National student fee and support systems in European higher education : 2014/15.
Date: 2015-03-02
Institutions: Eurydice
Subjects: EU Member State, education grant, education policy, higher education, school fees

National Student Fee  

and  

Support Systems in 

European Higher 

Education 

2014/15 

Eurydice – Facts and Figures 

Education 
and 
Training 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

Contents 

GUIDE TO THE NATIONAL SYSTEM INFORMATION SHEETS 

KEY POINTS 

NATIONAL DIAGRAMS AND INFORMATION SHEETS 

Belgium – French Community 

Belgium – German-speaking Community 

Belgium – Flemish Community 

Bulgaria 

Czech Republic 

Denmark 

Germany 

Estonia 

Ireland 

Greece 

Spain 

France 

Croatia 

Italy 

Cyprus 

Latvia 

Lithuania 

Luxembourg 

Hungary 

Malta 

The Netherlands 

Austria 

Poland 

Portugal 

Romania 

Slovenia 

Slovakia 

Finland 

Sweden 

The United Kingdom – England 

The United Kingdom – Wales 

The United Kingdom – Northern Ireland 

The United Kingdom – Scotland 

Iceland 

Liechtenstein 

Montenegro 

Norway 

Turkey 

1 

2 

4 

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N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

Guide to the  
National System Information Sheets 

G E N E R A L   I N F O R M A T I O N  

The national system information sheets aim to give an overview of the public fee and support system. 
The  diagram  aims  to  show  the  main  characteristics  of  the  system,  while  the  text  aims  to  provide 
complementary  key  points  to  enable  the  reader  to  have  a  good  overall  understanding.  Information 
refers  to  public  or  government-dependent  private  higher  education  institutions  but  not  to  private 
higher education institutions. Information covers students in the first and second cycles only, while 
fee  and  support  arrangements  for  doctoral  students  are  not  covered.  Information  on  subsidised 
accommodation, transportation and canteens is also not included. 

D i a g r a m  

o  The range of fees covers both part-time and full-time students and is shown by year in Euro. 
Fees include all costs charged to students – including for registration, admission and certification – 
but do not include payments to students unions. Please note that within the text all references to 
costs are expressed in the national currency. 

o  The  values  of  fees  for  international  students  (i.e.  those  outside  EU/EFTA/EEA  –  depending  on 
national  definitions)  are  not  included  in  the  diagram.  However,  the  text  mentions  whether 
international students pay different fees than national/EU students.  

o  The diagram differentiates fees by first and second cycle.  

o  Support in the form of grants is differentiated by the concepts of need-based and merit-based. 
Need-based  grants  are  awarded  on  the  basis  of  an  assessment  of  the  financial  situation  of  the 
student  and/or  of  her/his  family.  Merit-based  grants  are  awarded  on  the  basis  of  academic 
performance. This distinction reflects reality in the majority of countries.  

o  The diagram includes three possible elements of student support systems that only appear when 

they are a main characteristic. These are: 

  Loans:  this  element  appears  if  there  is  a  national  student  loan  system,  and  above  5 %  of 

students take out a student loan. 

  Tax  benefits  for  parents:  this  element  appears  if  there  are  tax  benefits  for  parents  of 

students in higher education. 

  Family  allowances:  this  element  appears  if  parents  of  student  in  higher  education  receive 

family allowances.  

o  The diagrams on both fees and support aim to provide a minimum, most common and maximum 

value of fees and grants in Euro.  

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T e x t    

Fees 

This section contains key features of the fee system in the country expressed in the national currency.  

Support 

This  section  provides  an  overview  of  the  support  system  operating  in  the  country.  It  covers  grants, 
loans, tax benefits for student's parents and family allowances.  

The intention is to explain the interplay of these elements in the national system and help to interpret 
the diagram. The text guides the reader to an understanding of the main mechanisms of the system. 
This may mean that some special support measures are not included in the description.  

Grants are provided in the national currency and differentiated between merit-based and need-based 
grants.  All  public  financial support  that does  not  need  to  be  paid back  (i.e. scholarships  and  grants) 
are included, with the exception of grants for study abroad (i.e. mobility grants). Need-based grants 
are awarded on the basis of an assessment of the financial situation of the student and/or of her/his 
family. Merit-based grants are awarded on the basis of academic performance.  

Loans are mentioned in this section – with information on the existence of a student loan system and 
the percentage of students that take out a loan.  

Tax benefit for student's parents is any tax relief that is granted to parents whose child is a higher 
education student. The information aims to cover the amount of the tax relief, how it can be claimed 
and who is eligible to apply. 

Family allowances for parents aim to provide information on their amount and their relevance in the 
overall student support system of the country. 

Planned Reforms 

This section contains brief information on any planned reforms that will alter significantly the public fee 
and  support  system.  The  reforms  to  the  regulatory  framework  are  restricted  to  concrete  measures 
that are already in the decision-making process.  

R e f e r e n c e   y e a r    

Information  is  presented  for  2014/15  –  the  forthcoming  academic  year.  Where  information  is  not 
available for the reference year, this edition presents the most recent data available in the respective 
countries.  

With  regard  to  the  statistical  information  showing  the  percentages  of  fee-paying  students  or  grant 
holders, these diagram boxes typically show information from 2012/13 as exact numbers of students 
cannot be known ahead of the forthcoming academic year.  

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Key Points 

I N T R O D U C T I O N  

Issues  regarding  the  interaction  of  student  fees  and  support  are  complex  and  therefore  difficult  to 
compare  accurately  at  European  level.  These  national  diagrams  and  information  sheets  attempt  to 
outline  the  main  elements  of  national  systems  in  a  way  that  enables  a  reader  to  understand  reality 
quickly and easily, and also allows accurate comparison to be made with other countries.  

There are, however, many dimensions to be considered, and the information should be read carefully. 
Where  fees  exist,  are  they  paid  by  all  or  by  some  students?  If  some,  what  are  the  criteria  that 
determine which students pay and which do not? Are the fees paid 'up front' upon enrolment or only 
after graduation?  

Similar questions should be asked with regard to student support. Which students, or which families, 
are able to access public financial support in the form of grants, loans or tax relief? What conditions 
and criteria apply, and how much support is provided?  

F E E S  

Figure 1: Percentage of fee payers (including tuition and administrative fees) in first cycle higher education 
programmes, full-time students, 2014/15 

100 %  

50-99 % 

1-49 % 

No fees 

Source: Eurydice.

Explanatory note 
The  national  statistics  available  cover  full-time  students  and  all  kinds  of  fees  including  tuition  fees,  administrative  fees  and 
additional fees for students who exceed a regular length of study. 

Figure 1 shows that there is great variation in the numbers of students paying fees in publically funded 
higher education institutions across Europe. A significant number of systems – including all the Nordic 
countries – apply a 'no fee' regime for all students. At the other end of the scale, in nine systems all 
first  cycle  students  pay  fees.  Among  the  countries  where  a  minority  of  students  pay  fees,  the  fee-
paying minority may correspond to a particular category of students. This is the case in Slovenia, for 
example, where fees are paid only by part-time students.  

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Figure 2: Most common fees (including tuition and administrative fees) in first cycle study programmes,  
full-time students, 2014/15 

> € 5000 

Between € 1 000 and € 5 000 

< € 1 000 

No fees 

Source: Eurydice.

Explanatory note 
The  national  statistics  available  cover  full-time  students  and  all  kinds  of  fees  including  tuition  fees,  administrative  fees  and 
additional fees for students who exceed a regular length of study. 

Even when all students pay fees, the situation can be very different from country to country, as there is 
wide  variation  in  the  amounts  charged  and  in  the  way  in  which  fees  are  collected.  For  example  the 
fees  paid  in  the  Czech  Republic  are  less  than  EUR 50  per  year  and  are  charged  as  a  contribution 
towards administrative costs. The highest fees are paid in England, following a radical reform of fees 
and  support  in  2012.  Here  fees  are  set  by  higher  education  institutions  and  capped  at  GBP 9 000 
(EUR 11 377) per year. Unlike in other systems, however, these fees are only repaid after graduation 
when the graduate is in paid employment and earning wages above a certain threshold level (currently 
GBP 21 000 per year).  

Other countries with relatively high fees are Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Netherlands 
and Slovenia. In Lithuania and Hungary, however, the majority of students benefit from state-funded 
places  and  do  not  pay  fees.  These  state-funded  places  are  generally  awarded  on  the  basis  of 
academic performance, and these systems are therefore open to the criticism that the funding model 
may  do  little  to  widen  participation  and  address  social  inequity.  In  Slovenia,  it  is  only  part-time  and 
international (non EU) students who pay fees. 

Estonia has made a significant change to its fee system in 2013/14, linking fees to study performance. 
All  students  who  achieve  30 ECTS  per  semester  and  60 ECTS  per  year  in  the  Estonian  language 
curriculum can study without paying any fees. However, for students that achieve fewer credits, higher 
education institutions have the right (not obligation) to charge for each missing ECTS.  

It is also important to note that the largest European country, Germany, enabled Länder to introduce 
tuition fees in 2007. However, those Länder that introduced fees have been abandoning this practice 
in recent years, and in 2014/15, for the first time since 2007, there will be no tuition fees anywhere in 
Germany. Small administrative fees are charged in Germany (situation differs between Länder). 

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S T U D E N T   S U P P O R T    

Student  support  takes  different  forms  and  aims  to  meet  different  needs  from  country  to  country. 
However,  the  most  common  forms  of  support  are  grants  and  loans,  which  sometimes  operate  in 
conjunction  (where  the  student  receives  loans  and  grants)  and  sometimes  separately  (student 
receives either a loan or a grant).  

G r a n t s    

Grants are generally considered as the most generous and direct form of public student support as, 
unlike  loans,  the  funding  provided  does  not  need  to  be  paid  back,  and  unlike  tax  benefits  or  family 
allowances the payment is made directly to the student.  

Figure 3 depicts the main criteria used to allocate grants to students, distinguishing between need and 
merit-based criteria. Iceland is the only country that does not provide any support in the form of grants.  

Grants allocated on the basis of need-based criteria dominate, with 35 systems offering such support 
to some or all students (Denmark, Finland and Sweden have a system of universal grants for full-time 
students provided that basic requirements of study performance are met). 23 systems offer grants on 
the basis of merit assessed in some way through academic performance. Nearly all of these systems 
combine need-based and merit-based grants. Greece and Montenegro are the only countries where 
need-based criteria do not play a role. 

Estonia  has  made  changes  this  year  to  introduce  merit-based  grants  based  on  several  different 
elements:  part  of  the  funding  will  go  to  'talented'  students,  as  defined  by  examination  results.  In 
addition,  there  is  a  new  scholarship  programme  to  support  the  development  of  'smart  specialisation 
areas', where grants will be available for approximately 50 % of new entrants in defined areas. 

Figure 3: Main criteria for allocating grants, 2014/15 

  Need-based criteria 

Merit-based criteria 

  No grants 

Figure  4  shows  the percentage  of  students  receiving  grants  in  the  first  cycle.  There  are  12  systems 
where either all or a majority of students receive grants, while it is far more common to find a minority 
of students receiving support in the form of grants.  

Source: Eurydice.

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Figure 4: Percentage of students receiving grants in the first cycle, 2014/15 

100 %  

50-99 % 

1-49 % 

No grants 

Country specific note 
For  England,  Wales  and  Northern  Ireland,  the  data  provided  shows  the  proportion  of  applicants  eligible  for  support  who  are 
awarded a grant. Not all applicants register as students. 

Source: Eurydice.

