Tuition-Free & Low-Cost Universities in Europe 2026 — Admissions, Visa, Scholarships
Tuition-Free & Low-Cost Universities in Europe 2026 — Admissions, Visa, Scholarships
A practical, up-to-date guide for international students (2026 edition). Countries → Regions/States → Universities, with official links, admissions, visas, scholarships, living costs, and FAQs.
Quick Navigation
- Germany (Tuition-Free)
- Norway (Public Universities)
- France (Low Tuition)
- Austria (Low Tuition)
- Finland (Scholarships for non-EU)
- Italy (Low Tuition + Grants)
- Spain (Affordable Public)
- Major Scholarships (EU)
- FAQs
Tip: Policies can change during 2026. Always double-check on the official university or government link before you apply.
Germany — Public Universities are Tuition-Free Most Programs
Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees (only a small semester contribution €200–€350). Living costs vary by city.
Language: English/German (program-dependent) Intakes: Winter & Summer Visa: Blocked account often required
Official portals: DAAD · Study in Germany States & Cities → Example Universities
- Bavaria (München, Nürnberg) LMU Munich · TUM · FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
- Baden-Württemberg (Heidelberg, Stuttgart) Heidelberg University · University of Stuttgart · KIT
- NRW (Aachen, Cologne, Bonn) RWTH Aachen · University of Bonn · University of Cologne
- Berlin Free University of Berlin · TU Berlin · HU Berlin
- Hamburg University of Hamburg
- Saxony (Dresden, Leipzig) TU Dresden · Leipzig University
Admissions & Visa (Germany)
- High school diploma or Bachelor (for Masters), transcript, CV, motivation letter.
- Language proof: IELTS/TOEFL (English) or TestDaF/DSH (German) as required.
- Visa often requires blocked account (~€11,000+), health insurance, admission letter.
Norway — Public Universities (Tuition policy may apply for non-EU in 2026)
Historically tuition-free, but many programs now charge non-EU fees. Some exemptions & funded places exist. Always check the program page for 2026.
Official portal: Study in Norway · UDI (Student Visa) Cities → Example Universities
- Oslo — University of Oslo · OsloMet
- Bergen — University of Bergen
- Trondheim — NTNU
- Tromsø — UiT The Arctic University
France — Very Low Public Tuition
Indicative annual fees: ~€2,770 Bachelor / €3,770 Master. Many English-taught options; Grandes Écoles may differ.
Official portals: Campus France · France-Visas (Student) Regions → Example Universities
- Île-de-France (Paris) — Sorbonne University · PSL · Université Paris Cité
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Lyon, Grenoble) — Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 · Université Grenoble Alpes
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Marseille, Nice) — Aix-Marseille University · Université Côte d’Azur
- Occitanie (Toulouse, Montpellier) — Université de Toulouse · Université de Montpellier
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Bordeaux) — University of Bordeaux
Austria — Low Tuition at Public Universities
Typical public fees for non-EU students ~€726/semester (+ student union fee). Many English-taught programs.
Official: Study in Austria · OeAD (Scholarships) States → Example Universities
- Vienna — University of Vienna · TU Wien · WU Vienna
- Styria (Graz) — TU Graz · University of Graz
- Upper Austria (Linz) — JKU Linz
Finland — Scholarships for non-EU; Free for EU/EEA
Non-EU students often pay tuition, but many universities offer substantial scholarships and fee waivers.
Official: Study in Finland · Migri (Student Residence Permit) Regions → Example Universities
- Uusimaa (Helsinki) — University of Helsinki · Aalto University
- Pirkanmaa (Tampere) — Tampere University
- Southwest Finland (Turku) — University of Turku · Åbo Akademi
Italy — Low Tuition + Need-Based Grants
Public tuition is moderate but many regional scholarships (e.g., DSU) can reduce costs significantly; numerous English-taught programs.
Official: Universitaly · Study in Italy Regions → Example Universities
- Lombardy (Milan) — Politecnico di Milano · University of Milan
- Lazio (Rome) — Sapienza · Tor Vergata
- Emilia-Romagna (Bologna) — University of Bologna
- Piedmont (Turin) — Politecnico di Torino · University of Turin
Spain — Affordable Public Universities
Public tuition is relatively low; costs vary by region and program. Many English-taught Master’s programs.
Official: Ministry of Universities · Student Visa (Consular network) Autonomous Communities → Example Universities
- Community of Madrid — Complutense University of Madrid · UAM · UC3M
- Catalonia (Barcelona) — University of Barcelona · UPC · UPF
- Andalusia (Seville, Granada) — University of Granada · University of Seville
- Valencian Community — University of Valencia · UPV
Major Scholarships & Portals (EU)
- Erasmus+ (EU-wide)
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Eiffel Excellence (France)
- Finland University Scholarships
- OeAD Grants (Austria)
Video Guide (Optional)
FAQs — Tuition-Free & Low-Cost Study in Europe (2026)
Are public universities in Germany really tuition-free in 2026?
Yes, most public universities charge no tuition fees for international students; you pay a semester contribution and living costs. Always check the specific program. Can non-EU students study for free in Norway in 2026?
Many programs charge non-EU tuition now; some exemptions and funded places exist. Verify on the university page before applying. What English tests are accepted?
Commonly IELTS or TOEFL; some accept Duolingo English Test. Local language may be required for non-English programs. What documents are required for admissions?
Diploma + transcripts, passport, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, language proof; portfolio/entrance exam for some fields. How much is the cost of living in 2026?
Indicative monthly ranges: Germany €900–€1,200; France €1,000–€1,300 (Paris more); Austria €900–€1,100; Finland €900–€1,200; Spain €750–€1,000. Do I need a student visa?
Non-EU students usually need a student visa or residence permit. Provide admission letter, financial proof, health insurance, and biometrics as required. Can I work while studying?
Typically yes, part-time (e.g., 20 hours/week) depending on country. Check local rules and your permit conditions.
Disclaimer: Policies and fees can change during 2026 by university and program. Always confirm on the official link before applying.