Study Abroad for Free: 7 Countries with Zero Tuition in 2026

Several countries charge zero tuition to international students — not through scholarships, but as national policy. Here are seven where you can earn a degree without paying tuition fees, along with the conditions, living costs, and fine print you need to know.

1. Germany — €0 tuition at all public universities

Germany abolished tuition fees at public universities in 2014, and the policy applies to all students regardless of nationality. You pay only a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of €150–350, which typically includes a public transport pass.

Over 1,800 English-taught master's programmes are available. The blocked account requirement is €11,208/year (€934/month), which you must prove for the student visa. Part-time work is permitted for 240 half-days per year.

Best for: Master's students in engineering, CS, and natural sciences. The 18-month post-study job seeker visa and 150K+ unfilled IT jobs make Germany especially strong for tech students.

2. Argentina — constitutionally free for everyone

Argentina's constitution guarantees free public university education for all — citizens and international students alike. The Universidad de Buenos Aires (QS top 100) charges nothing. No blocked account, no proof of funds for enrollment (though you need them for the visa).

Living costs average €450/month in Buenos Aires. Most programmes are in Spanish, but some universities offer English-taught options in business and social sciences.

Best for: Spanish speakers, students seeking minimum total cost, those interested in Latin American studies or business.

3. Norway — free tuition, but high living costs

Norwegian public universities charge no tuition to international students. The semester fee is approximately NOK 600 (€55). However, living costs are among the highest in Europe — you must show NOK 137,907 (€12,300) per year for the student visa.

English-taught master's programmes are available at all major universities. The post-study job seeker visa lasts 1 year, and Norway's tech and energy sectors have strong demand.

Best for: Students with savings or scholarship funding who want Scandinavian quality and lifestyle. Also strong for petroleum engineering, marine sciences, and renewable energy.

4. Finland — free until reform takes effect

Finland introduced tuition fees for non-EU students in 2017, but PhD programmes remain free and many universities offer generous tuition waivers. Scholarships covering 50–100% of tuition are common for master's students.

Living costs average €800/month. Finnish universities rank well globally, especially in education, engineering, and technology. The post-study residence permit lasts 2 years.

Best for: PhD students (still free) and master's students who apply for tuition waivers early. Strong in tech — Helsinki is one of Europe's top startup ecosystems.

5. Czech Republic — free if you study in Czech

Czech public universities offer free tuition to anyone studying in the Czech language — regardless of nationality. English-taught programmes cost €3,000–8,000/year. Living costs in Prague run €600/month, lower in smaller cities.

Some universities offer Czech-language preparatory courses (typically 1 year) that then lead into the free degree programme. Charles University (founded 1348) and Czech Technical University are the top choices.

Best for: Students willing to learn Czech, or those who already speak a Slavic language (advantage for learning Czech faster).

6. Austria — low tuition for most nationalities

Austrian public universities charge €1,500/year to students from outside the EU — significantly less than most English-speaking countries. Some programmes in German are cheaper or free. Vienna consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities.

Living costs average €900/month. A post-study residence permit (Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte) is available for 12 months after graduation.

Best for: German speakers or those planning to learn. Music, arts, engineering, and natural sciences are particular strengths.

7. Sweden — free for PhD students

Sweden charges tuition for non-EU master's students (SEK 80,000–295,000/year depending on programme), but PhD students are paid a salary — typically SEK 30,000+/month (€2,700+). This makes Sweden one of the best-funded PhD destinations in the world.

For master's students, the Swedish Institute offers fully funded scholarships to students from specific developing countries.

Best for: PhD applicants in any field. Sweden's doctoral programmes are salaried employment positions, not studentships.

Free tuition does not mean free living

Every country on this list still requires proof of funds for the student visa. Here are the minimum financial requirements:

How to apply

Each country has its own application timeline and requirements. For Germany, apply via uni-assist.de 6–8 months before your intended start date. For Scandinavian countries, deadlines are typically January for autumn intake. For Argentina, check each university's international office directly.