Figure 5: Maximum grant amounts in the first cycle, 2014/15 

Above € 5 000 

€ 3 000-€ 5 000 

€ 1 000-€3 000 

< €1 000 

  No grants 

Source: Eurydice.

As  Figure  5  shows,  there  are  11  systems  that  provide  students  with  a  maximum  grant  in  excess  of 
EUR 5 000 per academic year. A further 11 systems provide maximum grants of between EUR 3 000-
EUR 5 000. 

In Germany, Liechtenstein and Norway, there is a combined system of grants and loans where part of 
the amount is given as a grant and part of it has to be paid back as a loan.  

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O t h e r   s u p p o r t :   f a m i l y   a l l o w a n c e s   a n d   t a x   b e n e f i t s   f o r   p a r e n t s   o f   s t u d e n t s  

Figure 6: Student support in the form of loans, tax benefits and family allowances and tax benefits, 2014/15  

Loans 

Tax benefits  

Family allowances  

  None 

Source: Eurydice.

Student support systems may consider the student either as an individual or as a member of a family 
that may need support. In the Nordic countries, in particular, it is the individual who receives support. 
However,  in  many  other  countries,  support  may  depend  on  overall  family  circumstances,  and  some 
forms of support – tax benefits to parents or family allowances – may be channelled to other members 
of the family rather than to the student. These forms of support can be found in approximately half of 
the higher education systems in Europe. 

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BELGIUM – FRENCH COMMUNITY 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

Around 70 % of students pay a maximum fee 

S
E
E
F

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

Approximately 20 % of students  
receive a grant 

Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

Fee limits are set by the government of the French Community of Belgium. Fee levels depend on the student's financial 
situation. For the academic year 2014/15, the maximum fee is EUR 835, the intermediate fee is EUR 374 (for students not 
receiving a grant but considered as lower income) and there are no fees for those students receiving a grant.  

There are some differences in fees between universities and non-university higher education institutions. Until 2017 non-
university  higher  education  institutions  can  charge  complementary  registration  and  administrative  fees  in  addition  to 
registration fees, but the total amount cannot exceed EUR 835/year. Those complementary registration and administrative 
fees range from EUR 0 (for grant holders) to EUR 179 depending on the type of programme and the financial situation of 
students; they apply to all students. These fees will continuously decrease until 2017 when they will cease to exist.  

Students from outside the EU have to pay additional specific fees. For programmes organised by university colleges and 
arts  colleges,  the  additional  specific  fees  (droits  d’inscription  spécifiques)  are  fixed  by  law:  EUR 992  for  professional-
oriented programmes and EUR 1 487 for academic-oriented programmes in the 1st cycle; EUR 1 984 for programmes of 
2nd cycle.  For  programmes  organised  by  universities,  it  is  fixed  by  law  that  the  maximum  amount  should  not  exceed 
5 times the registration fees. In practice, universities (through the Interuniversity Council) adopted harmonised amounts. 
Those  amounts  differ  depending  on  the  country  of  origin  of  the  students (1).  The  complementary  registration  and 
administrative fees mentioned in the previous bullet remain applicable to non-EU students.  

Support (2014/15)  

 

 

 

 

Public  grants  in  academic  year  2014/15  are  available  for  low  income  students  under  35.  Students  must  apply  for  this 
financial benefit each year. The amount granted is determined by household income and ranges from EUR 394 to 4 821 
per year.  

Loans  are  available  for  families  with  at  least  three  dependent  children.  Very  few  (less  than  0.01 %)  take  out  a  loan 
(2012/13). 

Heads of family  receive  tax benefits  which depend on the number of dependent  children and other relatives (including 
students  enrolled  at  higher  education  institutions  having  no  income).  The  tax-free  minimum  earnings  threshold  is 
increased by EUR 1 490 for one, 3 820 for two, 8 570 for three, 13 860 for four and + 5 290 for each subsequent child.  

Family allowances from EUR 90.28/month depend on the number of children. They are in principle received by the 
mother  of  the  child  while  the  student  is  in  education  or  training,  until  the  age  of  25.  The  student  should  have  no 
professional  activity  other  than a  student  job  during  the  summer  holidays  (July,  August,  September)  and  work  no 
more  than  240 hours  per  quarter  during  the  rest  of  the  year.  However  in  case  the  student  is  not  living  with  or 
supported  by  her/his  mother,  the  family  allowance  is  paid  to  the  parent,  relative  or  legal  guardian  who  actually 
supports the child.  

(1) 

Exact amounts are available here: http://www.uclouvain.be/en-323287.html 

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BELGIUM – GERMAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITY  

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

Nearly all students pay EUR 425 

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

In 2012/13, 27 % of students received  
a need-based scholarship 

Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

Higher education provision exists only at ISCED 5B level. All students have to pay fees at registration. Amounts 
range in theory from EUR 100 to 600. In practice, nearly all students pay the same amount of EUR 425. 

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

Student  grants  are  need-based.  Parental  income  determines  eligibility.  They  are  provided  through  the  national 
social security system for students who return to higher education. Annual grant amounts are between EUR 362 
and 2 469. 

The  possibility  exists  to  take  out  loans  of  EUR 1 000  for  the  first  cycle  and  EUR 1 500  for  the  second  cycle. 
Interest  is  between  0  and  3 %,  depending  on  the  income  of  the  student,  and  the  loan  needs  to  be  repaid at  the 
latest three years after graduation. The Management Committee of student loans can decide about an additional 
loan of EUR 1 000 on a case-by-case basis.  

Heads  of  family  receive  tax  benefits  which  depend  on  the  number  of  dependent  children  and  other  relatives 
(including  students  enrolled  at  higher  education  institutions  having  no  income).  The  tax-free  minimum  earnings 
threshold is increased by EUR 1 400 for one, 3 590 for two, 8 050 for three, 13 020 for four and + 4 970 for each 
subsequent child.  

Family allowances from EUR 90.28/month depend on the number of children. They are in principle received by 
the mother of the child while the student is in education or training, until the age of 25. The student should have no 
professional activity other than a student job during the summer holidays (July, August, September) and work no 
more  than  240 hours  per  quarter  during  the  rest  of  the  year.  However,  in  case  the  student  is  not  living  with  or 
supported  by  her/his  mother,  the  family  allowance  is  paid  to  the  parent,  relative  or  legal  guardian  who  actually 
supports the child.  

The  possibility  exists  to  take  out  loans  of  EUR 1 000  for  the  first  cycle  and  EUR 1 500  for  the  second  cycle. 
Interest  is  between  0  and  3 %,  depending  on  the  income  of  the  student,  and  the  loan  needs  to  be  repaid at  the 
latest  three  years  after  graduation.  The  loans  are  managed  by  the  Province  of  Liège,  and  the  Management 
Committee  responsible  for  student  loans  can  decide  about  an  additional  loan  of  EUR 1 500  on  a  case-by-case 
basis. However, no students actually took out a loan. 

  Heads  of  family  receive  tax  benefits  which  depend  on  the  number  of  dependent  children  and  other  relatives 
(including  students  enrolled  at  higher  education  institutions  having  no  income).  The  tax-free  minimum  earnings 
threshold is increased by EUR 1 490 for one, 3 820 for two, 8 570 for three, 13 860 for four and + 5 290 for each 
subsequent child.  

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BELGIUM – FLEMISH COMMUNITY 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

70 % of students pay the maximum and  
25 % pay the minimum fee  

About 25 % of students  
receive a need-based grant 

Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

The student fee has two components: a fixed amount of EUR 61.90 and a flexible part that differs according to the 
number  of  ECTS  credits  followed.  Each  credit  point  carries  a  fee  of  EUR 9.30.  This  means  that  for  a  full-time 
student (60 ECTS points) the total fee is EUR 619.90. The amount of fees varies with the income of the student. If 
a student is eligible for a grant, (s)he pays only EUR 0.70 per ECTS point. This means the maximum total fee for a 
full time student with a grant is EUR 103.90.  

 

Non-EU students may be required to pay higher tuition fees.  

Support (2012/13) 

 

 

 

 

Student  grants  are  allocated  on  the  basis  of  a  combination  of  economic  need  and  academic  merit.  Eligibility  is 
determined by the income of parents and/or the student and by the academic achievement in the past academic 
year.  Amounts  typically  range  from  EUR 253.54  to  EUR 3 923.71.  However,  a  student  is  entitled  to  an 
extraordinary grant of up to EUR 5 282.75 on the basis of extremely low income and a lack of support from family 
members.  

No loans. 

Heads  of  family  receive  tax  benefits  which  depend  on  the  number  of  dependent  children  and  other  relatives 
(including  students  enrolled  at  higher  education  institutions  having  no  income).  The  tax-free  minimum  earnings 
threshold is increased by EUR 1 490 for one, 3 820 for two, 8 570 for three, 13 860 for four and + 5 290 for each 
subsequent child.  

Family allowances from EUR 90.28/month depend on the number of children. They are in principle received by 
the mother of the child while the student is in education or training, until the age of 25. The student should have no 
professional activity other than a student job during the summer holidays (July, August, September) and work no 
more  than  240 hours  per  quarter  during  the  rest  of  the  year.  However,  in  case  the  student  is  not  living  with  or 
supported  by  her/his  mother,  the  family  allowance  is  paid  to  the  parent,  relative  or  legal  guardian  who  actually 
supports the child.  

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BULGARIA 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

Almost all students pay fees 

20 % of students receive grants 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

1 EUR = 1.9558 BGN 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

Public higher education institutions define their own fees, but maximum amounts are set by the government.  

Student fees depend on the programme and field of study. The lowest fees are paid in the following fields of study: 
pedagogy, economics, administration and management.  

The first cycle fees in the state universities for full-time studies range from BGN 300 to BGN 1 450 per year and for 
part-time studies from BGN 115 to BGN 980. Annual second cycle fees for full-time studies range from BGN 300 to 
BGN 1 550 and for part-time studies from BGN 115 to BGN 1 000. 

Certain categories of students are exempted from paying fees. They include orphans, persons with disabilities, war 
invalids and senior cadets in military schools.  

Fees of international students are subject to different rules and are generally higher than those paid by Bulgarian 
students.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

Grants/scholarships  are  available  to  full-time  students.  They  are  distributed  by  higher  education  institutions, 
taking into account need-based and merit-based criteria. Grant amounts range from BGN 50 to 120/month.  

Full-time students who are less than 35 years old can apply for state guaranteed loans.  

There are no tax benefits for parents nor any family allowances. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

CZECH REPUBLIC 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

All students pay admission fees once per cycle 

About 1 % of students  
receive a social scholarship 

Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 25.149 CZK 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

Fees  are  only  related  to  admission  procedures  and  need  to  be  paid  once  per  cycle.  No  tuition  fees  are  paid  by 
'typical' higher education students, provided that they complete their study programme in the regular timeframe.  

Students who exceed a regular length of study by more than one year have to pay fees. Exemptions are made for 
students who become parents during their studies. The fee amounts to at least CZK 8 457/academic year, based 
on the average cost of a student for the public budget. No maximum is set by law. 

Students  who  study  in  second  or  further  degree  programmes  have  to  pay  fees  (maximum  CZK 2 819/academic 
year). 

Students of study programmes in a foreign language also have to pay tuition fees and no maximum limit is set by 
law. Such arrangements are decided by each higher education institution. 

Fees for international students are the same as for home students.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scholarships can be granted on the basis of excellence in studies, for research, artistic or other activities.  

Scholarships  are  granted  to  students  from  regions  other  than  the  seat  of  the  higher  education  institution  as  an 
accommodation scholarship (CZK 5 400/year). 

