Instead of investing all your life time savings, or take loans from organizations to pay heavy interest just to fund your oversea education why not consider Germany, Norway and Finland. These countries offer world class education which comes with lesser expenses and affordable tuition fees, that’s not all, also, there opportunities to get mouthwatering scholarships that will help cover the cost of living.
let’s dive in properly into this guild.
Why consider Germany, Norway, and Finland as top countries for tuition-free education?
The best fully funded scholarships available
Tips for applying and increasing your chances of selection
This guild is for all who wish to have quality and sound education, whether you’re a high school graduate, undergraduate, or graduate student, just read through to explore the best opportunities to study for free in Europe.
Why Study in Germany, Norway, and Finland?
1. Tuition-Free Education at Public Universities
Non-EU students in Germany and Norway can have free or low-cost education. This we can consider as an advantage, public universities do not charge for tuition fees especially in these three countries.
2. High-Quality Education
All three countries consistently rank high in global education indexes. Universities are research-intensive, innovative, and globally recognized.
3. Safe and Inclusive Environments
Germany, Norway, and Finland are among the safest countries in the world, with strong policies supporting international students.
4. English-Taught Programs
You don’t need to speak German, Norwegian, or Finnish to study in these countries. Hundreds of degree programs are taught entirely in English.
Scholarships in Germany
1. DAAD Scholarships (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
Best for: International students applying for postgraduate courses.
Covers: Monthly stipend (around €861), travel allowance, insurance, and sometimes full tuition if applicable.
Fields: All disciplines, especially development-related postgraduate programs.
Eligibility: Varies; usually requires a Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of work experience (for development scholarships).
2. Erasmus+
Best for: Students enrolling in Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMD).
Covers: Full tuition, travel, insurance, and monthly living allowance.
Duration: 1-2 years.
Highlights: Study in at least two different European countries.
3. Deutschlandstipendium
Best for: Undergraduate and graduate students with excellent academic records.
Covers: €300 per month for at least two semesters.
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities; academic excellence and social engagement matter.
Check individual university portals for applications.
Scholarships in Norway
1. Norwegian Government Quota Scheme (Replaced by NORPART & other bilateral programs)
Though the original Quota Scheme has been phased out, new scholarship models through the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORPART) and other bilateral schemes are available.
Target: Students from developing countries.
Covers: Full tuition (free already), living costs, and travel.
Apply via partner universities.
2. BI Presidential Scholarship – BI Norwegian Business School
Best for: Master’s students in business-related fields.
Covers: Full tuition + monthly stipend for international students.
Eligibility: High academic achievers.
3. Erasmus+ (Also available in Norway)
Norwegian institutions also participate in Erasmus+ programs for exchange and full-degree students.
Scholarships in Finland
Finland charges tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, but generous scholarships are offered by universities to cover these costs — sometimes fully.
1. Finland Government Scholarship Pool
Best for: Doctoral-level students.
Covers: Monthly allowance of €1,500 for up to 12 months.
Eligibility: For doctoral students from specific countries with a bilateral agreement.
2. University of Helsinki Scholarships
Best for: Master’s students from outside the EU/EEA.
Types:
Full Scholarship (tuition + €10,000 grant)
Tuition Fee Grant
Duration: 2 years.
3. Aalto University Scholarships
Best for: STEM and business students.
Covers: 50–100% of tuition fees.
Eligibility: Based on academic excellence.
Additional Grant: Some may include a living cost grant.
4. University of Turku & Tampere University Scholarships
Both offer full and partial tuition fee waivers and sometimes living cost grants.
Website: Check individual university scholarship pages.
Tuition-Free Universities in Germany, Norway, and Finland
Even without a scholarship, you can study almost tuition-free at these top universities:
Germany:
LMU Munich
University of Heidelberg
Technical University of Munich
Humboldt University of Berlin
Note: You pay only a small semester fee (~€250–350), which includes public transportation and student services.
Norway:
University of Oslo
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
University of Bergen
Tuition: Free for all students, including non-EU.
Finland:
Tuition-free for EU/EEA students.
Non-EU students can get full tuition waivers from:
University of Eastern Finland
LUT University
Åbo Akademi University
How to Apply for These Scholarships
1. Start Early
Most scholarship deadlines are between December and March for the next academic year (starting in August/September).
2. Prepare Key Documents
You’ll usually need:
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- CV/Resume
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)
3. Apply to the University First
Most scholarships are tied to your university admission. You must apply and get accepted before receiving a scholarship.
4. Write a Compelling Motivation Letter
Explain:
- Why this country and university?
- Your goals after graduation
- How the scholarship will help you
5. Demonstrate Academic Excellence and Social Impact
Many scholarships prioritize leadership potential, community service, and high GPA.
Bonus Tips for International Students
Learn the Local Language (Optional but Helpful)
Even if your course is in English, learning German, Norwegian, or Finnish can help you:
Get internships or part-time jobs
Blend in socially
Secure long-term career opportunities
Work Opportunities
Germany: 120 full days or 240 half days per year
Norway: Up to 20 hours per week
Finland: 30 hours per week under new rules (2022 onwards)
Living Costs
Average monthly living expenses:
Germany: €850–€1,100
Norway: €1,200–€1,500
Finland: €700–€1,000
Top 5 Actions You Should Take Today:
1. Choose your country and program.
2. Research scholarship deadlines.
3. Start working on your personal statement and CV.
4. Reach out to university admission teams.
5. Apply before deadlines and prepare for interviews if needed.
By tapping into the scholarships listed in this guide, your dream of studying in Europe tuition-free can become a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I study in Germany, Norway, or Finland without a scholarship?
Public universities in Germany and Norway do not charge tuition fees, so the answer to this question is yes. You will only need to cater for your living expenses.
2: Are these scholarships competitive?
As an aspiring student wanting to study in these countries, you must have a compelling story, a strong academics and an early preparation, with these you have a solid chance to compete because they are highly competitive.
Q3: Do I need IELTS to apply?
Most programs require proof of English proficiency, unless your previous degree was taught in English.
Conclusion
Ambitious international students are highly welcomed as public universities in Germany, Norway, and Finland gives opportunities for students to have quality education without breaking the banks or take up student loans to fund their international studies.