13 Countries That Offer Free or Very Cheap PhD Programmes

Are you dreaming of pursuing a PhD without worrying about sky-high tuition fees? There are many countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes, making quality education accessible to students worldwide. PhD is an amazing option for students with a master’s degree who want to gain more qualifications and enhance their job prospects. From Germany’s tuition-free universities to affordable doctoral studies in Austria and Norway, these destinations provide excellent opportunities for advanced research. Along with minimal fees, many of these countries also offer scholarships and funding options. If affordability and quality matter to you, keep reading to learn more about countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes to international students.

Sweden

Did you know that PhD programs are free in Sweden for all students, regardless of their citizenship? It surely holds a special place in this list of countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes.

Sweden is the greatest option if you want to pursue a PhD in renewable energy or related fields. According to data, about 56% of the energy utilized in Sweden in 2019 originates from renewable sources. What is the nicest thing about obtaining a PhD in Sweden? Everyone can use it for free, even students from other countries. (Note that students seeking bachelor’s or master’s degrees who are not EU/EEA citizens are not eligible for free tuition.)

In 2025, 2 of Sweden’s most prestigious universities, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University are included in the top 75 universities, making it the home to some of the most highly regarded universities in the world.

Key details-

Universities	39
International students	30912
Oldest university	Uppsala university
Ph.D. length	4 years
Academic year	August to June

For students in Swedish universities, a PhD signifies the pinnacle of academic success. Similar to other nations, the focus is on your independent study leading to an original thesis that adds new knowledge to the topic.

Swedish Doctoral Degrees

In Sweden, a doctoral study might take one of two forms:

• PhD Degree: A typical Ph.D. confers a full doctorate (together with the crucial title of “doctor”) after a minimum of four years of full-time work (240 ECTS credits).
• A Licentiate degree: As an alternative, you might decide to pursue a licentiate degree. Typically, this only necessitates two years of full-time work toward a more condensed and modest thesis (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits).

Some students first enroll for the Swedish licentiate before upgrading to full Ph.D. candidates since it is comparable to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree provided in the UK or other countries.

In Sweden, there are two teaching terms (August to January and January to June), which are separated by summer and winter breaks. You will often have more flexibility throughout the year as a PhD student, but some additional courses and other activities can be connected to particular teaching periods.

Fees and Funding

There are no tuition fees for PhD study at state-funded Swedish universities (note that this does not apply to Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees). Doctoral programs are free for students from the EU, EEA, and other countries.

The same is true of application costs; there are none to be paid for a PhD in Sweden. Although you will need to pay for your housing and living expenses, your university might be able to provide assistance.

Best Universities for PhD in Sweden

International students who wish to study a PhD degree in Sweden have a golden opportunity to study at its prestigious universities. Here are the best universities for PhD in Sweden:

• Uppsala University
• Lund University
• Stockholm University
• University of Gothenburg
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Admissions Requirements

Universities in Sweden are permitted to establish their own admittance standards for PhD programs.

• You need a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the same field of study.
• You need to demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).
• You also need to demonstrate strong Swedish language skills.

Your capacity to exhibit prior research experience will be as crucial as your previous qualifications. It is crucial that you can demonstrate some preparation for the independent research you will conduct on your PhD, even if this is just the dissertation project for one or both of your previous degrees.

Norway

Norway is another Nordic nation that ranks among the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. Fun fact- Norway’s public universities do not charge any tuition fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, or even doctoral programs for all students, regardless of nationality. Norway’s cost of living is comparable to that of Sweden, therefore you may want to look into ways to reduce your out-of-pocket spending.

Other than that, you will need to pay a nominal semester student union charge to cover expenses like tests or sports facilities, which would only cost you between 300 and 600 Norwegian kroner (approximately INR 2353.24 to INR 4706.49).

Key details-

Universities	22
International students	12400
Oldest university	University of Oslo
PhD length	3-4 years
Academic year	August to June

Following the Bologna approach, Norwegian PhD programs are third-cycle degrees. As a result, conducting research and creating a PhD thesis will be needed for you.

In Norway, PhDs frequently adhere to a standardized format. Before beginning your PhD research and thesis writing, this usually entails a training component. You might also be regarded as an employee of the university, complete with benefits. In this situation, you will need to uphold your teaching and administrative duties.

