This article features a list of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students, the fees paid by international students in these schools will wow you! Some of the schools funded by the government in Europe operate totally free-tuition education and students are to pay just nominal fees.
Worthy of note, these schools are the cheapest for European students too.
Some schools may be cheap for domestic students but they won’t be cheap for international students so in this research, we decided to put more interest in finding schools in Europe that are either totally tuition-free or offer very low tuition fees to international students.
Moreover, there are also some very affordable Ph.D. courses in the UK and also very cheap online Ph.D. programs for international students.
Generally, schools offering affordable fees to international students are much more affordable to domestic students.
Can I really study in Europe for Free?
Yes you can, countries like Germany, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, France, etc., don’t charge tuition fees to undergraduates in almost all public higher Institutions, it also applies to most master’s programmes. This applies to both their citizens and international students regardless of country.
The governments of these countries believe that higher education should be made free regardless of background.
Which Countries in Europe are the Cheapest for International Students to Study?
Below is a list of the top 10 cheapest countries in Europe for higher education. Topping the list is Germany, you may need to know that Germany has abolished tuition fees in all its public universities both for international and domestic students since 2014.
Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Spain, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands.
Cost of Living in Europe for Students
The living costs of these places are averagely low with a range of $7,000 – $9,000 annually which should certainly fit into the budget of any international student.
Okay, it’s high time I dive into the main subject matter, and without further ado, I will list these schools.
15 Cheapest Universities In Europe For International Students
- Free University of Berlin, Germany
- University of Pisa, Italy
- Heidelberg University, Germany
- University of Basel, Switzerland
- University of Wurzburg, Germany
- Novosibirsk State University, Russia
- University of Gӧttingen, Germany
- University of Paris-Saclay, France
- Fontys University of Applied Science, Netherlands
- Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Italy
- University of Mannheim
- RWTH Aachen University, Germany
- The University of Vienna, Austria
- Nord University, Norway
- University of Crete, Greece
1. Free University of Berlin, Germany
| German, European Union (EU), and, European Economic Area (EEA) Citizens | Undergraduate: Free |
| International Students | Undergraduate: Free Master degree: Free to some programmes |
This is one of the free universities in Europe for international students and operates a totally tuition-free education.
The Free University of Berlin only charges just €312.89 per semester covering registration fees, student support services, transportation ticket,s and student union fees.
However, some graduate and postgraduate programs are not free. You will have to contact the university to know of these programs and the associated charges but undergraduate students can study for free from the range of courses offered by the university.
2. University of Pisa, Italy
University of Pisa also known as UniPi, located in Italy and founded in 1343 is the oldest and 6th best university in Italy. UniPi can make it to the list of low-tuition universities in Europe for international students not just because of their affordability but also because of the quality of education they provide.
The university’s fees vary from €407 up to €2.350 annually for international whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You will agree with me that these are very low tuition costs compared to a regular university with such a ranking.
3. Heidelberg University, Germany
| German, EU, and, EEA Citizens | €151.05 for semester fee |
| International students from non-EU and non-EEA | €1,500 per semester + €151.05 semester fee |
As a public research university founded in 1386 and offering various graduate and postgraduate degree programs, Heidelberg University makes it to the list of low-cost universities in Europe for international students.
However, special fees are charged for continuing education and existing non-consecutive master’s programs which you would have to contact the school to know more about.
4. University of Basel, Switzerland
| International students from non-EU and non-EEA | €882 each semester €363 per semester for doctoral students |
Counted among the leading institutions for higher learning in Switzerland and founded as far back as 1460, the University of Basel is recognized among the cheapest universities in Europe for international students, offering a range of graduate and undergraduate programs to students.
International undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Basel are charged $1,714 per year as tuition fees.
5. University of Wurzburg, Germany
| German, EU, and, EEA) Citizens | Free |
| International Students | Free |
The University of Wurzburg, a well known public research university in Germany is a tuition-free institution for international students thus making it to the list of the most affordable universities in Europe for international students.
However, international students will make a fee payment of €137.90 which covers student contribution and semester tickets.
6. Novosibirsk State University, Russia
| Russia Citizens | Undergraduate: $27 per year Masters: $3,599 per year Doctorate: $5,499 per year |
| International Students | Undergraduate: minimum of $3,000 per year Masters: $3,599 per year Doctorate: $5,499 per year |
Novosibirsk State University or NSU, as it is popularly known, is one of Russia’s top institutions of higher education and it is the main producer of most of Russia’s academic elite. However, they have a low acceptance rate of 10%.
