Free and low-tuition universities in Europe

Several European countries charge little or no tuition, even for international students. This page sets out exactly where, what the conditions are, and what you still have to pay for.

Where

Countries with free or very low public tuition

Germany	No tuition fee at most public universities for bachelor's and consecutive master's degrees. You pay a semester contribution of roughly €150–€350, which usually includes a public transport pass.
Czech Republic	No tuition for programmes taught in Czech at public universities, for any nationality. English-taught programmes are fee-paying but still modest.
Slovakia	No tuition for programmes taught in Slovak at public universities. English-taught programmes charge fees.
Austria	Non-EU students pay approximately €726 per semester at public universities — low by Western European standards.
France	Public university tuition is nationally regulated and remains among the lowest in Western Europe.
Italy	Tuition at public universities is income-assessed through the ISEE calculation and is often below €1,000 per year for international students.
Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria	Not free, but tuition typically runs €1,500–€5,000 per year — a fraction of UK or US fees.
Norway	Public universities were tuition-free but now charge non-EU students since 2023. Budget for fees as well as high living costs.

What 'free' does not cover

This is where students most often miscalculate. Tuition is only one part of the cost, and the visa is granted on your ability to fund the rest.

Living costs — rent, food, transport and insurance, typically €500–€1,200 per month
The blocked account or financial proof your visa requires, paid before you travel
Semester contributions, student union fees and enrolment charges
Health insurance, which is mandatory in every European country
Application, translation, apostille and credential-recognition fees
Flights, initial accommodation deposit and setting-up costs

Conditions attached

Free tuition usually applies to public universities only.
In Czechia and Slovakia it applies to programmes taught in the local language.
Germany’s exemption covers consecutive master’s; non-consecutive and MBA programmes often charge.
Baden-Württemberg in Germany charges non-EU students a fee at some universities.
Free tuition does not reduce the financial proof the embassy requires.

Want a realistic total cost for your plan?

We will build a full budget — tuition, living costs, visa funds and one-off charges — for the countries you are considering.