How to study abroad for free

October 27th, 2022 by IEFA

Obtaining a good education is not cheap! College education costs have risen dramatically over the years, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford them. The number of people pursuing higher education is growing, which means there is a greater demand for quality education. It appears impossible, especially in countries with an excellent education system, to do so without a budget in the five figures.

If you have a lot of ambition, a good academic record, and a competitive attitude, there are plenty of opportunities for you to study abroad for free.

While university fees and other living expenses continue to rise across the country, students are looking for ways to pursue a recognized degree without putting too much strain on their finances.

International university education can be costly! Candidates want to study at the best foreign universities without breaking the bank. However, tuition and other living expenses are rising. Here, we will be looking at how to study Abroad for free.

You will be relieved to learn that you can study abroad on a shoestring budget. The next step is to figure out how.

Begin fundraising

If you have a serious interest in studying in another country, you will be surprised to find out how many people are willing to financially back your efforts. You can make your goals a reality in many different ways, including organizing and participating in fundraising events, selling your unused possessions, and using online crowdfunding pages.

Scholarships

If you want to study abroad without breaking the bank, do some research on grants and scholarships. Every year, universities, charities, foundations, and government organizations assist thousands of international students with tuition and living expenses. Unlike student loans, you will never have to repay these sums of money.

With so much financial assistance available, it’s worth investigating which funding pots you might be eligible for. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on the universities’ websites that interest you, get in touch with their admissions team.

However, obtaining a fully funded scholarship is extremely difficult due to the many applicants versus the limited number of scholarships available.

Some of these scholarships will have a specific time frame in which applications are accepted, so you must find out when the scholarship is open before applying. Some scholarships are only available to students from specific countries, so do your homework before applying.

There are various types of scholarships, such as general and specialized funding schemes. Scholarships are also provided by individual universities, government agencies, charitable organizations, and some private businesses.

Scholarships cover two types of expenses:

The cost of tuition

Expenses for living

Individual universities provide scholarships

Some universities automatically consider students for scholarships with a profile higher than 50% of the class medium. It means that some universities will automatically consider students for a scholarship if their profile meets more than half of the criteria established by the university.

In addition, some universities consider students for need-based scholarships, allowing them to pursue higher education without worrying about tuition costs.

Countries you can study for free Abroad

While university fees continue to rise in many parts of the world, some may believe that obtaining a recognized degree qualification in your home country or abroad is impossible without a four- or five-figure budget or a scholarship.

Don’t worry if you’re not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. There are still many countries where you can study abroad for free or at a very low cost:5

You’ll be relieved to know that this isn’t always the case. There are many countries around the world where students can study abroad for free or at a very low cost. All you have to do is know where to look.

Below is a list of countries that provide low-cost or free tuition and information on eligibility and current (low) university fees.

Germany

Germany provides an excellent combination of international universities and a high standard of living. Their public universities are valued not only for the number of students they enroll but also for their quality. Everyone, including German and international students, is entitled to free education in Germany.

In Germany, over 300 public universities are offering over 1000 study programs. They have a long history of outstanding teaching, scientific research, and international acclaim. The German government is attempting to keep these universities competing in the global market by providing research funds, scholarships, and grants.

Interest in studying abroad in Germany appears to be increasing. This is large because most public universities in Germany have no undergraduate tuition fees, which applies to both German students and internationals of any nationality.

Germany wants the brightest minds from around the world to study in their country. Admission to low-cost public universities, on the other hand, is extremely difficult. As a result, some private institutions provide extremely low costs specialized programs and other benefits. Scholarships can also help you pay for your tuition and living expenses.

Germans believe that education should not be treated as a profit-making venture and that everyone should have free access. Aside from students, the approach also benefits the country’s economic growth. International students are drawn to free education, which benefits the German economy. You have several options to choose from.

Norway

Higher education in Norway is free for all, regardless of nationality or level of study. Students in Norway can pursue masters or doctoral degrees in English. International students must also demonstrate their command of the English language.

Norway never ceases to astound travelers. It will be an equally interesting study hub for international students. There are numerous free educational opportunities in Norway. Norway has over 200 master’s degrees and undergraduate programs taught in English.

Norway is one of the top countries with free universities. The government funds most Norwegian universities and state university colleges. As a result, you can study at public universities in Norway for free. The best part is that Norway believes in equal educational opportunities for all and thus provides free education to students from both EU and non-EU countries.

Ireland

Ireland is a British Isle with a rich cultural and literary history. Every year, the country invests more than 800 million Euros in higher education. As a result, higher education is entirely free for all Irish and EU students. Several scholarships are available for students not from the region, including 100% fee waivers

Sweden

You can study for free in Sweden. So, how can you study for free in Sweden? You can receive free education if you study at universities partnered with Swedish universities and apply for exchange programs.

International students can also apply for scholarships such as the Lund University Global Scholarship Programme and others. Many Swedish universities also offer Ph.D. programs that are free for all students and pay for these positions. They not only provide English research, but many of them also include paid positions.

Universities in Sweden provide free higher education to students of Swedish and non-Swedish nationalities. You will be paid for your work if you are a researcher pursuing your Ph.D. at any Swedish university. Many Swedish universities also offer scholarships, which can be beneficial for international students who are concerned about how to study abroad for free.

