Europe is one of the best destinations for students looking to study at free universities. Many European countries offer free education, but in some, you have to pay minimal fees to cover administrative expenses and welfare.
Most schools that offer free education for local and international students in Europe are public universities.
Since these schools are publicly funded by the government, students would not have to bear the burden of heavy tuition costs.
Even if you do not come from any European country, as an international student, you can still qualify for educational opportunities in these free schools such as scholarships and financial aid.
We have reviewed some of the best free universities around countries in Europe and recommended our top pick based on academic excellence, cultural diversity, student satisfaction, and post-graduation employment prospects.
Top recommendation on best free universities in Europe
- Free University of Berlin
- Dalarna University
- University of Vaasa
- University of Bergen
- University of Gothenburg
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
- The University of Vienna
Free University of Berlin
Our first recommendation is Germany’s famous free institution, the Free University of Berlin, or FU Berlin.
Students are offered free education for undergraduate programs but the most interesting part is that you don’t have to be a domestic student to enjoy the tuition-free perks. This makes The Free University of Berlin a top choice for students all over the world.
However, the acceptance rate is competitive. But if you do eventually get it, you can be assured to get top-of-the-line education, especially in the humanities department and natural sciences.
Dalarna University
This is another fantastic option for students looking for free tuition universities in Sweden. With a large student population of over 15,000 students per year, the Dalarna university is particularly ideal for students looking to venture into the technology science field.
It is also an excellent pick for students who prefers a secure student environment with a closer practical approach to learning.
University of Vaasa
We would recommend the University Vaasa as one of the best free universities in Europe particularly for students who want to focus on the business field. The University of Vaasa in Finland is known for its prominence in teaching Economics, Management, Accounting, Finance, and Marketing course.
The specialization of this school is what makes it stand out, especially as it gives students a competitive advantage upon graduation. It is an ideal choice for business students who are looking for free universities in Finland and would want a small student population.
University of Bergen
Norway is known for housing some of the best free universities in Europe and the University of Bergen is an excellent example. It is located in the Southwestern part of the country and boasts a large student population of 17,000.
We would recommend this university for international students who would prefer courses administered in English. It is an excellent pick for re research-oriented learning approach, as they offer a plethora of courses for undergraduates.
Education at the University of Bergen is free for both international and domestic students but both would have to pay minor fees for welfare and administrative expenses.
University of Gothenburg
If you would love to study in Europe for free, particularly at a Swedish university, then the University of Gothenburg is a solid option. It boasts a large student population of about 40,000 and peaks in the aspect of cultural diversity, making it an ideal choice for international students as well.
Humboldt University of Berlin
- Humboldt University of Berlin Admission Requirement Page
- Humboldt University of Berlin Free tuition Page
Germany has several public universities that have not compromised quality education and degree programs for tuition-free status. If you are looking to study in any European country for free, and Germany sounds like a good destination for you, then you can consider the Humboldt University of Berlin.
It shares a reputation with the FU Berlin but they offer free education to both international and domestic students, and the acceptance rate isn’t as competitive.
It is particularly an excellent pick for students who want to venture into Arts and Humanities.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Admission Requirement Page
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Free tuition Page
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is an ideal choice for students looking for tuition-free science programs.
The best part is the NTNU liaises with reputable research organizations around the world, which, by extension, offers students an opportunity to harness hands-on experience that will have a huge impact on their CV.
The free, public university boasts a large student population of about 40,000 students on their campus.
The University of Vienna
The University of Vienna is proof that Austria is not only known for its beautiful scenery but also for its free tuition universities. They offer free education to Austrian students, EU citizens, and members of EEA countries.
With 15 faculties and five centers, the university offers advanced courses in law, zoology, and many more.
The downside is that international students who do not come from the above destinations would have to pay tuition fees, but this cost ($778.45) is still more affordable than in most other countries around Europe.
Wrapping up
There has been a persistent spike in the cost of education. This explains why Americans troop out of the United States and go to European countries where there are a plethora of free tuition universities, especially public institutions.
Most of the European countries offer free education to students from EU and EEA member countries but you can still find institutions in Germany and Norway that offer free tuition to all students regardless of nationality.
Even when tuition fees come into the picture, it is more affordable in these European universities than in the United States.
This, coupled with the low cost of living in Europe makes the continent an ideal destination for students who are looking for free education.
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