Almost two dozen countries provide free or nearly-free university-level education to their citizens. Some even allow students from other countries to participate in their free education programs; some limit student involvement to themselves or only citizens from European countries. While plans to eliminate student debt in America are being discussed, these countries have figured out how to get it to work for them.

Where Can University Students Learn For Free?

Out of the 24 countries that provide free education, 16 are based in Europe. Only one country in North America offers the program, as well as it being rare in Asia. Three countries are within South America, with three countries also being in Africa.

Europe

1. Norway: Tuition is not only reduced or free for citizens but also international students. Taxpayers’ money covers attendance to state universities, but the tradeoff is higher living expenses.
2. Sweden: Although previously offered to all students, their tuition is now only free to citizens and European students. There was an increase in scholarship programs to compensate.
3. Germany: Some universities have recently begun charging some tuition fees, but the majority of them still offer free education to all students, even international. They may ask for a small contribution each semester, but it is nowhere near the price of full tuition.
4. Denmark: All Danish citizens are offered scholarships and aid, but most colleges are entirely free. They offer their programs to citizens, European students, and students with certain visas.
5. Finland: Finland is a country that offers completely free education and only charges fees to non-European students that wish to take classes in English. Living expenses are not covered.
6. Austria: Not quite a tuition-free country, but very close. Tuition and school fees are very low for citizens and European students with a slight increase for non-European students.
7. Greece: Free education is available for citizens of Greece and European students; international fees are very low in comparison to regular tuition fees in other countries.
8. France: Not free, but very low. If you are native to France or Europe, you will only be paying a few hundred euros. International fees do go up to thousands per year.

South America

1. Uruguay: Education is free to all Uruguay citizens. In common South American fashion, it does not extend to European or non-European students.
2. Brazil: University-level education is free for all students, even international students. Just be prepared to take all classes in Portuguese as they do not offer English.
3. Argentina: Free education is only offered to Argentinian students and citizens; it is not available for international students.

North America

1. Panama: Free to all students, with no concern for nationality. That includes citizens, Europeans, and all international students.

Asia

1. Malaysia: Not surprisingly as free tuition is uncommon within Asia, free education is only available to Malaysian citizens.

Africa

1. Morocco: Free tuition to all citizens, but does not outreach to international students.
2. Egypt: Also, only free tuition to all citizens, but not to international students. Their programs are meant to decrease poverty within their country.
3. Kenya: Different than other African countries, they allow free education for citizens and also to international students. International students are limited to public tuition if they’re high-scoring secondary school students.

Is The U.S. Falling Behind?

While other countries are offering free education to their citizens, their continent, or even to everyone, the U.S. has not committed to these programs. The idea of free education is expanding through countries, they’re implementing new programs each year. With the abundance of grants and scholarships available for students attending colleges in the U.S. is there even a way to convert schools to accept students and provide free education? Not likely, but we will all just have to wait and see.