Social scholarships are available for students in a difficult economic situation (CZK 16 200/year). 

No publicly subsidised loans are provided.  

Family allowances are provided. Eligibility depends on family economic conditions and allowances are provided 
until the student is 26 years of age. A child allowance of CZK 700 per month is paid if the family's income is below 
2.4 times the subsistence level.  

Tax  benefits  for  parents  are  also  provided  in  the  form  of  tax  relief  for  each  dependent  child  (student  up  to 
26 years  of  age)  and  it  is  CZK 13 404/year;  if  the  child  is  disabled  the  amount  is  multiplied  by  two 
(CZK 26 808/year). 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

DENMARK 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

No fees 

All students receive grants 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 7.4437 DKK  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

  No fees for national and EU full-time students. 

 

 

All students studying in part-time courses pay fees set by higher education institutions. 

International students pay fees set by higher education institutions 

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

State grants are available to all students. The maximum amount is DKK 5 839 per month for 12 months each year 
for students living independently. Extra grants are available for students who become parents (DKK 2 332) and for 
single parents (DKK 5 839). Additional grants of DKK 8 303  per month are available for students with a disability. 
The amounts shown are for the year 2013/14. The amounts have not been fixed for the year 2014/15 yet. All grants 
are taxable.  

State loans of DKK 2 987 per month are available to all students. During the period of study, a 4 % annual interest 
rate  applies.  Students  must  start  paying  back  no  later  than  one  year  after  the  end  of  the  year  in  which  they 
graduate. The loan must be repaid within 15 years. About half of all students make use of state loans. The amount 
shown in the diagram is for the year 2014, as the amount has not been fixed for the year 2015 yet. All grants are 
taxable.  

  No family allowances and no tax benefits for parents; 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

GERMANY 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

No fees  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant (2) 

Merit-based 
grant 

Approximately 25 % of students  
receive need-based support 

Loans | Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

In all of the German Länder studying is free of charge. Lower Saxony decided that fees are not in force as of the 
winter semester 2014/15. In the majority of Länder, low administrative fees are charged to all students. 

Students in six Länder are liable to pay fees when exceeding the regular study period.  

Students from outside the EU and EEA countries also do not pay fees. 

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

General  public  student  support  (BAföG)  is  awarded  as  a  grant  for  one  half  of  the  individual  amount,  and  as  an 
interest  free  loan  for  the  other  half.  Total  amounts  range  from  EUR 10  to  EUR 670/month  for  12 months/year. 
Eligibility and amount are determined by assessment of student need based on income, family situation, housing 
situation and disability. A maximum of EUR 10 000 needs to be paid back. The average amount paid for 2013 was 
EUR 5 352 per year (EUR 446 per month). 

Students need to be under the age of 30 (35 for master studies) to be eligible for public student support. 

Different  types  of  merit-based  grants  are  awarded.  The  amount  awarded  is  often  determined  through  an 
evaluation  of  student  need.  Total  amounts  of  scholarships  range  from  EUR 150  to  EUR 820/month  for 
12 months/year. Additional support is determined by assessment of the family financial situation. 

Students' parents receive a monthly family allowance of EUR 184 for the first two children, EUR 190 for the third 
and EUR 215 for the fourth and more, and a lump sum tax relief (EUR 3 504 per annum, per child, per parent), 
until  students  are  25 years  old.  The  tax  office  checks  in  favour  of  the  taxpayer  whether  the  child  benefit  or  the 
deduction of the above mentioned allowances is more favourable. 

(2) 

Including integrated loan. See text.  

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                  
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

ESTONIA 

About 15 % of those enrolled since 2013/14 pay fees 

S
E
E
F

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

15 % of all students in both cycles  
receive grants 

Loans | Tax benefits for parents 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

Since 2013/14 higher education institutions (HEIs) have the right to charge study fees under certain conditions in 
both  cycles.  All  students  who  achieve  30 ECTS  per  semester  and  60 ECTS  per  year  in  the  Estonian  language 
curriculum  can  study  without  paying  any  fees.  If  a  student  receives  fewer  credits,  HEIs  have  the  right  (not 
obligation) to charge for any ECTS missing from a 100 % study load. Exceptions are made for certain groups of 
students including disabled students, students who are parents or guardians of a child under the age of 7, parents 
of a disabled child. 

The  maximum  cost  of  one  ECTS  is  EUR 50.  Exceptions  are  made  in  arts,  medicine,  veterinary,  dentistry 
(EUR 100) and in aircraft piloting (EUR 120).  
Study fees are regulated by the Government (3). Fees are not regulated, however, for students studying in other 
languages for part-time studies, nor for international students.  

All  students  enrolled  before  2013/14  can  continue  to  study  according  to  the  previous  state-commissioned  study 
place system until 2015/16.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From 2013/14, a new study grant system has been implemented. The new system includes need- and merit-based 
support. Need-based grants vary from EUR 75 to 220 per month depending on students and family income. At least 
25 % of students are thought to be eligible for this support, although 15 % of students received the grant in 2013/14. 

Since  2014,  talented  students,  on  the  basis  of  excellent  study  results,  may  apply  for  a  merit-based  grant  of 
EUR 100 per month. This is available for 7 % of the student population. A new scholarship programme to support 
the  development  of  smart  specialisation  areas  has  also  been  established.  A  merit-based  grant  of  EUR 160  per 
month is available to approximately 50 % of new entrants in defined areas.  

From 2014/15, students with disabilities and students growing up in care institutions may apply for a scholarship for 
higher education. In the case of disabled students, the scholarship ranges from EUR 60-510 per month. 

Students can receive grants for 10 months per academic year.  

All  students  who  enrolled  in  HEIs  before  2013/14  academic  year  have  the  right  to  a  merit-based  grant  up  until 
2015/16. From then on, the new system will be fully implemented.  

Full-time students can apply for state guaranteed loans. Estonian citizens or persons with a permanent residence 
permit, studying full-time for nine months or more have the right to obtain a study loan. The maximum amount is 
EUR 1 920/academic year.  

Tax  benefits  for  parents  depend  both  on  students'  status  and  civil  status  (age,  marital  status,  etc.).  No  family 
allowances.  

(3) 

For more information, see https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/123102012009  

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                  
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

IRELAND  

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

60 % of students pay fees 

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

47 % of first cycle students receive grants (2012/13) 

Tax benefits for parents  

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

For  the  first  cycle,  full-time  EU students  are  exempt  from  full  tuition  fees  if  they  meet  the  terms  of  the  ‘free fees 
scheme’, but pay a ‘student contribution’ of EUR 2 750 per academic year. Full-time EU students who do not meet 
the  terms  of  the  scheme  must  pay  a  consolidated  fee  covering  both  tuition  fee  and  student  contribution  –  the 
average EU consolidated fee is EUR 6 000. 

For the second cycle, the majority of students pay tuition fees. 

Part-time fees are generally half of full tuition fees for full-time programmes. 

International student fees are generally two to three times that of full EU fees and are set by the higher education 
institutions. 

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

Need-based grants are provided by the Department of Education & Skills. Their amounts range from EUR 305 to 
5 915 per academic year, depending on means, family size and distance from institutions. Students who qualify for 
grants also have the student contribution or tuition fees paid on their behalf.  

The  same  department  provides  bursaries  with  a  value  of  EUR 2 000  per  academic  year.  The  bursaries  require 
qualification under both merit and need-based criteria.  

Students need to satisfy specific conditions of residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment to 
be eligible for grants. Students have to be enrolled full-time.  

Tax relief is available for the expenses paid for tuition fees at a recognised higher education institution.  

No loans or family allowances. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

GREECE 

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

No fees in the first cycle 

E
U
R

E
U
R

1 % of students enrolled to each HEI Department receive 
a scholarship for undergraduate studies  

Loans  

Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

No fees for full-time students in the first cycle. Only students of the Hellenic Open University pay fees for the 1st cycle studies that range 
from EUR 550 to 1 650/year.  

2nd  cycle  students  may  pay  fees.  Amounts  are  specified  by  higher  education  institutions.  There  are  also  2nd cycle  programmes  where 
students do not pay fees. 

Some  categories  of  students  are  exempt  from  paying  fees.  These  include  scholars  of  the  State  Scholarships  Foundation  (IKY),  for  the 
amount related to the net tuition fees, not exceeding EUR 3 000 per year.  

International (non-EU) students do not pay fees for their 1st cycle studies. 

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

Grants/scholarships  are  available  through  IKY,  the  Ministry  of  Education  and  Religious  Affairs,  the  Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs  and  the 
private sector, such as research institutions and non-profit organisations. According to Law 4009/2011, awards and scholarships may be 
offered by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), according to the academic performance and financial status of students. Moreover, HEIs 
may award compensatory scholarships to 1st and 2nd cycle students who work part-time in a service of the HEI up to 40 hours/month.  

IKY grants a merit-based lump sum of EUR 1 467.35/year to first year undergraduate students who achieve the top mark at their entrance 
examinations  per  academic  department,  provided  that  their  personal  and  family  annual  income  is  below  set  limits  (EUR 12 000  and 
EUR 53 000 respectively). The same amount is also granted yearly to enrolled students who rank first at their academic department at the 
end of the academic year, provided that, in the case that their personal and family annual income is above the defined limits, their average 
grade  is  over  8.5/10.  Moreover,  an  additional  merit-based  lump  sum  of  EUR 293.46  is  available  to  both  aforementioned  categories  of 
beneficiaries (as a prize) taking into account exclusively their academic performance. Regarding 2nd cycle studies, scholars of IKY, within 
NSRF 2007-2013 programmes, receive a monthly allowance of EUR 450 and an annual maximum amount for tuition fees up to EUR 3 000, 
for  the  whole  duration  of  the  programme  –  12,  18  or  24  months.  Furthermore,  IKY  offers  a  limited  number  of  scholarships  funded  by 
legacies and the private sector. 

Graduate students may apply for state guaranteed loans, based on academic and socio-economic criteria. 

Students’ parents can claim family allowances, in the form of a housing allowance of EUR 1 000 per year. The allowance is granted to 
1st cycle students not living at home, provided that their family income does not exceed EUR 30 000. Students’ parents are not eligible for 
tax benefits. 

Planned reforms  

The  2011  Law  also  gives  the  power  to  define  the  level  of  financial  contributions  for  foreign  non-EU  students,  who  have  not  entered  higher 
education  through  the  national  examinations  applicable  for  Greeks.  On  that  basis,  a  joint  ministerial  decision  that  defines  the  fees  for  non-EU 
students is expected to be adopted.  

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

SPAIN 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

70 % of students pay fees 

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant  

Merit-based 
grant 

Approximately 27 % of students receive grants 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

  The amount of fees is determined by the kind of studies, the number of ECTS taken and the number of exams failed 

in each subject. In addition, amounts differ between regions as each one has a different fee range.  

  For international students (from outside the European Union) who do not have resident status in Spain, the fees can 

be increased, depending on the region. 

  Exemptions  from  fees  are  possible  and  based  primarily  on  need  criteria,  with  family  income  being  the  most 
significant factor. However a minimum level of academic performance is also required. In addition, large families and 
disabled persons have very significant discounts, and may even be exempt.  

Support (2012/13)  

  Although student grants exist at national, regional and local level, only those at national level have been considered 
here, as they are quantitatively the most important ones. There are many types of grants, aimed at covering different 
types of expenses such as transportation, residence, meals, books and materials, etc. Those students who receive 
grants are also exempt from paying tuition fees.  

