Countries with Free Education For International Students (2023)

International student numbers are increasing across most study-abroad destinations. As more students search for opportunities to study abroad, it is only fair that they also look for some of the most affordable countries to study.

It is important to remember that while many universities worldwide do not charge tuition fees, they can still charge smaller amounts, known as administrative fees. These fees help fund the services related to the administration and supervision of students. In Germany, for example, such fees are usually no higher than €250/semester.

Here’s the list of countries where education is either free or at a minimal cost:

1. Austria

EU/EEA/Switzerland and developing countries: Free

Non-EU: €762/semester

Average cost of living: €900 - €1,300/month

Austria’s great quality of life and cultural richness are among the factors bringing international students to its universities. Being a tuition-free country for EU students and a rather affordable one for the rest of the student population, Austria places itself among the top cheap countries to study for international students.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies without having to apply for a work permit. They can also get a one-year post-graduation work visa after finishing their studies to search for employment.

2. Belgium

Wallonia-Brussels Federation or EU: €835

Non-EU: €2,505/year

Average cost of living: €950 - €1,350/month

The rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class education are among the top things that define Belgium. Its relatively low tuition fees make it a wonderful destination for international students who love chocolate, waffles, and outstanding educational opportunities.

International students in Belgium can apply for a one-year post-graduation residence permit to search for a job, as well as work up to 20 hours per week while studying.

3. Bulgaria

EU: €300 – €1,700/year

Non-EU: €1,750 – €3,850/year

Average cost of living: €450 - €650/month

Besides low tuition fees, Bulgaria also boasts an affordable cost of living. International students in Bulgaria find themselves surrounded by natural beauty and a great student scene. Bulgaria has nearly 14,000 international students across its universities, which means students not only get to be part of high-quality education but also expand their cultural horizons.

Bulgaria allows students to work for 20 hours per week during their studies and holidays. Students can also apply for a nine-month post-graduation work visa if they plan to stay in the country after finishing their studies.

4. Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus & EU: Free

Non-EU/EEA: €7,000/year

Average cost of living: €700 - €1,000/month

Known as the third largest island in the Mediterranean, the Republic of Cyprus is famous for its mythology and natural beauty. Of course, while its sub-tropical climate can be enough reason to study here, students are also fond of its tuition-free education for EU citizens. Students from other countries can also benefit from its relatively affordable tuition and enjoy the natural beauty and quality of education Cyprus offers.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. They can also stay in the country for 60 days after graduation to search for employment.

5. Czech Republic

Czech-Taught Degrees (both EU and Non-EU): Free

English/another foreign language taught degrees: €0-18,500/academic year

Average cost of living: €300 - €650/month

The Czech Republic is known for its castles, architecture, and spa towns. It is also a popular study-abroad destination, boasting tuition-free education for Czech-taught degrees. The monthly cost of living can go up to €650/month, but this largely depends on the students’ lifestyle and budgeting habits.

To be eligible to work during their studies, students must be enrolled in a degree program accredited by the Ministry of Education. Students can work for up to 30 days within a calendar year and apply for a 9-month post-study residence permit to look for a job.

6. Denmark

EU/EAA and Switzerland: Free

Other: €6,000 – €16,000

Average cost of living: €800 – €1,200/month

Denmark’s high standard of education and its innovative teaching styles make it a great place to study abroad. With the cost of living ranging from €800 – €1,200/month and its free/affordable tuition, students get the best of both worlds — affordability and world-class education.

International students in Denmark can work for 20 hours per week and full-time during summer break. If they wish to work in Denmark after studies, they can apply to stay in the country for six months to seek employment.

7. Estonia

Tuition: €1,660 - €7,500/year

Medicine: 12,000/ year

Average cost of living: €500 - €750/month

Regarded as one of the world’s top digital societies, Estonia is among the best places for ambitious entrepreneurs and startups. Regardless of its reputation for being modern and innovative, Estonia has some of the most affordable tuition costs for international students.

There’s no limitation on the number of hours international students can work during their studies in Estonia. After graduation, non-EU students can apply for a post-study work visa and stay in the country to seek employment for up to 9 months.

8. Finland

Finnish or Swedish-taught degrees: Free

Non-EU/EEA: €4,000 – €18,000 for English-taught degrees

Average cost of living: €700 – €1,300/month

Full of lush forests, mountains, and crystal-clear waters. Finland is renowned for its high education standards. Students can benefit from its tuition-free education and world-class teaching. The cost of living ranges from €700 – €1,300/month, meaning a student can easily live off of €700 per month with a little budgeting.

International students can work up to 30 hours per week during their studies. In addition, they can also apply to stay in the country for up to two years after graduation to look for a job.

