How to study abroad for free?

Under EU legislation, citizens of all EU member states have the right to access the educational system of the host country under the same conditions as citizens of that country. This is one of the reasons why an increasing number of Croatians are considering enrolling in EU universities that are free or have low tuition fees, or where tuition fee waivers are available. 

However, tuition fees at universities vary considerably. In some EU countries, higher education is free, while in others it is quite expensive. This equality of access to education does not necessarily extend to scholarships and living cost loans, although some countries do provide living cost grants to foreign students as well. Financial assistance such as scholarships, grants, and loans depend on various criteria.

Since the governments of EU member states are not obliged to provide scholarships or loans to students from other EU member states, it is important to know that universities in Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, and Germany offer programs in English as well as various types of free/low tuition fees and tuition fee waivers for international students. These universities most commonly accept the best-known standardized language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge tests. Students completing the IB program in most cases do not need to take a standardized English language test. We bring you more information for each of the countries.

Sweden

The Scandinavian countries are known for their high social values and excellent standard of living. Many international students want to study in this part of the world specifically due to the exceptional quality of education, motivating environment, and the less formal relationship with professors.

Besides its beautiful and unspoiled nature, Sweden is well known as one of Europe’s most economically developed countries and a land of innovation. IKEA, H&M, Volvo, Skype, Ericsson, and many other companies are Swedish firms. The market economy is highly developed, communications are excellently developed, and the workforce is highly educated. Sweden has a high standard of living, so student living costs are somewhat higher. The most well-known universities in Sweden are located in Jönköping, Linköping, Örebro, Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Malmö.

Here are some reasons to study in Sweden:

• The education system is globally recognized, highly ranked, and well organized. Sweden offers two types of higher education institutions: universities and university colleges, and there is a very large number of quality educational programs. Many Swedish technical universities are ranked among the world’s leading universities (especially in mining science, materials science, engineering, computer science, robotics, and space science)
• Student life is prosperous. Croatian students in Sweden are permitted to work part-time. Knowledge of English will be sufficient to find work, although knowledge of Swedish will open up greater opportunities.
• There are at least 15 free universities. The Swedish Institute and numerous faculties offer many scholarships, the greatest number being for doctoral studies.
• There are around 1,000 study programs in English. To enroll, it is sufficient to prove English proficiency with TOEFL and IELTS test results. Regardless of the fact that Swedish is not required for studying, you will have the opportunity to learn it as universities organize events where students socialize, get to know each other, and learn the language in the process.
• Informal relationship between professors and students. Studies in Sweden are student-oriented, and professors are approachable and continuously provide feedback on student progress. Students are expected to participate actively, so discussions, presentations, and group projects are an integral part of every course.
• Many students stay in Sweden after graduation. Highly educated professionals are continuously in demand, and employment conditions (high salaries, flexible working hours) are among the best in the world.
• Sweden is a country where you can enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle and a modern food culture. Swedes value healthy living, life expectancy is long, and quality of life is exceptionally high. Sweden is a country where seven out of ten residents put on their sports shoes and exercise at least once a week.

Denmark

Denmark is one of the most developed countries in the world and, according to some research, the Danes are the happiest nation. They quickly embrace innovation and love a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature. Denmark is considered to have the fifth best tertiary education system in the world. Many Danish universities appear on the international ranking of the best universities for engineering, robotics, and technology, and are considered the largest and best universities in Scandinavia.

Denmark is another Scandinavian country that offers a large, if not the largest, number of free programs in English. Every year, more and more school-leavers and students choose to study in Denmark. Some of the main reasons are that studying in Denmark is free and students have the opportunity to earn money while studying, which significantly eases the management of finances during their studies. The most well-known universities in Denmark are located in Copenhagen, Aalborg, Odense, and Aarhus.

Here are some reasons to study in Denmark:

• Studying in Denmark is free, meaning EU students do not pay tuition fees, but living costs (accommodation, food, and personal expenses) need to be covered.
• Students have the right to work alongside their studies but only 15 hours per week, meaning 3 hours per day over five days. Students who work alongside their studies can apply for a Danish government grant. If a student works between 11 and 15 hours per week, they are entitled to a non-repayable Danish government grant (6,000 Danish kroner).
• Knowledge of Danish is not required to study in Denmark. To enroll in studies, it is sufficient to prove English proficiency with TOEFL and IELTS test results. A free Danish language course is organized for students.
• Relaxed relationship between professors and students. Studies in Denmark, as in Sweden, are student-oriented and professors are approachable, continuously providing feedback on student progress. Students are expected to participate actively, so discussions, presentations, and group projects are also an integral part of every course there.
• Top-quality education. Programs combine academic and theoretical foundations with an emphasis on the latest teaching and study methods, including collaborative projects and group work.
• Universities are superbly equipped. In Denmark, students study on modernly equipped campuses, in classrooms, libraries, and laboratories with 24-hour access.
• Major investment in education. Denmark, like other Scandinavian countries, invests heavily in quality education for its citizens and is extremely proud of this. The state takes care to provide its citizens with a thorough education and in this way helps to maintain a high standard of living.
• Strong alignment of study quotas with labor market requirements. Universities work closely with the industries that will welcome their graduates. They provide opportunities for quality internships, as well as continuous development of study programs that equip students with the skills needed to enter and navigate the labor market. This education enables students to acquire professional qualifications and social competencies that can then be applied in both the public and private sectors.
• You can enjoy the Scandinavian lifestyle. The Danes also value healthy living, life expectancy is long, and quality of life is exceptionally high.