  Students can receive different types of grants for different amounts, depending on their family income. The average 
amount of a grant is EUR 2 539 plus a waiver from tuition fees. The maximum grant is EUR 6 056 plus a waiver from 
tuition fees (with the exception of grant holders from the Balearic Islands, who can be awarded up to EUR 6 679 or 
from  the  Canary  Islands  and  Ceuta  and  Melilla,  who  can  be  awarded  up  to  EUR 6 993),  and  the  minimum  is 
EUR 244 plus a waiver from tuition fees. 

  Grants are need-based, but a minimum level of academic performance is also required.  

  No loans, no tax relief for parents and no family allowances. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

FRANCE 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

Approximately 65 % of students pay fees 

S
E
E
F

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

Approximately 35 % of students  
receive grants 

Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

The amount of fees per year fixed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research is EUR 89.10 in the first cycle 
(L1, L2, L3) and EUR 261.10 in the second cycle (M1, M2). In addition fees of EUR°213 per year, irrespective of 
the cycle of studies, are charged to all students aged 20-28. These fees are related to the social security system. A 
number of universities have decided to add associated costs related to specific services (e.g. for diplomas related 
to  continuing  learning  and  training).  In  some  public  universities,  depending  on  the  type  of  studies  and  the 
qualifications acquired, the tuition fees can reach more than EUR 2 000 per year.  

Fees in the grandes écoles and Engineering Schools vary, but the most common amount is EUR 600 per year – 
not  including  fees  related  to  social  security  and  partnerships  with  universities.  Tuition  fees  in  some  institutions 
reach up to EUR 10 000 per year, depending on family income. However, there are also grandes écoles which not 
only deliver education without charging fees, but may even pay some students (such students are prospective civil 
servants and receive a wage from the State), e.g. in école polytechnique and écoles normales supérieures. 

 

Students who receive a grant (34.7 % of the student population in 2012/13) are exempted from fees.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need to students less than 28 years of age.  

The  annual  amount  awarded  for  need-based  grants  depends  on  an  assessment  of  social  criteria,  with  students 
classified  into  categories  based  on  family  income.  Within  the  framework  of  a  reform  of  grants  (2014)  a  new 
category  of  grant  amounting  to  EUR 1 007  has  been introduced  for  the  most  deprived  (based  on  family  income) 
lower middle-class students who previously benefited only from a fee waiver.  

All  grant  holders  receive  free  tuition  and  a  waiver  from  social  security  contributions  (EUR 213).  In  2014/15,  the 
amount of the annual grant ranges from EUR 0 (for lower middle-class students who only receive a fee waiver) to 
EUR 5 500.  

Loans are also available. In 2008, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research started a new policy to  make 
loans easier for all students aged under 28. It provides loans up to a maximum of EUR 15 000, guaranteed by a 
special fund 'OSEO'. Less than 0.1 % of university students take out such a loan. 

Parents are eligible for tax relief if students are financially dependent on them and are less than 25 years old. The 
amount of tax relief is proportional to the amount of taxable income of the household.  

Family  allowances  are  paid  for  two  or  more  dependent  children  that  are  under  20  years  old.  The  minimum 
amount is EUR 139.35 per month and increases with the number of eligible children; as of the 5th child the amount 
is EUR 165.72 for each child. An additional amount of EUR 64.67 per month is paid for every child that is aged 16-
20 years.  

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

CROATIA 

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

1st year students of both cycles do not pay fees 

About 4 % of total full-time student population  
receives state-funded grants 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 7.5217 HRK 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

Fees  for  all  students  of  the  first  year  of  both  cycles  are  fully  covered  by  the  Ministry  of  Science,  Education  and 
Sports.  

In  the  following  years  of  study,  the  amount  of  student  fees  depends  on  a  range  of  criteria  set  by  the  individual 
higher education institutions (e.g. number of ECTS credits and fulfilment of particular study obligations). For some 
students fees are paid by government, some students pay a certain share of the fee, and some pay the full amount 
of the fee. [In the academic year 2012/13, full tuition fees were covered by the government for 38 % of students, 
while 61 % of students participated in fees to some extent].  

The fees in both cycles range from HRK 5 000 till 10 000 per year.  

At bachelor level, 25 % of the total number of students (counting all students in all three years, including the ones 
of the first  year  who do not pay anything) pay some participation in the fees. At master level, the corresponding 
percentage is 20 %. 

Support (2014/15)  

 

 

 

 

At national level, student grants are provided by two public sources: Ministry of Science, Education and Sports as 
well as National Foundation for support of pupils' and students' standard. Both institutions award grants according 
to a range of criteria which include both need- and merit-based elements. The grants range from HRK 500 to 1 000 
per month and are available for 12 months each year till the graduation (i.e. total of 6 000-12 000 per year).  

Further grants for students are provided by a number of regional and local governments. 

Part-time students are not eligible to apply for state-funded grants.  

There are no loans, tax benefits for parents or family allowances. 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

ITALY 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

88.05 % of 1st and 2nd cycle students pay fees  

7.95 % of 1st and 2nd cycle students receive grants  

Tax benefits for parents 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

Higher  education  institutions  (HEIs)  define  the  fees  at  the  beginning  of  the  academic  year  and  they  differentiate 
them according to the students' socio-economic background, field of studies, cycle, study status – full-time or part-
time – and year of registration. Furthermore, HEIs are obliged to exempt students benefiting from student support, 
and they can also exempt some students on the basis of merit. The overall amount of fees at the end of financial 
year should not be higher than 20 % of public funding. The amount of fees and the exemptions are calculated only 
ex-post and only for statistical purposes. 

The amount of fees shown in the diagram is calculated on the basis of the most recent statistical data available 
and as the mean amounts for all registered students. 

International students pay the same fees as national students.  

Support (2014/15)  

 

 

 

Public  grants  are  allocated  on  the  basis  of  both  economic  need  and  academic  merit.  The  amount  depends  on 
whether the student lives with her/his parents and is defined, within the range mentioned in the diagram above, by 
the Regional authorities. For instance, the amounts for need-based grants range from EUR 1 904 (students living 
with parents) to EUR 5 052/year (students not living with parents).  

Parents can receive tax benefits based on real educational expenditure, if the child has a proven student status. 
Tax benefit is applicable as long as the child is tax dependent on his/her parents. 

No loans or family allowances.  

Planned reforms 

 

Following the adoption of a general university reform, regulated by the Law n°240 of 2010, the students' support 
system is currently undergoing significant change. The main aims of the reform are to strengthen the opportunities 
for  students  coming  from  a  difficult  socio-economic  background  and  to  promote  merit  amongst  all  students.  The 
main measures to reach these aims are the definition of minimum standards of student services, to be guaranteed 
to all students coming from a difficult socio-economic background, and the creation of a national fund to support 
the most successful students. In this context, an Observatory on Students’ Welfare (Osservatorio per il Diritto allo 
Studio) was created in 2013. Its main competencies are collecting information on the student population, national 
monitoring  and  reporting  on  students’  support  services,  and  advising  the  Ministry  on  standards  for  the  student 
support  system.  While  the  required  legislation  to  implement  these  reforms  has  already  been  approved, 
administrative procedures and implementation measures are currently being developed. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

CYPRUS 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

Fees in the 1st cycle for Cypriot and EU students  
are paid by the State 

All students receive a basic grant,  
2 % merit-based grant, 10 % need-based grant 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

  Higher education institutions can define their own fees within limits set by the Ministry of Education and Culture.  

 

 

 

First  cycle:  fees  total  EUR 1 709  per  semester  for  Cypriot  students  and  for  students  admitted  from  EU  countries. 
These fees are paid fully by the State.  

International students pay fees. Fees for students admitted from non-EU countries total EUR 3 417 per semester.  

Second cycle: all students pay fees which range from EUR 5 125 to 10 250.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

All Cypriot students receive an annual educational grant (basic grant) by the Ministry of Finance. According to new 
legislation  which  came  into  force  in  2012,  the  educational  grant  is  given  based  on  family  income  criteria.  The 
minimum educational grant is EUR 1450 and the maximum is EUR 3 420 per year.  

Approximately 10 % of Cypriot and other EU students receive targeted need-based grants to cover living, books, 
rental and computer expenses based on their socioeconomic status. The minimum targeted grant is EUR 300 and 
the maximum is EUR 3 692 per year. 

About  2 %  of  students  receive  merit  and  need-based  scholarships.  The  criteria  for  scholarships  are  academic 
excellence and socioeconomic status. Students may receive up to EUR 2 500-3°500 per year for an undergraduate 
programme (1st cycle), EUR 2 000-4°000 per year for a master's programme (2nd cycle) and EUR 4°000-7°000 for 
a PhD programme (3rd cycle). 

Study loans are available only for owners of property in the northern Cyprus. 

There are no tax benefits for parents or family allowances.  

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

LATVIA 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

55 % of 1st cycle and 40 % of 2nd cycle students pay fees 

S
E
E
F

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

11.5 % of students in state subsidised study places  
receive public grants 

Loans | Tax benefits for parents 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

Students studying on state subsidised places do not pay fees. 50 % of 1st cycle students and 38 % of 2nd cycle 
students pay fees.  

The majority of students, including those enrolled in evening courses, distance courses or courses offered jointly 
with other universities pay fees.  

Fee amounts vary by field and course load. Each higher education institution can set its own fees. The fees range 
from  EUR 968  to  3 557  per  year  for  full-time  studies  and  from  EUR 455  to  2 077  for  part-time  studies  in  the  1st 
cycle. In the 2nd cycle fees range from EUR 818 to 5 333 for full-time studies and from EUR 384 to 3 256 for part-
time  studies  per  year.  For  college  programmes  or  short-cycle  programmes  (ISCED 5B)  the  fees  range  from 
EUR 783  to  2 134  for  full-time  studies  per  year  and  EUR  569  to  1 400  for  part-time  studies  per  year.  However, 
some  of  the  higher  education  institutions  apply  a  diversified  tuition  fee  amount  throughout  the  study  years,  i.e. 
usually the fee in the first year of studies is the lowest.  

The  amounts  of  fees  for  international  students  may  differ  in  some  study  programmes  (e.g.  medicine,  dentistry, 
engineering)  and  range  from  EUR 8  000  to  12 000  (2013/14)  in  the  1st  cycle.  In  the  2nd  cycle,  fees  range  from 
EUR 4 050 to 15 000 (2013/14) per year. Students from EU and EEA are treated as home students. 

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

Public  grants  to  cover  tuition  fees  are  allocated  on  the  basis  of  academic  merit.  These  grants  are  primarily 
available in priority areas; currently natural sciences, computer sciences and engineering.  

Other  public  grants  are  traditionally  available  based  on  academic  merit.  Recently,  more  need-based  criteria  are 
taken  into  account.  Disabled  or  orphaned  students  with  families,  from  large  families  or  in  economic  need  are 
treated favourably. State budget grants are EUR 99.60/month (per 10 months) for the first and second cycle. Only 
about  15 %  of  all  students  studying  in  state  financed  places  at  public  HEIs  receive  this  funding  support.  Higher 
grants are available through the European Social Fund activities supporting the implementation of Master’s study 
programmes  (specifically  for  students  in  the  following  priority  study  fields:  natural  sciences,  mathematics,  IT, 
engineering, health care, environmental sciences and creative industries).  

Two  types  of  loans  exist.  The  first  is  to  cover  tuition  costs  and  the  second  to  cover  living  costs  with  a  cap  of 
EUR 170.74/month.  Loans  need  to  be  paid  back  12 months  after  the  end  of  the  degree  programme.  This  helps 
about 20 % of the fee-paying students with their tuition costs, as well as supporting 15 % of subsidized students 
with their living expenses. (2013/14).  