Norwegian PhD Fees

Universities in Norway do not charge tuition for their PhD programs. However, in order to join and receive a student card at many Norwegian universities, you must pay a charge to the student union each semester.

Best Universities for PhD in Norway

International students looking for countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes can consider Norway a strong option. Here are the best universities for PhD in Norway:

• University of Oslo
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• Norwegian University of Life Sciences
• University of Tromso
• University of Bergen

Admission Requirements

Each research organization has a different set of conditions for applications. Always double-check with your desired university.

• In Norway, candidates for a PhD are required to hold a master’s degree in a related field. You can check your qualifications’ eligibility at the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. A similar degree may be approved (NOKUT).
• PhD candidates must submit a strong research proposal or project description together with the necessary application materials.
• Other standard materials for PhD applications may also be requested from you. These are some extra materials that might be needed:
• Certified copies of all the documents that are pertinent to your education
• a strategy for financing your studies (for the full 3-4 years of full-time study, plus information about the funding source and type)
• An explanation of any significant scholarly or material resource needs
• a minimum of one proposed academic supervisor’s name (unless stipulated otherwise)

Finland

Another Nordic nation, Finland, is at the top of our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. In Finland, pursuing a PhD is entirely free, even for those who are not citizens, similar to Norway and Sweden. This is because the universities do not charge tuition fees for doctoral students. However, you still need to manage other expenses.

According to QS World University Rankings 2025, 2 of Finland’s prestigious universities have made it to the list with the University of Helsinki at 116th rank and the Aalto University at 113th rank. Moreover, Helsinki (Rank 66) is also among the QS Best Student Cities 2025.

Key details-

Universities	35
International students	23794
Oldest university	University of Helsinki
PhD length	4 years
Academic year	September to June

Fees and Funding

Finland is a very economical alternative for your PhD study abroad because of its generous higher education policy. Any student, regardless of country, is not now required to pay doctoral fees.

In contrast, fees are often charged to non-EU students for Finnish Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Best Universities for PhD in Finland

Here is a list of the top 5 universities for PhD in Finland for international students:

• University of Helsinki
• University of Turku
• Tampere University
• University of Oulu
• University of Jyväskylä

Entry Requirements

A master’s degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution is necessary for admission to a PhD program in Finland.

Other prerequisites will be determined by the area of study you are applying for and the particular procedures followed by your university. If unsure, consult your department.

Germany

According to Study in Germany, the country is 3rd in research and development expenditure after the US and China. Germany is famous for having a top-notch educational system and for being an innovative nation. It is home to some of the most prestigious and affordable universities in the world. Surprised?

Key details-

Universities	520
International students	311738
Oldest university	University of Heidelberg
PhD length	3-4 years
Academic year	October-September

Types of PhD in Germany

Germans invented the doctoral degree, which is based on independent study leading to the submission and review of a thesis. Most colleges continue to offer this style, although some others provide more “organized” programs:

In Germany, students can choose between 2 options, each catering to different preferences:

1. Individual PhD Programs: These courses are the traditional path, popular in humanities and social sciences. They offer flexibility, allowing you to design your research and coursework. However, you must independently find a supervisor and manage your timeline.
2. Structured PhD Programs: These provide a clear curriculum and timeline, typically spanning 3-5 years. These programs involve collaboration with peers and alignment with pre-defined research projects, making them ideal for those seeking structured guidance.

Fees and Funding

Doctoral degrees are typically free in Germany for all students, regardless of nationality, due to the generous governmental investment in education. You might, however, have to pay additional costs while you are a student.

Best Universities for PhD in Germany

Germany is known for housing some of the most prestigious universities in the world with high education standards.

• Ludwig Maximilian University
• Technical University of Munich
• University of Göttingen
• RWTH Aachen University
• Free University of Berlin

PhD fees

All public institutions in Germany offer free tuition for doctoral-level studies for up to three years (six semesters). For any additional time beyond the term of your PhD, you might have to pay tuition.

Despite not having to pay tuition, you will still need to pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag). This pays for office expenses, student government, and student services (Studentenwerk).

