Where University Is Free at a Glance
Public university is free for everyone, international students included, in 5 countries: Germany, Iceland, Czechia, Brazil and Uruguay. In 17 more it is free for citizens, and in Europe usually for students from the EU too. The map shows each country with its flag; the quiz asks you to find them and to say who studies free.
- Free for everyone
- 5 countries
- Free for citizens
- 17 countries
- Counted
- Undergraduate tuition at public universities
- Not counted
- Living costs, small semester fees
- Checked
- 7 November 2026
How to Play the free university quiz
- Tap a green country or its flag on the map to see who studies free there.
- Use World, Europe, Americas and Middle East to zoom in: some flags only fit once you zoom.
- Play the quiz: find each country on the map, then decide whether university there is free for everyone, only for citizens, or not free at all.
Free university usually means no tuition at public universities. Students still pay for rent, food and books, and many countries charge a small fee each semester or year. Who counts as a home student matters too: across Europe, students from any EU country usually study on the same terms as citizens.
Free for everyone
Germany charges no tuition at public universities, only a semester fee that often includes a local transport ticket. The state of Baden-Württemberg is the exception: students from outside the EU pay €1,500 a semester there.
Iceland charges only a yearly registration fee. Czechia is free for every nationality on courses taught in Czech. In Brazil the federal and state universities are free for foreigners too, but most courses are in Portuguese and places are won by entrance exam. In Uruguay the University of the Republic charges no undergraduate fees.
Free for citizens
The Nordic countries were long famous for free university for all, but that has changed: Sweden has charged students from outside the EU since 2011, Finland since 2017 for courses in English, and Norway since autumn 2023. All three are still free for their own citizens and for students from the EU and EEA.
In Argentina a 2025 decree let each public university charge foreigners without permanent residence; it stays free for Argentines and permanent residents. Several Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, offer free public university to their citizens, and Saudi students also receive a monthly allowance.
Not free, with exceptions
In the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Japan public universities charge tuition. Inside the UK, Scotland is free for Scottish students, which is why some maps colour only Scotland. In Italy students from low-income families pay no fees, and France charges low yearly fees at public universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which countries is university free for international students?
Germany, Iceland, Czechia, Brazil and Uruguay. In Czechia only on courses taught in Czech, and in Germany everywhere except Baden-Württemberg for students from outside the EU.
Is university free in Germany for international students?
Yes, at most public universities. You pay a semester fee of a few hundred euros. Baden-Württemberg charges students from outside the EU €1,500 a semester.
Is university still free in Norway?
For Norwegians and students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland, yes. Students from other countries have paid tuition since autumn 2023.
Is university free in Argentina for foreigners?
It is free for Argentines and foreigners with permanent residence. Since a 2025 decree, each public university may charge other foreign students, and each one decides for itself.
Is college free in the United States?
No. Public universities charge tuition, though some states have free community college programmes.
Does free university mean free to live there?
No. Free means no tuition. You still pay for housing, food, books and often a small semester or registration fee.
Made by Kashif Sulehria in Lahore, Pakistan. Updated November 7, 2026.