Tax  benefits  are  awarded  to  parents  and  students  (payers  of  personal  income  tax)  of  EUR 213.43  per  year  to 
recover part of the annual funds invested in health care and education. Also, a parent has relief of personal income 
tax for a child while she or he studies in higher education, but only until the student reaches 24 years of age. 

 

No family allowances. 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

LITHUANIA 

51 % of students pay fees 

S
E
E
F

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

5.1 % of students receive a need-based grant;  
6.2 % receive a merit-based grant 

Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 3.46 LTL  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

Students studying in state subsidised places do not pay fees. There are exceptions for students who change their study programme (if fees 
are higher than for the previous study programme).  

All fees are determined by Government and vary depending on the study programme (influenced by study field) or the form of study (full-
time/part-time).  

In the first cycle, fees range from LTL 3 238 to 18 162 per year in full-time studies and between LTL 2 159 and 12 108 per year in part-time 
studies.  

In  the  second  cycle,  fees  range  between  LTL 7 308  and  21 578  per  year  in  full-time  and  from  LTL 4 872  to  14 386  per  year  in  part-time 
studies.  

Higher education institutions (HEIs) can determine different higher tuition fees for national students as well as for citizens of non-EU and non-
EEA countries. 

Support (2014/15)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are three main types of scholarships/grants: for academic achievement, social scholarships and study scholarship. 

The amount of the scholarships for academic achievement is regulated by each higher education institution. It ranges from LTL 20 to 1 100 
per month. The total period of receiving the scholarship depends on HEIs and varies from 10 to 12 months.  

The study scholarship amount is the same as the fee amount (varying according to the study programme, and/or form of study). 

Social  scholarships  are  available  for  students  from  a  low  socio-economical  background,  disabled  students  and  orphans.  Their  amount  is 
LTL 390  per  month.  Students  can  apply  for  this  scholarship  twice  a  year.  If  a  student  meets  requirements  each  time,  s/he  gets  the 
scholarship for 12 months.  

First cycle or integrated study students not funded by the State who have finished the first two academic years with the best results (in the 
case of part-time studies – half of a study programme) and afterwards the remaining academic years, may also be reimbursed for the tuition 
fee paid. The number of students receiving this support represents no more than 10 % of the total number of state-funded students who have 
finished the appropriate period with the best results. 

In 2013, less than 5 % of students took out a student loan with the majority taking a loan designed to cover the cost of tuition fees (LTL 100-
29 418).  

Tax benefits for parents. Students’ parents who pay tuition fees are eligible for an annual income tax refund, in favour of the student if the 
student receives his/her first degree. The income tax refund is up to 15 % of the paid tuition fee.  

Students' parents can get family allowances if the family has three or more children under 18 years and/or older children who are full-time 
students (until they become 24 years old). The amount is LTL 52 per child per month. 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

LUXEMBOURG 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

85 % of students pay fees 

S
E
E
F

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

Almost all students receive grants 

Loans | Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

First cycle: From the winter semester 2013/14, inscription fees for the 1st Bachelor year (1st and 2nd semester) at 
the University of Luxembourg have increased from EUR 200 to EUR 400. This extra income will be used for a newly 
created  student  mobility  fund.  Bachelor  programmes,  which  are  not  totally  taught  in  Luxembourg  (Medicine, 
Pharmacy and English) are not concerned.  

Second  cycle:  80 %  of  the  Masters  fees  at  the  University  of  Luxembourg  have  a  EUR 400/year  value.  Only  two 
Masters in Banking, Finance and Wealth management have the maximum yearly fees. 

International students pay the same fees as national students. 

Support (2014/15)  
 
 

Financial aid is a 'package' including a grant and a loan or only a loan depending on the income of the student. 
The  higher  education  grant  is  open  to  all  eligible  students.  A  number  of  eligibility  requirements  exist  regarding 
citizenship and residency 
Students should attend a higher education programme leading to a recognised diploma in the country where the 
studies take place and receive a minimum of 15 ECTS credits per semester. 
Support duration: 1st cycle = official duration + 1 year; 2nd cycle =official duration. 

 

 

Grants are divided in the following categories: 

 

Basic grant: EUR 2 000 per academic year, without any condition, for all eligible students. 

  Mobility grant: EUR 2 000 per academic year, for students attending higher education in another country than their 

country of residence and having accommodation expenses. 

 

 

Social criteria grant: EUR 0 to EUR 3 000, depending on the income of the student’s family. 

Family  allowances:  EUR 500, awarded  if  another  child  receives  financial  support  for  higher education  (EUR 500 
per children studying and per academic year) 

  Registration fees: EUR 0 to EUR 1 850 (as grant) + EUR 0 to EUR 1 850 (as loan). 

 

Student loan: a EUR 6 500 basic loan is awarded to each student per academic year. The loan amount increases if 
the student does not receive a social grant or part of it (same amount increase, max. EUR 3 000). Global financial 
support amount (grant and loan together) that a student can receive per academic year represents EUR 17 700. 

  No tax benefits and no merit-based grants exist. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

HUNGARY 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

43 % of students paid fees (Oct. 2012) 

S
E
E
F

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

22 % of state-funded students received a merit-based 
grant and 15 % a need-based grant (Oct. 2012) 

Loans  

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

1 EUR = 310.6 HUF  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2013/14) 
 
 

Higher education institutions (HEIs) specify the amount of fees in accordance with a government decree.  
Fees are charged to students without a state-funded place. State-funded places are awarded to students on the 
basis of their performance in the admission procedure. [2012: 57 % of places were state-funded.] 
The fees range from HUF 230 000 to 1 600 000 in 1st cycle and from HUF 450 000 to 1 900 000 in 2nd cycle. The 
fees are between HUF 300 000 and 2 700 000 in undivided long programmes.  
Best-performing students with non-state-funded status can obtain state-funded status during their studies. On the 
other hand, state-funded students who exceed the prescribed period of study or do not obtain at least 50 % of the 
prescribed number of credits and the marks determined by the HEI lose their state-funded status. 
International students pay the same amount of fees as non-state-funded students.  

Support (2012/13) 
 
 

The regular need-based grant is paid for a period of 10 months/year. 
The minimum of the grant specified by the law for the disadvantaged, for students with one living parent and those 
under legal guardianship until the age of 18 is HUF 119 000/academic year. The minimum of the grant specified by 
the law for the disabled, multiple disadvantaged, orphans, students supporting dependents or those from a large 
family is HUF 238 000/academic year. 
In addition to the regular (monthly) need-based grant (shown in the diagram above), there is a scholarship scheme 
jointly  financed  by  municipalities  and  higher  education  institutions  (Bursa  Hungarica  scholarship).  One-off  initial 
and emergency grants are also available. 
Only  state-funded  students  can  receive  a  merit-based  grant.  In  order  to  receive  a  merit-based  grant,  students 
have  to  obtain  a  certain  number  of  credits  or  a  minimum  mark  stipulated  by  the  HEI.  The  grants  are  paid  for  a 
period of 10 months/year. 
A maximum of 50 % of students at state-funded places are awarded a merit-based grant.  
The minimum of the grant specified in the law is HUF 59 500/academic year. 
The  diagram  does  not  contain data  on  the  ’Scholarship  of  the  Hungarian Republic’,  which  is granted  only  to  the 
best performing students (maximum 0.8 % of state-funded students) and is a significantly higher amount. 
A government-subsidised loan (Student Loan 1) is available for both state-funded and fee-paying students (max. 
HUF 50 000/month  for  a  period  of  10 months/year).  Orphans  and  those  with  unemployed  parents  can  receive 
HUF 10 000/month  more.  The  maximum  duration  is  5 years  (7  for  longer  diploma  courses  such  as  medicine). 
Students below 35 years of age are eligible. It is a general-purpose loan. 
A  second  type  of  student  loan  (Student  Loan  2)  has  been  available  for  fee-paying  students  since  the  academic 
year 2012/13. It is a government subsidised loan with interest rates lower than for Student Loan 1 (above). It can 
only be spent on tuition fees and it can cover the whole of the tuition fee. Fee paying students can take out both 
types of loans to cover both study costs and living costs. 
No tax benefits for parents or family allowances. 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

MALTA 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

No fees for 1st cycle full-time EU students  

All EU students following 1st cycle full-time courses 
receive grants 

Tax benefits for parents 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15)  
 

First  cycle:  No  fees  apply  for  Maltese  and EU nationals  following  first-cycle  full-time  courses  at  the  University  of 
Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). Part-time courses are only offered by the 
University of Malta. Fees for first-cycle part-time students are all EUR 400 per semester.  
Second cycle: An annual fee of EUR 400 applies for all Maltese and EU nationals following second-cycle full-time 
courses  at  the  University  of  Malta.  Students  following  courses  offered  jointly  with  foreign  universities  pay  higher 
fees.  Fees  for  full-time  evening  courses  range  from  EUR 1 500  to  EUR 1 800  per  semester  (most  common 
EUR 1 500)  and  fees  for  part-time  studies  range  from  EUR 600  to  EUR 1 500  per  semester  (most  common 
EUR 750). 
International  students  pay  fees  for  both  first-cycle  and  second-cycle  degree  programmes,  and  these  fees  are 
higher than those paid by Maltese and EU nationals. 

Support (2014/15)  
 

Student  maintenance  grants  are  provided  to  all  Maltese  and  other  EU  students  following  a  full-time  first-cycle 
degree course provided they fulfil the relevant eligibility criteria. Students receive an annual grant of EUR 465.87 
plus  EUR 85.45  every  four  weeks  between  October  and  June.  Students  studying  for  Science,  Engineering,  IT-
related  courses,  Mental  Health  and  Nursing  (known  as  ‘prescribed  programmes’)  receive  an  annual  grant  of 
EUR 698.81 and a EUR 149.54 every four weeks between October and June. There is also an additional one-off 
payment equivalent to the annual grant at the beginning of a study programme. 
Grants are offered in some second-cycle degree courses preparing students for a regulated profession. 
Students who, due to proven hardship, are deemed to qualify for a supplementary maintenance grant, receive an 
annual grant of EUR 698.81, plus a grant of EUR 286.92 every four weeks from October to June in addition to the 
one-off grant payment at the beginning of the course. 
Student  maintenance  grants  have  increased  compared  to  2013  through  a  budgetary  measure  introduced  on 
1 January 2014, which has increased the student maintenance grant by the amount equivalent to the national Cost 
of Living Adjustment (COLA). The supplementary grant was also increased by EUR 300 per academic year.  
Several scholarship schemes are available to students who wish to pursue studies abroad.  
The  Youth  Specialisation  Studies  Scheme  (YSSS)  provides  the  opportunity  for  young  Maltese  people,  aged 
between 18 and 30 years, to apply for a soft loan at a subsidised rate of interest to further their studies abroad or 
follow distance learning courses, provided that such courses are not available in Malta. 
Parents whose children are 18 years of age and who are not gainfully employed, or who are up to 23 and still in 
tertiary  education,  save  between  EUR 150  and  EUR 840  in  tax  benefits  in  the  form  of  income  tax  annual 
payments.  
No family allowances are in place. 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

THE NETHERLANDS 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

All students pay fees 

76 % of students in both cycles  
receive grants 

Loans  

P
P
S

P
P
S

P
P
S

P
P
S

Scale: 0 to 10500 

Minimum 

 / 

Most common 

  Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

  Fees are determined centrally (currently EUR 1 906 for 2015) and have to be paid by all students. Students in part-
time  programmes,  or  programmes  combining  study  and  work  (dual  courses)  pay  between  EUR 1°099  and 
EUR 1°906 upon the decision of the higher education institution. 