Entry Requirements

In general, you must have completed at least eight semesters of college work before enrolling in a PhD program in Germany. Your final certification must be on par with a German master’s degree.

Additionally, the Dean’s Office (Dekanat) or Board of Examiners (Promotionsausschuss) at your university must acknowledge your prior higher education degree(s).

International students with exceptional qualifications may be admitted to a PhD program with a Bachelor’s degree (fast-track program), albeit you will normally need to pass an entrance exam. The exact requirements to study PhD in Germany depend on the institution and research area. It may include:

• You need a master’s degree in the same field.
• You need a well-crafted research proposal, SOP, and other documents.

France

France, which has four universities ranked among the top 100 by QS, is another nation that makes it to our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. French institutions demand comparatively little tuition. A typical annual cost at a public university, for instance, is around 380 euros (INR 31k at the time of writing). Three French cities—Lyon, Toulouse, and of course, the nation’s capital Paris, which is placed ninth by QS—are included in the top 100 Best Student Cities list as a result of their high academic standing and affordable tuition.

Key details-

Universities	194
International students	246378
Oldest university	Successors to the University of Paris
PhD length	3-4 years
Academic year	September-June
Typical fees	INR 3.11 LPA (public institutions)

PhD Programmes

The bulk of PhDs is completed as part of a program inside doctoral schools, although French universities occasionally do offer specific doctoral research programs.

The number is 266 in total. In order to provide doctorate training for PhD candidates and foster the growth of early career researchers, they are affiliated with universities and work in partnership with related research laboratories and other centres.

Programme length

For a typical three-year PhD, a “doctorate” consists of six semesters, yielding two teachings (or research) semesters annually:

• late September to early January, with a break between Christmas and New Year
• early February to early June, with a spring break at Easter for several colleges

Exams are normally held at the conclusion of each semester, and institutions take a three-month summer break from July to September. As a full-time student, you will typically complete your PhD in France in 3–4 years.

The current French PhD tuition is the same for all students, regardless of nationality. But costs can differ greatly depending on whether you attend a public or private school (such a Grandes École).

PhD Fees 

Public institutions charge substantially lower tuition since the State invests an average of INR 11,62,147.82 per student, per year.

The following fees may apply depending on your institution:

• Fees for PhD students at public institutions are €380 annually.
• Private institutions – Tuition at private institutions, particularly business schools, range from INR 2.49 Lakh to INR 8.30 Lakh per year.
• Administrative fees (frais de dossier), which universities may impose, are normally modest—a few tens of euros.

Best Universities for PhD in France

For students wanting to study PhD in France, here are some of the best universities to consider:

• Paris Sciences et Lettres University
• Polytechnic Institute of Paris
• University of Paris
• Sorbonne University
• Paris-Saclay University

Entry Requirements

In France, each institution is permitted to establish its own standards and conduct personalized evaluations. However, in order to enroll as a PhD student, you will normally need to hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a suitable field.

If you are pursuing your master’s degree and expect to graduate before the PhD program begins, you may apply.

Additionally, you could be accepted based on your performance on entrance tests and in pre-college courses like the ‘Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles’ (CPGE), which is a frequent practice among French Grandes Écoles.

Denmark

A PhD in Denmark is usually a 3-year academic research degree. Students looking for countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes will be glad to know that they can study for free in Denmark. Moreover, you get exclusive access to laboratory facilities, a library, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Danish universities provide students pursuing research and PhD programs with placements at leading research institutions.

Total universities	8
PhD duration	3 years
Tuition fee	DKK 50,000 – DKK 1,50000

PhD Programs in Denmark

Danish universities offer a 3+5 program that allows students to start a research degree after completing their Bachelor’s. This is ideal for students interested in pursuing the research-path early. On the other hand, the 4+4 program allows students to start PhD after a year of their Master’s course. Many institutions such as the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen offer these attractive choices. 

PhD Fees

Danish universities offer free higher education for students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland. International students who satisfy a few eligibility requirements may also be eligible for free tuition. Common criteria for free education in Denmark include:

• A permanent residence permit 
• A temporary residence permit that can be further upgraded to a permanent residence

Best Universities for PhD in Denmark

Here is a list of the top universities to pursue PhD in Denmark:

• University of Copenhagen
• Technical University of Denmark
• Aarhus University
• Aalborg University
• University of Southern Denmark

Entry Requirements

• You must demonstrate strong English proficiency through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
• You need a Master’s degree in the same or a relevant subject.

