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Where you can study for free or at low tuition

Updated

This guide covers countries and institutions that charge no or low tuition. It says who qualifies, what you still pay, and where non-EU students do pay.

Rules change by country, state, programme and year. Always confirm on the official page before you plan.

Germany

Tuition

  • Tuition fees depend on the German state where you study.
  • Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester.
  • Some continuing education master’s programmes may charge fees. DAAD says these are not particularly high compared with other countries.
  • Private universities may charge much higher fees.
  • Erasmus+ exchange students pay no tuition fees at the host university.

What you still pay

  • Living costs are roughly 900 to 1,200 euros a month. They depend on whether you live in a large city or a small town.
  • The 2023 social survey found students spend an average of 876 euros per month.

The catch

Check the fee rules of the specific state before you apply. Non-EU students do pay in Baden-Württemberg. Source for the funding facts: Study in Germany.

Czechia

Tuition

  • Degree programmes taught in Czech at public universities are tuition-free for everyone, whatever their nationality.

The catch

  • Most Czech-taught programmes require B2 level Czech.
  • English-taught programmes are growing in number. Czech-taught study gives a wider choice of degrees.

Official source: Study in Czechia.

Finland

Where non-EU students pay

  • Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland usually pay tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
  • Fees usually range from €9,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the university and programme.
  • Applicants from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland also pay a €100 application fee.

Where you do not pay

  • Doctoral programmes are tuition-free for all nationalities.

The catch

  • You must prove sufficient finances and insurance when you apply for a student residence permit.
  • If you pay tuition, you can often apply for scholarships offered by the university.

Official source: Study in Finland.

Norway

Where non-EU students pay

  • Degree students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition fees.
  • Fees differ between institutions and study programmes.

Who is normally exempt at public institutions

  • Exchange students.
  • Doctoral candidates.
  • Students on schemes such as Fulbright, Erasmus Mundus, NORPART, NORHED or StAR (Students At Risk).

What you still pay

  • Every student pays a semester fee of about 1000 NOK to the student welfare organisation (Samskipnad).

The catch

  • Students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must show proof of funds to get a study permit.
  • Programmes taught in Norwegian require documented proficiency in a Nordic language.

Official source: Study in Norway.

Denmark

Where non-EU students pay

  • Higher education is free for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
  • All other students must pay tuition fees.
  • Exchange students can study in Denmark for free.

What you still pay

  • Students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland pay a fee when they apply for a residence permit.

Official source: Study in Denmark.

Iceland

Where non-EU students pay

  • From the academic year 2027-2028, accepted applicants from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA must pay a tuition fee at the University of Iceland.
  • If a student changes programme, tuition fees will be charged.

What you still pay

  • Applicants from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA pay a non-refundable application processing fee of 20,000 ISK.

The catch

  • If you do not pay the registration fee by the due date, the university counts you as withdrawn from the programme.

France

  • Some schools may also charge application fees and entrance examination fees.

Check the tuition fee page of Campus France for the fee that applies to your nationality and programme.

United States

What you get

  • Berea College gives all admitted international students aid and scholarships that cover 100% of tuition, housing, food and fees.

The catch

  • Berea cannot admit students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Berea does not offer master’s programmes.

Online

  • University of the People uses a tuition-free model.
  • Students still pay minimal fees. Scholarships are available to help cover them.

Before you plan

  • Open the official page for each programme and confirm the fee for your nationality and study level.
  • Check whether the rule changes by state, institution or programme.
  • Add the costs that are not tuition: application fees, semester fees, residence permit fees and living costs.
  • Check the language requirement for the programme.
  • Prepare proof of funds and insurance where the country asks for them.
  • Check application deadlines and the documents you need, then start early.

Checked against official pages on 2026-11-13.

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