  Students enrolled for a second degree at the same level may be liable to different fees, which are set by the higher 
education  institution.  This  does  not  apply  for  students  who  wish  to  obtain  a  second  degree  in  health  care  or 
education. 

 

International students – outside a country in the EEA, Surinam or Switzerland – pay non statutory fees determined 
by the higher education institutions without any guidelines from the Ministry. 

Support (2014/15) 

  General student grants are provided by the state to all full-time students under the age of 30 when they begin their 
studies.  The  monthly  amounts  range  from  EUR 100.25  to  279.14  paid  for  12  months  per  year.  The  grants  are 
available for the standard length of a course only – normally four years. Depending on the student's parents’ income 
and  whether  or  not  the  student  lives  at  home,  a  supplementary  grant,  from  EUR 239  to  EUR 260,  may  also  be 
received.  

  Students who fail to graduate within ten years have to repay all the finance they have received, with the exception of 

the first five months of the supplementary grant. 

  Students can take out loans to cover living costs (EUR 294 per month) and fees (EUR 293 per month) for a further 
three years after the standard length of the course. The interest rate is equal to the one paid by the government. 

  No tax benefits for parents and no family allowances. 

Planned Reforms 

  Changes  will  occur  in  the  current  system  in  the  year  2015/16  affecting  the  new  intake  of  bachelor  and  master 
students.  The  basic  grant  for  all  students will  no  longer  exist  in  the  new  system.  Grants  will  be  available  only  for 
students  whose  parents  earn  less  than  EUR 46 000  (currently  called  a  supplementary  grant),  and  loans  will  be 
maintained.  The  supplementary  grant  may  reach  EUR 365/month  for  students  whose  parents  earn  less  than 
EUR 30 000.  

 

The  repayment  period  for  students  with  a  loan  will  be  extended  from  15  to  35  years,  resulting  in  lower  monthly 
repayments.  Repaying  the  loan  will  start  from  an  income  equal  to  the  minimum  wage,  rather  than  the  current 
minimum subsistence level. 

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AUSTRIA 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

No fees for EU university students 

Approximately 15 % of students received a grant in 
2012/13 

Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EU students and those who are accorded the same rights do not have to pay tuition fees.  

Austrian  students,  EU  students  and  students  with  equal  status  at  universities  and  Pädagogische  Hochschule 
(University Colleges of Teacher Education) do not have to pay fees, but if they exceed the minimum study duration 
for more than a year, they have to pay EUR 363.36 per semester. 

Other  students  at  Pädagogische  Hochschule  (University  Colleges  of  Teacher  Education)  have  to  pay  fees  of 
EUR 363.36 per semester.  

Students at universities and Pädagogische Hochschule (University Colleges of Teacher Education) can be exempt 
from  paying  in  cases  such  as  studies  or  internships  within  transnational  mobility  programmes,  illness  and 
pregnancy. Students with disabilities may also be exempt.  

International students (i.e. non-EU and EEC students) at universities generally have to pay fees of EUR 726.72 per 
semester.  Students  from  developing  countries  may  be  exempt  from  these  fees  according  to  a  decision  of  the 
university.  

In principle, providers of the Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) are entitled to charge fees up to the 
maximum  amount  of  EUR 363.36  per  semester.  In  the  case  of  international  students  (i.e.  non-EU  and  EEC 
students)  the  providers  are  entitled  to  charge  cost-covering  fees,  which  are  usually  higher  than  EUR 363.36  per 
semester.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

The federal student grants can systematically be divided into two sections: direct study financing received in cash, 
and  indirect  study  financing  which  the  student  may  receive  by  a  transfer  payment  to  the  students’  parents,  or 
through non-cash benefits. 

Direct student support is paid out in monthly instalments up to EUR 8 952 per year. The amount is assessed on 
the basis of income and number of family members of the student, his/her parents and his/her spouse.  

The  grants  need  not  be  paid  back  except  when  proof  of  academic  achievement  is  missing  after  the  first  two 
semesters. 

Students' parents can receive family allowances (EUR 158.90 per month per child) and tax relief (EUR 58.40 per 
month per child) if the student is under 24 (in exceptional cases till 25 years of age) and is studying.  

No student loans. 

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POLAND 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

Approximately 70 % of students pay only 
administrative fees (the lowest fees) 

20.1 % of students received grants  
from the central budget (2012) 

Loans | Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 4.1436 PLN  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

  Full-time  studies  in  public  higher  education  institutions  (HEIs) are  free  of  charge.  Full-time  students  in public  HEIs 

pay fees only if they repeat a study course due to unsatisfactory academic results. 

  Tuition  fees  are  paid  only  by  part  time  students  (with  exemptions  and  reductions  possible  on  the  basis  of  low 
economic  status  or  excellent  results).  Detailed  rules  regulating  the  amounts  of  tuition  fees  and  the  conditions  for 
exemptions are regulated by the institutions themselves.  

  All students pay administrative fees which include the issue of student ID cards, student record books and diplomas. 
Students  also  pay  a  fee  related  to  enrolment  procedures.  The  maximum  possible  amount  of  this  fee  is  defined 
annually by the Minister, while the actual amounts are decided HEIs. The total amount of the fees is approximately 
PLN 170 and is paid once per cycle, rather than every year.  

  Students from the EU and EFTA countries and some other defined categories of students (e.g. students with refugee 
status)  study  according  to  the  same  rules  as  Polish  citizens.  Fees  for  international  students  other  than  these  are 
decided by the HEIs.  

Support (2014/15) 

  Need-based grants are available for students with a low personal/family income, and for students with disabilities, 
the income threshold to be eligible for need-based grants for students with low family income is PLN 592.8-850.2 
per person per year (the exact level of the threshold from this range depends on the decision of a higher education 
institution). The average amount is PLN 4 112 (2012) per month. 

  Merit-based grants are allocated to the best students. The average amount of the merit-based grant is PLN 3 898 

(2012) per year.  

  The  total  monthly  amount  of  the  needs-based grant  and  the merit-based grant  may  not  be more  than  90 %  of  the 
lowest basic pay of an assistant (the lowest academic position at higher education institutions) as regulated by the 
legislation on the remuneration of academic staff (PLN 2 020.5 in 2013). 

  Loans  of  PLN 6 000/year  may  be  taken  out  in  any  cycle  for  those  students  whose  personal  income  is  below  net 
PLN 2 300/month  (in  2013).  The  state  guarantees  part  of  the  loans  for  low  income  students:  students  with  family 
income of PLN 600/month per person have been granted a 100 % guarantee of their loan and students with a family 
income of PLN 1 000/month a 70 % guarantee.  

  Tax benefits exist for parents/guardians of students up to 25 years of age in the form of tax relief of PLN 1 112.04 
per child per year provided income did not exceed a specified level, and if the student did not earn a taxable income 
(including capital gains) exceeding PLN 3 089/year.  

  Family allowances are based on low income of parents or disability of a student. 

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N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

PORTUGAL 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

All students pay tuiton fees 

In 2013/14, 18 % received 
a need-based grant 

Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

  The annual tuition fee for 1st cycle courses, integrated 2nd cycle courses (mestrados integrados) and for 2nd cycle 
courses (mestrados) that are legally needed after the 1st cycle course for the practice of a specific profession is fixed 
by each public higher education institution and range from EUR 631.00 to EUR 1 068.00. 

  For other cases in the 2nd cycle courses, tuition fee is fixed freely by public higher education institutions. 

  The minimum value of the above fees is calculated as a 1.3 times the national minimum wage at the beginning of 
each  school  year.  The  maximum  wage  value  is  updated  every  year  according  to  the  rate  of  inflation.  The  most 
institutions adopt the maximum value.  

 

International students pay higher fees than national students.  

Support (2014/15) 

  Student grants can be need or merit based.  

  Eligibility for need-based scholarships is determined by the income of the student and his family. Need-based grants 

amount vary between EUR 1 068.00 and 5 679.00 (2014/15).  

  Merit-based grants amount is EUR 2415 (2014/15).  

  Additional  grants  are  provided  for  the  first  time  in  2014/15  to  a  maximum  of  1000  students  who  move  to  study  in 

regions of Portugal where there is less pressure on the population. 

  There is a special loan scheme for higher education students at low rates, with government guarantee.  

  Tax benefits for parents are provided through tax deduction on educational expenses. 

  Family allowance – child benefit – is granted to families with sons/daughters enrolled in higher education, less than 
24 years  old  when  the  household  income  does  not  exceed  1.5 times  social  support  index  times 14  (2013: 
EUR 8 803.62) and when the family assets are less than 240 times social support index (2013: EUR 100 612.80).  

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ROMANIA 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

38 % of students in the 1st cycle  
and 30 % in the 2nd cycle pay fees 

Around 28 % students in the 1st cycle and  
30 % in the 2nd cycle receive grants 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

1 EUR = 4.4591 RON  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

Each university senate decides on the level of fees for all programmes. The senate also decides on exemptions 
based on need or merit. All students pay administrative fees to register. 

Fees  are  calculated  based  on  the  number  of  students  and  the  amount  of  state  budget.  In  the  academic  year 
2014/15, the fees range as follows:  

o 

o 

For  the  first  cycle:  RON 2 400  for  social  science  fields;  RON 4 000  for  technical  fields  and  maximum  of 
RON 19 000 for arts.  

For  the  second  cycle:  RON 2 600  for  social  science  fields;  RON 5 000  for  technical  fields  and  maximum  of 
RON 30 000 for arts. 

 

International students pay fees. The value of the minimum fee is set by the law 1/06.01.2010 for each field.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

Need-based  grants,  most  commonly  amounting  to  RON 300/month,  are  based  on  the  financial  situation  of  the 
student.  

Merit-based  grants  take  different  forms:  study  bursaries  (most  commonly  RON 250/month)  and  merit-based 
scholarships (most commonly  RON 350/month). High achievement scholarships (of which one exists per faculty) 
can reach up to RON 600/month. Grants for excellent performance in research at Bachelor level have a ceiling of 
500 RON/month. All grants are awarded for 9 months.  

The  grant  amounts  are  determined  by  each  higher  education  institution.  They  aim  to  cover  the  costs  of  living  in 
student  accommodation  and  of  meals.  The  university  establishes  the  number  of  grants  out  of  the  total  fund  for 
higher education expenses. The funds are annually provided by the ministry. 

There are also subsidies granted by the Ministry of Education for accommodation and meals.  

No student loans, family allowances or tax benefits for parents. 

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N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

SLOVENIA 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

No fees for full-time students – accounting fo 85 % of 
the population 

27 % of students  
receive some kind of public grant 

Tax benefits for parents 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

Full-time students of public higher education institutions on state-funded places do not pay tuition fees. They pay 
only registration charges (EUR 10 to EUR 29), costs of examinations that are repeated, and costs of field work and 
excursions. 

Part-time students and international students from outside EU pay the same fees. Amounts range from EUR 1 210 
to EUR 8 188 for the first cycle and from EUR 2 200 to EUR 15 659 EUR for the second cycle. 

Support (2014/15) 
  Grants/scholarships  are  available  for  economically  and  socially  disadvantaged  students.  They  are  awarded 
according to a range of criteria which include both need and merit-based elements. Merit-based scholarships also 
exist.  The  grants  are  available  for  12  months  a  year.  Information  on  the  proportion  of  students  who  receive 
scholarships refers to the year 2012. 

 

Students must be under 27 years old when enrolling for their first degree to be eligible for public support.  

  No loans are provided.  

 

Tax benefits for parents are also provided in the form of tax relief for each dependent child and depends on the 
number of supported children (EUR 2 436 to EUR 7 957 per year in 2014). All parents of higher education students 
under 26 years old when enrolling are eligible for this benefit.  