Czech Republic

The next ideal option on this list of countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes is Czech Republic. Czech law makes tuition at public universities completely free for all students, regardless of their original nationality. However, some universities may charge tuition fees if the student exceeds the standard length of their duration by more than 1 year. Studying in Czech Republic also makes students eligible for a monthly scholarship, tuition fee reductions, or merit-based scholarships. 

Total Universities	70+
PhD Duration	4-7 years
Oldest University	Charles University
Average fee for PhD	The average fee for PhD

PhD Fees

As mentioned earlier, public universities in Czech universities do not charge tuition fees to students, irrespective of their nationality. However, a fee is charged if the student fails to complete his/her studies within the standard length of their study program. Moreover, if you are pursue studies in languages such as English, German, French or Russian, you will have to pay the tuition fee, depending on the university.

Best Universities for PhD in Czech Republic

• Charles University
• Masaryk University
• Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
• Brno University of Technology
• Palacký University Olomouc

Entry Requirements

• You need a Master’s degree in the same field of your research.
• Your Master’s education should be worth 180 ECTS or equivalent.
• International students also need to pass the State Doctoral Examination (SDE) for PhD in Czech Republic. 

Austria

Austria is a popular destination for international students pursuing a PhD. Although it is not entirely free, the government has imposed the maximum tuition fee for international students to be EUR 726.72 per semester. Moreover, Austria boasts an affordable cost of living as compared to other popular destinations. According to NUMBEO, the cost of living including rent in Austria is 4.2% lower than in the United Kingdom. 

PhD Duration	3-4 years
Types of PhD programs	Structured (curriculum-based)Non-structured (independent research-focused)
Top Universities	University of Vienna, Graz University of Technology, University of Innsbruck

Types of PhD Programs in Austria

PhD programs in Austria are broadly categorized into structured and non-structured or general formats.

• Structured PhD Programs: In structured PhD programs, students follow a predefined curriculum and work within research groups, often with additional coursework or seminars.
• General or Non-structured PhD programs: These courses offer greater flexibility, allowing students to focus entirely on their independent research under the guidance of a supervisor. 

Both types provide ample opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration with international researchers, making Austria an excellent choice for doctoral studies.

PhD Fees in Austria

The cost of a PhD in Austria for international students depends on their nationality and length of study. 

• International students: A maximum tuition fee of GBP 726.72 per semester.
• EU/EEA students: They do not have to pay any tuition fees for PhD programs at public universities if they complete their degrees within 4 years.

Best Universities for PhD in Austria

• University of Vienna
• University of Innsbruck
• Graz University of Technology
• Medical University of Innsbruck
• Medical University of Vienna

Entry Requirements

•  A completed Master’s degree in a related field of study from a recognized institution.
•  Proof of proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL) or German (if required by the program).

Saudi Arabia

Over the last few years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a promising destination for international students wanting to pursue affordable or fully funded PhD opportunities. It is home to several top universities such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Saud University, offering quality education with generous scholarships. Interestingly, most PhD programs in the country are either entirely free or funded through scholarships, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and even monthly stipends for living expenses.

PhD Duration	3-4 years
Language of Instruction	English (for most courses)
Popular Fields	Science & Engineering, Medical & Life Sciences, Humanities, Business & Management

PhD Fees

Universities in Saudi Arabia offer ample scholarship opportunities to international students. Although PhD in this country is not entirely free, these scholarships can reduce the expenses significantly. For instance, the KAUST Global Fellowship Program offer an annual stipend of $75,000 and a research fund of about $40,000.

Best Universities for PhD in Saudi Arabia

• King Saud University
• King Abdulaziz University
• King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
• Umm al-Qura University

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree with a strong academic record. 
• Proficiency in English is essential, demonstrated through TOEFL or IELTS scores. 

Brazil

Brazil is a hidden gem for international students looking to pursue a PhD at a low cost. Public universities in Brazil, such as the University of São Paulo (USP) and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), offer tuition-free education to both domestic and international students. However, there might be some charges for certain courses. 

