Studying abroad means a student can gain international experience and explore cultural diversity. Also, individuals can gain from high-end research centers for their respective degree programs. Many students do not consider moving abroad for their studies due to financial barriers.
However, many countries offer zero to minimal tuition fees for international students to pursue their academic dreams. In this article, we will talk about the top five countries that charge nominally from the students and provide them in return to grow professionally and personally.
#1 Germany:
Germany is among the most popular destinations for international students seeking free education abroad. Over 450,000 international students have chosen Germany for their higher education. There are 17,435 study programs available at 371 universities in Germany, offering a wide range of degree programs in German and English.
Education in Germany is free for both EU and non-EU students. However, students have to manage their daily expenses and accommodation. To manage costs, the government has given students relaxation, offering full-time jobs for 120 days or part-time jobs for 240 half days on their student visa permit.
The top three universities with nominal charges are:
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- University of Hamburg
- University of Bonn
#2 Norway:
Norway is another popular destination for international students pursuing higher academic degrees. Norway offers free education to all international students and EU/EEA students. The “no tuition fee” policy is valid for undergraduate degree courses, Master’s programs, and Ph. Ds. However, the administration department charges a minimum fee of €30 to €60 per semester as a union fee.
As of 2023, 28,630 students have moved to Norway for their studies. Norway’s higher education system includes 49 universities with 845 study programs. International students do not require a work permit but are only allowed to work 20 hours per week.
The top three universities with nominal charges are:
- NHH Norwegian School of Economics
- University of Bergen
- University of Oslo
#3 Iceland:
Iceland may sound unfamiliar when you think of studying abroad, although the number of international students has increased to 50% in the last ten years. Iceland offers free education for all and gives students a peaceful and growthful environment, as it ranks number 3 on the World Happiness Index.
The country offers seven highly qualified international academic programs across various fields. The range might seem smaller compared to Germany and other countries, but it is an excellent stop for an individual not seeking to learn a native language. Even though Icelandic is an official language, almost every local is fluent in English, making it easier for an international student to do daily chores.
The top three universities with nominal charges are:
- University of Iceland
- Iceland University of the Arts
- ReykjavÃk University
#4 Austria:
Austrian education is internationally known for its research centers and innovation. It offers more than 2000 study programs in German and English. Most of its programs are in English and do not require a German language proficiency test, but a basic understanding of German can help improve daily interactions.Â
Austria only provides partially free education for non-EU/EEA students. Therefore, international students can expect to pay a fee of €727 per semester.
The top three universities with nominal charges are:
- University of Klagenfurt.
- Johannes Kepler University Linz.
- FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences.
#5 Italy:
Italy is a popular destination for international students pursuing fashion and design. It offers over 140 Bachelor’s and 450 Master’s programs in various subjects, including architecture, engineering, sports, medicine, and social sciences.
With its rich history and culture, Italy welcomed 102,354 international students in the 2020/21 academic year. Education in Italy is not free, but its affordability is a major attraction for international students. Students can expect to pay from €900 in public universities. Italian universities have established associations such as ISN, ESN, and AEGEE to ease students’ journey.
The top three universities with nominal charges are:
- University of Pisa
- Politecnico di Torino
- University of Perugia
Note: This article excludes a few significant countries, majorly European, for reasons such as the high cost of studying/tuition or the ongoing war.
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