Studying abroad does not always mean spending lakhs on tuition. Several countries, including Germany, Norway, Finland, and Austria, offer tuition-free education at public universities. Indian students can pursue engineering, medicine, business, and technology degrees without paying tuition fees.
So, what does tuition-free education actually mean? Public universities in these countries do not charge tuition fees but require students to cover living expenses, health insurance, and semester administration fees. Some countries offer completely tuition-free education, while others provide heavily subsidized tuition for international students.
For example, in Germany, the semester fee ranges from €100 to €400 (₹9K–₹36K), while in Norway, universities charge only a small registration fee. However, compared to the USA, UK, or Australia, where tuition alone can cost ₹20L–₹50L per year, studying in these countries is far more affordable.
This blog covers the best free education countries for Indian students, top universities, and how Indian students can apply.
Free education countries for Indian students provide the opportunity to study abroad at lower costs. Like Sweden awards over 300 full-tuition scholarships to international students each year. The Czech Republic has over 50,000 international students, and free education is available for those studying in the Czech Republic.
Here are the top 10 free education countries for Indian students:
1. Germany
Germany offers tuition-free education at public universities for both domestic and international students. Students only pay a small semester fee of €100–€400 (₹9K–₹36K), depending on the university. Private universities charge €10,000–€30,000 per year, which is significantly higher. More than 42,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in German universities, mainly in engineering, business, IT, and healthcare. The country has over 400 public universities and a strong research-driven education system with industry collaborations.
IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+), or German B1/B2 for German-taught programs.
Application Portal
Uni-Assist or direct university application.
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
No tuition fees; only a semester fee of €100–€400 per semester.
Living Costs
€850–€1,200 (₹75K–₹1.05L) per month, depending on the city.
Rent & Utilities
€400–€800 (₹35K–₹70K).
Food & Groceries
€150–€250 (₹13K–₹22K).
Transport & Other Expenses
€100–€200 (₹9K–₹18K).
Work Opportunities
Students can work 20 hours per week, earning €12–€15 (₹1,000–₹1,300) per hour.
Post-Study Stay
Germany offers an 18-month post-study work permit.
Average Graduate Salaries
€50,000–€80,000 per year (₹42L–₹66L) in engineering, IT, finance, and business.
2. Norway
Norway offers tuition-free education at public universities for all students, including international applicants. Students only need to pay a small semester fee of NOK 600–800 (₹5K–₹7K) per semester. Private universities charge NOK 80,000–120,000 per year (₹6.7L–₹10L). More than 15,000 international students study in Norway, mainly in engineering, data science, marine sciences, and renewable energy. The country has high-quality education, strong research programs, and a high standard of living.
Norwegian B2 for bachelor's, IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+) for master's.
Application Portal
Samordna Opptak (bachelor’s), direct university application (master’s).
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
No tuition fees; only a semester fee of NOK 600–800 per semester.
Living Costs
NOK 10,000–15,000 (₹80K–₹1.2L) per month, depending on the city.
Rent & Utilities
NOK 6,000–10,000 (₹50K–₹85K).
Food & Groceries
NOK 3,000–5,000 (₹25K–₹42K).
Transport & Other Expenses
NOK 1,500–3,000 (₹12K–₹25K).
Work Opportunities
Students can work 20 hours per week, earning NOK 180–220 (₹1,500–₹1,800) per hour.
Post-Study Stay
Norway offers a 1-year job-seeker visa after graduation.
Average Graduate Salaries
NOK 550,000–800,000 per year (₹46L–₹67L) in engineering, IT, and finance.
3. Finland
Finland offers tuition-free education at public universities for EU students. Non-EU students, including Indians, must pay tuition fees but can apply for scholarships that cover full or partial tuition.
Bachelor’s programs cost between €4,000–€18,000 (₹3.3L–₹15L) per year, while master’s programs range from €8,000–€25,000 (₹6.6L–₹21L) per year.
More than 20,000 international students study in Finland, mainly in AI, business, engineering, and environmental sciences. The country has over 35 higher education institutions, including world-ranked universities.
EU students study for free, while non-EU students pay tuition but can apply for full or partial scholarships.
Language of Instruction
Many bachelor's programs require Finnish or Swedish, while master's programs are widely available in English.
Popular Universities
University of Helsinki, Aalto University, University of Turku, Tampere University.