The university is highly regarded in educational and scientific research activities and offers various undergraduate and graduate programs for every student which are taught both in English and Russian.
7. University of Gӧttingen, Germany
| German, EU, and, EEA Citizens | Semester fee between €344,25 to €350.48 |
| International Students | Semester fee between €344,25 to €350.48 |
Here is an internationally renowned research university in the world on our list of cheapest universities in Europe for international students.
This keeps getting better and better, I bet you think the universities on this list are quack because they are incredibly cheap, I’m sure you’ve gotten your mind blown by now.
At the University of Gӧttingen, international students pay approximately €760 per year which covers enrolment and re-registration for both first and second semesters.
8. University of Paris-Saclay, France
| International students | €170 for bachelor’s students €243 for master’s students €380 for doctoral students |
The University of Paris-Saclay is a research-intensive institution that has made it to our list of low-tuition universities in Europe for international students.
Saclay offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs to interested students with a tuition fee too low to look real.
9. Fontys University of Applied Science, Netherlands
| Dutch or an EU/EEA or nationality | €2,530 per year |
| International Students | €9,250 per year €2,530 per year for B Theologie (Theology) |
Ranked among the best universities in the Netherlands, especially in the fields of engineering, IT, logistics, business administration, and management, and has several campuses located in the southern Netherlands. The Fontys University of Applied Science makes it to our list of cheap universities in Europe for international students.
Fontys offers various bachelor’s, master’s, and short-term programmes.
Their fees may look a bit high considering other schools on this list but when you compare them with some other international universities out there you will agree with me that they are very very affordable.
10. Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Italy
| International Students | €7,500 for master’s €6,500 for early bird master’s program |
This is a public research institution operating in the field of applied sciences, established in 1987, and a hub for teaching excellence and world-class education in various master’s, undergraduate, and PhD programs.
Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies is on the list of cheapest universities in Europe for international students with zero tuition fees for undergraduate programs while graduate students’ tuition fees range from €7,500 – €10,000.
11. University of Mannheim, Germany
| German, EU, and, EEA Citizens | Semester fee of €204.30 |
| International Students | €1,500 per semester |
This is a public research-intensive university founded in 1967 and a place to grow and develop your potential, offering various full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The University of Mannheim is one of the cheapest universities in Europe for international students to pursue their academic dreams.
While there are tuition fees payable in this school, there are still exceptions. If you are an international student but you have a residence permit in Germany under some given terms you can find on the university’s website you won’t have to pay any tuition fee at all.
12. RWTH Aachen University, Germany
| German, EU, and, EEA Citizens | Semester fee of €318.66 |
| International Students | Semester fee of €318.66 |
This is the largest technical university in the whole of Germany and offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs to develop and hone your skills in your preferred field and level of study.
It should no longer be a surprise that a university of such prestige is amongst the list of cheapest universities in Europe for international students.
However, there are conditional tuition fees at RWTH Aachen University and it applies to some international students.
13. The University of Vienna, Austria
| Austria, EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens | Students’ Union fee of €20.20 |
| International Students | €749.42 per semester |
This is one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious universities and home to many historical scholars whose positive contributions have been duly noted. The University of Vienna offers various programs at the undergraduate, masters and doctorate study levels with varying tuition fees.
14. Nord University, Norway
| Austria, EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens | Free |
| International Students | €10,887 per year |
Nord University is the youngest university on this list, established in 2016 and offering various bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs to develop and grow your skills.
15. University of Crete, Greece
| EU, and EEA Citizens | Free |
Established in 1973 and committed to excellence in research and teaching, the University of Crete offers different undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs for students to enjoin, gain knowledge and develop their skills.
The University of Crete, too, is one of the cheapest universities you will find in Europe for international students and does NOT charge tuition fees for EU nationals enrolled in her undergraduate programs.
Only 11 of the 52 postgraduate study programmes offered at the University of Crete have tuition fees but there are no tuition fees for Ph.D. students.
Conclusion
Now that you have these details, what next? You have been provided with every salient detail concerning the cheapest universities in Europe for international and domestic students as I wrote earlier.
These are prestigious institutions that will give you what you are looking for in the academic space, be it a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. These universities are handing it to you on a platter of gold but it is left for you to stretch out your hands and grab the opportunity.
C’est vraiment intéressant ce site, on trouve facilement ce qu’on veut savoir ici. Un bravo au concepteur.
I’m interested in these universities.
And i want to get admission in Germany.
I hope that you will accept my application process and response back to me. I also hope that i try to complete or fulfill your desired. Can you please send me your university watsap number or email that is helpful for me to touch with new updates.
Thank you