How to Study Abroad for Free in 2025: No Tuition, No IELTS, No Application Fees

Have you been dreaming of studying abroad, but the scholarships seem too hard to get, the application fees are high, or they require IELTS? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone.

The good news is, you can study abroad for free, even in 2025. You don’t need to pay tuition fees, application fees, or even take the IELTS exam.

This article will show you, in simple steps, how you can go from dreamer to student in a top country without spending your savings.

Step 1: Choose the Right Country

Your journey starts with choosing the right country. Some countries offer free or almost-free education to international students.

Finland

Finland is a great option because:

PhD programs are free for all international students
Programs taught in Finnish or Swedish are free, no matter where you’re from
English-taught programs require tuition for non-EU students, but scholarships are available

So if you’re open to learning Finnish or doing a PhD, Finland can be free for you.

Germany

Germany is famous for tuition-free universities. Here’s what you get:

Most public universities are 100% free
You only pay a small semester fee (around €350), which includes public transport and other student services

Example:

University of Bamberg: No tuition fees at all!

Tip: Some education coaches maintain updated databases of German universities where you can study for free.

Step 2: Look for Fully Funded Scholarships

If your dream country isn’t free, you can still go there with a fully funded scholarship.

These scholarships pay for:

Tuition
Living expenses
Travel costs
Visa fees
And sometimes even health insurance

Popular Fully Funded Scholarships

Australia Awards

Study in Australia
No IELTS required if your past education was in English.

MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
No IELTS needed
English test taken at the Japanese Embassy

Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship

Study in USA, Australia, Japan, or Switzerland
Fully funded

Fulbright Scholarship (USA)

One of the best-known scholarships
Pays for everything including your airfare and books

Rotary International Scholarship

Study in USA, UK, Japan, Sweden, or Australia
Covers all costs

You can find step-by-step worksheets online to help you apply to MEXT and Rotary scholarships correctly.

Tools to Find Scholarships

To find more scholarships:

Also try:

QS World University Rankings
US News & World Report
Times Higher Education

These websites help you filter schools based on scholarship availability.

Step 3: Apply to Universities with 100% Scholarships

Did you know that some universities give every international student a 100% scholarship?

Example: Berea College (USA)

Gives 100% scholarships to every international student
Covers tuition, room, board, and even textbooks

Other Top US Schools to Explore:

Harvard
Yale
Stanford
MIT

Berea stands out because every student is funded, unlike the elite schools that are more competitive.

Step 4: Try Graduate Assistantships (For Master’s & PhD)

A Graduate Assistantship is a part-time job at your university that helps cover your education.

Checkout: Utrecht University Scholarships in the Netherlands

In return, you get:

Free tuition
A monthly salary
Work experience in your field

Roles:

Teaching Assistant (TA)
Research Assistant (RA)
Administrative Assistant

How to Get a Graduate Assistantship:

Learn about the types of assistantships
Find schools that offer them
Build a strong academic profile (good GPA, strong CV)
Apply 8–12 months early
Email professors directly to ask about open positions
Secure your spot and get your documents ready for visa

Tip: Assistantships are more common in the USA and Canada, and sometimes also available in Europe.

How to Apply to Schools in the US, UK, and Canada

Once you find your school and scholarship, it’s time to apply!

USA

Research schools
Prepare documents (transcripts, CV, test scores)
Apply through the Common App or school websites
Apply for scholarships using the CSS Profile
If accepted:
- Get your I-20 Form
- Pay the SEVIS fee
- Apply for your student visa

UK

Use the UCAS portal
Submit your documents
If accepted, you’ll receive an offer
Apply for your UK student visa

Canada

Visit: www.universitystudy.ca
Choose your university and program
Submit documents through the school’s portal
Get your admission letter
Apply for a study permit (student visa)

Now plan your travel and housing!

Q&A Section

See now: Australia or New Zealand? Which is the best option for studying abroad?

Q: How do I find free study abroad consultants?

Use:

EducationUSA
IDP Education

They offer:

Free guidance
Course selection support
Application help

Q: What if I have low grades?

Don’t worry! Try this:

Apply to universities with flexible GPA requirements
Join foundation programs or pathway courses
Take standardized tests like:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- SAT
- GRE

Even a great test score can boost your chances.

Also:

Highlight your leadership roles
Include volunteering, internships, or extracurricular activities
Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)

How to Cover Other Costs (Besides Tuition)

Even with free tuition, you may still need to pay for:

Travel
Visas
Food
Housing

The best way to avoid these costs?

Apply for a fully funded scholarship

Real Example: MEXT Scholarship Experience

Dr. Sylvie shared:

“When I got the MEXT scholarship, I paid nothing.
The embassy paid for:

Passport

Flight

Visa

Accommodation

Tuition

My mom didn’t pay a dime. She still doesn’t know how much tuition cost!”

That’s what a fully funded scholarship can do for you.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Journey Now

If you want to study abroad for free in 2025, the path is clear:

Choose a tuition-free country (like Finland or Germany)
OR Get a fully funded scholarship (like MEXT or Fulbright)
Apply early, build your profile, and stay committed
Don’t let IELTS or fees stop you, there are options that don’t require them

Your dream to study abroad is possible.
The only thing left to do is start today.

How to Study Abroad for Free in 2025: No Tuition, No IELTS, No Application Fees