As the cost of studying abroad continues to rise globally, an increasing number of Nigerian students are looking to Europe for affordable higher education.

Other News

Several European nations offer opportunities that make this dream a reality without incurring significant debt, unlike some countries with high tuition fees.

While public university education is generally free for European students, there are universities that also extend this opportunity to international students, who usually pay only modest semester or administrative fees.

Some universities also require proof of funds for living expenses during visa applications, but overall, the financial barrier remains significantly lower than in traditional high-tuition destinations, keeping education far more affordable than traditional tuition-based programs.

In this article, we will explore the English-taught universities in Europe for international students with zero tuition fees, admission requirements from €1000 and below, and the cost of living.

Here are 12 universities that stand out for combining high-quality education with low or no tuition 

Charles University- €1,000

Charles University is located in the Czech Republic. It is a major research institution known for medicine, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

The university offers a wide range of programmes in both Czech and foreign languages. Degrees taught in Czech are tuition-free for all students regardless of nationality, provided they complete their studies within the standard time frame. For international students who do not speak Czech, the university offers numerous English-taught programmes across medicine, sciences, humanities, social sciences, and business disciplines.

English-taught degrees are fee-paying.

According to the university’s official study information, tuition varies by faculty and programme, typically ranging from about €1,000 to €24,330 per year, with many programmes clustering around a median of roughly €6,000 annually.

These fees apply to full degree programmes delivered in English or other foreign languages.

Students who choose Czech-taught programmes pay no tuition fees, but fees may apply if the standard study period is exceeded. In both cases, students should budget for living costs and administrative expenses.

Saarland University – €394.30

Saarland University is a public research university located in Saarbrücken, the capital of Saarland, Germany with around 17,000 students.

Saarland University offers a trilingual learning environment with courses in German, French, and English. Over 20% of the student body comes from abroad, representing more than 120 nationalities, making it a truly multicultural academic community.

The university is especially renowned for its research in computer science, ranking among Germany’s top institutions, as well as in nanosciences and life sciences, where interdisciplinary collaborations extend across materials science, physics, and medicine

Tuition at Saarland University is free for first-degree and consecutive master’s programs, including for international students.

Students are required to pay a semester fee of €394.30 for the summer semester of 2026, which covers student services, the administrative charge, General Student Committee fees, and a nationwide student travel ticket valid throughout Germany.

Part-time students also pay the €50 administrative charge.

Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) – €382.68–€412.68 

The Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) has over 25,000 students.

The university’s main campuses are located in the city centre and the Lichtwiese district of Darmstadt, offering a wide range of programs in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences, and are particularly recognized for their research and teaching in computer science, mechanical engineering, materials science, and physics.

Interdisciplinary programs also allow students to combine technical expertise with social and economic perspectives, preparing them for complex challenges in modern industry and society.

The university ranks among the top 300 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024, and is placed in the top 100 for computer science and top 150 for mechanical engineering, materials science, and physics in QS Subject Rankings.

TU Darmstadt does not charge tuition fees for standard degree programs, including for international students, but students are required to pay a semester contribution to cover administrative costs and student services. For the summer semester 2026, the fee for regular students is €382.68–€412.68.

Trier University -€375.80 

The University of Trier, located in the city of Trier, Germany, is a public university with a long heritage dating back to 1473. Although it was closed in 1798 during the French occupation, the university was re-established in 1970 and has since grown to accommodate over 12,000 students.

Its main campus is situated on the heights of Tarforst, offering modern facilities and picturesque views over the city, which is famous for its Roman landmarks, including the Porta Nigra.

The university comprises six faculties covering humanities, social sciences, economics, law, mathematics, and environmental sciences. It is particularly renowned for European and international studies and emphasizes interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Tuition is free at the University of Trier, with students only required to pay a semester fee, which covers student services, the student union, the Germany Ticket for public transport, and the student ID card.

For first-time or new enrollments in the summer semester of 2026, the total fee amounts to €375.80, while re-enrolling students pay €353.80.

Free University of Berlin- €358.80

The Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin), founded in 1948, is known for its strong research profile, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and hosts around 35,000 students across its campuses in the southwestern part of the city.

The university has a global reputation for interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, attracting students and scholars from around the world.

The university offers a wide range of English-taught programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, spanning disciplines such as political science, economics, social sciences, biology, computer science, and international relations.

