Allow me to explain certain things to you before we proceed. Whenever you see people parading different countries online maybe on twitter or Instagram. Don’t get carried away by the fact that it’s tuition-free or easy to visit. There are always certain things you must know.
Majority of these so-called tuition-free countries are expensive to live in, hence, you could end up spending more than someone paying tuition fee in let’s say; S. Africa or Poland.
While some are not FREE, they probably have some terms and conditions to it that you won’t know without conducting research and talking to people schooling there.
There are multiple tuition-free countries in the world but we are going to be talking about only 4 for now.
- Luxembourg
- Norway
- Germany
- Czech Republic
All countries mentioned are a part of the EU (European Union) hence it should be noted that none is an English speaking country.
FUN FACT: The only countries in Europe with English as their official language are: UK, Ireland, Gibraltar & Malta.
LUXEMBOURG
The most widely spoken languages in Luxembourg are; French, German, and Luxembourgish, although a good percentage of the people in Luxembourg can understand and speak English & international students are allowed to apply for courses taught in English Language.
FUN FACT: Public transportation is free around Luxembourg for everyone. Luxembourg is in top 5 world richest countries and also the highest paying country in Europe.
Although Luxembourg is a tution free country, but taking lectures in English is not entirely free. Here is where it gets tricky, you’re required to pay a certain amount (400 to 800euros) if you are going for courses taught in English Language. But it is worth noting that it is cheap.
If you’re interested in studying Medicine or any Business related course, you should be aware that courses in those fields attract a tuition fee of 3000 to 5000 euros per year depending on the university you’re applying for.
The only way studying in Luxembourg can be tuition-free for you is if you have learnt and master either French, German or Luxembourgish. Because all you’ve got to do next is apply for courses taught in local languages.
Can we talk about about the actual challenge of Luxembourg now? The cost of living is on the high side. Not everyone knows this, but Luxembourg is one of the most expensive cities to live in the world, right after Switzerland.
- Living cost in Luxembourg can be estimated at around €1500 – €2000 per month covering Accommodation and Living expenses but this can vary for different individuals
- Most apartment in Luxembourg requires a down payment when renting them. That is after paying let’s say €800 for an apartment, you’re required to pay as high as €1500 – €2000 down payment that covers your stay.
- Most people living in Luxembourg work in nearby countries. If you can’t find a job in Luxembourg you can always apply for one outside the country since it’s really small and you can travel by train to the nearest country in 3 hours or less.
- Because of how developed and influential the country is, things aren’t exactly cheap. But you can always order online instead of buying from local shops.
- There are very good jobs for everyone willing to work.
NORWAY
The most widely spoken language in Norway is Norwegian and yes international students take classes in English and unlike in Luxembourg, the tuition fee is completely zero regardless of the language you’re being taught with. Don’t get too excited yet unless you have money *wink*
Cost of living in Norway is just as expensive as Luxembourg to some extent. And before planning moving to Norway, there are some things you must take into consideration.
- The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration recommends that you need approximately NOK 123,519 per year (12,000 euros) to cover your living expenses. It’s worth noting that you would send the full amount to the school’s account upon getting admission (to aid your visa application process)
- The school uses this money to generate a statement of account for you to be presented in the embassy when applying for Visa.
- Upon arriving in Norway, you’re given access to use your money (the money sent to the school account) yourself, The school only helps you hold the money for some time.
- There is semester fee of 300-600 NOK for students.
- Renting an apartment in Norway is on the high side, which is estimated to be around 3000 to 5000 NOK (Norwegian krones)
- Finding a job as an international student in Norway is one of the hardest task you’ll be met with. This is not because of racism, low employment rate or anything. It is simply statistically difficult.
GERMANY
Germany has previously been ranked as the fourth most popular destination for international students in the world (after the US, UK and Australia). It is still one of the best destination in the world to study.
In 2014, Germany abolished tuition fees for all public universities for both citizens and international students. But as at 2017 the south-west state of Baden-Württemberg has reintroduced tuition fees to all their public universities and just maybe other states might follow in due time. Even with the re-introduction of tution fees in some of the Universities, the fees is still on the cheap side as it is no more than 1300 to 3000 euros.
Although most Universities in Germany are tuition free, cost of living is still as expensive as Norway and Luxembourg especially for non EU students.
- The average annual living cost in Germany is around €10,200
- You’re expected to pay €60 for visa application if you’re not from any of the EU countries.
- In order to fulfill the visa requirements you will need to show proof you have access to around €8700 per year, or €725 per month to cover your living expenses while you’re studying in the country.
- You also need health insurance as a condition to register in any German universities. And since they do not accept non EU health insurance, you’re required to pay €80 every month for your health insurance.
- Although you can study for free at public German universities as an undergraduate, there is a charge per semester for enrolment, confirmation and administration. This is typically no more than €250 per semester, but varies depending on the university.
- Another important thing you must know about studying in Germany. Bachelor’s degree is tuition-free.
- Master’s degree is however tricky. There is no tuition fee charged for international students with a previous degree from an EU country. But if you’re coming with a degree issued outside the EU. Fees for Master’s is €20,000 and above
- At PhD level, tuition fee is completely zero without any requirement. Although a semester fee of €250 is mandatory.
Apart from the expensive cost of living which is relative to different people, studying in the countries discussed above is very comfortable and highly recommended if you have the money and determination to make a good living there. But if you’re traveling abroad to study on a limited budget then you should Check This Out
HEY! I didn’t forget Czech Republic.
Czech Republic
This is a western European country with historic sceneries. Czech Republic is not very popular amongst people seeking to study abroad but it is the most affordable tuition-free country in this post. The official currency is CZK (Czech Koruna) and the official language is Czech.
Here are some things you must know before planning to school in Czech Republic:
- It is the most affordable country to stay in Western Europe.
- It is tuition-free but not for international students seeking to be taught in English Language. This attracts a tuition fee within $0 – $22,350
- Monthly payment on rent is cheap dependent on what you need. You can see as cheap as €200 for a shared apartment.
- You should expect to spend within €300 – €600 per month depending on what you love to spend your money on.
Note: Tuition-free policies in many countries apply only to public universities, so don’t expect to study abroad in a private university for free. It is very rare.