Knowledge
Doing a degree programme from overseas universities for free, Is it possible?
There are many countries worldwide where international students can study for free or for a very affordable amount; you just need to know where to look.
Team ScooNews received the below question from one of our readers, recently:
"I am a student of Class XII and wanted to study abroad. However, the high tuition costs at Colleges and universities in USA, Canada and Australia have deterred me. I thought of asking someone this question “Doing a degree programme from overseas universities for free, Is it possible?” If not, then what are the low-cost options available to students who would like study abroad at international institutes of repute?"
This set the ball rolling for us to research and find out low-cost if not (completely) free options for students to study abroad (besides the traditionally preferred locations like USA, UK, Canada and Australia. Below are listed a few countries we found. However, those looking to obtain a degree in these countries may have to master a foreign language. During our research, we found that while many postgraduate courses are taught in English, undergraduate programmes are usually taught in the country's national language.
Argentina
Argentinian students all enjoy access to free universities whereas international students are expected to pay a small, nominal fee to enrol at public universities in the country. In a recent online survey, Argentinian capital Buenos Aires was ranked 32nd best city for students.
Austria
Another country where students can study for free (or at a very low cost) is Austria. International students from outside of the EU/EEA should expect fees of around €726 (~US$770) per semester. Living costs a little high as compared to some other countries on this list and students will need approximately between €10,200-12,000 (~US$10,820-12,730) a year.
Fees: $1,100 to $2,000 a year.
Living expenses: $1,400 a month.
Belgium
There are two main language communities in Belgium, each with their own stance on university fees. However, EU students will pay a maximum of only €835 (~US$890) a year. And while it’s just EU students who get the major benefits of being able to study in Europe for free, fees are still very affordable for international students, ranging from €890 to a maximum of €4,175 (~US$940-4,430) per year. You can live in Belgium with a budget of around €11,400 (~US$12,100) a year.
Czech Republic
Students who speak Czech can study abroad for free in the Czech Republic at any public university. Students who wish to study in English can also study quite affordable fees, at around CZK 108,334 (~US$4,260) per year. Living costs are more affordable than Western Europe, at around CRK 106,900-229,070 (~US$4,200-9000) per year.
France
International students may be surprised to hear that they can also study in France for free (or, at a very low cost), regardless of their nationality. Although university fees do exist at public universities in France, they’re just a fraction of those charged in most countries.
Fees: $280 to $900 a year, plus $320 a year for the student social security scheme.
Cost of living: $1,200 to $1,500 a month.
Language requirements: Minimum Advanced B1 level in French for most bachelor's courses taught in French. More than 1,200 bachelor's and master's programmes taught in English.
Germany
There are no undergraduate tuition fees at public universities in Germany, and this applies to both German students and international students, regardless of nationality. Just a small nominal university fee is charged, of around €150-250 (approximately US$160-265) to cover administration costs. Munich and Berlin are two of the top destinations for study in Germany.
Fees: $400 a year on average. Tuition fees of about $4,500 a year to be introduced in federal state of Baden-Württemberg from October.
Living expenses: $1,200 a month.
Norway
University study is available free of charge to all students, regardless of study level or nationality. Most undergraduate programs are taught only in Norwegian, and international students need to demonstrate proof of proficiency in Norwegian to study at this level. At master’s and PhD level, English language programs are far more common and free tuition still applies.
Fees: $160 to $400 a year.
Living expenses: $1,700 a month.
Language requirements: Most bachelor level courses taught in Norwegian. Over 100 master's degrees in English.
Taiwan
Tuition fees in Taiwan offer great value, with the nation’s top universities offering affordable programs. National Taiwan University (NTU), the nation’s leading university last year charged undergraduate students just TW$100,920-124,200 (~US$3,175-3,900) per year.
There are many countries worldwide where international students can study for free or for a very affordable amount; you just need to know where to look. While most of this applies to the public education system in these countries, a noteworthy point is that even the private institutions in most of these countries will cost lesser than some of India’s premier educational institutions. Just be very thorough in your research and double check the affiliation and recognition of the university and degree in India.