The path to success entails obtaining a decent degree from a good university while remaining financially stable. This might be challenging because money and time are difficult to manage. Financial security, as it turns out, is not available to everyone.
People often believe that in order to achieve, they must have a strong educational background. And, like with practically everything else, education’s price defines its quality. One may even argue that obtaining a decent degree requires a significant financial investment.
However, attending your chosen university and pursuing your desired career does not have to result in years of debt. This post is for individuals on a restricted budget who simply don’t want to spend a lot of money on their degrees.
Free Universities in Europe Taught in English
Here are the top five free universities in Europe taught in English for international students:
1. University of Bergen, Norway
Norway is unique in that it believes that everyone, regardless of background, should have equal access to free education.
As a result, Norway provides high-quality education at no cost to EU nationals and international students.
Public universities in Norway are completely funded. This means that students are not required to pay tuition fees.
The University of Bergen is one of the country’s tuition-free universities. One of their most notable features is their two-year master’s programs. The institution provides tuition-free degrees in engineering, computer science, and social sciences to all students, regardless of background.
International students are excluded from submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores. To replace this, the university accepts a variety of additional English proficiency examinations.
2. University of Vienna, Austria
Austria is known for its scenic settings, ranging from the Kunsthaus Graz to Salzburg. However, the country is well-known for more than just its stunning beauty.
Austrian students, EU citizens, and EEA members are exempt from paying tuition fees, as are students in other European nations.
But don’t panic; while students from these nations must pay tuition, it is significantly lower than in many other countries.
One of Europe’s oldest institutions can be found in the center of the city. The University of Vienna is one of Austria’s best universities, according to the QS World University Ranking 2023.
International students from outside the EU and EEA countries must pay 726.72 euros (about $778.45) every semester.
3. Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (LMU), Germany
Domestic and international undergraduate students in Germany can study for free at any of the country’s public universities. Students are only required to pay a little amount per semester for administration fees and other miscellaneous expenditures.
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), one of Germany’s tuition-free institutions, is ranked among the 50 top universities in the world by Times Higher Education.
All master’s programs here are taught in English, so there’s no need to worry about learning German. International students should expect to spend approximately US$243 per semester.
4. Tampere University, Finland
There are numerous reasons to study in Finland. The country has consistently ranked #1 in the World Happiness Report.
While students from the EU and EEA nations do not have to pay tuition fees in Finland, international students must pay a nominal charge to study here.
Tampere University, one of the country’s youngest universities, is well-known for its curricula, which are supported by cutting-edge research and strong industrial collaborations.
These degrees cover a wide range of areas, including engineering, natural sciences, information technology, communication sciences, management, and business.
International students can expect to pay tuition fees ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 euros for a bachelor’s program.
Cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students
1. Germany
Germany has a lot to offer, from its rich culture and history to its world-renowned universities that are at the forefront of current research. There are numerous reasons why Germany is our top choice as one of the cheapest nations to study in Europe.
First and foremost, most public colleges are free, with the exception of a minor student union semester fee that covers university services and transportation.
The international student community in Germany is also very extensive; thus, many programs are entirely conducted in English, even at the undergraduate level. Most German universities also offer language study classes for people who want to devote time and efforts to learning German.
There are several scholarships, grants, and career options in Germany. German nationals and EU citizens, as well as internationals in some situations, are eligible for the Federal Student Financial Aid Program, which provides several grants and interest-free loans.
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can work up to 20 hours per week while studying, while students from other regions can work up to 120 working days per year.
Finally, Germany has a long and rich history as a major educational, cultural, and technical hub in Europe. You will not only receive a high-quality education, but you will also have the opportunity to see and experience numerous cultural and historical places and events.
2. Slovenia
Slovenia is a southern European country recognized for its gorgeous scenery, delicious cuisine, and kind people. International students wanting to study in Slovenia will receive an outstanding education at a significantly lower cost than the rest of Europe.
Slovenian nationals, EU/EEA citizens, country residents, and a few non-EU countries are exempt from tuition fees. This makes it one of the most affordable locations to study in Europe in terms of tuition, but even for students from outside the EU and a few non-EU countries, the rates are lower than in most other European countries.
To help offset these costs, Slovenia offers various scholarships to overseas students, including the University of Ljubljana Zois Scholarship, the Ad futura Scholarship for Study Abroad, and numerous scholarships based on bilateral agreements between Slovenia and other countries.
The true cost-saving factor here is the low cost of living. Slovenia is 30–50% cheaper to live in than France and 20–50% less expensive than Germany. These are imprecise figures, of course, but they help to highlight a greater point: your money will buy you more stuff in Slovenia than in other Western European countries.
3. Greece
From its sparkling beaches, sunny weather, and delectable Mediterranean food to the lengthy history and tradition of high-quality education, it’s no surprise that Greece is a popular choice for many international students.
There are no tuition costs for EU/EEA/Swiss students in Greek universities, while those who do pay fees pay an average of €1,500 to €3,000 each year. There are many English programs in Greece, but Modern Greek language lessons are also accessible throughout the country for individuals who want to get the whole international experience.
International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours (full-time) during the summer holiday season. The average monthly salary ranges from €500 to €700, depending on the city and job.
Greece provides numerous scholarship possibilities to its students, some of which are nationwide (such as those granted by the Greek State Scholarship Foundation) and others from individual colleges. For example, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens provides up to €10,000 to undergraduate students.
4. Estonia
This Baltic country, a hidden jewel of Europe, is gradually climbing the ranks of countries that give high-quality education to international students on a budget.
All Estonian programs are fully free of charge, regardless of nationality, and tuition prices for English programs range from €1,600 to €7,500 per year, with numerous scholarships and financing options available to help offset some of the costs.
Estonia is also a good alternative for students looking to pursue a career in technology, since the country is known for its pragmatic approach to technical growth and thriving start-up ecosystem. It’s commonly referred to as an “administrative paradise” because practically every bureaucratic duty may be done with a few clicks.
The cost of living in Estonia is quite inexpensive when compared to the rest of Europe, making it an appealing choice for studying abroad.
5. Poland
Poland is a great study abroad option for international students looking to fully immerse themselves in a vibrant and dynamic culture at a lower cost.
Students studying in Polish, regardless of country, are not required to pay tuition fees, which is ideal for students seeking a unique foreign experience. Most doctoral programs are also free. English language programs, on the other hand, might cost several thousand euros per year, depending on the university and program.
There are numerous scholarship and loan alternatives available to help international and exchange students pay for their studies.
What you pay in tuition is compensated by the savings on living expenses, as prices in Poland are among the lowest in Europe, particularly when compared to the rest of the EU. On average, you’ll require between €300 and €700 a month, making it one of Europe’s cheapest countries for studying abroad.
Students in Poland can work up to 20 hours per week while in class or full-time during the three-month summer break.
Conclusion
To study for free in Europe is not expensive if you can pick the correct university. Europe is full of universities that provide free tuition for their courses. All you need to do is look.
Here’s another item to consider. Being rejected by these universities that provide free tuition is hardly the end of the world. Scholarships allow you to continue your studies in your chosen sector. These are frequently provided through school, municipal, or business sector programs.
Again, all you need to do is make an attempt to conduct study. Once you have everything in order, you can start working toward your goals. Europe is filled with opportunities; all you have to do is reach out and seize them.
