Getting buried under student loan debt doesn’t have to be your future. Instead of staying in the U.S. to get a college degree that could take decades (or the rest of your life!) to pay off, we’ve found 29 countries with free college tuition, or at a low cost. Some require foreign citizenship and long-range planning, but others are open to all. Find out the requirements in these countries who’ve figured out how to set kids up for success.
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Argentina
Argentina’s offers free college tuition for its citizens.
Austria
Austrian citizens can get their college tuition waived, but foreigners don’t pay much either.
Brazil
Brazil’s offering free college education to all, provided you can speak Portuguese.
China
While it’s not free like some countries, China’s costs for higher education tend to run lower than the United States’ figures. Tuition ranges from $4,700- $46,000.
Czechia / Czech Republic
Can you speak Czech? If so, you can come here and get your college education for no cost.
Denmark
Got EU citizenship? Denmark’s got your college tuition covered.
Egypt
Got Egyptian citizenship? If yes, then you qualify for a free college education, courtesy of your fellow taxpayers.
Greece
Greece welcomes all to pursue higher education within its borders. Classes will be taught in Greek, so plan accordingly.
Finland
Finland used to invite international students from across the globe to accept its offer of free college education. You can even take classes in English. Today, only citizens can take advantage of this program.
France
Need another reason to move to Paris? France offers tuition-free college for citizens of the European Union.
Germany
Germany’s committed to the wellbeing of all nations. That’s why it offers free college education to all countries; yes, you can take classes in English.
Iceland
If you’re willing to brave the cold weather and high cost of living, Iceland wants you to get your college education here at no cost for tuition. You can even learn in English.
India
India’s tuition ranges from $350 to $5,500.
Italy
Tuition in Italy ranges from $1200 – $7500.
Kenya
Kenya invites international students to accept its offer of free college tuition, provided their performance meets educational standards. They’ll even educate you in English.
Luxembourg
One of the smaller European nations, Luxembourg invites international students from around the world to accept their offer of free college. You can even study in English while you’re there.
Malaysia
Malaysia offers a free college education to its citizens and their dependents. International students are welcome to attend, too; tuition for universities around Kuala Lumpur ranges from $2,000 – $4,500.
Mexico
The U.S.’s biggest trade partner welcomes Americans and other international students to its universities for study. Expect to pay $400 – $16,000 for your tuition here.
Norway
Come and enjoy your complementary college education among the Northern Lights in Norway. Don’t worry about learning Norwegian first; they’ll teach you in English, too.
Panama
Along with its lower cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and no-conversion currency (they use the US dollar), Panama also offers free college tuition to international students worldwide. You can even study in English.
Poland
Polish citizens have access to a free college education, courtesy of the federal government.
Slovenia
This eastern European country invites you to get dual citizenship with an EU country and use its free college education.
South Africa
While a college education in South Africa isn’t exactly free, it’s still immensely more affordable than the U.S. education system. Tuition starts as low as $36 and runs as high at $3,500.
Spain
Aside from being stunningly beautiful and welcoming to expats, Spain also offers free college for EU citizens.
Sweden
Sweden believes in equity for all its citizens. That philosophy extends to all citizens of the European Union countries seeking a free college education.
Taiwan
Universities in Taipei City, Taiwan more invite international students to study here without the crippling student loan debt in the U.S. Tuition rates vary between $1,600 – $2,500.
Thailand
Universities located in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and other cities are admitting American expats every year. Tuition rates vary widely, ranging from $1,600 – $27,000—still less than many top-dollar U.S. institutions.
Turkey
If you’ve got citizenship in Turkey, then you have free access to higher education. No student loans needed!
Uruguay
Aside from being a bastion of progressive values in South America, Uruguay also waives college tuition for its citizens.
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