Eligibility (Bachelor's)
75%+ in Class 12, completion of one year at an Indian university.
Eligibility (Master's)
Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Language Proficiency
IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+).
Application Portal
Studyinfo.fi.
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
€4,000–€18,000 per year for bachelor's, €8,000–€25,000 per year for master's.
Living Costs
€700–€1,200 (₹62K–₹1.05L) per month, depending on the city.
Rent & Utilities
€400–€800 (₹35K–₹70K).
Food & Groceries
€150–€250 (₹13K–₹22K).
Transport & Other Expenses
€100–€200 (₹9K–₹18K).
Work Opportunities
Students can work 25 hours per week, earning €10–€15 (₹850–₹1,300) per hour.
Post-Study Stay
Finland offers a 2-year post-study work permit.
Average Graduate Salaries
€45,000–€65,000 per year (₹37L–₹54L) in IT, engineering, and business management.
4. France
France does not offer fully tuition-free education, but public universities charge low tuition fees due to government subsidies.
Bachelor's programs cost €2,770 (₹2.3L) per year, master's programs cost €3,770 (₹3.2L) per year, and PhD programs cost €380 (₹32K) per year.
Private universities charge between €10,000–€30,000 per year, which is significantly higher.
More than 10,000 Indian students enroll in French universities each year, primarily in business, engineering, and hospitality. The country has over 70 public universities and a strong focus on research and industry collaborations.
IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+), or DELF/DALF for French-taught programs.
Application Portal
Campus France (centralized application system).
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
€2,770 per year for bachelor's, €3,770 per year for master's, €380 per year for PhD.
Living Costs
€800–€1,500 (₹70K–₹1.3L) per month depending on the city.
Rent & Utilities
€500–€1,000 (₹43K–₹87K).
Food & Groceries
€200–€400 (₹17K–₹35K).
Transport & Other Expenses
€100–€200 (₹9K–₹18K).
Work Opportunities
Students can work 20 hours per week, earning €10–€12 (₹850–₹1,000) per hour.
Post-Study Stay
France offers a 2-year post-study work permit for master’s graduates.
Average Graduate Salaries
€40,000–€60,000 per year (₹33L–₹50L) in finance, IT, engineering, and hospitality.
5. Austria
Austria offers tuition-free education for EU students and low-cost tuition for non-EU students at public universities. Non-EU students, including Indians, pay around €726 (₹63K) per semester, which is significantly lower than private university fees. More than 3,000 Indian students study in Austria, primarily in engineering, music, arts, and social sciences. The country has 22 public universities and is known for its research-driven education system.
IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+), or German B2/C1 for bachelor's programs.
Application Portal
Direct application to universities.
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
€726 per semester (₹63K per semester) for non-EU students.
Living Costs
€850–€1,300 (₹75K–₹1.1L) per month, depending on the city.
Rent & Utilities
€400–€800 (₹35K–₹70K).
Food & Groceries
€200–€350 (₹17K–₹30K).
Transport & Other Expenses
€150–€250 (₹13K–₹22K).
Work Opportunities
Students can work 20 hours per week, earning €10–€14 (₹850–₹1,200) per hour.
Post-Study Stay
Austria offers a 1-year job-seeker visa after graduation.
Average Graduate Salaries
€45,000–€65,000 per year (₹37L–₹54L) in engineering, finance, and IT.
6. Sweden
Sweden does not offer fully tuition-free education for non-EU students, but public universities provide scholarships that cover full or partial tuition.
Tuition fees range from SEK 80,000–140,000 (₹6.5L–₹11.5L) per year for bachelor's and master's programs. More than 39,000 international students study in Sweden, including many Indians, in fields like technology, business, and environmental sciences.
The country has over 50 universities, focusing on innovation, research, and industry collaborations with companies like Volvo, Ericsson, and IKEA.
EU students study for free, while non-EU students must pay tuition but can apply for full or partial scholarships.
Language of Instruction
Bachelor's programs require Swedish, while master's programs are widely available in English.
Popular Universities
Lund University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Uppsala University, Stockholm University.
Eligibility (Bachelor's)
75%+ in Class 12, completion of one year at an Indian university.
Eligibility (Master's)
Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Language Proficiency
IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+).
Application Portal
Universityadmissions.se.
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
SEK 80,000–140,000 per year (₹6.5L–₹11.5L) for non-EU students.