Denmark

Denmark is another country where free education is only for students from the EU/EAA. On the other hand, international students can waive their tuition fees if they are accepted into a Danish university through an exchange program. Scholarships are also available to non-EU students.

Finland

International students from outside the EU/EEA can study for free in Finland. The Finnish government has a policy known as “Finlandization,” which states that students are not required to pay tuition or living expenses. Furthermore, students from all over the world are eligible to apply for a scholarship to study in Finland. Students can also earn money while studying for their Ph.D.

In 2017, Finland was one of those countries where education was free for all, no matter what part of the world they belonged to. However, Finland has excellent financial aid options, so you can still study for free in Finland on scholarships. Remember that if you’re an international student, you can still study in Finland for free if you pursue programs taught in Finnish or Swedish.

France

Although France is not as well-known for its affordable higher education as Germany, international students may be surprised to learn that they can study in France for free regardless of nationality. Most programs that offer free study in France are taught in the native language. However, opportunities to study English are increasing, particularly at the graduate level.

You can also attend a preparatory school to improve your French skills before beginning your degree, but this will cost you money.

Although university fees are technically charged at public universities in France, they are a fraction of those charged in most other countries.

Work on the Side

Many countries will allow you to work part-time while studying. Although your job will not cover all your expenses, it will help you offset the cost of studying abroad.

Part-time jobs are an excellent way for people to supplement their income while also advancing their careers. Various countries permit foreign students to work for pay for 20 hours per week. Most popular study destinations around the world permit students to work up to 20 hours per week while completing their studies.

In general, these are the maximum number of hours that students can work in addition to their studies; however, they are permitted to work for less than this amount. Students who work part-time are paid on an hourly basis.

The type of job you get will depend on which university you attend. On-campus jobs are available at many universities, including laboratories, libraries, reception areas, cafeterias, and gyms. However, due to the limited number of such positions available, it can be difficult to obtain one.

You should not be concerned, however, because numerous off-campus opportunities are available, such as waiter/waitress, receptionist, data entry, and contact center jobs. Working part-time will not only help you pay your rent, bills, and daily needs, but it will also help your resume.

Furthermore, your international work experience and professional skills will look great on your resume.

Virtually study abroad

With more universities offering online programs than ever, you can earn a top international degree from the comfort of your home.

Even though you will not live in another country, you will meet people from various backgrounds, learn about new cultures, and improve your language skills. Even better, you’ll get all these advantages without breaking the bank.

Even if you are admitted to a university that does not charge you for your higher education degree, living in a foreign country can be costly, particularly if you are from India. There are a few options for raising funds to pursue the course from a location of your choice.

One such method is to raise funds to support your finances while abroad. While raising funds may seem awkward to some, it is one of the best ways to ensure that your dreams are realized without financial constraints.

Begin raising funds.

If you’re serious about studying abroad, you’ll be surprised how many people will come to your aid. Throwing fundraising events, selling your old belongings, and using online crowdfunding pages are just a few ways to make your dreams a reality.

Internships with Pay

An internship is a formal work experience opportunity provided by an employer to potential employees for a set period of time. This work is related to the student’s field, which ultimately helps them improve their profile while learning about their field. Furthermore, the work gives them a competitive advantage over other job seekers in the market.

Aside from providing them with extra money, internships provide students with industry experience that can be useful at work and allow them to manage more responsibilities while receiving less on-the-job training.

Most importantly, interns can network with other professionals in their field, which will benefit them in the future. Paid internships are an excellent way to gain experience.

Paid internships are an excellent way to gain experience and learn how to be a professional. During the internship, there is always an avenue to learn things that will be productive even while studying abroad.

Other places to study abroad for free

Austria

Austria is another European country where students can study for free (or at a very low cost). Regarding higher education costs, EU/EEA students have the same rights as Austrians and can study for free at any degree level. After this period, students pay only €363 per semester. Fees for international students from outside the EU/EEA will be slightly higher.

Greece

Except for some master’s programs, all students from the EU/EEA can study abroad for free in Greece at public universities and colleges. International students from countries other than the European Union are also eligible for low-cost higher education. Greece has a significant educational program for international students.

Belgium

There are two major language communities in Belgium, each with its own take on university fees. On the other hand, EU students will pay a maximum amount per year. While EU students benefit the most from being able to study in Europe for free, fees for non-EU international students are still relatively low.

The Czech Republic

Students who speak Czech can study at any public university in the Czech Republic for free. Students who want to study English can do so at a reasonable cost.

Conclusion

So, after considering all of the factors, we return to our original question: How to study abroad for free? Practically, it’s not possible. Students must bear other costs, but the cost of pursuing higher education abroad can be comparable to that of a sound education system. You can study abroad for free if you apply to universities in these countries.

Studying abroad can help you advance your career, but it can be an expensive experience. Examine our list of countries where you can study abroad for free.

FAQs

Which countries offer free study abroad?

Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, France, the Czech Republic, and Austria are the best countries to study abroad for free or at a low cost.

How can I study in another country for free?

If you’re wondering how to study abroad for free, apply to public universities in Germany or the Nordic countries. You can also apply for scholarships and grants to help you pay for your studies abroad. You can also study virtually and save significant money on your degree.