9. France

EU/EAA, Andorra, and Switzerland: €170 – €380/year

Non-EU: €2,770 (Bachelor); €3,770 (Master)

Average cost of living: Around €900/month

France has a thriving student life, some of the best global universities, and a rich culture! International students in France get to benefit from affordable tuition and a budget-friendly cost of living. With around 370,000 international students across its higher education institutions, France is also among the top study-abroad destinations in the world.

Students in France can work up to 964 hours per year during their studies and can stay in the country for up to one year after graduation to seek employment.

10. Germany

EU/Non-EU: Free

Average cost of living: €934/month

Germany is one of the top study destinations for international students, mainly due to its excellent education system, free education, and career opportunities. Students in Germany only need to pay an administrative fee of around €250 per semester since tuition fees were abolished in 2014. Currently, 416,437 international students are pursuing their higher education in Germany.

International students in Germany can work full-time for 120 days or part-time for 240 half days during their studies. After graduation, they can apply to stay in the country for 18 months to look for a job in their study area.

11. Greece

EU/EEA: Free, except for some master programs.

Non-EU: €1,500 – €9,000/year

Average cost of living: €700 - €1,000/month

Greece has outstanding universities, free education, and affordable living. Being a popular tourist destination means students get to enjoy a vibrant and diverse student life. The average international student expenses range from €700 - €1000/month, which is comparatively cheaper than many other study destinations.

Students can work for 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during vacations.

12. Hungary

Tuition: €1,200 - €5,000/year

Medicine & Dentistry Degrees: €2,000 – €16,000/year

Average cost of living: €500 - €700/month

The distinctive cuisine and its rich culture are among the things that characterize Hungary. It is also home to Erno Rubik, the person who invented Rubik’s Cube. International students love Hungary because of its academic excellence and relatively low tuition fees. The affordable living expenses are also a great advantage, ranging from €500 - €700/month.

International students can work up to 24 hours a week while studying. International graduates can apply to stay in Hungary for up to 9 months after graduation to search for a job.

13. Iceland

EU/EEA and Non-EU/EEA: Free

Average cost of living: Around €1,400/month

Known for its free or minimal cost of education, Iceland provides many advantages to international students. Starting from its vivid student experience, many study options, and world-renowned universities, Iceland has placed itself among the top cheap countries to study.

International students in Iceland can work for up to 15 hours per week during the academic year. After graduation, international students can apply for a six-month work visa to search for employment.

14. Italy

EU/Non-EU: €500 – €5,000

Average cost of living: €700 - €1,000/month

Famous for its tourism, artists, science, and food – Italy also makes a wonderful study destination! Home to excellent global universities, international students in Italy benefit from affordable tuition fees and an affordable cost of living, starting from an average of €700 per month.

International students can work for 20 hours per week during their studies. The opportunity to stay and search for work in Italy is available to students who have completed a Ph.D. or level 2 Masters Program in Italy for 12 months.

15. Lithuania

EU/Non-EU: €1,300 - €8,400

Average cost of living: €500 - €800/month

Although a small country, Lithuania is a great destination for international students. Lithuanian language is one of the oldest languages in the world, and the country’s love for sports and basketball is especially impressive. But its affordable tuition fees and even more affordable cost of living make Lithuania a favorite destination for international students.

Students can work for up to 40 hours per week during their studies. After graduation, students can apply to stay in Lithuania for one year to search for employment.

16. Malta

Maltese citizens, EU/EEA, and Switzerland: Free

Non-EU: ~€2,000

Average cost of living: €800 - €1,200/month

For students fond of warmer climates, Malta gets approximately 300 sunny days in a year. The free or minimal cost of education and its outstanding universities are among the top factors bringing students to Malta. But apart from these, Malta has much more to offer, including a rich cultural scene drenched in wonderful arts, film shows, and music festivals.

International students in Malta can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. After graduation, they may apply to stay in the country for up to six months to look for a job.

17. Netherlands

EU/EAA: €2,300

Non-EU/EAA: €6,000 – €15,000

Average cost of living: €800- €1,200/month

With a practical teaching style known to be interactive and student-centered, the Netherlands also has an affordable lifestyle, with average monthly costs ranging from €800- €1,200/month. According to recent statistics, 40% of first-year students in the Netherlands are international students.

International students in the Netherlands can work up to 16 hours per week and full-time in the summer months. In addition, students can spend up to one year in the country after graduation to look for a job.

18. Norway

EU/EEA: Free

Non-EU/EEA: $13,000

Average cost of living: €935 - €1,750/month

Norway is known for its high-quality education, research reputation, and tuition-free universities. The cost of living in Norway ranges from €935 - €1,750/month, which is a fair price to pay for a high standard of education, a tolerant society, and a safe environment.

