Europe has prestigious universities offering high-quality education to local and international students.
Some countries provide tuition-free education, making it attractive for students seeking affordable higher education.
Though these universities offer free tuition, additional fees may apply, such as semester fees, administrative fees, and living expenses.
The availability of programs and free tuition may vary depending on the specific program and the student’s nationality.
Some examples of countries with tuition-free universities in Europe for international students include Germany, Norway, and Finland.
It is advisable to research and confirm the specific requirements and conditions for international students at universities in these countries.
In this article, we highlight tuition-free universities in Europe for international students, giving them the chance to access world-class education without the burden of tuition fees.
Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students
German Universities are generally tuition-free for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, especially public and state universities.
This is also the case for all students from Germany, the European Union, and non-European Union countries. Only programs such as medicine, pharmacy, and other medical courses are not usually tuition-free.
The only fees required by German universities are the administration fees (€100-€350) and they cover student fees, university bus tickets, student cafeterias, and more.
1. Free University of Berlin:
The Free University of Berlin is considered one of the best universities in Germany. It is a public research university that was established in 1948. It is known for its humanities and political science programs. Out of a total of over 36,000 students, 22% are international students from outside Germany.
Most programs at the Free University of Berlin do not charge tuition fees, except for some graduate and postgraduate programs. However, students may have to pay for other expenses during the semester, in addition to their living costs. If students receive grants from other organizations, they are not allowed to work while studying at the University.
2. University of Hamburg:
The University of Hamburg is one of the prestigious universities in Germany known for its Arts and Humanities and Physical Science programs. Over 12% of the current 30,000+ students in the school are international students.
As part of the ERASMUS program, students at the University of Hamburg have the opportunity to study at partner universities throughout the country for either one or two semesters. As a student at the university, you do not need to pay any tuition fees, except for a small contribution each semester.
3. University of Cologne:
The University of Cologne in Germany is a cosmopolitan university that was established in the year 1798. It is not only one of the oldest universities in the country but also one of the largest with over 35,000 students enrolled there with a fifth of them being international students.
The university has a diverse range of courses to pick from from its six faculties. No tuition fee is charged at the University of Cologne except for a yearly social contribution fee of around € 250.
4. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences
Admission Requirements: High school diploma, language proficiency (German or English), entrance exam (if applicable).
Why Choose TUM? Ranked as one of the best universities in Europe, TUM offers world-class education and research opportunities.
5. Humboldt University of Berlin:
Humboldt University of Berlin is a free public research university in Germany and is another prestigious university in the country. Humboldt University of Berlin has become the 6th best university in the country, having been ranked #120 in the QS World Rankings of 2024.
The university has a free education policy for international students. Humboldt University offers courses in business administration, art, philosophy, and sociology that are entirely conducted in the English medium. This means, that regardless of whatever program you choose to follow here, you are sure to find that it is accepted across the world.
6. Heidelberg University, Germany:
Heidelberg University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany. As a tuition-free university, it offers international students the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies in various disciplines, including humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and medicine.
7. Technical University of Munich:
The British Magazine “Times Higher Education” ranked the Technical University of Munich as one of the best universities in Germany and the European Union. The university is also one of the top 30 universities in the world for the second consecutive time.
The university has a significant reputation for its teaching and research facilities, especially in medicine, applied sciences, and engineering. It is also affiliated with international academic agents like EuroTech and EUA ensuring that their education meets global industry standards.
Tuition-Free Universities in Finland for International Students
Public universities in Finland are divided into regular universities and universities of applied sciences. They are all tuition-free for students coming from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
Non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught degrees are required to pay tuition fees. Still, study programmes taught in Finnish or Swedish are free for all international students.
1. University of Helsinki:
The University of Helsinki in Finland is a renowned institution known for its excellent education system. It stands out as a leading university in the country. International students have the chance to study a range of subjects at the undergraduate level in a supportive academic community.
The university places great importance on research and innovation, providing students with an enriching educational experience. By offering tuition-free education, the University of Helsinki allows internationalOpenAI API network timeout.
2. Aalto University
Programs: Business, Engineering, Arts
Admission Requirements: High school diploma, language proficiency (Finnish or English).
Why Choose Aalto? Focuses on innovation and interdisciplinary learning.
3. University of Turku
Programs: Medicine, Humanities, Natural Sciences
Admission Requirements: High school diploma, language proficiency (Finnish or English).
Why Choose Turku? Offers a wide range of programs and a strong focus on research.
4. Tampere University
Tampere University is one of the most multidisciplinary universities in Finland.
The university offered undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes with 20,178 degree students and 1,981 employees as of 2016
Like Germany, universities in Norway offer free education for all international students, whether they come from EU/EEA countries or not.
Students only have to pay a semester fee of 30 – 60 EUR for the student union. The student union fee covers health and counselling services, sports and cultural activities, all held on campus.
At private universities, however, both national and international students will have to pay tuition fees.
1. Nord University:
Nord University is a state university in Norway that provides excellent educational programs with a focus on teacher training. Aspiring educators can benefit greatly from the university’s comprehensive training and credentials, despite its comparatively smaller size when compared to other institutions.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU):
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology NTNU is the largest university in Norway that offers its courses for free. They currently have nearly 40,000 students on their campus.
As the name implies, the university offers courses specializing in the Sciences. They also have connections with research organizations around the world, which can add an impressive amount of weight to your resume.
3. University of Oslo:
The University of Oslo, in Norway, is well-known for its excellent academic programs and research. It’s tuition-free and attracts diverse students, including international ones who can study in a vibrant environment without paying fees. They offer many undergraduate programs in different fields, making it a great choice for international students seeking quality education in Europe.
Tuition-Free Universities in Europe for International Students
4. Dalarna University :
Dalarna University is a public university in Sweden that offers free tuition. They have over 15,000 students annually, and their courses focus more on technology. The university also has a lush woodland area surrounding it with fresh air, quiet, and clear skies. For those wanting something more outside the classroom, this can be a great choice.
7. University of Copenhagen:
The University of Copenhagen in Denmark offers a tuition-free education to international students seeking undergraduate degrees. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary learning, the university provides a conducive environment for students to explore their academic interests.
International students can benefit from the tuition-free policy while experiencing the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of Copenhagen.
8. University of Iceland:
The University of Iceland in Iceland is a tuition-free university that provides international students with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies in a wide range of fields, including social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and engineering.
The university is known for its strong research programs and commitment to academic excellence. International students can also benefit from the unique cultural and natural environment of Iceland, which offers a rich and diverse experience both inside and outside the classroom.
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