Living Costs
SEK 8,000–12,000 (₹70K–₹1L) per month, depending on the city.
Rent & Utilities
SEK 4,000–7,000 (₹35K–₹60K).
Food & Groceries
SEK 2,500–4,000 (₹22K–₹35K).
Transport & Other Expenses
SEK 1,500–2,500 (₹13K–₹22K).
Work Opportunities
Students can work 20 hours per week, earning SEK 120–150 (₹1,000–₹1,250) per hour.
Post-Study Stay
Sweden offers a 1-year post-study work visa.
Average Graduate Salaries
SEK 400,000–600,000 per year (₹35L–₹50L) in IT, finance, and engineering.
7. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers tuition-free education at public universities for students who study in Czech. Non-Czech-speaking students must pay tuition fees, which range from €3,000–€12,000 (₹2.5L–₹10L) per year for English-taught programs. More than 50,000 international students study in the Czech Republic, including many Indians in medicine, engineering, and social sciences. The country has 26 public universities and is known for affordable education and a low cost of living.
IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL (85+), or Czech proficiency for free programs.
Application Portal
Direct application to universities.
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
Free for Czech-taught programs; €3,000–€12,000 (₹2.5L–₹10L) per year for English-taught programs.
Living Costs
€600–€1,000 (₹52K–₹87K) per month, depending on the city.
Rent & Utilities
€300–€700 (₹26K–₹61K).
Food & Groceries
€150–€300 (₹13K–₹26K).
Transport & Other Expenses
€100–€200 (₹9K–₹18K).
Work Opportunities
Students can work 20 hours per week, earning €8–€12 (₹700–₹1,000) per hour.
Post-Study Stay
Czech Republic offers a 9-month post-study work visa.
Average Graduate Salaries
€30,000–€50,000 per year (₹25L–₹42L) in engineering, IT, and healthcare.
8. Denmark
Denmark does not offer tuition-free education for non-EU students, but public universities provide scholarships and tuition waivers.
Tuition fees for non-EU students range from DKK 45,000–120,000 (₹5.5L–₹15L) per year. More than 8,000 international students enroll in Danish universities each year, mainly in engineering, business, and environmental sciences.
Denmark has 8 public universities, focusing on practical learning, sustainability, and industry collaboration with global companies like Maersk, Novo Nordisk, and Vestas.
EU students study for free; non-EU students pay tuition but can apply for scholarships and tuition waivers.
Language of Instruction
Most bachelor's programs require Danish, while many master's programs are available in English.
Popular Universities
University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen Business School.
Eligibility (Bachelor's)
75%+ in Class 12, completion of one year at an Indian university.
Eligibility (Master's)
Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Language Proficiency
IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+).
Application Portal
Optagelse.dk (bachelor’s), direct university application (master’s).
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
DKK 45,000–120,000 per year (₹5.5L–₹15L) for non-EU students.
Living Costs
DKK 7,000–12,000 (₹82K–₹1.4L) per month, depending on the city.
Rent & Utilities
DKK 3,500–6,500 (₹41K–₹77K).
Food & Groceries
DKK 2,500–4,000 (₹29K–₹47K).
Transport & Other Expenses
DKK 1,000–2,000 (₹11K–₹23K).
Work Opportunities
Students can work 20 hours per week, earning DKK 110–150 (₹1,300–₹1,800) per hour.
Post-Study Stay
Denmark offers a 2-year post-study work permit.
Average Graduate Salaries
DKK 400,000–600,000 per year (₹47L–₹70L) in IT, engineering, and business.
9. Belgium
Belgium does not offer fully tuition-free education, but public universities charge low tuition fees for international students.
Tuition fees range from €800–€4,000 (₹70K–₹3.5L) per year for bachelor's and master's programs. More than 6,000 international students enroll in Belgian universities each year, mainly in engineering, international relations, and business.
The country has 11 public universities, with strong research programs and industry links with European Union institutions, finance hubs, and multinational companies.
Public universities charge low tuition fees, making education highly affordable for international students.
Language of Instruction
Most bachelor's programs are in Dutch, French, or German, while many master's programs are in English.
Popular Universities
KU Leuven, Ghent University, Université catholique de Louvain, University of Liège.
Eligibility (Bachelor's)
70%+ in Class 12, language proficiency if applying for a non-English program.
Eligibility (Master's)
Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Language Proficiency
IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+), or Dutch/French/German for local-taught programs.
