available through the VLIR-UOS Scholarship to study in Flanders. One of the best scholarship programmes available in Belgium is VLIR-UOS. Every year, 31 international students are accepted through this programme to study at a Flemish college or university.
The best feature of this scholarship in Europe is that it covers all costs, including full tuition, a monthly grant, living expenses, air travel, and other expenses.
7. Greece
Greece offers a low cost of living, making it an appealing choice for pursuing postgraduate and doctoral degrees. Many courses are taught in English, attracting international students. With a rich historical legacy of educational excellence from philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, Greece maintains high standards in modern higher education. The country provides free education to international students and numerous scholarships, ensuring access to quality education without financial burden.
Scholarship Offered in Greece for International Students
As an ideal destination for international students, Greece offers some of the best scholarship programmes to pursue a degree and experience Greek culture.
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – Undergraduate Merit Scholarships
Greece’s National and Kapodistrian University, also referred to as the University of Athens, is regarded as the country’s first and oldest university. Additionally, it ranks among the best public colleges in the nation. They offer scholarships to entering undergraduate international students enrolled in the “BA degree in the Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece” as well as instruction to its domestic and international students.
Eligible Degree: Undergraduate programs
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Scholarships
The largest university in Greece and a higher educational institution is Thessaloniki’s Aristotle University. Additionally, they offer programmes to foreign students who want to study in this nation. They have various Greece scholarships for these incoming, current undergraduate, and postgraduate international students.
Scholarship Amount: A monthly stipend of €345 for the undergraduate and €450 for the postgraduate students.
Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which nation offers free education to foreign students?
The countries like Greece, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden all have options for free or inexpensive higher education. In Norway, all students, regardless of study level or nationality, are eligible for free university education.
Which nation doesn’t charge tuition?
The first nation to provide free education to all foreign students in Germany. Germany is known as a tuition-free country, and all of its universities are tuition-free as well. It indicates that you are exempt from paying the tuition fee
Which country is best for a full scholarship?
Germany is the best country as the public universities offer courses with no charges except for the administration fee, which is very low.
Can I study abroad for free?
Yes, it is possible to study abroad for free, although it can be challenging. Here are some ways to achieve this: Scholarships and Grants, Tuition-Free Universities, Exchange Programs, Work-Study Programs and Online Learning. While these options can help reduce or eliminate tuition costs, students may still need to cover living expenses, travel, and other fees.