The search for free universities in Europe has increased dramatically in recent years, partly due to the staggering cost of higher education in the United States and the tight budget of international students looking to pursue bachelor or master programs in different fields of study.
It is no news that In many countries, education is free for European students. But, there are even some places where non-European students can study for free.
In this article, we have reviewed some of the best universities in Europe that do not charge tuition fees and are open to international students from EU countries.
Courses in these free European universities have also been reviewed to confirm that they are administered in English.
Let’s get into it.
List of Free European Universities
Universities in Europe that do not charge tuition fees are primarily public institutions based in a few Europe countries such as Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.
- University of Akureyri – Iceland
- University of Vaasa
- Mendel University in Brno – Czech Republic
- University of Bonn – Germany
- The Arctic University of Norway
- University of South Bohemia – Czech Republic
- Dalarna University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- University of Bremen
- University of Gothenburg
It is not only the tourist attractions that bring many internationals into Europe. Most universities here are tuition-free, indicating why many international students want to go to Europe.
As you would see in the review of these free European universities, public institutions typically only offer free tuition to students from EU and EEA member countries. Still, some institutions in Germany and Norway provide free education to all students regardless of nationality.
University of Akureyri – Iceland
- Tuition Fee: Free tuition but 75,000 ISK every year as a non-refundable registration fee
- University of Akureyri Admission Requirement Page
- University of Akureyri Tuition Details Page
Iceland is one of the right places to consider if you want free universities in Europe. The University of Akureyri (UNAK) does not charge tuition fees. However, one must pay a non-refundable registration fee of 75,000 ISK per academic year to study here.
The institution is a full-fledged university that began to offer doctoral studies starting in 2019. UNAK offers graduate programs in health sciences, social sciences, business administration, and resource studies.
The majority of students in this school are studying Humanities and Social Sciences. Still, they offer other programs, including teacher training, biotechnology, law, social sciences, psychology, fishery studies, media studies, nursing, occupational therapy, computer science, business administration, police science, and modern studies.
University of Vaasa
- Tuition Fee: Null
- University of Vaasa Admission Requirement Page
- University of Vaasa Tuition Details Page
Are you looking for a free university in Europe focusing on Business studies? Then the University of Vaasa is a good option. Students study accounting, Marketing, Economics, Management, and finance courses here.
Surprisingly, despite this school’s tuition-free status, it is still small with a not-so-large student body. However, the specialization of this institution speaks volumes of the leverage you’d get in the labor market upon graduation.
Mendel University in Brno – Czech Republic
- Tuition Fee: Null
- Mendel University in Brno Admission Requirement Page
- Mendel University in Brno Tuition Details Page
The Czech Republic is another region in Europe where you can find many tuition-free universities. A good example is Mendel University in Brno (MUB).
The institution is the oldest specialized one in the republic that is currently leading among many other educational institutions in life sciences.
It was named to commemorate Gregor Mendel, a scientist, and offers programs through 5 different faculties, including AgriSciences, Horticulture, the Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Business and Economics, and Forestry and Wood Technology.
MUB administered its programs in both English and Czech language. But international students looking to pursue degree programs at Mendel University should be ready to learn the Czech language because they are taught in that language free of charge.
University of Bonn – Germany
- Tuition Fee: Free Tuition, but international students are to pay 300 EUR per semester as an administration fee.
- University of Bonn Admission Requirement Page
- University of Bonn Tuition Details Page
For tuition fees, the University of Bonn is free for domestic and international students. It is one of the free universities you can find in Europe, particularly in Germany.
However, to live comfortably as a student in Germany attending this university, you should be ready to spend between 800 and 1000 Euros every month. Estimations suggest that the average student would consume between 200 to 600 Euros on accommodation, 50 euros on books, and about 100 euros on health insurance.
The financial pressure of tuition fees remains out of the way for Bonn university students since the german government fully subsidizes students in this public university. But international students are required to pay 300 euros per semester for the administration fee.
Based in North Rhine-Westphalia, the University of Bonn is known for its solid prominence in research, and its faculties teach more than 200 courses. These faculties include Arts, Medicine, Mathematics and Natural Sciences Law, Catholic and Protestant Theology, and the Faculty of Agriculture.
The Arctic University of Norway
- Tuition Fee: Null
- The Arctic University of Norway Admission Requirement Page
- The Arctic University of Norway Tuition Details Page
There is no tuition fee for students at Arctic University. It is one of the free universities in Norway and attracts international students to Europe every academic year.
Aside from the free tuition charge, students must pay NOK 625 per semester to the Arctic Student Welfare Organization.
The Arctic University of Norway is the northernmost higher educational institution in Northern Europe, which never lacks cold temperatures. The institution doubles as the sixth-largest university in Norway.
This place is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in biotechnology, linguistics, telemedicine, biotechnology, space science, auroral light research, fishery science, epidemiology, and multicultural societies.
University of South Bohemia – Czech Republic
- Tuition Fee: Null
- University of South Bohemia Admission Requirement Page
- University of South Bohemia Tuition Details Page
Students focusing on furthering their higher education in the Czech Republic, and Europe, can consider the university of south bohemia. It is a free university that offers 30 programs in the English language and three programs in german.
The law stipulates that university programs taught in the Czech language are free for both domestic and international students.
This public university is based in České Budějovice. It offers 230 degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels through the Faculty of Education, Theology, Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics, Arts, Faculty of Fisheries, and Protection of Waters.
Dalarna University
- Tuition Fee: Null
- Dalarna University Admission Requirement Page
- Dalarna University Tuition Details Page
This is a free university that has a focus on technology and related studies. With a student body of 15,000, the Dalarna university is a perfect institution for those looking for an education methodology that goes beyond the fall walls of the classroom.
The institution is based in an area with many lush woodlands and a very conducive environment.
Dalarna University’s tuition comes at no cost for domestic and international students.
Humboldt University of Berlin
- Tuition Fee: Null
- Humboldt University of Berlin Admission Requirement Page
- Humboldt University of Berlin Tuition Details Page
Germany remains one of the most famous countries for free universities in Europe. This Humboldt University is an excellent example of this reputation in Germany’s capital.
They offer free tuition to international students and are one of the best in Germany. Many students in this school are there studying Arts and Humanities. It is a good choice for students who want free universities in Europe, particularly Germany.
University of Bremen
- Tuition Fee: Null
- University of Bremen Admission Requirement Page
- University of Bremen Tuition Details Page
The University of Bremen is a top choice for students looking for free universities in Europe and Germany that are focused on the field of Science and engineering field.
Students are offered courses on environmental sciences, earth, and nature here. It has a student body of more than 20,000 from different countries worldwide.
The University of Bremen is located in the northwest region of Germany.
University of Gothenburg
- Tuition Fee: Null
- University of Gothenburg Admission Requirement Page
- University of Gothenburg Tuition Details Page
Lastly, the University of Gothenburg is on our list of free universities in Europe. It is considered one of Europe’s largest, with a student body of 40,000 every year.
The school takes pride in its cultural diversity and accepts students from all countries for free tuition. It is an excellent option for students looking for tuition-free institutions in Sweden and Europe.
International students here can take advantage of the diverse courses offered free of charge.
Conclusion
Regarding tuition-free universities in Europe, the best recommendations usually come from countries like Norway, Germany, and Finland.
Many other European universities have free-tuition policies focusing on research and practical training.
However, it is essential to note the admission requirement into these free European universities. Students may be required to pay specific fees but not tuition.