Application Portal
Direct university application.
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
€800–€4,000 per year (₹70K–₹3.5L) for non-EU students.
Living Costs
€900–€1,500 (₹78K–₹1.3L) per month, depending on the city.
Rent & Utilities
€400–€800 (₹35K–₹70K).
Food & Groceries
€200–€400 (₹17K–₹35K).
Transport & Other Expenses
€100–€200 (₹9K–₹18K).
Work Opportunities
Students can work 20 hours per week, earning €10–€12 (₹850–₹1,000) per hour.
Post-Study Stay
Belgium offers a 1-year post-study work permit.
Average Graduate Salaries
€45,000–€70,000 per year (₹37L–₹58L) in finance, IT, and engineering.
10. Spain
Spain does not offer fully tuition-free education, but public universities charge low tuition fees for international students.
Tuition fees range from €750–€3,500 (₹65K–₹3L) per year for bachelor's and master's programs. More than 60,000 international students enroll in Spanish universities each year, with many choosing fields like business, tourism, engineering, and humanities.
Spain has 50+ public universities, many of which are highly ranked for research and innovation.
€30,000–€50,000 per year (₹25L–₹42L) in tourism, business, IT, and engineering.
How to Apply to Free Education Countries for Indian Students?
Some programs in free education countries for Indian students may ask for entrance exams, language tests, or financial proof, while scholarships help cover expenses. A step-by-step approach makes the process easier. Here’s how you can get started.
1. Pick the Right Country and University
Not all tuition-free countries work the same way. Germany and Norway offer completely free education, while Finland, Sweden, and Austria provide scholarships that reduce costs. Find a university that fits your course and check their admission rules.
2. Check What’s Required for Admission
Most universities ask for your academic transcripts, language test scores, and a strong statement of purpose. Some may require exams like GRE, GMAT, or MCAT. If you're applying to Germany, a minimum of 75%+ is expected for top universities.
3. Get Your Documents Ready
A valid passport, health insurance, and financial proof are must-haves. Germany asks for €11,208 (₹10L) in a blocked account to cover your living expenses. Some universities might also need recommendation letters or proof of work experience.
4. Submit Your Application Online
Each country has its own system. Germany uses Uni-Assist, Norway has Samordna Opptak, and Finland & Sweden process applications through Studyinfo.fi and Universityadmissions.se. For Austria and the Czech Republic, you’ll need to apply directly to the university.
5. Apply for Scholarships
Even though tuition is free, scholarships help cover rent, food, and travel. DAAD (Germany), the Swedish Institute Scholarship, and the Norwegian Quota Scholarship offer full or partial funding. Apply for scholarships at the same time as your university application.
6. Get Your Student Visa
Once you get your admission letter, apply for a student visa. Most countries ask for financial proof, university confirmation, and health insurance as part of the process.
7. Sort Out Housing and Travel
Student dorms fill up fast, so apply early. Flights are cheaper when booked in advance, so don’t wait too long. Learning a few basic words in the local language helps with everyday life and settling in faster.
Scholarships for Indian Students in Free Education Countries for Indian Students
Tuition-free education reduces costs, but students must still cover living expenses, health insurance, and study materials. Several free education countries for Indian students offer scholarships to help Indian students manage these costs. These scholarships provide monthly stipends, accommodation support, and research funding.
Below is a table summarizing scholarships available to Indian students in these countries:
Country
Scholarship Name
Coverage
Eligibility
Germany
DAAD Scholarships
Monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance
Graduates, doctoral candidates, and postdocs
Deutschlandstipendium
€300/month
High-achieving students
Norway
Norwegian Government Quota Scheme
Tuition fee waiver, living expenses
Master's and PhD students from developing countries
Finland
Finnish Government Scholarship Pool
Monthly allowance
Doctoral level students
University of Helsinki Scholarships
Tuition fee waiver, €10,000 relocation grant
Master's students
France
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Monthly allowance, international travel, health insurance
Master's and PhD students
Charpak Scholarship
Monthly stipend, tuition fee waiver, visa fee waiver
Master's students
Austria
OeAD Scholarships
Monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance
Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students
Sweden
Swedish Institute Scholarships
Tuition fee waiver, living expenses, travel grant
Master's students
Czech Republic
Czech Government Scholarships
Tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend
Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD students
Denmark
Danish Government Scholarships
Tuition fee waiver, living expenses
Highly qualified non-EU/EEA students
Belgium
ARES Scholarships
Tuition fee waiver, living allowance, travel costs
Master's and training courses
Spain
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, travel costs
Master's students
Note: Scholarship details such as coverage and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Applicants should verify the current information on the official scholarship websites.
