The Schengen Area, named after the small village of Schengen in Luxembourg, represents one of the most significant achievements in European integration and cooperation. Its origins trace back to June 14, 1985, when five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community (EEC) signed the Schengen Agreement.
This agreement aimed to gradually abolish border checks at their mutual borders, fostering free movement for people and goods.
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Over the years, the Schengen Area expanded its membership, and today it encompasses 29 countries. This region includes not only EU member states but also a few non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
The Schengen Area’s significance lies in its ability to facilitate seamless travel, promote economic cooperation, and strengthen cultural ties across Europe.
The implementation of the Schengen Agreement began in earnest on March 26, 1995, when seven countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain) started removing internal border controls.
As the Schengen Area grew, it became a symbol of European unity and freedom. The removal of internal borders allowed millions of people to travel, work, and live across member states without the need for passports or visas. This freedom of movement has significantly impacted the lives of Europeans, making travel more convenient and fostering a sense of shared identity.
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Here Is the Full List of Schengen Area Member Countries in 2024
Currently, the Schengen Area consists of 29 member states. The full list of countries part of the Schengen Area in 2024 is as follows:
- Austria
- Bulgaria
- Belgium
- Czechia
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
How Does the Schengen Agreement Affect Non-EU Citizens?
The Schengen Agreement makes it easier for holders of a Schengen visa to travel within the bloc. In line with the Schengen acquis, non-EU citizens with a Schengen visa have no territorial restrictions.
This means that if you get a German Schengen visa, you can freely enter Austria, Poland, Czechia, or any other Schengen member country without needing any additional documents.
However, once in the Schengen Area, foreigners must make sure that they follow the 90/180-day rule in order not to face any consequences.
For a better understanding of all the countries in the Schengen Area, you can read this insightful article on Schengen.News
Free Universities for International Students in the Schengen Area (Europe)
The Schengen Area in Europe is also a top destination for students to study abroad for free, as many universities are subsidized by the government. Students can study in English for free in Norway and Germany. EU and EEA students are generally able to get free tuition at any university in the EU, but only Norway and Germany offer free tuition for students from any country.
#1. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is an international university with campuses in Lillesund and Gjøvik and headquarters in Trondheim. Among all universities in the world, NTNU is constantly in the top 1%. Established by Parliament in 1910 as Norway’s national engineering institution, the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH) was the country’s leading engineering university. Its successor, NTNU, is responsible for overseeing instruction and research in engineering and technology at the national level.
Furthermore, the institution provides postsecondary education in a variety of academic fields, including architecture, fine art, psychology, social sciences, medicine, and the arts, in addition to engineering and the natural sciences. NTNU is popular for its close ties to business, especially with its research and development partner SINTEF, which gives it the strongest industrial connection among all the technical universities in the world.
Foreign students are to pay a semester fee of $68 every semester.
#2. Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
NMBU seeks to train exceptional people, conduct excellent research that yields fresh insights, and foster innovation. NMBU will support an open, knowledge-based public discourse and work to increase public trust in research methodology and findings. The curriculum keeps up with technological advancements, fosters critical thinking, and imparts knowledge of supporting technologies and cultures. New digital technologies used in education with purpose will contribute to higher-quality, personalized learning environments and better learning results. Digitalization will facilitate more adaptable instruction and provide more resources for lifetime learning.
Note that foreign students are to pay a semester fee of $55 every semester.
#3. Nord University, Norway
Nord University emphasizes creating regional networks that are strengthened by a decentralized model and include businesses, industry, and communities. Collaboration between academic institutions, the business sector, and professional associations fosters development by producing leaders and professionals and advancing economic progress via research.
Furthermore, it offers further education, such as professional development courses in aquaculture and MBA programs. By creating reputable academic communities within clearly defined professional and traditional academic specialties, the institution preserves both its position in the higher education industry and its mission. These sectors aid in the growth of businesses, industries, and regional communities.
Each semester, international students must pay an $85 semester fee.
Read Also: List of Tuition Free Universities in Europe – Sweden, Norway & Finland
#4. University of Agder, Norway
The University of Agder is an international university that dedicates itself to global collaboration across nations. Collaboration, creativity, intercultural communication abilities, and problem-solving are all boosted by internationalization and are competencies that are necessary for operating in more global societies.
As a vibrant and cutting-edge research institution, the University of Agder is always striving to strengthen and expand its global reputation. Currently, the university hosts about 350 international exchange students each year and has around 400 exchange agreements. The introduction of student exchange programs and international research collaboration, as well as the significant presence of educators, researchers, and students from throughout the globe, all demonstrate the international focus.
Foreign students are to pay a semester fee of $83 every semester.
#5. Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway
OsloMet is an urban university with a distinct international focus and a varied academic profile. The university endeavors to address societal and labor market demands through our research endeavors and student education. It is a progressive university that dedicates itself to implementing cutting-edge ideas and new technologies to enhance operations.
