7 Countries with Free University Tuition Fees Policies, All in Europe

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Citing bareksa.com, the tuition fee for Indonesian universities inflated over 2.75 percent in June 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. The inflation occurred for several reasons, including the spike in tuition fees. 

The high tuition fees in Indonesian universities are a sore topic for many. Several universities often marked tens and hundreds of millions of Rupiah for certain faculties. But, unlike Indonesia, these seven countries below are known for their tuition-free colleges. What are these countries?

1. Germany

Citing fissionclassfields.com, Germany is often set as the leading standard for free education, since no university in the country applies tuition fees for domestic and international students.

In addition to free tuition, the cost of living in Germany is quite affordable, ranging from 700 euros to 1,100 euros. 

Citing mastersportal.com, the only exception to this rule is universities in Baden-Wurttemberg which marked €3,000 tuition per year for international students.

2. Denmark

Citing accreditedschoolonline.com, many students are eligible for tuition-free classes in Denmark. Its citizens, EU citizens or Switzerland, exchange students, permanent residents, and some temporary residents are among those eligible. However, international students must pay tuition to study in Denmark.

International students in Denmark are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week with the cost of living at least €1,215 per month. 

3. Finland

Finland is famous for its high-quality education. Receiving world-class teaching, students in Finland also enjoy tuition-free colleges. The cost of living in the country ranges from €978 to €1,294 per month, and international students are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week during their stay. They are able to request a 2-year extended stay in the country for job-seeking purposes.

4. France

France is one of the best countries for international students seeking quality learning with around 370,000 international students. With affordable tuition and cost of living, international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 964 hours per year during their studies in the country. 

5. Norway

Citing topuniversities.com, universities in Noway offer free tuition for all students regardless of nationality. Similar to Germany, students are only obliged to pay US$33-66 per semester. International students are urged to learn the Norwegian language since most of the classes are only taught in the native language. English classes are more common for graduate and PhD classes.

International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies at Norwegian universities. Norway's cost of living is within the normal range of 1,211 to 1,578 per month.

6. Slovenia

Public universities in Slovenia are offering tuition-free classes for its citizens and those from the EU. Students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia are also eligible for free tuition. International students who do not meet the criteria only pay US$2,100 per academic year.

With a fairly affordable cost of living at 807 to 985 per month, Slovenia is one of the most friendly countries for international students.

7. Iceland

Iceland has seven universities nationwide and mouse are offering tuition-free classes for students regardless of nationalities. International students cover about 5 percent of the higher education population in Iceland. 

Citing amberstudent.com, students enjoy an extraordinary student life with a 6-month stay. Students are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week, making Iceland one of the top countries offering free education for international students.

SUKMA JANTHI NURANI

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