Norway

Norway is a Scandinavian country that borders Sweden, Finland, and Russia, while on the other side it opens onto the North Atlantic Ocean. It is known as the land of a thousand fjords, attracting many people due to its exceptionally modern and favorable living conditions. It is an economically highly developed country, rich in oil, natural gas, forests, and minerals. Norway is also a country with a high standard of living, regular and above-average earnings, and the so-called Scandinavian social model, which includes free healthcare and higher education. Although universities and faculties strive to accept as many international students as possible, keep in mind that the cost of living in Norway is higher than in many other countries and somewhat higher than in other Scandinavian countries. The most well-known faculties are located in Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø.

Here are some reasons to study in Norway:

• Although not an EU member, Norwegian state universities and university colleges do not generally charge tuition fees to any students, including international students. This applies to all levels of study, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. At some faculties, students pay an administrative fee of 300–600 NOK per semester (approximately 35 to 70 euros). In addition, some state universities do charge tuition for specialized master’s programs.
• Although not an EU member, if tuition is charged at a university, foreign students do not pay higher tuition fees than Norwegian students.
• Postoji a large number of free master’s and doctoral programs available to international students in English. Students who will study in English are required to pass the IELTS test. Please note that for now, most undergraduate programs are available only in Norwegian. For students who will follow the program in Norwegian, there is an option of a one-year Norwegian language course organized by the faculty.
• Scholarships of around 1,000 euros per month are available for postgraduate students, which help offset the high everyday living costs. The remainder students must finance independently through student loans and student jobs.
• Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week, and during holidays full-time work is permitted.
• You will receive a top-quality education recognized worldwide. The academic environment is exceptionally technologically advanced and flexible. Their maritime studies, mining-geology, and IT programs are well known. Studying in Norway can enhance your career prospects.
• Enjoying nature is high on the list of priorities. The nature of Norway is stunning and awakens an adventurous spirit. Norwegians believe that time spent in nature is extremely important, for which they even have a special word – friluftsliv. A large proportion of Norwegians choose skiing, skating, forest walks, and lake swimming instead of the gym, so you too will easily combine studying with spending time in nature.

Austria

Austria has long been a very attractive study destination for Croatian students. It is known for its natural beauty, traditions, and classical music. The entire country is full of various landmarks and interesting destinations to visit, but perhaps most importantly, Austria is a technologically highly developed country that offers a high quality of life. Many Austrian technology companies are counted among the most innovative firms in Europe. Well-known institutions include the University of Vienna in Vienna, the Technische Universität in Graz, and the MCI – The Entrepreneurial School in Innsbruck.

Here are some reasons to study in Austria:

• Austria is one of the geographically closest destinations to Croatia that offers quality studies recognized worldwide and is excellently connected by transport
• Studying is free. You will only need to pay membership fees to the Austrian Students’ Union of around 20 euros per semester
• Most undergraduate study programs are offered only in German and a good knowledge of German (at B2 or C1 level) is required for enrollment. Many universities also organize German language courses through which you can achieve the level of German needed to begin your desired study program.
• Educational institutions offer an increasing range of programs in English at master’s level studies. Enrollment requires a B2–C1 level of English proficiency, which corresponds to a score of 6.5–7.0 on the IELTS test, 85–100 points on the TOEFL test, or the equivalent on Cambridge tests.
• Some universities also offer their own scholarships.
• More than 25% of all students in Austria are foreign students, making student life rich with intercultural openness.
• University enrollment is possible in the autumn intake (winter semester) as well as in the spring intake (summer semester).
• A wide range of student accommodation is available, including student dormitories, public, and private accommodation
• Excellent education system: universities are internationally and practically oriented; there is the possibility of studying and professional development alongside work, as well as obtaining funding for research and scientific projects.
• Universities provide numerous career development opportunities: student internships, work-study programs, professional training, permanent employment in international projects, and well-paid positions.

Germany

Germany is globally known for its strong economy, serious work ethic, and well-organized society. Throughout the country there are hundreds of higher education institutions offering an enormous number of study programs from all sectors. Thanks to the top-class education system, modern university infrastructure, student-friendly approach, and an ever-growing range of programs in English, every tenth student in Germany is an international student. Well-known universities where you can find programs in English include the University of Magdeburg, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the University of Freiburg, and the University of Göttingen.

Here are some reasons to study in Germany:

• Studying at public universities is free.
• In addition to German, there are numerous study programs in English. To enroll in an English-language program, you must confirm a sufficient level of language proficiency. You must pass one of the international exams: IELTS, TOEFL, or GMAT. Universities often require a high level of English proficiency (C1–C2). In terms of the quality of education and the organization of the educational process, there is no difference between programs in English or German.
• If your school certificate or diploma is not recognized in Germany, you can attend a preparatory course at a Studienkolleg. The preparatory course usually lasts 2 semesters, i.e., one year. This type of preparation is generally free, or a membership fee of approximately 30 to 200 euros per semester may be charged.
• Many German universities are highly ranked. Degrees issued by German universities are recognized by most countries in the world and are highly valued in the labor market.
• International students have the right to part-time work during their studies. This can help with living costs and allow you to gain international work experience.
• There are various scholarship programs that can further ease the burden of living costs.
• University enrollment is possible in the autumn intake (winter semester) as well as in the spring intake (summer semester).
• Study programs are very well aligned with labor market needs.
• Nature is ideal for hiking, cycling, and skiing.

The process of gathering information about all the conditions and details related to studying in the various countries where study is free can be lengthy and extremely demanding, stressful, and often overwhelming. Our mentorship program offers the right support and structured guidance along the way, helping you reduce stress and frustration while significantly increasing your chances of enrolling and studying in these countries.