Do you know that you can get a degree in some of the best universities in the world without paying tuition fees? There are tuition-free universities that have helped students realise their dream of schooling outside their own countries.
The lack of quality education has robbed many of their dreams of getting a quality degree. Thankfully, there are top universities in Europe and other continents that admit students who aren’t required to pay tuition fees. However, you will only be granted admission if you meet their criteria.
The listed universities offer scholarships and they are tuition-free. They are in no particular order and the list is gotten from QS World University Rankings.
Below are some of the top tuition-free universities in the world:
University of Bergen, Norway
UIB is a research University recognised all over the world and it is one of the most cited Universities in Norway. The school has two campuses, a “health campus” for courses in medical sciences -meanwhile, natural and social sciences, psychology, the arts and law – are taught at Nygardshoyden
At the moment, there are over 20,000 students at UIB, yet they are open to admitting more qualified prospects.
Tuition Fees:
The University of Bergen is one of the top schools in the world that does not charge tuition fees. Local and Internation students are not required to pay tuition fees if they are admitted into any of their programs.
However, students are required to pay for welfare. Students who are on an exchange programme are not required to pay the semester fee, this makes the school very attractive for graduates.
Cost of Living: The cost of living here is quite high.
Scholarships: UIB does not offer scholarships to international students.
RWTH Aachen University, Germany
RWTH Aachen University is one of the foremost and largest Universities of technology in Germany. It is also very well-known in Europe. This institution has quality courses and world-class facilities that make studying comfortable for students.
There are indications that the University is currently undergoing an integration process that will see it become an interdisciplinary technical institution. RWTH Aachen University currently has nine faculties with over 40000 students.
Tuition Fees: International students are not required to pay tuition fees. However, students must pay a social contribution fee of €239.75 per Semester Fee.
Scholarships: Offers a variety of scholarships.
Cost of Living: You will need a minimum of € 700 per month (€ 8,400 per year) to be comfortable here.
Aalto University, Finland
Aalto University is situated in Finland and it is one of the top tuition-free universities in the world. Although the University is relatively young – established in 2010 through a merger of three universities, they have courses in science, arts, technology and business.
Students of this school are given full support to excel in their studies and even after they graduate.
Tuition Fees: Aalto University started to charge tuition fees in 2017, and the charge was for non-EU/EEA students in Finland. However, the fees are very cheap, a graduate degree can be gotten for as low as $600.
Scholarships: Aalto University offers Master’s scholarships to international students.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Finland is relatively cheap.
University of Oslo, Norway
The University of Oslo is the second school on the list that offers free tuition for international students. Founded in 1811 when Norway was under the reigns of Danish rule, the University is still among the tops in the country. There are currently 30,000 plus students in the school and this institution is very well revered for producing four Nobel Prize winners.
Tuition Fees: The University of Oslo is funded publicly, therefore they do not charge their students tuition fees. However, students are required to pay a registration fee that is quite low.
Scholarships: Scholarships are only available for post-graduate programs.
Cost of Living: A student needs a minimum of $625 for the summer. This is excluding expenses like books and other personal needs.
Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany
There are a couple of schools in Germany that offer free tuition for international students including Freie Universitaet Berlin. They believe that every outstanding academic deserves the freedom to pursue his/her ideas. Therefore, the university provides a platform for the innovators and leaders of tomorrow to pursue their academic dream with independence and autonomy.
Tuition Fees: The Freie Universität Berlin charges tuition fees only for specific undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Those who do not pay tuition fees are required to pay other charges and small fees.
Scholarships: They offer scholarships for all classes of students.
Cost of Living: The cost of living is relatively okay for students.
University of Helsinki, Finland
The University of Helsinki is primarily focused on high-level scientific research programs. They set out to support how businesses operate and also do well to support the development of society.
The graduates from this school are mostly staunch professionals who add value to society and use their expertise for the overall benefit of mankind. They have outstanding results from their research that have earned international recognition.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fee was introduced for foreign-language Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in 2017. However, the fee is only for those who do have permanent residence status and are citizens of non-EU/EEA status.
Cost of Living: The cost of living is quite similar for all schools in Norway.
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München is among the top universities in Europe in terms of research. Following the number of awards the University has received, it has been named a “University of Excellence” according to an initiative launched by the government of Germany.
This school has courses in humanities and cultural sciences, law, economics and social studies, medicine and sciences.
The most attractive thing about LMU-Muchen is that they offer free laptops for students to use in class.
Tuition Fees: Most of the programs in this school are tuition-free. However, students are required to pay for summer and English-taught post-graduate programs – this means you have to check the individual courses to know which is free.
Regardless, all students admitted to programmes will mandatorily pay a fee of €114,50 for student services and a semester ticket cost (€62,50).
Scholarships: Scholarships are offered to international students and other opportunities for funding through the State of Bavaria and Germany.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in the city hosting the university is quite high.
Heidelberg University, Germany
Founded in 1936, Heidelberg University is among the oldest universities in German, Europe and the world. HU rely on research and doctoral training to teach students. Their methodology for teaching includes research and doctoral training.
If you are looking for a comprehensive university that offers a full spectrum of disciplines in social sciences, law, life sciences, medicine and social science, HU is the school.
Tuition Fees: At the moment, the school doesn’t charge a general tuition fee for undergraduate programs, master’s or PhD programmes. However, continuing-education master’s programs are likely going to charge a special tuition fee.
Scholarships: If you are looking for a scholarship in this institution, there are a few opportunities on here German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Aus-tauschdienst – DAAD).
Cost of Living: In order to cover their living expenses, students of Heidelberg University will require at least €670 per month.
