How to Study Abroad for FREE in Europe? A Dream or Reality

How to Study for Free in EU? A Dream or Reality

Guest post by Diana Clark (Share your tips with 58,000+ Malaysian students)

Going to university is expensive, there's no doubt about it. However, if you do your homework and conduct a thorough research of all available options, you will be surprised by the range of universities in the European Union where you can study for free or a fraction of the cost. Indeed, there are many European countries with attractive options, you just need to know where to look.
In this article, you'll find a selection of European Union countries that offer free or low-cost education to international students.

1. Finland

This country, just like the rest of the Nordic region, is at the top of many student wish lists because of democratic tuition policies and a strong commitment to increase free access to higher education for everyone. The universities in Finland are all cost-free for students coming from European Union/European Economic Area.

Even though non-European Union/European Economic Area students still have to pay tuition, those who want to pursue a degree taught in Swedish of Finnish are not charged with anything (don't forget about living costs - they are about 800 EUR/month).

The list of well-known tuition-free Finnish universities includes:

• University of Jyvaskyla
• University of Helsinki
• Aalto University

2. Norway

Another Nordic country that offers unbelievable options to foreign students. Superb facilities, developed infrastructure, and wise professors to help you even when you request is as simple as "help me write my essay." For example, there are about 40 public education universities providing tuition-free education for everyone. And it doesn't matter if you are from European Union or not! However, you still have to pay various fees, including student union fee (60-70 EUR) that cover campus services.

Don't forget about living costs as well: they are a bit higher than in Finland and could reach up to 1,000 EUR/month.

Tuition-free educational establishments in Norway include:

• UIT The Arctic University of Norway
• University of Bergen
• Oslo and Akershus University College

3. Germany

The German educational system allows pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degree for free regardless of whether you come from Europe or any other corner of the world. These universities, however, charge various administrative fees up to 200 EUR a year to cover costs of maintaining campuses, which is reasonable.

Your options include:

• University of Stuttgart
• Hamburg University of Technology
• Darmstadt University of Technology

EU Countries with Low-Cost Tuition

As of this winter, these are the only countries that have true zero-tuition policies in Europe, but that's totally okay since there are many other European countries that offer super low-cost educational opportunities. Let's see them.

Austria

This country provides international students with unbelievable educational opportunities with superb facilities, accommodating people, talented academic advisors who can help to resolve any issue, and advanced infrastructure. Naturally, the quality of education taught in Austria is very high, but the cost may really surprise you.

For example, international students who come outside of European Union will have to pay about 400-500 EUR per semester. In some cases, exchange students and students from underdeveloped countries are allowed to study for free.

However, pay attention to admission requirements. For example, you have to provide the evidence of an academic qualification similar to the one issued by the local educational system - Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schulen. Also, the evidence of fluency in German language is also mandatory.

List of Austrian Universities with low-cost tuition:

• University of Klagenfurt
• Johannes Kepler University Of Linz
• University of Vienna

Denmark

Education in Denmark is not tuition free for international students because it is only available to Danish and EU citizens. However, there are many exceptions for people from underdeveloped countries and certain visa types. The list of admission requirements for international students includes evidence of proficiency in English of Danish (if applicable), evidence of previous education, and certain tests prepared by the university you're applying to.

Some well-known Danish universities include:

• University of Southern Denmark
• Technical University of Denmark - DTU
• Roskilde University

France

Even though France is often overlooked as a good place to obtain great education, this iconic destination offers quality tuition for a very affordable price. In fact, it provides one of the most affordable education after Nordic countries. For example, the average tuition fees in 2017 were estimated at 200 to 300 EUR a year, which is reasonable given that you will be studying at some of Europe's best and oldest universities.

It should be noted that PhDs in some degrees including Medicine and Engineering cost a little bit higher than others, up to 600 EUR / year.

Of course, this cost does not include expenditures like housing, transportation, food, and entertainment. However, overall living costs in France are not different from that of other European countries; for example, 750-800 EUR is a sufficient monthly amount.

Well-known French universities:

• University of Caen Normandy
• University of Savoy
• Nantes University

Diana Clark once gave up her educator career for something she always dreamed about - writing. Diana is a freelance writer at Awriter. She discovers the world of digital nomads and believes that some day people will become location independent.

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A Different Kind of Treasure: It's Okay to Feel Lost

A Different Kind of Treasure

Guest post by Danisyah Dalily (Share your thoughts with 60,000+ Malaysian students)

I am a fresh graduate student. I still can't believe it myself. Even though I am 21 and people expect me to have a lay out plan of my whole life, I don't. After I graduated high school, to be honest I was scared. Of what the future will bring, of where I will go then that I was leaving my comfort zone. At the age of 21 I finished my diploma in communication and media studies. However, I am still scared even though not as much as before but the feeling is still there. The changes, the uncertainty in life do that to people. One of my friends once started to freak out after the realization hits her. She asked me, "What if things get so hard and I can't do it? What if my plan didn't work out which force me to give up and stop halfway through? What if I didn't even get to do what I dream of all this while?"

Somehow, I keep thinking about those questions for weeks. When I think it back, actually the "what if" questions have always following and bothering each and every one of us throughout our life journey. Our choices define who we are and as we grow, we get the answers to the questions that no one else can answer because they are meant for us, to find out by ourselves. When you did, you will finally feel content and understand more about the meaning of life.

Sometimes, what you plan doesn't always work out. Your map doesn't always lead you to the treasure. Your dreams won't always come true. However, you have to keep dreaming because I believe dream gives you wings. It can fly you higher.

Do not worry too much and overthink of what is in front. No one knows. Live your life fully everyday as if you will never see tomorrow. Live the kind of life you want. Be the kind of person that you will be proud of looking. A person with spirit.

At times, the map that is in your hand doesn't lead you to the physical treasure that you imagine will be gold, shiny and beautiful. You might get to the end of the map which was said to be under a huge tree up a hill and find nothing, only darkness. However, try to turn around and see how beautiful the scenery is in front of you where the sky is full of stars and the sea reflects back the lights. You don't know where it starts and where it ends. The sky and earth become one. At that moment, you feel calm and the feelings you have warm you from the inside and bloom all through your vein. Then, you realize that this is the gem. The journey itself is precious enough. It is not like what you imagine it will be because it is beyond that.

Therefore, do not be afraid to try and follow the road ahead of you. Especially to the students and fresh graduates like me who are still confused and have to live through this new life of modernisation. Don't be afraid to try out new things or choose to walk on a road that is unfamiliar to you. You might get lost but, by getting lost is how you find the right paths and realize that actually there are a few roads that will lead you to the same destination. Some might be longer and tougher than the other but you will get there eventually.

Danisyah Dalily Binti Akmal Shahian just finished her Diploma in Communication and Media Studies at University Teknologi Mara (UiTM). She is a fresh graduate with a passion for writing.

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