Nations with free or nearly free college education
Germany - Free for all students (including internationals) at public universities, except in Baden-Württemberg (€1,500/semester for non-EU students). Small admin fee (~€150–€300 per semester).
Norway - Tuition: Free for all, including international students. Semester registration fee (~€60).
Finland - Free for EU/EEA students. Non-EU students pay tuition, but scholarships are available. Small student union fees.
Sweden - Free for EU/EEA students; non-EU students pay, but scholarships are available.
Denmark - Free for EU/EEA and exchange students; others pay tuition fees.
Austria - Free for EU/EEA students; small fees for others. Admin Fee: ~€20 per semester.
Slovenia - Free for EU students and bilateral agreement countries (some non-EU). Others pay low fees.
Czech Republic - Free for all students who study in Czech; English programs have fees.
France - Nominal fees (~€200–€500/year) at public universities. Generous support for housing and food.
Iceland - Free at public universities. Registration fee (~€500/year).
Scotland (UK) Free for Scottish and EU students (not for the rest of the UK). Post-Brexit, EU students may not be eligible.
Brazil - Free at federal public universities. Competitive entrance exams; education quality varies.
Argentina - Free for all, including international students, at public universities.
Uruguay - Free at public universities for citizens and residents.
Mexico - Mostly free at public institutions like UNAM and IPN; modest fees in some cases.
Greece - Free for EU/EEA students in public institutions. Low fees for others.
Turkey - Low-cost or free public education for Turkish citizens; low fees for international students.
India - Very low-cost at top public institutions (IITs, AIIMS, etc.), but highly competitive.
Egypt - Free or very low-cost at public universities for citizens.
Saudi Arabia - Free for citizens; some scholarships for international students, especially in science/engineering.