Are you an international student dreaming of earning a master’s degree without paying tuition fees in 2026? You’re in the right place. Many countries and institutions offer free or fully funded master’s programs, covering tuition and, in some cases, living costs, stipends, and travel allowances. This guide covers top opportunities, real application links, eligibility requirements, and expert strategies to help you secure a place in 2026.
According to current scholarship listings, options range from government-sponsored programs like DAAD in Germany, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees across Europe, to tuition-free public universities in countries such as Germany and Norway — each offering unique opportunities for international applicants.
Summary Table: Free & Fully Funded Masters Programs (2026)
| Program | Country/Region | What It Covers | Application Link |
| DAAD Scholarships 2026 (Masters & PhD) | Germany | Tuition + stipend + travel | https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/ |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) | Europe | Tuition waivers + monthly stipend | https://erasmusplus.ec.europa.eu/programme/scholarships |
| SI Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) | Sweden | Full tuition + living allowance | https://si.se/en/apply/ |
| Finland Government Scholarships | Finland | Full tuition + relocation grant | https://studyinfinland.fi/scholarships/ |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarship 2026 | China | Full tuition + stipend | https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/ |
| Monash RTP Scholarship (Masters by Research) | Australia | Tuition + living stipend | https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships |
| WorldQuant University Free Masters | Online/Global | Tuition-free online degree | https://www.wqu.edu/ |
Note: Always confirm deadlines and eligibility on each official site before applying, as some deadlines open in late 2025 or early 2026.
What Are Free Masters Programs for International Students?
“Free” master’s programs typically fall under two models:
- Tuition-free public universities or government policies — programs where the host country waives standard tuition fees.
- Fully funded scholarships — funding that covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes research costs.
In both cases, the aim is to reduce financial barriers for international learners pursuing postgraduate education abroad.
Why These Opportunities Matter in 2026
- Increasing competition for graduate jobs makes a master’s degree highly valuable.
- Tuition costs continue to rise globally, so free options save tens of thousands in fees.
- Many programs now include stipends or living allowances — not just tuition coverage.
Top Countries and Programs Offering Free or Fully Funded Master’s in 2026
🇩🇪 Germany — Tuition-Free Public Universities & DAAD Scholarships
Germany is still one of the most popular destinations for free higher education:
- Public universities generally charge no tuition fees for master’s programs, even for international students. Students usually pay only a small administrative semester fee.
- DAAD Scholarships 2026 offer fully funded opportunities for master’s students covering tuition, monthly stipends, travel, and insurance.
Apply: DAAD Scholarships 2026 — https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
(Direct link to DAAD program list)
Why Germany?
- High academic reputation.
- Free education at most public universities.
- Diverse programs in English.
🇪🇺 Europe — Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
Erasmus Mundus is one of the most valuable funded master’s pathways:
- Joint degrees offered by consortia across multiple European countries.
- Cover tuition, living stipends, travel, and insurance.
- Open to applicants from all nationalities.
Apply: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
Featured Example:
- InterMaths EMJMD — Fully funded master’s program spanning Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
🇸🇪 Sweden — Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP)
The SI Swedish Institute Scholarships support international students in Swedish master’s programs.
- Full tuition coverage.
- Monthly living stipend.
- Airfare contribution.
Apply: SI Swedish Institute Scholarships — https://si.se/en/apply/
🇫🇮 Finland — Government & University Scholarships
Finland offers government-backed and university-based scholarships that cover tuition fees for non-EU students:
- Finland Scholarship & university scholarships at Aalto University, Tampere, Turku, LUT, and others.
- Relocation grants and living support are possible.
Key university applications:
- Aalto University Scholarship — https://www.aalto.fi/en/international-students/scholarships
- Tampere University Scholarships — https://www.tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/apply-to-tampere-university/financial-matters/scholarships
- University of Turku Scholarships — https://www.utu.fi/en/study-at-utu/scholarships-and-tuition-fees
(Visit each link for specific master’s programs and deadlines.)
🇨🇳 China — Shanghai Jiao Tong University & Chinese Government Scholarships
China is increasing its support for international master’s students:
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships 2026 — full tuition and stipends for a wide range of graduate degrees.
Apply: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarship 2026 — https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/
Additional options include Chinese Government Scholarships via the CSC portal, covering tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipends (search on https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn).
Australia — Monash University RTP Scholarships (Research Master’s)
For students interested in research master’s degrees:
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships at Monash University cover tuition + living stipend + research support for a master’s by research.
Apply: Monash RTP Scholarships — https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships
Online Global Option: WorldQuant University (Free Online Masters)
Online programs can allow you to earn a master’s without tuition fees:
- WorldQuant University offers a tuition-free online Master of Science in Financial Engineering — completely free for all students worldwide.
Apply: WorldQuant University — https://www.wqu.edu/
Eligibility Guide: Who Can Apply?
Most free or fully funded programs have common eligibility criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Competitive academic record.
- Proof of language proficiency (English) — though many waive IELTS with MOI (medium of instruction).
- Letters of recommendation and personal statement.
- Specific requirements per scholarship (e.g., development focus for DAAD EPOS).
Application Timeline for 2026
| Period | Activity |
| Sep – Nov 2025 | Early applications open for EMJMD, DAAD, SISGP |
| Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 | Most deadlines for European and Chinese programs |
| Early 2026 | Final rounds for some university scholarships |
Tip: Start preparing your documents at least 6–9 months before deadlines to maximize your chances.
Step-by-Step Application Strategy
- Identify programs (use summary table above).
- Check eligibility & deadlines on the official site.
- Prepare strong supporting documents: SOP, recommendations, transcripts.
- Tailor each application to program goals.
- Submit early and track your application.
What Do “Free” Programs Actually Cover?
Most free programs will include:
- Tuition fee waiver — no tuition costs.
- Living stipend — monthly allowance (varies by program).
- Travel or relocation support — for some European scholarships.
- Insurance and research grants — for research-focused programs.
Not all programs cover every cost; always check coverage details on the official web pages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing application deadlines.
- Using generic personal statements.
- Failing to secure strong recommendation letters.
- Ignoring specific eligibility requirements.
- Not following the official application instructions.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Are there truly free master’s programs abroad?
Yes, many countries and scholarship programs provide either tuition-free education or fully funded opportunities covering both fees and living costs.
Which country offers the freest master’s programs?
Germany and Europe (via Erasmus Mundus) are among the top, with widespread tuition-free policies and scholarships.
Can international students apply without IELTS?
Many programs accept proof of instruction in English (MOI) instead of IELTS, but check each program’s policy.
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