If you are unable to secure fully-funded scholarships for university, there are alternative options to consider. You can explore universities that offer tuition-free or low-tuition programs, as well as those that provide tuition fee waivers. Several countries, such as Norway, Austria, Germany, Finland, and Sweden, have different schemes in place to support international students with free or affordable education.
Tuition Free Universities in Norway
According to Studyinnorway.no, Norwegian state universities and university colleges generally do not charge tuition fees to both domestic and international students at all levels of study, including undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. programs. However, students are required to pay a semester fee ranging from NOK 300-600.
Note that some specialized programs at state universities and university colleges may have tuition fees, typically at the Masters level. Most private institutions also have tuition fees, but they are considerably lower than those in other countries. It is important to note that international students are not subject to higher tuition fees compared to Norwegian students.
The cost of studying in Norway includes living expenses, which are higher than in many other countries, amounting to NOK 90,000-100,000 per year.
Tuition Free Universities in Austria
According to studyinaustria.at, non-EU/EEA students attending federal/public universities in Austria are charged approximately 726.72 Euros per semester for tuition fees, along with 20.20 Euros per semester for student union membership fee and student accident insurance fee.
However, there are exemptions and possibilities for full or partial refunds of tuition fees in special cases, such as certain scholarships, exchange programs, university partnerships, and specific countries. For detailed information, it is advisable to visit the university’s website directly.
The cost of living for students in Austria is estimated at around 800 Euros per month, covering accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
Tuition Free Universities in Germany
According to internationale-studierende.de and study-in.de, as of October 2014, all universities in Germany, except Baden-Württemberg, do not charge tuition fees for bachelor’s and consecutive master’s degree programs, including international students. However, some Federal States may require a semester contribution (approximately 50 euros) and/or administration fees (around 50 euros). It is important to check the provided page for up-to-date information on tuition fees in different federal states of Germany. Currently, Baden-Württemberg charges tuition fees of €1,500 per semester for non-EU citizens in certain degree programs.
Master’s studies in Germany usually have tuition fees, but they are generally lower compared to other countries. Doctoral studies, on the other hand, are typically free, with tuition fees only applicable after completing the first six semesters. However, students are required to pay a semester contribution of approximately 150-200 euros. Doctoral students often work on research projects or receive scholarships.
The average cost of studying in Germany, including accommodation, transport, food,
and miscellaneous expenses, is about 500-800 Euros.
Tuition Free Universities and Scholarships in Finland
According to studyinfinland.fi, tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students have been introduced for English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programs starting from autumn 2017. However, doctoral level studies remain free of tuition fees regardless of nationality.
Finnish universities and UAS’s (Universities of Applied Sciences) offer scholarship options for talented non-EU/EEA students enrolled in fee-charging Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. EDUFI Fellowships are available to cover living expenses for doctoral studies for up to one academic year.
The estimated living expenses for a single student in Finland average around 700-900 Euros per month.
Tuition Scholarships in Swedish Universities
According to studyinsweden.se, application and tuition fees are applicable for individuals who are not citizens of an EU/EEA/Nordic country or Switzerland and are studying at the bachelor’s or master’s level. However, the Swedish Institute and a significant number of universities offer full and partial scholarships in the form of tuition waivers for international students.
PhD positions in Sweden are typically offered as paid positions by universities or external funding bodies. This means that if you are offered a position as a PhD candidate, you will not have to pay fees and will receive a monthly salary.
Online Tuition-Free Universities
There are now several universities that offer online degrees and courses for free. The University of the People was the first such institution, providing tuition-free, non-profit, accredited online education. They offer online Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Health Science, and Computer Science, as well as an MBA program.
Another initiative is edX, a learning platform created by MIT and Harvard, which offers free online courses from premier universities in the US, including Harvard, MIT, UC Berkeley, and over 50 other institutions.