Pros & Cons of Studying in Free Education Countries for Indian Students
No tuition fees mean huge savings and a degree from a top university can open up opportunities worldwide. But there’s more to consider. Language barriers and limited seats can be a concern.
Here’s a look at the advantages and challenges of studying in free education countries for Indian students.
Factor
Advantages
Disadvantages
Tuition Fees
No tuition at public universities
Students still pay for living costs
Degree Recognition
Globally accepted qualifications
Some degrees require licensing for jobs in India
Post-Study Work & PR
Opportunity for work visas and PR
Job market competition can be high
Living Expenses
More affordable than USA/UK
Some cities have high rent and daily costs
Language Requirements
Many master's programs are in English
Some bachelor's degrees require local language proficiency
Admission Process
Merit-based selection
Limited seats for international students
Study Abroad Assistance with upGrad Abroad Experts
FAQs on Studying in Free Education Countries for Indian Students
Are there hidden fees in tuition-free universities?
Yes, even tuition-free universities may charge administrative fees, student union fees, and examination costs. Some programs also require students to pay for lab usage, study materials, and insurance. In Germany, for example, students pay a semester fee of €100–€400 (₹9K–₹36K).
Do tuition-free universities offer courses in English?
Many European countries, including Germany, Norway, and Finland, offer tuition-free programs in English, especially at the master’s level. However, some undergraduate programs require basic proficiency in the local language.
How do I fund my living expenses if tuition is free?
Students cover living costs through part-time work, government grants, and scholarships. Countries like Germany and Norway allow students to work 20 hours per week, with wages averaging €10–€15 per hour (₹900–₹1,400).
Are tuition-free universities recognized globally?
Yes, many tuition-free universities rank among the top in the world. Institutions like Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Germany) and the University of Oslo (Norway) are globally recognized. Graduates can work in India, the USA, Canada, and other countries after completing required licensing exams.
Can I get PR after studying in a tuition-free country?
Many tuition-free countries offer a post-study work visa leading to PR. Germany provides an 18-month post-study visa, while Norway allows job-seeking permits for up to a year. Students who secure full-time jobs can apply for permanent residency.
Do free universities require IELTS or TOEFL?
Most universities require IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (90+) for English-taught programs. Some universities accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificates from students who completed previous education in English.
Are there age restrictions for applying to tuition-free programs?
No strict age limit exists, but some scholarships have upper age limits (e.g., DAAD scholarships in Germany cap at 36 years).
What are the chances of getting into a free university?
Admission is competitive, especially for medicine, engineering, and business programs. Students with high GPAs (75%+), strong SOPs, and research experience have better chances.
Is studying in a free university better than studying in a paid one?
Tuition-free universities provide top-quality education, strong faculty, and global recognition. However, paid universities may offer better resources, networking, and career services.
Can I switch universities after enrolling in a free program?
Some universities allow transfers, but students may need to prove valid academic reasons and meet new admission requirements. Credit transfers are easier within the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) in Europe.
Are free universities competitive to get into?
Yes, admission is tough due to limited seats for international students. For example, Germany’s Charité Medical School has an acceptance rate of less than 5% for non-EU applicants.
Can I work part-time while studying at a tuition-free university?
Yes, students in Germany, Norway, and Sweden can work up to 20 hours per week. Monthly earnings range between €800–€1,500 (₹72K–₹1.3L), covering a portion of living expenses.
Do tuition-free programs have the same quality as paid ones?
Yes, many tuition-free universities rank higher than paid ones. Germany’s TU Munich and Norway’s University of Bergen consistently rank among the top 200 globally.
How do I prove financial sufficiency for a visa in a tuition-free country?
Students must show proof of funds for living expenses. In Germany, students must deposit €11,208 (₹10L) in a blocked account, while Norway requires NOK 137,907 (₹10.5L).
15. Can I get a full scholarship in addition to free tuition?
Yes, students can apply for DAAD (Germany), Erasmus Mundus (EU), and SI Scholarships (Sweden), which cover living expenses, travel, and accommodation. Some universities also offer research grants and stipends.
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.
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