If you are unable to obtain fully-funded university scholarships, try enrolling in universities that are tuition-free or charge modest tuition costs, or those that give tuition fee waivers. Germany, Norway, Austria, Finland, and Sweden all have various forms of free/low tuition programmes and tuition exemptions for overseas students.

1. Germany

As of October 2014, all German universities, with the exception of Baden-Württemberg*, will waive tuition for bachelor’s and subsequent master’s degree programs for all students, including overseas students.Universities in several Federal States will impose a semester contribution (about 50 euros) and/or administration fees (around 50 euros). Non-EU citizens are currently charged €1,500 per semester in tuition fees (for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diplom, and state examination degree programs) by the federal state of Baden-Württemberg.

In contrast to undergraduate study, most Master’s programs in Germany have tuition fees, however they are not as exorbitant as in other countries.

Doctoral studies, on the other hand, are generally free in German universities. PhD students are only charged tuition when they have completed their first six semesters, however they must pay a semester contribution of roughly 150-200 euros per semester. Doctoral students are usually compensated to work on a research project or get a stipend.

Cost of Studying in Germany: German students spend an average of 500-800 Euros on lodging, transportation, food, and miscellaneous expenses.

2. Norway

Tuition expenses are often waived at Norwegian state universities and university institutions for all students, including overseas students. This is true at all levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. Students must, however, pay a semester fee of NOK 300-600 each semester.

It should be noted that some public universities and university schools may charge tuition for a few specialized programs at the Masters level. Tuition fees are charged by the majority of private colleges for all programs and courses. However, the rates are typically substantially lower than those charged for equivalent research in the majority of other nations. Furthermore, foreign students do not pay higher tuition than Norwegian students.

Cost of Studying in Norway: You should keep in mind that living costs in Norway are greater than in many other nations. Living expenses would be between NOK 90,000 and NOK 100,000 per year.

3. Austria

If you are a non-EU/EEA student, tuition prices at federal/public universities in Austria are just roughly 726.72 Euros each semester, plus 20.20 Euros per semester for the student union membership fee “H-Beitrag” and the student accident insurance fee.

Tuition expenses may be waived or refunded under certain circumstances (for example, holders of certain scholarships, participants in exchange programs and university collaborations, and students from specific countries). More information is accessible straight from the university’s website.

Cost of Studying in Austria: In Austria, the cost of living for students is roughly 800 Euros per month, which includes housing, food, and personal costs.

4. Finland

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students were implemented in the autumn of 2017 for English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.Only doctoral studies will be exempt from tuition payments, regardless of nationality.

Scholarships are available at Finnish universities and UASs for talented non-EU/EEA students admitted to fee-paying Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. EDUFI Fellowships are available to support living expenses for up to one academic year of doctoral studies.

Cost of Studying in Finland: A single student’s monthly living expenses in Finland are estimated to be around 700-900 Euros.

5. Sweden

For those who are not citizens of an EU/EEA/Nordic countries or Switzerland and are studying at the bachelor’s or master’s level, application and tuition fees apply. However, the Swedish Institute and a large number of universities provide full and partial tuition waivers to international students.

PhD posts are typically given as paid positions in Sweden by universities or external funding sources. This implies that if you are hired as a PhD candidate, you will not have to pay any fees and will be paid on a monthly basis.