Study Abroad for Free? 11 European Countries Where Masters Tuition is FREE

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European Countries Where Masters Tuition is FREE

Did you know that there are many European countries where Masters tuition is free? Yes, you can pursue a world-class education without worrying about hefty tuition fees! Countries like Germany, Norway, and Austria offer affordable or even free master’s programs for international students. These opportunities make studying in Europe an excellent choice among international students. If you also want to achieve your study abroad dream without causing a break in the bank, this blog is for you. In this guide, you will read all about which european countries offer free masters for international students. Let’s begin.

Which European Countries Offer Free Masters for International Students?

Before moving on, it’s important to note that even in countries with free tuition, students may need to pay administrative fees. This is specifically for services like campus facilities and union memberships. Moreover, students who enjoy such benefits of free Masters in European countries are often from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) (including Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), or Switzerland. Here are European countries where Masters’ tuition is free for international students:

  • Germany
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Finland
  • Austria
  • Malta
  • Denmark
  • Ireland
  • Iceland
  • Greece
  • Cyprus
  • Romania

In addition to these, some countries provide free tuition for programs taught in their national languages but charge fees for English-taught courses:

  • Slovenia
  • Slovakia
  • Czech Republic
  • Poland

11 European Countries Where Masters Tuition Is Free 

Here is a list of European Countries where you can pursue a master’s free of cost: 

Norway

European Countries Where Masters Tuition is FREE
Aerial view of the University of Oslo’s city campus in Sweden; Image Source: University of Oslo

Eligibility: Switzerland, EU, and EEA

Admin costs: A small semester fee of between $30 (INR 2,400) and $60 (INR 4,800) may be asked of you in order to join the university’s organisation for student welfare.

The first country on this list of European countries where Masters tuition is free is Norway. Masters programmes in Norway are generally for 2 years (120 ECTS credits). Public institutions in Norway, which make up the majority of state university colleges and universities, do not impose tuition fees. This rule is specifically applicable to students who are citizens of Switzerland, EU, or EEA. Although private colleges do have tuition fees, the costs are generally lower than those in other nations. This amount can be different for Europeans and non-Europeans. Did you know that fees in Norway for non-Europeans were introduced?

Denmark

Eligibility: EU, EEA and Switzerland

Interestingly, higher education in Denmark is free for citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Additionally, students who are entitled to the same status as Danish citizens under the EU law are also eligible for this benefit. Apart from this, Denmark also offers free education to students participating in an exchange programme.

Poland

Eligibility: EEA, Switzerland, and the EU

Polish state-run higher education institutions (HEIs) do not charge tuition for full-time students from EU/EEA members. Other international students spend, on average, 2,000 euros (1,69,278 INR) annually. In Poland, there are 118 institutes of higher learning that offer more than 800 English-language courses. 

Iceland

Eligibility: EU/EEA country or Switzerland

Admin costs: €500 (INR 40K) for yearly registration

The next option on this list of European countries where Masters tuition is free is Iceland. Iceland’s public universities do not charge tuition; this rule is applicable to all international students. However, you are required to pay administration fee regardless of your nationality. While many schools offer English programmes, they often are master’s and doctoral programmes, making it challenging to locate courses entirely in English at the bachelor’s degree level. If you don’t speak Icelandic, you should get in touch with the school to make sure there are plenty of course alternatives available to you.

Austria

Eligibility: EU, EEA, and Switzerland (€726.72/per year) and non-EEA countries (€1,453.44/per year)

Admin costs: 19.20 euros (INR 1,500 ) per semester

After two semesters of tuition-free attendance in Austria, students from EU/EEA members must pay 363.36 euros (30,754 Indian rupees) every semester. Other international students typically pay 726.72 euros (61,509 Indian rupees) every semester. All students are required to pay the 19.20 euros (1,608 INR) per semester “H-Beitrag” membership fee and the student accident insurance fee.

Additionally, Australia’s higher education system includes universities and universities of applied sciences, which charge higher fees for Masters courses than the former.