  No family allowances are provided.  

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N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

SLOVAKIA 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

All students pay administrative fees  

12 % of students receive  
need-based and 20 % merit-based grants 

Loans | Tax benefits for parents | Family allowances 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

  Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

FEES (2014/2015) 

 

 

 

 

All  students  pay  registration  fees  of  EUR 10  to  EUR 100  per  academic  year.  Full-time  students  of  public  higher 
education  institutions  not  exceeding  the  'regular'  length  of  study  for  the  study  programme  concerned  do  not  pay 
tuition fees.  

Students  who  exceed  a  'regular'  length  of  study,  or  who  study  two  or  more  programmes  concurrently  in  one 
academic year have to pay tuition fees which cannot exceed EUR 1 650/academic year for both first and second 
cycle studies. Students admitted to an external/part-time study programme have to pay fees up to a maximum of 
EUR 1 960/year in the first cycle and EUR 2 940/year in the second cycle. 

Tuition and other fees at public higher education institutions cannot exceed 50 % of the average costs of full-time 
education.  

Non-EU students pay higher tuition fees of EUR 2 000 to EUR 10 000/year. 

Support (2014/2015) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is  a legal  right  for a need-based grant/scholarship subject  to  specified  conditions. The  amount  of  social 
scholarship varies from EUR 10 to EUR 270/month.  

Merit-based  motivation  scholarships  are  granted  by  the  higher  education  institutions  for  excellent  results  in 
studies, research and development, artistic or sporting activity. Since January 2013 the motivation scholarship has 
been provided to a maximum of 50 % of students for excellent study results and a maximum of 10 % of students 
for  excellent  results  in  research  and  development,  artistic  or  sports  activity.  The  amount  of  the  motivation 
scholarship is set by higher education institutions or faculties.  

In  2014,  in  an  effort  to  encourage  students’  interest  in  selected  scientific  fields  of  study,  Universities  have  been 
provided  with  additional  finances  for  merit-based  scholarships.  The  scholarship  amount  will  be  determined  by 
Universities;  but  the  funding  represents  an  amount  of  EUR 1 000  per  academic  year  for  15 %  of  students  in  the 
study fields identified. 

Publicly  subsidised  loans  provided  by  the  Education  Support  Fund  are  available  for  full  and  part-time  students 
throughout the regular duration of study programmes. Loans range from EUR 500/year to EUR 3 000/year. 

Family  allowances  of  EUR 23.52  per  month  are  paid  to  parents  of  students  up  to  25  years  of  age  who  do  not 
exceed the regular length of study.  

Tax benefits for parents exist in the form of a lump sum tax deduction of EUR 21.41/month.  

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

FINLAND 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

No fees  

Almost all degree students receive  
student financial support 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

No student fees. 

In  selected  English-language  Master's  degree  programmes,  the  Finnish  higher  education  institutions  can  charge 
tuition fees from non-EU/EEA nationals during the ongoing trial period (2010-2014).  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Study grants (SG), for which a certain number of credits are required, are universal for the regular length of study. 
Amounts range from EUR 55.72 to 335.32/month and depend on age and whether the student lives with parent(s).  

A  housing  supplement  (HS)  covers  80 %  of  the  rent  for  students  living  independently.  The  maximum  amount  is 
EUR 201.60/month. 

SG  and  HS  are  available  for  nine  months  only  if  the  student's  income  is  below  EUR 11 850/year.  This  is  not  an 
absolute maximum but refers to a typical situation. For each month that the study grant or housing supplement is 
received, the exemption amount is on average EUR 660, and for each aid-free month EUR 1 970. Assuming that a 
student receives aid for 9 months, (s)he would be allowed to earn up to EUR 11 850 a year in other income. The 
income may be earned at any time during the calendar year. 

SG  and  HS  can  be  taken  for  12 months  a  year,  but  typically  they  are  taken  for  9 months.  Hence,  a  common 
amount  is  EUR 8 432  (of  which  EUR 3 600  is  a  student  loan,  which  is  used  only  by  40 %  of  students  in  higher 
education). The maximum is EUR 11 243. 

Study  loans  of  EUR 400/month  are  government  guaranteed.  Higher  education  students  admitted  from 
August 2005 who graduate in the regular foreseen time are entitled to tax deduction for study loans.  

 Student financial aid is tied to the cost-of-living index from 1 September 2014.  

No tax benefits for parents and no family allowances.  

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

SWEDEN 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

No fees for Swedish/EU students 

67 % of students receive grants 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 8.89 SEK  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

  No fees for Swedish/EU/EFTA/EEA students. 

  Other students pay fees since autumn 2011. Higher education institutions determine the size of the fees, based on 

the principle of full cost coverage. 

Support (2014/1) 

  Grants of SEK 707/week (3 063/month) for nine months per year are universally available. The maximum per year is 

27 567 SEK. 67 % of students received grants in 2012.  

  Loans of SEK 1 549/week (6 712/month) nine months per year are universally available. 

  Students  with  children  can  receive  an  extra  grant.  It  is  also  possible  for  some  students  to  receive  further 
supplementary  loans  and  loans  for  additional  costs  in  connection  to  their  studies.  This  concerns,  for  example, 
students with necessary additional costs for double housing, travel, musical instruments, etc. 

  No tax benefits for parents and family allowances.  

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N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

THE UNITED KINGDOM – ENGLAND 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

All 1st cycle students pay fees 

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

E
U
R

E
U
R

In 2013/14, 56 % of 1st cycle applicants were awarded a 
grant  

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 0.791 GBP  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 
 

1st cycle full-time – fees are set by institutions and capped at GBP 9 000 for institutions with an approved access plan (to 
safeguard  fair  access  for  low  income  and  other  under-represented  groups)  and  GBP 6 000  for  institutions  without  an 
access  plan.  The  average  fee  for  2013/14  was  GBP 8 499  before  fee  waivers  (discounts  offered  by  institutions)  and 
GBP 8 246  after  fee  waivers.  Students  are  not  required  to  pay  up  front  and  can  apply  for  a  loan  to  cover  the  full  fee. 
Repayments are income-contingent and made at the rate of 9 % of income above the threshold of GBP 21 000. 

 

 

1st  cycle  part-time  –  fees  are  set  by  institutions  and  capped  at  GBP 6 750.  Students  studying  a  course  of  at  least  25 % 
intensity are not required to pay up front and can apply for a loan to cover the full fee. Repayments as for full-time students. 

2nd  cycle  –  fees  are  unregulated  and  vary  widely.  The  ‘most  common’  shown  (GBP 3 996)  represents  an  indicative  fee 
level for research students in 2014/15. 

 

1st and 2nd cycle international students – fees are unregulated. 

Support (2014/15) 
 

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a need based grant for living costs. The grant is awarded on a sliding 
scale  with  a  full  grant  of  GBP  3  387  for  students  with  a  household  income  of  GBP  25  000  or  less.  In  2013/14,  56% of 
applicants  eligible  for  support  (grant  and/or  loan)  were  awarded  a  grant  (42 %  a  full  grant  and  14%  a  partial  grant).  NB 
Data is for applicants eligible for support (loan and/or grant). Not all applicants register as students. Students who are lone 
parents or who have certain disabilities may be eligible for a special support grant. In addition, institutions with fees over 
GBP 6 000 must offer National Scholarship Programme (NSP) awards to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This 
scheme runs for the last time in 2014/15. Many institutions also offer other bursaries and scholarships aimed at students 
from under-represented groups. 

 

 

 

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a loan for living costs for all students. The maximum for students living in 
the family home is GBP 4 418. For students living away from the family home the maximum is GBP 5 555 outside London 
and GBP 7 751 in London. The amount is reduced for students who receive a need based grant. Repayments as for fee 
loans. 

1st cycle part-time – grants and loans for living costs are not available. 

2nd  cycle  –  there  is  no  universal  support  package  and  around  72 %  of  students  on  taught  programmes  and  38 %  of 
research  students  do  not  receive  any  support  towards  tuition  fees  or  living  costs  (2011/12  data).  The  merit-based  grant 
shown in the figure represents the minimum stipend set by Research Councils UK for the research students it funds. Other 
funders of postgraduate research students tend to set their funding at the same level. 

 

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system. 

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N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

THE UNITED KINGDOM – WALES 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

All 1st cycle students pay fees 

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

In 2013/14, 68 % of first cycle applicants were 
awarded a grant 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 0.791 GBP  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 
 

1st cycle full time – fees are set by institutions but capped at GBP 9 000 for institutions with an approved tuition fee 
plan to promote fair access and GBP 6 000 for institutions without a plan. Students are not required to pay up front 
and can apply for a fee grant of up to GBP 5 315 and a fee loan of up to GBP 3 685 to cover the full tuition fee. The 
‘most  common  amount’  shown  represents  the  repayable  fee  of  GBP 3 685.  Loan  repayments  are  income-
contingent, and made at the rate of 9 % of income above the threshold of GBP 21 000. 
1st cycle part-time – fees are unregulated. Loans are not available. 
2nd cycle – fees are unregulated and vary widely. The ‘most common’ figure of GBP 3 996 represents the indicative 
fee level for research students in 2013/14. 
1st and 2nd cycle international students – fees are unregulated. 

 
 

 

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a need based grant for living costs. The grant is awarded on a 
sliding  scale  with  a  full  grant  of  GBP 5 161  for  students  with  a  household  income  of  18 370  or  less.  In  2013/14, 
68 % of applicants eligible for support (grant and/or loan) were awarded a grant: 39% were awarded a full grant and 
29 %  were  awarded  a  partial  grant.  NB:  Data  is  for  applicants  eligible  for  support  (loan  and/or  grant).  Not  all 
applicants register as students. Students who are lone parents or who have certain disabilities may be eligible for a 
special support grant.  

1st  cycle  full-time  –  the  support  package  includes  a  loan  for  living  costs  for  all  students.  The  maximum  loan  is 
GBP 4 027 for students living in the family home and GBP 5 202 for students living away from home. The amount is 
reduced for students who receive a need based grant. Repayments as for tuition fee loans. 

1st cycle part-time – a need-based grant for tuition fees and other costs is available. It is not intended to cover the 
full amount of tuition fees. 

2nd cycle – there is no universal support package and around 60 % of students on taught programmes and 30 % of 
research students do not receive any support towards tuition fees or living costs. The merit-based grant shown in 
the figure represents the minimum stipend set by Research Councils UK for the research students it funds. Other 
funders of postgraduate research students tend to set their funding at the same level. 

 

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system.  

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

THE UNITED KINGDOM – NORTHERN IRELAND 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

All 1st cycle students pay fees 

E
U
R

E
U
R

In 2012/13, 61% of 1st cycle applicants were awarded a 
grant 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 0.791 GBP  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

1st cycle full-time – fees are set by institutions but capped at GBP 3 685 for institutions with an access agreement 
outlining  its  provision  of  student  support,  including  bursaries and  outreach  activities.  Students  are  not  required  to 
pay up front and can apply for a loan to cover the full fee. Repayments are income-contingent and made at the rate 
of 9 % of income above the threshold of GBP 16 910.  

1st cycle part-time – fees are unregulated. Loans are not available. 

2nd cycle – fees are unregulated and vary widely. The ‘most common’ figure of GBP 3 996 represents the indicative 
fee level for research students in 2013/14. 

1st and 2nd cycle international students – fees are unregulated. 

