10 Countries Where Students Can Study for Free (or Almost Free) in 2025

🌍 Countries where students can study for free

Are you searching for opportunities to study abroad without breaking the bank? Look no further! This guide highlights 10 countries where students can study for free, or nearly so, in 2025. Discover affordable routes to globally recognised degrees with minimal tuition and real-world tips to succeed.

1. Germany

Highlight: Germany is a standout among the countries where students can study for free. Public universities charge no tuition for international students—only a small administrative semester fee of €150–350.

• Living costs usually average €900–1,000 per month
• Top universities: Ludwig Maximilian University, University of Bonn, RWTH Aachen, among others
• Bonus: Part-time work is allowed, and a generous 18‑month post‑study job seeker permit

2. Norway

Norway is another top destination among the countries where students can study for free, but only for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Non‑EU students generally pay tuition fees ranging from NOK 80,000 to 400,000 per year.

• A small semester fee (~€30–60) covers student services
• High cost of living (≈€1,300+ monthly) but also excellent public services and scholarships

3. Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, public universities offer free education if you study in the Czech language—English-taught programs usually have low nominal fees (~€700‑800/year).

• Choose top institutions like Charles University or Masaryk University
• Free if you commit to learning Czech

4. Austria

Austria offers almost free tuition to international students—typically €2,000 per year—especially at public universities. EU/EEA students often pay even less.

• Living costs in Vienna and Graz are moderate
• Plenty of scholarship opportunities like OeAD

5. Finland

While free university education is still available for EU/EEA students, non‑EU students now pay tuition, though generous scholarships can offset this. Finland remains one of the countries where students can study for free if they’re from the EU/EEA.

6. Sweden

Sweden continues the trend: EU/EEA students study with no tuition, while non‑EU students pay tuition, though PhD programs remain tuition‑free for all.

7. France

France charges low tuition fees for public universities—even for non‑EU students, which makes it one of the countries where students can study for free, in spirit.

• Fees often range from a few hundred to a few thousand euros per year
• Many graduate programs are available in English

8. Slovenia / Bulgaria / Portugal

These countries offer low tuition fees for most international students—often €500–€3,000/year—while EU citizens may study nearly free of charge.

• Lower cost of living than Western Europe
• Good entry options for medicine, engineering, and the humanities

9. Cyprus

Public universities in Cyprus are free for EU/EEA students and extremely affordable for others (~€2,500/year).

• Lower living costs compared to mainland Europe
• Great student life in a Mediterranean climate

10. Argentina (state universities)

Argentina offers completely free education at all levels in public universities, even for international students. This makes it one of the countries where students can study for free beyond Europe.

✅ Quick Comparison Table

💡 Tips for International Students

1. Check language requirements—many free-tuition programs require local-language study.
2. Factor in living costs—tuition may be free, but upkeep is not.
3. Explore scholarships—countries like Finland and Austria offer generous aid.
4. Work while studying—many countries permit part-time work, easing your budget.
5. Visa & stay policies—Germany and Cyprus offer generous post-study job search permits.

Why It Matters: Countries Where Students Can Study for Free

Choosing from the countries where students can study for free lets you pursue high-quality degrees without accumulating massive debt. While living costs and small fees remain, overall savings are significant when compared to places like the US, UK, or Australia.

Looking for scholarships to study in Europe? Check our scholarships guide.

✅ Final Thoughts

The concept of countries where students can study for free isn’t just a dream—it’s real. In 2025, nations like Germany, the Czech Republic, and Argentina will offer truly tuition‑free public university programs. Others, such as Austria and Slovenia, deliver near‑zero tuition options. It’s an exciting era for international students seeking global education on a budget, especially if you can adapt to local languages or explore scholarships.