Germany

European Countries Where Masters Tuition is FREE
Source: Humboldt University of Berlin; Image Source: HU Berlin

Eligibility: Everyone (except for universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg)

Admin costs: €50 (INR 4K) to €250  (INR 19K) every semester.

Germany is one of the most popular European countries where Masters tuition is free. American students frequently choose Germany as their study abroad destination since it is one of the few countries that offers free college tuition to all students enrolling in public higher education institutions, regardless of nationality. Germany has made an effort to increase the number of courses taught in English, and many universities no longer need proof of German ability.

Czech Republic

Eligibility: Everyone (Everyone (if you study in Czech!)

Admin costs: Tuition fees may be imposed if you take longer than anticipated to complete your degree.

All students in the Czech Republic are entitled to free higher education at public and governmental institutions as long as they pursue their studies in Czech. The cost of studying a foreign language ranges from 0 to 22,350 USD (or 16,78,750 INR) per year, while the exact sum will vary depending on your institution and curriculum. 

Sweden

European Countries Where Masters Tuition is FREE
Stockholm University in Sweden; Image Source: Stockholm University

Eligibility: EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

Admin costs: None

In most cases, EU (European Union) citizens are eligible for free education in Sweden. However, it is best to check with your preferred university as these rules can change over time. There are tuition costs for higher education for other international students. Sweden is home to a number of prestigious educational institutions with high standards.

Finland

Eligibility: EEA, Switzerland, and the EU

Admin costs: The student union may charge a nominal membership fee

Finland is regarded as one of the top nations with free education and a favoured global academic centre. To receive free education in Finland, there are a few requirements. Finland’s state institutions offer free higher education to both domestic and EU (European Union) students. There are no fees for Finnish and Swedish-taught programmes. However, tuition fees must be paid by foreign students enrolled in English-taught courses.

Greece

Eligibility: Everyone

Admin costs: None

Greece, one of the most well-known nations in the world, provides almost free education to students from around the world. Here, living expenses are also affordable. Greece is a good deal when you consider the cost and abundance of historical monuments, as well as the standard of living.

France

The University of Paris; Image Source: University of Paris

Typical tuition fees: €243 (INR 19K)  per year

Admin fees: None

France is one of the most popular European countries where masters tuition is free. France provides free education at the majority of its institutions. Only a small number of public colleges impose minimal tuition costs. France is a good choice for international students because of its high standard of living, abundance of career options, and diverse culture. Make sure you visit Fly Finance if you need an education loan or international money transfer services.

FAQs

Where in Europe can you do a master’s for free?

Germany, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are some most popular European countries where Master’s tuition is free or very affordable. Additionally, students can also benefit from scholarships that cover a part or all of tuition, accommodation, and a few other expenses.

Which country has a free master’s education?

Germany is one of the top countries offering free master’s education, with most public universities charging no tuition fees for international students. Apart from this, Norway and Finland also offer free education for students from the European Union.

Which European country has no tuition fees?

Germany and Norway are notable European countries where there are no tuition fees at public universities, even for international students. However, some minor semester fees may apply for administration costs in certain universities.

Which European country is cheapest to study Masters?

Among European countries, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic offer some of the most affordable master’s programs. These countries provide quality education at much lower tuition fees compared to Western Europe.

Is Masters free in Germany?

Yes, most public universities in Germany offer free master’s education, including for international students. Students may only need to pay a small semester fee covering administrative costs, transportation, and student services.

Interesting Reads

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Universities of Europe With No Application FeesCheapest University in Finland for International Students
13 Countries That Offer Free or Very Cheap PhDTop 14 Countries to Study in Europe without IELTS
Best Country In Europe To Study: Top Reasons, Eligibility Best European Country to Study and Work 

Hope you like this blog on European countries where Masters tuition is free. Don’t know which country is the right fit for your dreams? Worry not. Get in touch with Leverage Edu today to connect with our study abroad experts and get end-to-end assistance. From finding the right university to securing scholarships, loans, and accommodation, Leverage Edu has got you covered. If you want to read more informative blogs on similar topics, make sure to check out Study in Europe category of Leverage Edu.

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