Countries With Free Education For International Students In 2025

Every year, thousands of students hit pause on their study abroad plans for one reason—finances. But here’s what many Indian and international students don’t realise: several countries offer free or highly affordable education to international students. In fact, compared to the sky-high tuition fees in the US or UK, some of these countries charge nothing at all.

Sure, you may still need to cover basic costs like health insurance, administrative fees, and living expenses. But the savings on tuition alone can be massive. You’re in the right place if you’re looking for options beyond student loans or competitive scholarships. This blog walks you through the top countries with free education for international students in 2025, where you can earn a globally recognised degree without draining your savings.

Countries Which Offer Free Education: An Overview

Germany:

Germany is one of the few countries with free education for international students, including non-EU citizens. Public universities charge little to no tuition fees—even for international applicants. The only mandatory cost is a semester contribution, typically ranging between €250 and €300 (approx. INR 25,000–50,000) per semester.

In most cases, your tuition fees are zero. This makes Germany a strong alternative to high-cost destinations like the USA or the UK.

Cost of Living in Germany:

While tuition is mostly covered, you will need to budget for living expenses. On average, international students spend around €934 per month, which includes accommodation, food, transport, and insurance.

Germany allows students to work part-time for up to 120 full days (or 240 half-days) per year, giving you the option to support yourself during your studies.

Top Universities in Germany:

Germany is home to some of the world’s leading public universities, offering degrees in engineering, science, business, and the arts. Most offer English-taught courses at the master’s level.

Here are three of the top choices:

Scholarships and Post-Study Stay:

Germany also offers a range of scholarship options, the most well-known being the DAAD Scholarships, available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Once you graduate, you can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to search for a job that aligns with your qualification—an advantage many international students find helpful.

By studying in Germany, you gain access to quality education, international exposure, and a chance to build your career in Europe, all without the heavy financial burden.

If you’re looking at countries that offer free education to international students, Germany offers the best of both affordability and opportunity.

Norway:

If you’re wondering which countries offer free education to international students, Norway might surprise you. Most public universities in Norway don’t charge tuition fees, even for non-EU applicants. You only pay a semester registration fee, usually between NOK 300 and 600 (roughly INR 3,000–5,000).

Some programmes at private universities or certain master’s degrees may charge tuition, but most high-quality public courses are still completely tuition-free.

Cost of Living

While tuition is minimal, the cost of living in Norway is higher than in most other countries with free university education. On average, you’ll need between €1,200 and €1,600 per month to cover accommodation, food, travel, and insurance.

To support yourself, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during your studies and full-time during holidays. It’s a practical way to manage your expenses while living in one of the world’s safest and most scenic countries.

Top Universities in Norway

Norway has some of the top-rated universities in Europe, offering a wide range of English-taught programmes in science, technology, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

Here are three well-known public universities where education is free:

Scholarships and Post-Study Stay:

Norway offers scholarships such as the Quota Scheme Scholarship, aimed at students from developing countries, including India. While competitive, these grants help cover living expenses and travel.

After completing your degree, you can apply for a job-seeker visa valid for 12 months, giving you a year to find suitable work and stay on.

Norway stands out among countries with free education for international students not just because of zero tuition, but also because of its high standard of education, safety, and inclusive culture.

If you’re exploring free education countries for Indian students, and are ready to budget for living costs in return for world-class teaching, Norway is well worth your attention.

Austria:

Austria offers one of the most student-friendly options in Europe if you’re looking to study in countries with free university education. While it’s completely tuition-free for EU/EEA/Swiss students, even international students from India pay surprisingly low fees.

And the semester registration fee is just €20–€50—barely the cost of a decent dinner out.

Cost of Living:

Like most countries offering free education to international students, Austria has higher living expenses than India, but they’re manageable.

You’ll need between €900 and €1,500 per month to cover rent, food, travel, and essentials, which is about INR 80,000 to 1.3 lakh monthly.

You can work 20 hours a week on a student visa to balance the cost. That income can help with your everyday expenses without stretching your budget too thin.

Top Universities in Austria:

Austria is home to some of Europe’s oldest and most respected institutions. It’s a go-to place for students interested in law, communication, medicine, and history.

