Education in Europe is becoming more and more popular every year, and most importantly, it is more accessible for thousands of applicants around the world. Free training programs for foreigners are offered by many European universities, but each country has its own rules and its approach to foreign applicants. This article contains information on which European countries students can get free higher education and what is required for it.
Which European countries have free higher education for foreigners?
Most of the countries of the European Union show a high interest in attracting young professionals from abroad. Some of them are even ready to finance the training of future specialists.
These countries, for example, include:
Germany
It is not so easy to enter a German university, but still, it is possible. It is required to learn at a pre-university training, know the language, and have a sufficient amount in the bank account to live in the country.
Tuition payment
Education in Germany can be obtained completely free of charge, but you need to pay a semester fee. It starts from 726 euros per semester, depending on the university.
Conditions of admission
Most often, to enter a university in Germany, after high school, you must first enter the Studienkolleg. It is a college of pre-university training. Such colleges are open based on universities, and their main task is to compensate for the difference in school programs in Germany and other countries. The conditions of study are the same as at the university – only a semester fee is paid. The course lasts 10-12 months. After completion, you need to pass an exam confirming your willingness to study at a German university.
Language of instruction
In Germany, training takes place mainly in German, but there are also programs in English. For admission, a certificate of passing the language exam Goethe, TestDaF, DSH, or TELC level B2 is required.
Entry exams
Entrance tests at Studienkolleg depend on the direction of study. It should be German plus one more subject in the specialty (most often mathematics or English). Universities can also set their entrance tests for individual specialties.
Austria
Austrian requirements for foreign applicants are much softer than German ones, since you can enter right after high school, even without knowing the language, and after graduation, they give time to find a job.
Tuition payment
In public universities, education is free. But, as in most European countries, you have to pay a semester fee.
Entry exams
As a rule, there are no entrance examinations in Austria. The exception is medicine, sports, and creative specialties.
Language of instruction
The main language of instruction is German, but there are also programs in English. A student can apply without knowing the language. In this case, the student is trained according to a special program and simultaneously learns the language.
Czech
The advantages of higher education in the Czech Republic are the relatively low living costs. The Czech Republic willingly accepts foreign students, but it is required to confirm the school certificate and pass the exam.
Tuition payment
In public universities in the Czech language, education is free.
Conditions of admission
You can enter the universities of the Czech Republic immediately after graduation from high school, but you must go through the nostrification procedure – the recognition of a school certificate or a diploma issued in another country. Usually, nostrification requires passing from 2 to 5 exams in basic school subjects.
Entry exams
They are present in almost all universities. The list of entrance examinations depends on the direction of study.
Language of instruction
Education in the Czech Republic takes place in the Czech language. For admission, you need a certificate confirming knowledge of Czech, at least B2. There are programs in English, but they are usually paid, from 1000 euros per semester.
Greece
To enter a Greek university, you do not need to take exams, but you need to know the modern Greek language or take courses. An honors certificate will significantly increase your chances.
Tuition payment
In public universities, education for foreigners is free, but admission is based on a certificate competition. It means that you can go to university for free, or you may not get enough points for it.
Conditions of admission
Possibly after graduation. To enter a Greek university, you must submit an application to the Ministry of Education, where you need to indicate the desired faculties (no more than 20) and a high school diploma, and then wait for distribution to one of the faculties. You can also submit documents directly to the university.
Entry exams
There are no entrance examinations for Greek universities.
Language of instruction
The language of instruction is Modern Greek. For admission, you must pass an exam confirming knowledge of the language.
Norway
About 10% of Norwegian students are foreigners. The advantages of studying in Norway are the absence of exams and the opportunity to study in English. The disadvantage is the high cost of housing and food.
Tuition payment
Education in public universities in Norway is free, but you need to pay a semester fee of 30–70 euros, depending on the university.
Entry exams
There are no university entrance exams, but there is a high school diploma competition. For some areas (medical, creative), additional entrance tests are possible.
Language of instruction
The language of instruction is English or Norwegian. For foreign students, free training in the Norwegian language is organized for 1 year. After completion, an exam is required. To study in English, you need an IELTS or TOEFL certificate of at least B2.