For many international students, one of the biggest concerns when choosing to study abroad is the cost of tuition. While travel, visa, and living expenses can add up, tuition fees are often the most significant barrier. you can check out the top 10 Countries in Europe with low or no tuition fees.
Furthermore, they offer high-quality education at little to no cost—even to non-EU students.
In this guide, we highlight 10 of the best countries in Europe where international students can access affordable or tuition-free university education.
Top 10 Countries in Europe with Low or No Tuition Fees
These countries not only offer world-class academics but also rich cultural experiences and career development opportunities.
Norway
Norway is one of the few countries where public universities do not charge tuition fees to international students, regardless of nationality. This applies to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
You’ll only need to pay a small student union fee (about €30–€60), which often includes access to campus health services, sports, and public transportation.
Extra Advantage: PhD students in Norway are considered employees and receive a monthly salary.
Top Universities:
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
- Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
- Nord University
Germany
Germany is a popular destination for tuition-free education. Public universities do not charge tuition fees for most undergraduate and some Master’s programs, regardless of the student’s country of origin.
Students only pay a semester fee (€100–€350), which grants access to public transportation and campus facilities.
Note: While many graduate programs are in English, undergraduate courses are often taught in German.
Top Universities:
- Free University of Berlin
- University of Hamburg
- University of Cologne
- Heidelberg University
Finland
Finland offers free PhD programs for all students. For Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, non-EU/EEA students pay tuition, but universities offer generous scholarships that can cover full tuition and sometimes living costs.
Students fluent in Finnish or Swedish can also study for free if they enroll in programs taught in these languages.
Top Universities:
- University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- University of Turku
Iceland
Public universities in Iceland do not charge tuition fees, but a modest registration fee of ISK 75,000 (about €520) per year is required.
While tuition is low, living expenses in Iceland can be high. The country is particularly ideal for students interested in environmental and climate studies.
Top Universities:
- University of Iceland
- Bifröst University
- Iceland School of Energy
Czech Republic
Higher education in the Czech Republic is free for all students if they study in the Czech language. Programs in English or other foreign languages charge tuition, which can range from €0 to €20,000 depending on the program and university.
Private universities typically charge higher tuition fees.
Top Universities:
- Charles University
- Masaryk University
- University of Ostrava
Austria
Austria offers low-cost or free education at public universities for EU/EEA students, and in many cases, students from developing countries benefit as well.
All students pay a student union fee of approximately €20 per semester.
Top Universities:
- WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
- Central European University (CEU)
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
France
France’s public universities offer some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe. EU and non-EU students pay between €170 and €650 per year, depending on their program level.
Despite the low costs, French universities provide excellent education, research opportunities, and access to student work rights.
Top Universities:
- Sorbonne University
- Université PSL
- University of Strasbourg
Sweden
Sweden offers free education for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens at public universities. Non-EU students must pay tuition for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, but PhD programs are free for all and usually come with a salary.
Many scholarships are available for non-EU students, either from the government or individual universities.
Top Universities:
- Linnaeus University
- Jönköping University
- University of Borås
Hungary
Hungary combines low tuition with an affordable cost of living. Public universities typically charge between €2,000 and €8,000 annually.
The government’s Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship allows international students to study tuition-free and includes a monthly stipend.
Top Universities:
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)
- University of Szeged
- Semmelweis University
Netherlands
Although non-EU/EEA students in the Netherlands pay tuition fees, the costs are still moderate compared to the UK or US. Tuition ranges between €6,000 and €15,000 annually.
The Netherlands also offers many English-taught programs, making it a favorite among international students.
Top Universities:
- University of Amsterdam
- Delft University of Technology
- Utrecht University
If you’re looking to study abroad without breaking the bank, these European countries offer excellent opportunities.
Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, you can access quality education and international exposure at minimal cost—or even for free.
Before applying, always check the latest admission and tuition details on each university’s official website, as policies may vary or change.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for International Students
If you’re an international student looking to study in Europe without the financial burden, these fully funded scholarships provide incredible opportunities for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. Below is a list of top scholarships currently or previously available across various European countries.
TU Delft Scholarships – Netherlands
- Category: Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Deadline: Currently Closed. Check here for future eligibility updates.
DAAD Master’s Scholarships – Germany
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Programs
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Benefits:
- Full Tuition
- €11,908 annual stipend
- Travel allowance
- Accommodation support
- Deadline: September 25, 2025
- Learn more and apply here.
Portugal Government Scholarships
- Category: Undergraduate | Master’s | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Benefits:
- Full Tuition
- Annual stipend of €15,000
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Deadline: September 30, 2025
- Click here for application details.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Category: Master’s Scholarships | Fellowships | Short Courses
- Eligible Countries: Primarily African and other developing nations
- Benefits:
- Full Tuition
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel and visa support
- Training and research opportunities
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Deadline: Varies by program
- Check specific programs and deadlines here.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Switzerland
- Category: Master’s | PhD | Postgraduate Research Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Benefits:
- Full Tuition
- Monthly stipend of CHF 3,500
- Deadline: Varies by country
- Check here for country-specific details.
Stipendium Hungaricum – Hungary
- Category: Undergraduate | Master’s | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Benefits:
- Full Tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Free accommodation or housing allowance
- Medical insurance
- Deadline: Currently Closed. Check here for updates.
FAQs
Can international students really study for free in Europe?
Yes! Countries like Norway, Germany, and Iceland offer free tuition for international students, including those from outside the EU/EEA.
Are scholarships available for non-EU students?
Yes, many countries like Hungary, Sweden, and Finland offer full or partial scholarships for non-EU international students.
Is it expensive to live in countries with free tuition?
It depends. While tuition might be free in countries like Norway or Iceland, living costs can be high. Consider both tuition and living expenses when planning.
Do I need to speak the local language?
Many European universities offer English-taught programs, especially at the Master’s level. However, knowing the local language can be helpful for integration and part-time work.
Are PhD programs free in Europe?
Yes, PhD programs in countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Germany are often tuition-free and include a monthly stipend or salary.
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