Here are the top universities, along with average tuition estimates:

Scholarships and Post-Study Stay:

Austria offers several scholarships through the OeAD (Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation). These grants support students from across the globe, especially for postgraduate and doctoral studies.

Once you finish your degree, you can stay for up to one year to look for a job. It’s a smart option if you’re aiming to work in Europe post-graduation.

Austria may not always make the headlines, but it quietly stands tall among countries which offer free education or highly affordable alternatives. Low fees, flexible work options, and an unmatched cultural experience—that’s what Austria brings to the table.

Finland:

Finland is hard to ignore when you’re shortlisting countries that offer free education to international students. 

For EU/EEA students, tuition is completely free—especially if they take up courses in Finnish or Swedish. But even if you’re from India or outside the EU, you can study in Finland for little to no cost through fully funded scholarships.

Many public universities charge tuition, but most offer generous grants or waivers. So while Finland isn’t entirely free for non-EU students, it’s often close.

Cost of Living

Living in Finland will cost you between €700 and €1,300 per month, which is around INR 62,000 to 1.15 lakh. That covers rent, food, local travel, and the occasional fika.

To offset costs, international students can work 30 hours per week during term time. So you can balance your expenses without stretching yourself thin.

Top Universities in Finland

Finland takes its education seriously. You’ll find strong programmes in engineering, computer science, business, and environmental studies.

Here are the top universities and their average tuition for non-EU students:

Scholarships and Post-Study Stay

Finland’s Government Scholarship programme supports Master’s and PhD students from outside the EU.

Some universities even offer full tuition waivers, especially for high-performing students. Keep an eye on application deadlines—they’re strict but worth it.

Once you graduate, you can stay for up to two years to look for a job. That’s more than enough time to start your career in Europe if you plan it well.

Sweden:

Sweden deserves your attention when you think of countries that offer free education.

If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, tuition is free at public universities. But even if you’re an Indian student or from outside the EU, some scholarships can cover everything—from tuition to living costs.

Sweden’s educational philosophy centers on a rigorous, applied approach. Programs emphasize practical work, collaborative projects, and the cultivation of critical problem-solving abilities, promoting a self-directed learning experience.

Cost of Living

On average, you’ll need SEK 8,000 to 12,000 a month to live comfortably in Sweden. That’s roughly ₹70,000 to ₹1,05,000 per month.

It covers shared accommodation, food, travel, miscellaneous expenses, You can also work unlimited hours during your course—as long as your studies don’t suffer. 

Top Universities in Sweden

Sweden is home to some of the best universities in Europe—especially for Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies.

Here’s a quick look at top picks and their average tuition fees for non-EU students:

Scholarships and Post-Study Stay

Sweden extends fully funded scholarship opportunities to exceptional non-EU students, including those from India. While these scholarships are highly competitive, outstanding academic achievements can significantly enhance an applicant’s prospects.

You’ll need an admission letter and proof of around SEK 9,000 per month for living expenses to get a student visa.

Post-study, you can stay in Sweden for up to one year to search for a job.

Czech Republic:

If you’ve been hunting for countries with free education for international students, the Czech Republic ticks more boxes than you’d expect.

International students can access free education at Czech public universities by enrolling in Czech-taught degree programs. However, English-taught programs incur tuition fees, which remain relatively affordable, generally falling between ₹2 and 5 lakhs per year, depending on the course of study.   

Cost of Living

Living in the Czech Republic is budget-friendly. Expect to spend around €300 to €750 per month. That covers rent, food, transport, and a bit of weekend exploring.

The country is student-friendly, clean, and safe. You won’t need to stretch your wallet thin to enjoy life here.

Top Universities in Czech Republic

When it comes to education, the Czech Republic quietly competes with the best in Europe, especially in medicine, arts, sciences, and technology.

Here’s a peek at the top universities and their tuition ranges for English-taught courses:

Many programmes in art, performing arts, and sciences are also highly ranked across Europe.

Scholarships and Post-Study Stay

The Czech Government Scholarships are open to students from developing countries, including India. They support selected fields of study and often cover full tuition plus living expenses.

Non-EU students need a student visa, which requires proof of university admission and enough funds to support yourself.

You can work up to 30 days a year during your studies. After graduation, you can apply for a 9-month post-study residence permit to find a job.

Iceland:

Looking for countries with free education for international students that aren’t overcrowded or overrated? Iceland is worth your time.