In order to address the demands of employers and society, OsloMet adopts a proactive stance. High worldwide standards will be met by the study programs, which will be grounded in research, close ties to professional practice, and innovative, student-centered learning methods. Research from the university will be applicable and capable of addressing today’s problems. Graduates from OsloMet will be prepared to be involved members of society who value lifelong learning and are driven to pursue it. Employees at OsloMet will act in a way that reflects the principles of the institution. The company will be professionally and well managed.
Every semester, international students must pay a charge of $83.
Read Also: 25 Things You Did Not Know About Studying In Norway?
#6. Technical University of Munich, Germany
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is among the best universities in the Schengen Area and in Europe. It is dedicated to multidisciplinary education, high standards in research and teaching, and the proactive mentoring of bright young scientists. Additionally, the university establishes close ties with businesses and academic institutions around the globe. One of the first academic institutions in Germany to get the title of University of Excellence was TUM. The vertical management and supervisory structures of TUM are set up to promote initiative and a sense of empowerment at every level. The interdisciplinary Integrative Research Centers serve as a supplement to the horizontally organized disciplines (TUM schools and departments).
#7. Free University of Berlin, Germany
The Free University of Berlin, or Freie Universität Berlin, is a public research university in Berlin, Germany. It is consistently among Germany’s top 10 universities overall, with particular strengths in political science and the humanities. It is one of eleven elite German research universities in the German Universities Excellence Initiative. According to the international university tables, it is a top university.
The research undertaken at Freie Universität is structured into multiple frameworks, such as research centers, excellence clusters, collaborative research centers, and interdisciplinary emphasis areas. Junior scholars and scientists should get training and grow at Freie Universität Berlin’s Dahlem Research School. The university has over 100 international collaborations with other universities across the globe. Approximately 17% of its students are international.
Read Also: 15+ Free-Tuition Universities in Germany that Teach in English?
#8. RWTH Aachen University, Germany
RWTH Aachen University uses its staff’s intellectual curiosity and strong research networks to address challenging scientific topics, advance knowledge, and spur novel discoveries that have an influence on global issues. All RWTH members need to carry out their research with the utmost honesty and dedication to quality, as well as adhere to the university’s Code of Conduct in all communications with outside parties on behalf of RWTH.
At RWTH, thousands of individuals with a global background—from over 125 countries—teach, study, conduct research, and work. The internationality of academics, teaching, and research is supported by many policies, initiatives, and services that surround this internationality as it is practiced at RWTH. As a part of the international scientific community, RWTH seeks to serve as a base, center, and inspiration for important scientific ideas, inventions, professions, and education. As a result, we view internationalization as a cross-cutting endeavor that needs to be given equal weight by all university departments and institutions.
#9. Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland), Iceland
The University of Iceland is a cutting-edge research and teaching organization that is well-known for its work in the international scientific community. Located in the center of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík is home to this state university. The University of Iceland is a cutting-edge, multifaceted, and quickly growing organization that provides chances for study and research in more than 400 programs covering the majority of scientific and scholarly disciplines.
The University of Iceland has set itself a long-term objective to be counted among the world’s top universities and to use globally accepted quality criteria in all work evaluations. The organization hopes that a degree from the University of Iceland will be recognized globally as a definitive indicator of quality. The future strength of the university’s student body will be this objective.
#10. Háskólinn á Akureyri (University of Akureyri), Iceland
In the northeastern Icelandic town of Akureyri, the University of Akureyri was established in 1987. These days, it serves as a business and science school as well as a school of health sciences, humanities, and social science. There were two faculties offering studies: industrial management and health sciences. In Akureyri’s sports arena, two rooms were used for instruction.
The university currently offers programs in the following areas: biotechnology, law, police science, modern studies, psychology, fisheries studies, computer science, business administration, social sciences, media studies, nursing, occupational therapy, and teacher preparation (preschool and primary school). In addition, graduate programs are available in resource studies, business administration, social sciences, and health sciences. Beginning with the spring 2019 semester, UNAK established itself as a university with programs at all levels of university studies when it was given permission to offer doctoral studies.
Conclusion
My personal journey through the Schengen Area began in Berlin, Germany. I had always been fascinated by this city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Walking through the Brandenburg Gate and visiting the remnants of the Berlin Wall, I felt a profound connection to Europe’s tumultuous past and its journey towards unity and freedom.
Next, I traveled to Vienna, Austria, a city known for its elegance and artistic heritage. The transition from Berlin to Vienna was seamless, and I was able to immerse myself in Vienna’s grand palaces, classical music, and vibrant café culture without any disruptions. The Schengen Area’s open borders allowed me to experience these diverse cultures effortlessly, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
Traveling through the Schengen Area was more than just a trip; it was an exploration of freedom, unity, and cultural diversity. It demonstrated the power of open borders and the joy of discovering our world without barriers.
Lana Birley
