In classical Brazilian literature, it is common to find characters, usually from the upper classes, who spent time studying “abroad”. In fact, until recently, studying abroad was restricted to people with high purchasing power.
Today, the story is different. Even without the benefit of scholarships, it is possible to attend undergraduate or postgraduate courses in European and Latin American countries for free or, at least, paying symbolic annual fees.
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In addition, these are countries where the cost of living is usually not very high, which makes life easier for students. Check, below, the list of countries with universities open to foreigners for free or with very friendly prices.
Before heading out across the Atlantic, how about taking a look at neighboring countries? In Argentina, for example, 66 of the 131 educational institutions are free, including some quite renowned ones, such as the University of Buenos Aires (UBA).
Usually, universities do not require entrance exams. First, it is necessary for the student to take the Common Basic Cycle (CBC), with disciplines related to the chosen course. If approved in all of them, access to graduation is guaranteed.
However, in addition to the CBC, universities may require a certificate of proficiency in Spanish. More information can be obtained by official government website.
In addition to many universities considering the performance of the Enem as one of the entry criteria, some postgraduate courses have very affordable prices in the country.
Tips: master's degree in Computer Engineering and Information Systems at Lusophone University with a duration of two years at 720 euros. Master in Sustainable Energy at Polytechnic Institute of Porto with a duration of two years at 950 euros.
The country has become one of the favorites among Brazilian students, including because of its reputation for investing in academic talent. Over there, universities do not charge annuities for graduation. For master's courses, prices are symbolic according to the state.
Anyone who wants to do a doctorate or even a PhD, these are also free. It may be that, depending on the institution, a half-yearly contribution of between 150 and 200 euros is charged.
Furthermore, the country offers more than 800 graduate programs in English. Cool huh? And, you know what's more interesting? Besides being beautiful, Germany has a low cost of living for students! Yes, normally, accommodation, food, transport and general expenses are between 500 and 700 euros per month!
However, a warning. The government may ask for proof that the student can stay there. Brazilian university students are allowed to work 120 days a year full-time or 240 days part-time.
Tip: Master's in Economic Sciences at University of Hohenheim, in Stuttgart. The 45 vacancies cost 160 euros for administrative fees.
Austrian universities can charge foreign students from 363 to 726 euros per semester, in addition to the fee of 17.50 for participation in the Students' Union.
As for the cost of living, this is around 800 euros per month.
Have you ever thought about studying close to those breathtaking fjords and also living in the country that has one of the best quality of life indices in the world? So is Norway! Norwegian universities do not charge tuition, even for foreign students.
The rule is valid for graduation, masters and PhD. However, institutions charge a semester fee ranging from 300 to 600 Norwegian kroner, which is equivalent to R$ 141.00 to R$ 282.00.
Another advantage is that many of them are taught in English. The only point is that the cost of living is high. There, a student can spend up to R$ 3,000 per month on expenses. To help, foreign university students can work up to 20 hours a week.
Tip: Master's in Economics at University of Oslo lasting two years.
Most higher education academic programs do not charge tuition, even for foreigners. Some courses only charge modest semester fees that can be close to 600 euros per term.
Another fee charged is 100 euros for registration, which must also be paid every six months.
To study for free in Sweden, you must belong to the European Union, Eurozone, Nordic countries or Switzerland.
Foreign students can apply for partial or full scholarships at institutions such as Swedish Institute. Doctorates can promote admission under paid conditions, either through universities or external entities. That is, the student will be paid instead of disbursing amounts with tuition.
Study options in France, in terms of cost, vary according to the language and academic level of the courses. If you choose courses taught in English, the approximately 80 options can reach 12,000 euros!
However, those who are fluent in French can choose between universités and écoles. In the former, graduation and masters can cost between 200 and 400 per year. The écoles are more specific, with courses in engineering, for example. In them, annual fees can approach 600 euros.
The good news is that the cost of living for a university student is cheap, around 430 euros a month. Anyone who wants to can work for up to 964 hours a year.
Tips: postgraduate studies in Comparative Cultural Studies at Jean Moulin University of Lyon, lasting ten months and costing 250 euros. Master in Nanotechnology at University of Lyon with a duration of two years and 500 euros per year, including health insurance.
Free study is granted to those who master the local language, but if you are not one of them, you will have to pay monthly fees that will vary according to the course and the language in which it is taught.
Public and private institutions can charge approximately 1,000 euros per semester. Other amounts charged refer to registration fees.
The country is also not very easy to study for free. This benefit is granted to Swiss or European Union citizens and, for foreigners, to be enrolled in an exchange program.
Those who have a valid residence visa or, even, reunion with legal family members with a work visa may be exempt from monthly fees.
If the student does not meet any of these requirements, the monthly fee may vary depending on the course. Normally, it is between 6,000 and 16,000 euros per year.
Why not Slovenia? This little-known country among Brazilians is located between Italy and Croatia and has no less than about 150 programs in English with very friendly prices. Options include undergraduate, master's and doctoral degrees.
The annual values are between 2,000 and 5,000 euros for undergraduate and master's degrees. Doctoral candidates can spend between 3,000 and 12,000 euros per year. Another advantage is the cost of living. Slovenian students spend, on average, 600 euros per month on expenses.
Tip: Master's in Criminal Justice and Security at University of Maribor to 2,300 annually with a duration of two years.
Yes, the land of Santa Claus appears among very interesting options for studying abroad. In addition, the country is among those that offer the best quality of life and education in the world.
Until 2017, Finnish education was free. However, bachelor's and master's courses in English now charge a minimum annual fee of up to 1,500 euros. Doctorates remain free.
The maximum value has not been established, therefore, the candidate must check between institutions. But, if you take a risk in the local language, you will be able to study for free. If you find it too difficult (and it's understandable), several scholarship options offered to foreign students can cover everything from tuition fees to monthly expenses.
Tip: Masters in Architecture at Tampere University of Technology.