The 15 Countries Where You Can Go To College For Free

Proper education and the experience of learning plays a very vital role in our lives. Education acts as a very important pillar to an overall better future. Going to college is an equally important step for everyone’s educational betterment. We all yearn for free college but that is rarely attainable. College is unthinkably expensive in various parts of the world. However, fortunately, there are some countries where the college bills are apparently paid by the taxpayers for students trying to acquire college degrees. Majority of these countries are located on the continent of Europe where the tax rate is higher. If free college is vital to you, you should consider one of the countries listed below:

1. Denmark

Denmark is said to be among the top countries offering free Colleges and Universities. Some of the top rated and best Colleges and Universities in Denmark are: the University of Copenhagen which ranked #82 in Times Higher Education World Ranking in 2015;  University which ranked #106; Technical University of Denmark ranked at #167; Aalborg University earned #201-250 rank; Copenhagen Business School also earned #201-250 rank and lastly, the University of Southern Denmark ranked between #301-350. Denmark is one of the best contenders offering free college with terrific Colleges and Universities.

2. Norway

Norway has terribly harsh winters and one of the most expensive costs of living. If you think yourself to be daring enough to battle these two factors, you might want to consider Norway. Tuition is absolutely zero at public universities which will provide you with the opportunity to attain your college degree from top-ranked institutions. Norway has a whopping number of 40 public higher education institutions. Some of the top-ranked institutions are: the University of Oslo, University of Bergen, NHH Norwegian School of Business, Nord University, UIT arctic University of Norway etc.

3. Finland

Public universities located in Finland are divided into two parts: Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. They are all free of tuition charges for students coming from EU/EEA countries. Until very recently, citizens, as well as international students, paid zero tuition fees at public universities. However, from 2017, students willing to earn degrees in English need to pay approximately $1500 or more depending on the level and type of degree. Doctoral, Finnish or Swedish degrees are still free of cost. The government also kindly offers scholarships and financial aid to international students with excellent educational backgrounds.

4. Germany

Germany offers free education for undergraduate as well as graduate students. Students from all over the world, belonging to any nationalities, can obtain free education here. The only mentionable charges are called “administrative fees” which is dedicated to student services and student welfare. The fee amounts to anywhere between 100-200 EUR. However, in light of new education policies, from the year 2017, students from non-EU/EEA countries will have to pay tuition fees to study in the Baden-Wurrtenberg region. Some tuition-free universities of Germany are: the University of Cologne, University of Mannheim, University of Stuttgart, RWTH Aachen University etc.

5. Estonia

Since 2012/2013, higher education is free of tuition fees in Estonia for students studying full time and in Estonian. Students from weaker financial backgrounds can apply for student allowances as well. The amount ranges from 75-220 EUR per month if they are studying full time and completing at least 75% of the curriculum. Students who started their full-time education before 2012/2013 are also qualified to apply for student allowances about 55.93 EUR per month. Some of the best Estonian institutions are: Tallinn University, Tallinn University of Technology, University of Tartu etc.

6. Slovakia

Slovakia offers free higher education for students within the European Union. Otherwise, students might need to pay between USD 2500-6500 per academic year.  The main teaching language in Slovakia is still Slovak but recently, many institutions offer courses in English as well. If you do get a chance to study in Slovakia for free, you will not be guaranteed a place in the dormitory.  Living expenses will be yours to bear. Some of the best Slovakian institutions include: the University of Economics in Bratislava, the University of Technology in Bratislava, Comenius University in Bratislava etc.

7. Slovenia

Slovenia is among the countries where the education system is almost fully funded from the state budget and a tiny share is financed by the municipality. Students belonging to the European Union Member States can enroll in the universities in the same way as Slovenian students. For public higher education institutions, EU students need to pay tuition fees for part-time education but full-time education is absolutely free. The best university of Slovenia is the University of Ljubljana.

8. Sweden

Colleges and universities in Sweden are absolutely free. They do not charge any tuition fees at all. However, day to day expenses in Sweden are not free. Accommodation is not provided by Swedish education facilities. You have to pay a hefty sum as rent and for food. Costs of day to day life in Sweden is very expensive. In fact, Stockholm often ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Averages of 85% of Swedish students end up with debt. That is a very concerning percentage. Keeping these factors in mind, if you still want to opt for Sweden for higher education, some of the best institutions are: Lund University, Stockholm University and the University of Gothenburg.

9. Turkey

Turkey has almost 200 universities, most of which are state universities. Turkey offers almost free education to international students but students must sit for the International Student Exam and they have to provide outstanding academic qualifications and high ranks in TOEFL, IBT or IELTS results in English. Due to high standards of education, the entrance to top-level universities is very competitive. Most students are advised to visit Turkey beforehand to prepare for the special examination. Some of the oldest universities in Turkey are: Ankara University, Istanbul Universities, and Istanbul Technical University.

10. France

Previously, students needed to be able to speak French to be eligible to enroll in a university in France. Nowadays, many programs in both private and public universities are offered in English. Students attending public universities need to pay only a few hundred dollars annually, which is a negligible amount. Over the past few years, education policies in France have changed and some students need to pay tuition fees according to their family income. Top institutions in France are: Université de Strasbourg, Université de Lorraine, Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 etc.

11. Austria

Education is free for students from EU/EEA Union. Absolutely zero admission and tuition fees. Students who aren’t from EU/EEA have to pay very nominal tuition fees which amounts to about 730 EUR. this amount is negligible compared to the cost of higher education in other countries worldwide. Austrian education facilities are funded by the state and hence offer free education for all. Thousands of students from all over the world visit Austria to get a great quality education in nominal prices. The best free universities are: Veinna university, University of Graz  University of Innsbruck, Anton Bruckner University, University of JOANNEUM, MCI Management Center Innsbruck, Medical University of Graz etc.

12. Czech Republic

Higher education is free for all in this lovely country irrespective of their nationalities. That is the law of the country. All you need to pay is the admission fees and additional course fees. However, you must know the local language of the country to acquire free education. But even if you want to study in English, the course fee is very nominal. The best universities are: Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague; Brno University of Technology, Palacky University, Charles University in Prague, Masaryk University, Silesian University in Opava etc.

13. Greece

Not only does this historically rich country offers nominal cost education, but it also offers low costs of living as well. Greece offers inexpensive higher education to all international students. It also offers a rich knowledge of history and a different culture altogether. EU students are required to pay zero tuition fees and non-EU students need to pay only about 1500 EUR per academic year as tuition fees. Some of the low tuition universities in Greece are: the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Patras, National Technical University of Athens, University of Crete, University of the Aegean, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University of Ioannina.

14. Spain

Like all other European countries, Spain also offers free higher education to EU/EEA students. However, it also offers very low-cost education to students outside EU. Day to day expenses in Spain is also relatively low. Public universities in the country of Spain are fully financially aided by the government or sponsors. Some of the cheapest universities are: the Autonomous University of Madrid, University of Valencia, University of Barcelona, University of Jaen etc.

15. Belgium

Although tuition isn’t completely free in Belgium, international students need to pay very minimal fees to study in this country. The minimal fee isn’t bothersome at all because you get to experience a beautiful culture and learn from it. Belgium has an outstanding quality of education and hence, many students from all over the world are interested to study here. Some of the cheapest universities in Belgium are: University of Antwerp, Hasselt University, KU Leuven, Liege University, Ghent University etc.