Education is an expensive affair, and that can often dampen your academic aspiration. The cost of obtaining a degree has gone up significantly in the last few years alone, and coupled with the cost of living and other additional expenses; it can be quite the load to bear. But fear not, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to ease that burden for you, and give you a list of top-rated countries for education, that will burn a tiny or absolutely no hole in your pocket –
Germany
If you’re on the lookout for quality education at little to no cost, look no further than Germany. Undergraduates studying at public universities here are required to pay no tuition fee, except for €250 (Rs. 19,859) towards enrolment, confirmation and administration charges per semester. Masters’ degrees are also not chargeable, provided they fall under the realm of a ‘consecutive’ degree (being pursued directly after a related Bachelors’ degree in Germany itself). Doctorate programs too, come tuition-free, with a €250 administration charge. Students will have to bear living and eating expenses. Popular universities include the University of Cologne, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU), and Goethe University Frankfurt.
Sweden
Free higher education perks in Sweden can only be enjoyed by students within the EU/EEA and Switzerland. However, those wanting to a PhD at no cost whatsoever, are in for a treat. Not only do Sweden’s PhD programs cost nothing, outstanding students can also get paid while studying their courses. The program is a theoretically-oriented, research-based one. However, non-EU/EEA and Swiss candidates can study for free if Swedish or Finnish is their subject of study. Stockholm University, University of Gothenburg, and Blekinge Institute of Technology are some of the top institutions.
Norway
In Norway, students of all nationalities and fields of study are eligible for free education, but like Germany, will have to pay a semester-wise administration charge. A vast majority of undergraduate programs are taught in the Norwegian language, so international students must be proficient in the language in order to study here. However, most Masters’ and PhD-level programs are taught in English, and the free-of-cost education is still applicable. Leading universities include Bergen University College, Ostfold University College, and Lillehammer University College.
France
France is not popularly known for free or low-cost higher education. However, international students can enjoy affordable higher education here. There are a number of public universities that charge no tuition fee whatsoever, while some universities charge a yearly fee that is merely a fraction of what it costs to study elsewhere. However, programs such as engineering or medicine can change the price significantly. The University of Bordeaux, the University of Montpellier and the University of Strasbourg are some of these.
Spain
The benefits of a free education system in Spain can only be enjoyed by students belonging to the EU. However, international students’ fee will vary from €750 to €2,000 a year. However, the cost of living in Spain might not fit right into your budget, but when you have Sangrias and paella to gorge on all day, there isn’t much to complain about! Popular choices for students are the University of Granada, University of Seville, and the University of Valencia
