Most high school graduates, and bachelor’s and master’s degree holders dream of furthering their education.

However, they are burdened with the lack of fees and personal responsibilities that prevent them from pursuing their academic dreams.

Unknown to them, many European countries have prioritized higher education as an important social need.

They offer free higher education, free tuition, subsidized education, and scholarships for needy students to pursue their academic goals. 

Additionally, some countries do not discriminate between foreigners and domestic students.

• Germany

Germany has over 40 universities on the World University Ranking based on quality education.

While many universities offer free education for international students, some request payment of between $150 to $400. However, that cost is just a fraction of what people pay locally to receive higher education in Kenya.

Additionally, Germany may require visas from certain countries, and students from these countries must provide financial proof of €850 monthly living expenses or €10,236 per year.

The cost of living in Germany averages between 860 per month and €10300 per year. However, you could save on living expenses by living frugally and cost-sharing.

• Czech Republic (CZechia) 

Higher education is free in all state universities in the Czech Republic for local and international students.

However, students must understand one local language or pay between €4,000 to €12,000 per year to study in English.

The Czech Republic is one of the most affordable places in the EU with living costs ranging between $350 and $750. 

• Norway

Norway offers higher education for free in all government universities regardless of the students’ nationalities.

However, students must pay registration fees to enroll in Norwegian universities. Additionally, the cost of living is high in Norway, 3% higher than in the United States, and students should consider this before applying. 

Trondheim city is one of the most popular with international students. It’s home to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NUST), the Norwegian Institute of Technology, and Maud University College.

• Finland

Finland offers free education for local students and requires tuition from international non-EU students. 

Tuition fees for non-EU international students in Finland. 

Tuition fees in Finland range from €4,000 – €18,000 EUR per year. 

However, some universities charge lower, such as the University of Turku whose tuition ranges between 2,000 and 12,000.  

Social sciences degrees are the cheapest charging between €8000 to €10,000 per year while Education, Humanities, and Economics degrees’ tuition is €10,000 per year. 

Science, Engineering, and Medical degrees are the most expensive charging about €12,000 per year. 

Additionally, foreign students must pay for living expenses and books. 

Living expenses in Finland for international students.

Unlike other European countries, the cost of living is affordable for international students. Living expenses range from €700 to €900 per month. 

Helsinki, the capital city of Finland is the most expensive with living costs ranging between 980 and 1,580 per month.

Tampere is the second most expensive city with living expenses varying between €850 and 1000 per month. 

Jyvaskyla’s living expenses range between €700 and €1,200 per month while Oulu is among the cheapest with living costs between 670 and 1,100 euros per month.

A single shared room costs about 180 – 400 Euros per month while a shared apartment ranges between 400 and 800 monthly. Groceries cost about €250 per month. 

A meal at an affordable restaurant costs about 12 euros and 65 euros at a more expensive restaurant.

• Sweden

International Postgraduate students can study in Sweden for free and receive additional assistance in completing their research. 

• Greece

International students can study in Greece at subsidized rates. Additionally, Greece is the most affordable country in the European Union. Various scholarship opportunities also exist for various levels of study.  

• Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America.  Despite its geographical location and economic development status, Brazil offers free university education for local and international students in public universities.

However, international students are required to pay registration fees to join Brazilian universities. Additionally, Brazil is more affordable than most European countries.

Our take

Some countries have barriers to entry, especially for non-EU students, while some require tuition or proof of the ability to pay for living expenses. 

However, students fundraise, apply for scholarships and subsidies, enroll in work-study programs, or pick casual jobs which are usually plentiful to cover their living costs.

Additionally, you can receive assistance from your fellow compatriots who could host you and also assist in your visa application. Thousands of students and other immigrants have successfully traveled abroad after their compatriots assisted them. 

Similarly, thousands of organizations assist students from developing countries to travel abroad and receive study. 

Sometimes you only require an admission letter to receive assistance from local and international organizations, government bodies, friends, relatives, well-wishers, and the diaspora community.

Additionally, special arrangements exist for various study programs. My advice is to start by selecting your preferred study program and confirming admission requirements with various institutions.

Are you living or studying abroad or a citizen or resident of any country offering free education? What’s your experience? Please share with us and you could change someone’s life.