10 Universities Where You Can Earn a Degree for Free

by Emily JohnsonNovember 13, 20247 minutes read

Pursuing a higher education degree is an investment that often comes with a hefty price tag, but did you know there are universities around the world that offer free or extremely low-cost tuition? Whether you’re an aspiring student looking to study in Europe, the U.S., or online, there are plenty of options that can help you achieve your academic goals without a large financial burden. In this article, we’ll explore 10 universities where you can earn a degree for free or at a very affordable cost.

1. University of the People (USA)

University of the People is an online, tuition-free university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. As an accredited institution, it provides an accessible educational option for students around the globe, particularly for those in underserved areas or countries where higher education is costly.

Tuition Fees:

Tuition: Free for all students (no tuition fees).

Other Costs: Students are required to pay exam fees. These are approximately $120 per exam for undergraduates and $240 per exam for graduate programs.

Key Points:

Completely tuition-free education.

Exam fees are the only cost ($120–$240 per exam).

Flexible online format that allows students to study from anywhere.

2. Free University of Berlin (Germany)

Germany is known for its public universities that offer free tuition for both domestic and international students. The Free University of Berlin is no exception, providing high-quality education in fields such as the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and economics.

Tuition Fees:

Tuition: No tuition fees for both domestic and international students.

Other Costs: Students are required to pay a semester fee, which is around €300–€350. This fee covers administrative costs and provides students with a public transportation pass.

Key Points:

No tuition fees for all students.

Low semester fee (around €300–€350), which includes transport.

Education in a global city with a rich cultural history.

3. Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany)

Another leading institution in Germany, Humboldt University is recognized for its strong research programs and excellent academic reputation. Like other public universities in Germany, Humboldt University does not charge tuition fees for both domestic and international students.

Tuition Fees:

Tuition: None.

Other Costs: The semester fee, which is approximately €300–€350, is mandatory and helps cover administrative costs and student services.

Key Points:

No tuition fees for all students.

Low semester fee for administrative costs.

Located in Berlin, a vibrant hub for culture and academics.

4. University of Oslo (Norway)

The University of Oslo is one of Norway’s largest and most prestigious universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Like most public universities in Norway, it provides tuition-free education for both domestic and international students. However, the high living expenses in Oslo are an important consideration.

Tuition Fees:

Tuition: None (for both domestic and international students).

Other Costs: Students must cover living expenses, which typically range from NOK 120,000 to NOK 150,000 per year (approximately €10,000–€15,000). Scholarships and grants are available for some students to help with living costs.

Key Points:

No tuition fees for all students.

High living costs in Oslo (around €10,000–€15,000 annually).

Financial aid and scholarships available for international students.

5. University of Vienna (Austria)

Austria’s University of Vienna is one of the largest universities in the country and offers a wide range of academic programs in fields such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and very reasonable rates for non-EU students.

Tuition Fees:

EU Students: Approximately €1,500–€3,500 per year for undergraduate programs.

Non-EU Students: Around €3,000–€5,000 per year.

Other Costs: Students may also be required to pay a small administrative fee of about €20–€30 per semester.

Key Points:

Low tuition fees for both EU and non-EU students.

Affordable education compared to many other European countries.

Administrative fees are minimal (€20–€30 per semester).

6. École Normale Supérieure (ENS), Paris (France)

École Normale Supérieure (ENS) is one of France’s top universities, known for its academic rigor and prestigious programs in fields such as philosophy, literature, natural sciences, and social sciences. ENS offers no tuition fees for French and EU students, and while non-EU students are charged a fee, it remains affordable compared to other international universities.

Tuition Fees:

French and EU Students: No tuition fees.

Non-EU Students: Approximately €2,770 per year.

Living Costs: Living in Paris can be expensive, with students typically spending €1,000–€1,500 per month on living expenses. Scholarships are available to assist with these costs.

Key Points:

No tuition fees for French and EU students.

Non-EU students pay a modest fee of around €2,770 per year.

Scholarships available for non-EU students to help with living costs in Paris.

7. University of Barcelona (Spain)

The University of Barcelona is one of Spain’s leading academic institutions, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like arts, sciences, and engineering. It has relatively low tuition fees compared to many other universities in Western Europe.

Tuition Fees:

EU Students: Typically €1,500–€3,500 per year for undergraduate programs.

Non-EU Students: Approximately €3,000–€5,000 per year.

Other Costs: Some additional administrative fees may apply, but overall costs remain low.

Key Points:

Affordable tuition fees for both EU and non-EU students.

A wide range of academic programs available.

Living in Barcelona offers a rich cultural and academic experience.

8. University of Paris-Saclay (France)

The University of Paris-Saclay is a prominent research university in France, offering a range of programs in science, engineering, and social sciences. Like most public universities in France, tuition is free for EU students, and affordable for non-EU students.

Tuition Fees:

EU/EEA Students: No tuition fees.

Non-EU Students: Around €2,500–€3,500 per year.

Living Costs: Like Paris, living costs can range from €1,000–€1,500 per month, but scholarships are available to assist international students.

Key Points:

No tuition fees for EU/EEA students.

Affordable tuition fees for non-EU students (€2,500–€3,500 per year).

Scholarships available for international students.

9. Uppsala University (Sweden)

Uppsala University is one of Sweden’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, offering top-tier education in a wide variety of disciplines. For EU/EEA students, Uppsala offers tuition-free education, while non-EU students are required to pay fees. The cost of living in Sweden is also relatively high, but scholarships are available for international students.

Tuition Fees:

EU/EEA Students: No tuition fees.

Non-EU Students: Approximately SEK 80,000–SEK 140,000 per year (around €7,500–€13,000).

Living Costs: Living in Sweden typically costs SEK 8,000–SEK 10,000 per month (€750–€950), with scholarships available to help cover costs.

Key Points:

No tuition fees for EU/EEA students.

Non-EU students pay €7,500–€13,000 per year.

Scholarships available for international students.

10. University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

The University of Ljubljana is Slovenia’s largest and most respected university, offering a wide range of programs in arts, sciences, business, and engineering. It offers tuition-free education for EU students and low-cost education for non-EU students.

Tuition Fees:

EU/EEA Students: No tuition fees.

Non-EU Students: €2,000–€4,000 per year.

Other Costs: A small administrative fee of about €50–€100 per semester is required. Living costs in Slovenia are generally lower, averaging €500–€800 per month.

Key Points:

No tuition fees for EU/EEA students.

Non-EU students pay €2,000–€4,000 per year.

Affordable living costs in Slovenia.

Conclusion

Pursuing a degree doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. The universities listed here offer tuition-free education or very low-cost education, especially for EU students. While international students may face additional fees, many institutions provide scholarships and financial assistance to help with living expenses. Whether you’re looking for a high-quality education in Europe, the U.S., or online, these universities offer fantastic opportunities for students seeking a degree without breaking the bank.