Are you considering going to graduate school but are worried about your budget? We’ll let you in on a little secret. You can get a master’s degree for free or at a fraction of the cost in Europe.
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If you’re torn between traveling or further study after graduation, why not combine both and earn a master’s degree in Europe? The best part is that it’s completely free.
Although graduate loans are now available to cover the cost of studying a master’s degree in the UK, you may still have a growing pile of student loans and need to come up with living expenses.
Many universities in Europe allow EU students to study for free, but only a few allow non-EU students to participate. We list them below.
Is university free in Europe?
There is no definitive answer to whether university is free in Europe. In some countries it is free, in others it is not. Many European university systems are publicly funded. This means that higher education is often partially or fully subsidized by national governments.
As a result, we are able to offer top-class education at a fraction of the price you would pay in the UK, and in some cases we even offer free courses.
But there’s a catch. These courses are usually only available to EU students. Also, as we are no longer part of the EU, this does not apply to UK students. Fortunately, some countries allow non-EU students to obtain a graduate degree for free or with a small registration fee.
Keep in mind that the cost of living in some of these areas is higher than in the UK, so the money you save on your degree could be used to pay for rent and food instead. Be sure to do thorough research before choosing a destination.
4 Best Places to Get a Free Master’s Degree
The best countries in Europe to study a master’s degree for free are:
Germany
Home to some of Europe’s top universities, Germany is a great place to study abroad. The capital city of Berlin is one of the trendiest cities in Europe, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect bars and clubs for a fun night out. On top of that, you’ll be happy to hear that most cities in Germany have a very low cost of living.
Master’s tuition fees for UK and other non-EU students – free (excluding universities in Baden-Württemberg and some universities in Bavaria). Best universities for international students – Humboldt University in Berlin and LMU Munich. Financial support available to UK students – None unless one of your parents has German nationality, you have a German spouse, or you have lived in Germany for 5 years. Check out DAAD UK for postgraduate scholarships to study in Germany. Percentage of population that speaks English – around 56% (although most people living in cities speak English). Price of a pint – around £3.50, £3.80 in Berlin. Why Germany? – Germany is listed as one of the most supportive countries for international students in the world, with prestigious universities and a low cost of living, making it an ideal place to study abroad. What’s the problem? – Most students have to pay an administration fee, or “Semesterbeitrag”, of between 100 and 350 euros per semester, depending on the university. However, this often also includes public transport tickets, where you can get a discount.
Iceland
The Land of Fire and Ice is one of the most unique places in the world. But apart from glaciers and volcanoes, Iceland is also one of the best places to live and study. Additionally, Iceland is home to some of the best English teaching master’s programs in Europe, making it a perfect location for UK students.
Masters tuition fees for UK and other non-EU students – free (but registration fees must be paid annually and cost approximately £430). Best universities for international students – University of Akureyri and University of Iceland. Financial support available to UK students – Usually not, but if you are married to an Icelandic national and she has lived in Iceland for at least two years, you can get some financial support if you are from an EEA family There may be cases. If you are a citizen or have a residence permit. Percentage of population who can speak English – about 98%. Price of a pint – around £8, £7.80 in Reykjavik. Why choose Iceland? – Iceland ranks among the top 10 most livable countries in the world. In addition to a high standard of living, most Icelanders speak fluent English. Iceland’s geographical location also provides some unique research opportunities in the scientific field. What’s the problem? – Iceland has a very high cost of living. Fortunately, there are several grants available for specific fields and universities.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is home to some of the highest-ranked universities in Central Europe and accepts international students in more than 20 cities. Cities like Prague and Brno have a vibrant nightlife, and you’re unlikely to find expensive alcohol.
Masters tuition fees for UK and other non-EU students – Free, but only for Masters degrees taught in Czech. Best universities for international students – Charles University in Prague and Czech Technical University. Financial support available to UK students – There are several scholarships available to international students. Percentage of population that speaks English – approximately 27%. Price of a pint – around £1.70, £1.85 in Prague. Why did you choose the Czech Republic? – Studying in the Czech Republic not only combines a low cost of living with a high quality of life, but also allows you to easily explore neighboring European countries during your holidays. What’s the problem? – Only master’s degrees taught in Czech are free for students from outside the EU. If you want to study in English, you have to pay tuition fees. Additional registration fees may also apply.
Finland
With its high standard of living, low crime rate, and excellent education system, Finland is one of the best places to study for free in Europe. Even if you live in the city, it’s easy to take a weekend trip to enjoy Finland’s stunning scenery. Don’t you think beautiful lakes and forests are perfect for a study break?
Masters tuition fees for UK and other non-EU students – Free, but only for Masters degrees taught in Finnish or Swedish. Best university for international students – University of Helsinki. Financial support available to UK students – Generally speaking, you cannot receive financial support unless you are a Finnish citizen. However, if you have obtained permanent resident status, you may be eligible. Percentage of population that speaks English – around 70% (generally this figure is higher in urban areas). Price of a pint – around £6, £6.30 in Helsinki. Why choose Finland? – Finland is consistently ranked as one of the best (if not the) best places to live in the world. That’s no surprise given the top-notch healthcare, education, and beautiful scenery. What’s the problem? – Unfortunately, English-taught degrees are not free for UK students. In addition, Finland, like other Scandinavian countries, is not cheap. However, the salary is proportional to the cost of living, so if you can balance work and study, you should be able to earn enough beer money even if you work part-time.
Remember to budget for travel to and from your chosen destination each semester. Use our guide to finding the best flight deals.