International students in Norway can work for up to 20 hours per week during their studies. They can also stay in the country to search for employment for up to one year after graduation.

19. Poland

EU/EEA and students who hold the Polish Charter: Free

Other: €2,000 – €6,000

Average cost of living: €500 – €850/month

Poland is one of the most affordable European countries to pursue a degree. It has a rich history, a student-friendly atmosphere, and a beautiful culture. Tuition-free education in Poland is available for EU/EEA citizens and students who hold the Polish Charter.

International students can work 20 hours per week during their studies and 40 hours per week during holidays. They can also stay in the country for up to 9 months after graduation to look for employment.

20. Portugal

Tuition: €550 – €1,050/year

Average cost of living: €500 – €800/month

A country that prefers sunshine, delicious cuisine, and a fun lifestyle. Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, where students can live off of as little as €500–€800/month. Portugal is a popular destination for international students, with more than 50,000 students pursuing their higher education in the country every year.

International students in Portugal can work 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during vacations. Students can stay in the country for up to one year after graduation to look for a job.

21. Romania

EU: €1,000

Non-EU: €2,000

Average cost of living: Around €700/month

Romania has excellent universities, incredible food, customs, and a fun social atmosphere. Living costs in Romania are around €700 per month, which makes it among the cheapest countries in terms of living expenses.

International students in Romania can also work for 20 hours per week during their studies.

22. Russia

Tuition: €2,000 – €5,000

Average cost of living: €750/month

Known for advanced educational programs and excellence in teaching and research, Russia makes a good place to study. Living expenses range from €750/month. Some of the top universities in Russia include Moscow State University, Tomsk State University, and Saint Petersburg State University, to name a few.

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. After graduation, they can stay in the country for 180 days to look for employment.

23. Serbia

Tuition: €1,000 – €2,500/year

Average cost of living: €750 - €1,000/month

Serbia is among the most affordable countries to pursue a degree, with high-quality education and innovative universities. The cost of living in Serbia ranges from €750 - €1,000/month, while the cost of university ranges from €1,000 – €2,500/year.

International students in Serbia up to 20 hours per week during their studies.

24. Slovenia

EU, citizens of BiH, Montenegro, Kosovo, the Republics of Macedonia, and Serbia: Free

Non-EU: €2,000 – €11,000/year

Average cost of living: €400 – €700/month

Slovenia is recognized for its excellent education system, among the best in the EU. With a budget-friendly cost of living, ranging from €400 – €700/month, Slovenia positions itself among the cheapest countries for international students.

Students can also find temporary or part-time employment during their studies through an instrument known as 'Student Work' in Slovenia.

25. Slovakia

EU citizens: Free

Non-EU: €550 – €5,500/year

Average cost of living: €800/month

Slovakia is known for its free or reasonable tuition fees, affordable cost of living, and excellent universities. With as little as €800/month, international students in Slovakia can study, socialize, travel around, and enjoy exceptional student life.

International students can also work up to 20 hours per week during university studies.

26. Spain

Tuition: €1,200 – €6,000/year

Average cost of living: €900 - €1,000/month

Spain positions itself among the top study destinations, counting 208,366 international students across its higher education institutions, an increase of 36% in the past five years. Tuition fees and living expenses are relatively lower compared to many English-speaking countries, with an average of €900 - €1,000/month in monthly expenses.

International students in Spain can work for 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the semester breaks. Students can also stay in the country for up to 12 months to look for a job after graduation.

27. Sweden

EU/EEA, other Nordic countries, and Switzerland: Free

Non-EU/EEA: €7,500 – €25,500/year

Average cost of living: €700 - €1,200/month

The Swedish education system is known for its unconventional education, focusing on group and practical work focused on students’ academic and career aspirations. The cost of living in Sweden ranges from €700 - €1,200/month, with tuition fees ranging from €0 to €25,500/year, depending on students’ country of origin and degree choice.

International students in Sweden can work as many hours as they want during their studies. They also can extend their residence permit for one year after graduation to look for a job.

28. Switzerland

EU/Non-EU: €400 – €3,700/year (Bachelor's and Master's programs)

Average cost of living: €1,300 - €1,700/month

Last but not least, Switzerland is among the best countries to pursue an education, known for its wide range of study programs, high standards of teaching, and world-class universities. Costs of living range from €1,300 - €1,700/month, highly dependent on the students’ lifestyle and budgeting habits.

International students in Switzerland can work for up to 15 hours per week during term-time and full-time during summer breaks. They can also apply to stay in the country for six months after graduation to search for employment.