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a need based grant for living costs. The grant is awarded on a 
sliding scale with a full grant of GBP 3 475 for students with a household income of GBP 19 203 or less. In 2012/13, 
61 %  of  applicants  eligible  for support  (grant and/or  loan)  were  awarded  a  grant:  39 %  were  awarded  a  full grant 
and 22 % were awarded a partial grant. NB: Data is for applicants eligible for support (loan and/or grant).  Not all 
applicants register as students. Students who are lone parents or who have certain disabilities may be eligible for a 
special support grant.  

1st  cycle  full-time  –  the  support  package  includes  a  loan  for  living  costs  for  all  students.  The  maximum  loan  is 
GBP 3 750 for students living in the family home and GBP 4 840 for students living away from home. The amount is 
reduced for students who receive a need based grant. Repayment as for tuition fee loans. 

1st cycle full-time – all institutions must offer an additional bursary to students who receive the maximum grant for 
living costs or special support grant. The amount varies.  

1st cycle part-time – a need-based grant for tuition fees and other costs is available. It is not intended to cover the 
full amount of tuition fees. 

2nd cycle – there is no universal support package and around 72 % of students on taught programmes and 38 % of 
research students do not receive any support towards tuition fees or living costs. The merit-based grant shown in 
the  figure  represents  the  minimum  stipend  set  by  RCUK  for  the  research  students  it  funds.  Other  funders  of 
postgraduate research students tend to set their funding at the same level. 

 

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system.  

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

THE UNITED KINGDOM – SCOTLAND 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

No fees in 1st cycle for Scottish and EU students  

69 % of students at Scottish institutions received  
a bursary, grant or loan (2012/13) 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 0.791 GBP  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

For the first cycle, the Scottish Government pays the tuition fees for Scottish and EU students (with the exception 
of those from England, Wales and Northern Ireland). For 2014/15, fees are set at GBP 1 820. 

Scottish (and non-UK EU) students do not pay tuition fees to study at Scottish universities, but must pay full fees to 
study at universities in other parts of the UK. Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are required to 
pay fees to study at universities in Scotland. Fees are charged to students from the rest of the UK at a level of up 
to a maximum of GBP 9 000, in line with the maximum fee charged in the rest of the UK. The GBP 9 000 cap on 
fees for students from the rest of the UK is set by the sector as part of a voluntary agreement.  

Fees for international (non-EU) students are unregulated and set by the higher education institutions. 

The  fee  and  support  system  has  been  developed  for  students  in  the  first  cycle.  In  the  second  cycle,  fees  are 
unregulated, differing by field of study and by mode of attendance (i.e. full- or part-time).  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

Fundamental changes to the student support package were introduced in the academic year 13/14. 

Both grants and loans are available to students depending on circumstances. The ‘Young Student’s Bursary' of 
up  to  GBP 1 750  per  year  is  available  to  students  from  low  income  backgrounds.  The  ‘Independent  Students’ 
Bursary’  of  up  to  GBP 750  per  year  is  available  to  students  over  the  age  of  25  or  who  are  living  with  a  partner. 
Other grants also exist for students with disabilities. 

Many  students  take  out  loans.  Depending  on  household  income,  young  students  can  borrow  a  maximum  of 
GBP 5 750 per year. Likewise, independent students can borrow a maximum of GBP 6 750 per year. All students 
can borrow GBP 4 750 per year irrespective of household income.  

 

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system. 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

ICELAND 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

All students  
pay fixed fees 

No public grants 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 154.6 ISK  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

All  students  at  public  higher  education  institutions  pay  administrative  registration  fee  of  ISK 75 000  per  academic 
year. Over 80 % of students at 1st and 2nd cycle study at public higher education institutions. 

  Government dependent private higher education institutions charge a tuition fee that covers registration costs and 

teaching. The fee is around ISK 400 000-1 000 000 per academic year. 

 

The same rules apply to international students.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

Loans are provided to full-time students by the Icelandic Student Loan Fund. The amount depends on the size of 
student's  family  and  personal  circumstances  including  income.  The  basic  individual  support  for  academic  year 
2014/15 is ISK 144 867/month. Around 50 % of students take out a student loan. 

In  principle  no  public  grants/scholarships  are  available.  However,  some  merit-based  grants  are  provided  by 
universities and by the Icelandic Research Fund for Graduate Students for the 2nd cycle students. 

  No tax benefits for parents and no family allowances.  

Planned reforms  
In 2012, the Minister of Education, Science and Culture commissioned a review of the Act on the Icelandic Student Loan 
fund no. 21/1992. Some of the reforms proposed include: 

 

 

 

Students who finish their studies on time will can get a scholarship which will be allocated when the studies have 
been completed. The scholarship will be in the form of a reduction to the student loan the student has already taken 
during the studies.  

The  Icelandic  Student  Loan  Fund  will  get  permission  to  lend  students  in  preliminary  studies  and  students  in 
vocational studies at upper-secondary level.  

The  Minister  of  Education,  Science  and  Culture  has  authority  to  grant  special  benefits  to  students  in  specific 
subjects.  

These reforms are up for currently open for comments and amendments in committees but there is no expected timing 
for the bill to go through.  

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

LIECHTENSTEIN 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

All students at the University of Liechtenstein 
pay fixed fees 

E
U
R

E
U
R

No statistical data available on the number of students 
receiving support 

Tax benefits for parents 

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 1.214 CHF  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

Higher education institutions define their fee systems autonomously. 

All  students  (including  the  international  ones)  at  the  University  of  Liechtenstein  pay  an  annual  fee  of  CHF 1 700 
(CHF 850 per semester).  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public  support  consists  of  a  variable  combination  of  grants  and  loans.  The  maximum  total  amount  is 
CHF 25 000,  of  which  40-60 %  are  a  grant  and  the  rest  is  a  loan.  From  age  32  on,  the  state  financial  support 
consists of interest free loans only. 

Public grants are available for students, depending on their income (principle of subsidiarity). They need to have 
the  Liechtenstein  citizenship  or  reside  in  Liechtenstein  to  be  eligible.  The  amount  is  calculated  on  the  basis  of 
admissible costs and the reasonable own support.  

Up to the age of 25 and if students have not been working fulltime for at least 2 years, parents are included in the 
eligibility and calculation process. 

State scholarships and grants are fully portable to allow for mobility4.  

There are no financial support systems for incoming students.  

Tax benefits for parents are available of up to CHF 12 000 per year for education related costs. 

No family allowances.  

(4)  Due to limited education programmes within the country 90 % of students from Liechtenstein study abroad (Switzerland, 

Austria). 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                  
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

MONTENEGRO 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

All 2nd cycle students pay fees 

1.53 % of students receive merit-based grants  
13 % of students receive loans 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

25 %  of  students  at  the  public  University  of  Montenegro  (the  only  public  higher  education  institution  in 
Montenegro), have the status of budget-financed students. 75 % of students at the University of Montenegro pay 
tuition fees.  

The  minimum  fee  for  self-financed  students  in  the  first  cycle  is  EUR 500/year  and  the  maximum  fee  is 
EUR 1 000/year. The most common fee in the first cycle is EUR 500/year.  

In  the  second  cycle  (master  programmes)  fees  are  between  EUR 1 500  and  EUR 2 000/year.  All  master  degree 
students at the public university are obliged to pay fees.  

In  accordance  with  the  Law  on  Higher  Education  foreign  citizens  have  the  right  to  be  admitted  into  study 
programmes  in  Montenegro  under  the  same  conditions  as  Montenegrin  citizens  who  pay  tuition  fees,  unless 
otherwise stipulated by an international agreement.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are no need-based grants. 

The  Ministry  of  Education,  in  accordance  with  prescribed  criteria,  allocates  loans  and  scholarship  for  talented 
students every year.  

Scholarships/grants are given to 'talented students'. The eligibility criteria are that the students rank highest in the 
second  and  succeeding  years  of  their  studies,  that  they  have  Montenegrin  citizenship  or  foreign  citizenship  with 
permanent  residence  in  Montenegro,  and  that  they  have  not  repeated  a  semester  or  academic  year.  Particular 
attention  is  given  to  an  affinity  towards  scientific/artistic  work,  and  to  students  who  have  received  prizes in  state 
and international competitions. 

The average loan is EUR 42/month, while the scholarship for talented students is EUR 86/month.  

Grants and loans can be received by students for 10 months per year.  

No tax benefits for parents or family allowances. 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

NORWAY 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

No fees 

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

58.3 % of all students receive grants 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10 500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 7.4751 NOK  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15)  

 

 

 

No fees at public higher education institutions, which cater for over 85 % of all students in Norway.  

Government-dependent private higher education institutions may on certain conditions charge tuition fees. 

International students do not pay fees at public higher education institutions.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

 

 

Norwegian students are entitled to loans and grants from the State Educational Loan Fund (NSELF). The basic 
support  is  at  most  NOK 97 850per  academic  year  (10 months).  The  basic  support  is  initially  given  as  a  loan. 
However, 40 % of the loan may be converted to a grant for students who live away from their parents and pass all 
exams.  The  grant  will  be  reduced  if  the  student's  income  or  assets  exceed  certain  limits.  The  amounts  are 
universal for all students who are eligible for financial support. The maximum amount of the grant is NOK 39 140.  

Students under 25 years of age may also receive a grant for travel costs.  

Financial support is also given for study abroad as there is full portability of NSELF loans and grants. Exchange 
students and full degree students qualify for support.  

Students taking care of children may receive a grant for each child under the age of 16.  

Students on parental leave can be given a grant for up to 49 weeks, and students who cannot study because of 
illness may have the loan converted into a grant for up to four months and 15 days per academic year. Physically 
disabled  students  can  receive  an  extra  grant  if  they  are  unable  to  work  during  their  studies,  and  they  may  also 
receive basic support for twelve months per year. 

 

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances play no role in the student support system. 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N a t i o n a l   S t u d e n t   F e e   a n d   S u p p o r t   S y s t e m s  

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS  

TURKEY 

Undergraduate students do not pay fees 

S
E
E
F

T
R
O
P
P
U
S

First  
cycle 

Second 
cycle 

Need-based 
grant 

Merit-based 
grant 

Around 30 % of university students receive grants 

Loans 

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

E
U
R

Scale: 0 to 10500 

Minimum 

 / 

  Most common 

Maximum 

1 EUR = 2.86 TL  

KEY POINTS  

Fees (2014/15) 

 

Public university students following daytime education programmes do not pay fees. Public universities are financed 
by the Government and gain an additional income from students' fees (not more than 10 % of their income). Public 
universities provide both daytime and evening education for which fees can be charged. Fees in evening education 
at public universities range between TL 962 and TL 2 134. 

  Non-profit foundation universities can receive a limited amount of financial support from the Government, but their 
income  is  mainly  derived  from  fees.  Foundation  universities  provide  only  daytime  education  with  fees  from 
TL 10 800 to TL 50 300.  

 

 

In  the  2nd  cycle,  public  universities  charge  from  TL 258  to  600  while  foundation  universities  from  TL 7 500  to 
TL 45 000.  
International students pay higher fees.  

Support (2014/15) 

 

 

 

Students can receive a needs based 'contribution to education' from the university. It means that students pay 
lower fees. The exact amount of the reduction depends on the study programme.  

Exceptionally,  students  who  study  in  non-profit  foundation  universities  may  receive  discounts  from  the  university. 
For example, depending on the performance they show in university entrance exam, they may be asked to pay only 
half or five eighths of the fee (this may vary from one university to another).  

Loans: In 2014, students in the 1st cycle receive TL 300, while students in the 2nd cycle are provided with TL 600 
per month. Students who receive this amount of money have to pay back upon their graduation in instalments.  

  No tax benefits for parents or family allowances.  

46