By the Portlio studio · Published · 8 min read
"Free university in Europe" is half true. A few countries still charge non-EU students little or nothing at public universities, others now charge full fees, and every country expects you to prove you can pay your living costs.
Free or nearly free
- Germany: no tuition at most public universities (exceptions: Baden-Württemberg and TUM). See study in Germany for free.
- Austria: public universities charge non-EU students about EUR 727 per semester.
- France: low national fees at public universities. Non-EU students may be charged higher "differentiated" fees (about EUR 2,900 a year for a bachelor's and EUR 3,900 for a master's), though many universities waive the difference.
- Czech Republic: free at public universities when you study in Czech; English programs charge fees.
- Italy: fees depend on family income, and regional DSU grants can cover fees plus an allowance.
No longer free for non-EU students
- Norway introduced tuition for non-EU students in 2023.
- Finland and Sweden charge non-EU students for English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees, with scholarships available at many universities.
Don't forget living costs
Visas require proof of funds for a year of living costs, and rent varies hugely between cities. A tuition-free degree in an expensive city can cost more than a low-fee degree somewhere cheaper. Compare in cheapest countries to study abroad, and look for funding in scholarships in Europe.
Before you decide
Figures, deadlines and eligibility rules were checked in October 2026 and change every year. Confirm everything on the official pages linked here before you apply. Portlio and Stamplio are not affiliated with any scholarship, university, government or embassy.
Frequently asked questions
- Which European countries are free for international students?
- Germany (at most public universities) is the main one. Austria, France and Italy have low fees, and the Czech Republic is free in Czech. Norway and Finland now charge non-EU students.
- Is Norway still free for international students?
- No. Norway introduced tuition for students from outside the EU/EEA in 2023.
About this guide. Written by the Portlio studio as general guidance. It isn't any college's requirements and it can't predict an admissions decision, so check each program's current instructions. Last updated .
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