Public universities in Iceland charge no tuition fees, even for non-EU students. You’ll only pay a small annual registration fee, which usually falls under €750 per year.

That makes Iceland a strong contender among countries which have free education, especially if you’re eyeing quality over quantity.

Cost of Living

Iceland is stunning, but it’s not the cheapest place to live. The average cost ranges from €1,300 to €2,000 per month.

This includes rent, food, transport, and basic living expenses. Budget smartly, and you’ll manage just fine.

Top Universities in Iceland

Despite its size, Iceland boasts universities with a strong international reputation, particularly excelling in environmental sciences, arts, and social studies.

Here are some top picks:

• University of Iceland
• Bifröst University
• Iceland Academy of the Arts

All offer strong academic programmes, many with courses in English.

Scholarships and Post-Study Stay

Iceland offers limited government scholarships, mostly for students learning Icelandic as a second language.

You’ll need a student visa if you’re from outside the EU. That requires a university admission letter and proof of funds—roughly €1,000/month.

During your studies, you can work up to 15 hours a week. Once you graduate, you’re allowed to stay back for 6 months to look for a job.

Greece

Greece may not always make the top five in popular rankings, but it holds strong as one of the countries in which education is free or low-cost. It offers a mix of academic quality, cultural immersion, and affordability—three things any smart student looks for.

If you’re considering countries offering free education to international students, don’t skip past this Mediterranean gem. It might just be the balance you’re looking for.

Cost of Living

Living in Greece won’t burn a hole in your pocket. You’ll spend anywhere between €450 to €750 a month.

This covers food, rent, transport, and everything else you’d need as a student. For a European country, that’s quite reasonable.

Top Universities in Greece

Greece isn’t just about ancient ruins and islands. It’s home to universities that offer well-rounded academic programmes, especially in Tourism, Philosophy, Medicine, and Computer Science.

Here are the three top options:

• University of Crete
• National Technical University of Athens
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Courses in English are available, especially at the postgraduate level.

Scholarships and Post-Study Stay

Looking for countries which offer free education with some financial help? Greece ticks that box, too. International students can apply for IKY Scholarships, especially for master’s and research-level courses.

If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need a student visa. That means providing an admission letter and proof of funds—around €4,000 per year should cover it.

You can also work 20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours during breaks, which can help with expenses.

Eligibility Criteria To Study In Countries with Free Education

Most universities in countries that offer free education to international students require:

• Academic qualifications: Solid grades in your previous degree or school-leaving exams.
• Language proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes; local language tests if applicable.
• Course-specific requirements: Some fields like medicine or engineering may ask for extra exams or portfolios.

Application Process To Study In Countries with Free Education

Applying is fairly straightforward. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Choose your course and university

Public universities in countries with free university education usually offer intakes in autumn and spring.

2. Prepare key documents

These include transcripts, language test scores, ID proof, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

3. Apply online

Most universities have dedicated portals. Submit your documents and pay any applicable processing fees.

4. Look into scholarships

Some free education countries for Indian students offer financial support for living expenses.

5. Secure your admission letter

You’ll need this to apply for a student visa.

English Test Score Guide for Countries Offering Free Education to International Students

Wrapping Up

Studying abroad doesn’t have to come with a lifetime of debt. Several countries offering free education to international students are reshaping what’s possible. Whether you’re after a world-class degree or simply looking to cut down on costs, these free education countries for Indian students are worth a serious look. 

And when you’re ready to sort out student accommodation, UniAcco makes it easier to find a safe, affordable place near your university—no guesswork, no stress.

FAQs

1. Which countries offer free education for Indian students?

Some of the top free education countries for Indian students include Germany, Norway, Finland, Austria, and France. These countries have public universities that either charge no tuition or offer education at very low costs. While you’ll need to cover basic living expenses and admin fees, the tuition savings can be substantial.

2. How can Indian students study abroad for free?

To make the most of countries with free university education, focus on applying to public universities in Germany, Norway, or Austria. You can also explore fully funded scholarships offered by government or university programmes. A strong academic profile, language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), and early application give you the best shot at studying abroad for free.

3. Which are the top countries with free education for international students?

There are several countries that offer free education to international students at public universities. Germany, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and the Czech Republic are some of the most popular picks.