PhD Duration	3-4 years
Top Universities	University of São Paulo (USP), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
Language Requirements	Proficiency in Portuguese or English

PhD Fees

In most cases, public universities in Brazil do not charge tuition fees from international students. The average cost of studying a PhD degree in Brazil’s private universities may revolve around BRL 18,540 to BRL 40,000. The Brazilian government and universities provide several scholarships, like the CAPES and CNPq, which cover living expenses, research grants, and health insurance, making it an affordable destination for advanced studies.

Best Universities for PhD in Brazil

• Universidade de São Paulo
• State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
• Federal University of São Paulo
• Federal University of Minas Gerais
• Federal University of Paraná

Entry Requirements

• A relevant master’s degree with strong academic performance.
• You need to pass subject-specific entrance exams.
• Proficiency in Portuguese (or English, depending on the program) is required.

New Zealand

Although a PhD in New Zealand is not entirely free for international students, it is more affordable than other countries. Moreover, universities in New Zealand offer unique specialisations such as Ecology and Anthropology which are not easily accessible in other countries. A PhD in New Zealand works similarly to a doctorate in the UK in which students research a topic and produce a thesis. 

PhD Duration	3-4 years
Language of Instruction	English (mostly)

PhD Fees

Unlike most study-abroad destinations, New Zealand does not charge high tuition fees for PhD for international students. It is one of the most affordable options for international students wanting to gain quality education without exceeding their budget. Many universities offer PhD scholarships to international students, offering annual stipend, health insurance, and full or partial tuition fees. 

Best Universities for PhD in New Zealand

• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury
• University of Otago
• University of Waikato
• Victoria University of Wellington

Entry Requirements

• You need a relevant undergraduate and postgraduate degree in the same or related discipline. 
• You also need to demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL

Hungary

Many Hungarian universities offer low or no tuition fees for international students, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable education. Moreover, some universities provide generous scholarships covering living costs, making it possible to complete a PhD in Hungary at minimal expense.

PhD Duration	3-4 years
Top Universities	University of Szeged, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
Language Requirements	Proficiency in Portuguese or English

PhD Programs in Hungary

Hungary offers 2 major types of doctorate, the classic PhD and DLA (Doctor of Liberal Arts). The only differences between these 2 options are their names and subjects included in the curriculum. Both degrees are awarded upon completion of a substantial original thesis.

Hungarian PhD programs consist of two phases:

• Phase 1 (1-2 years): Involves taught units, seminars, and training worth 120 ECTS credits, which lay the foundation for independent research.
• Phase 2 (2-3 years): Focuses on conducting independent research and writing the thesis, with an optional additional year for thesis completion.

PhD Fees

Hungary is one of the countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. It offers several government scholarships that cover full or part of your tuition fees and living costs. 

Best Universities for PhD in Hungary

• University of Szeged
• University of Debrecen
• University of Pécs
• Corvinus University of Budapest
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Entry Requirements

• Students must hold a Master’s degree or its equivalent.
• You also need proof of English proficiency. 

Netherlands

The cost of PhD programs in the Netherlands can be very low, and some students even receive funding through scholarships, grants, or paid research assistant positions. The good news about studying in the Netherlands is that most universities do not charge tuition fees to international students. Instead, they abide by the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO), meaning they pay international students according to the student pay scale, increasing with their experience. 

PhD Fees

Although there are no formal tuition fees for PhD students, most students work as paid researchers, which means they often receive a salary to cover living expenses. However, students who are not employed by universities need to pay tuition fees. Even then, there are several funding options available.

Best Universities for PhD in Netherlands

• University of Amsterdam
• Leiden University
• Delft University of Technology
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• University of Groningen

Entry Requirements

• Students must have obtained a Master’s degree in the same or related field
• You must also demonstrate English proficiency through standarised tests

FAQs

This blog was all about countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. Choosing the right path can be overwhelming, but with expert guidance, it becomes a rewarding journey. That’s where Leverage Edu comes in. Get in touch with our experts today who will help you navigate your options, find the best universities, and secure scholarships, making your dream of studying abroad a reality.