Tuition at the Free University of Berlin is free for all students, including non-EU international students. For new enrollments in the winter semester 2025/26, students are required to pay a semester fee of €358.80, which is broken down as follows: an administration fee of €50.00, a contribution to the student union (Sozialbeitrag) of €85.00, a contribution to the student government (Studierendenschaft) of €10.00, and contributions for the Germany semester ticket (including social fund) of €213.80.

RWTH Aachen University -€358.34

RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe’s leading institutions for science, engineering, and technology, with around 40,000 students.

The university addresses pressing global challenges in areas such as sustainable energy, health technologies, mobility, computational science, and advanced materials, combining engineering, science, and societal perspectives.

RWTH Aachen does not charge tuition fees for standard degree programs, including for international students. Students are required to pay a semester contribution of €358.34, which includes a social contribution of €128, a mobility contribution of €216.57, and a student body contribution of €13.77.

Living costs for students typically amount to at least €1,100 per month, covering accommodation (€400–600), food (€200–300), health insurance (€100–150), study materials (€20–40), internet and mobile phone (€20–50), and additional costs for clothing and hygiene (€50–200).

Hochschule Merseburg -€342

Hochschule Merseburg, also known as Merseburg University of Applied Sciences or HoMe, is a public university located in the city of Merseburg, Saxony-Anhalt. It is a small institution with around 3,000 students.

The university provides a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across three main faculties: Engineering and Natural Sciences; Social Work, Media and Culture; and Business and Information Sciences.

Its applied research facilities include advanced laboratories and test fields in automation technology, chemistry, electrical engineering, computer science, mechatronics, communication technology, physical technology, and environmental technology, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and develop skills directly relevant to their careers.

Tuition at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences is free for all students, including non-EU students, with only a semester fee of approximately €342 as of June 2025.

Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) -€342 

The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM), also known as the University of Applied Sciences of Central Hesse, is a public university of applied sciences founded in 1971.

It is one of Germany’s largest universities of applied sciences, with more than 15,000 students across its campuses in Giessen, Friedberg, and Wetzlar, offering a mix of urban and suburban learning environments.

THM provides a wide range of programs with a strong emphasis on applied sciences and technology. Students can choose from over 100 bachelor’s and master’s programs in areas such as Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Life Sciences, and Health Sciences.

The university is particularly recognized for its specialized programs in Biotechnology, Medical Technology, and Environmental Engineering.

The university offers several English-taught master’s programs, including Biotechnology/Biopharmaceutical Technology and Sustainable Design, Construction and Management of the Built Environment, which attract students from around the world.

Tuition is free for all students, EU and non-EU alike, with a semester contribution of approximately €342, which includes a public transport ticket.

TU Dortmund University -€300

TU Dortmund University has 17 departments spanning science, engineering, social sciences, and cultural studies. The university serves around 34,500 students and employs 6,300 staff, including 300 professors, with a strong focus on research.

Its departments, including mechanical engineering with an emphasis on production and logistics, physics, biochemical and chemical engineering, statistics and computer science, as well as education research, are recognized nationally and internationally for their outstanding achievements.

Tuition at TU Dortmund University is free for standard degree programs, including for international students. Students pay a semester fee of around €300, which covers services such as the Germany Semester Ticket and theater access for Dortmund theatres.

Additional monthly expenses vary depending on living arrangements and personal lifestyle, with international students also required to have health insurance, averaging between €125 and €150 per month.

Other typical costs include accommodation, learning materials, food, and leisure activities, which should be budgeted accordingly.

University of Bayreuth -€165.84

The University of Bayreuth is a public research university recognized for its interdisciplinary approach and strong international focus. It has seven faculties offering over 100 degree programs, including around 30 master’s programs taught entirely in English.

These cover areas such as African Studies, Computer Science, and Environmental Sciences, with the university particularly noted for its African Studies program and research in polymer science, ecology, and energy materials.

With roughly 12,000 students from more than 100 countries, the University of Bayreuth provides an inclusive environment that supports international students with visa assistance, housing guidance, German language courses, and access to modern campus facilities.

Tuition is free for all students, and the only cost is a semester fee of €165.84 for the summer semester of 2026, which includes €87 for the Association of Student Services and €78.84 for the semester ticket.

This structure allows students to pursue high-quality education in a globally connected and research-intensive setting without paying formal tuition.

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg- €72

The Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is Bavaria’s second-largest university and a leading public research institution in Germany.

With around 40,000 students, the university operates across two campuses: Erlangen, which houses the technical and medical faculties in a traditional university town atmosphere, and Nuremberg, home to the faculties of economics, social sciences, and education within a larger urban setting.

FAU offers 260 degree programs across five faculties and is particularly recognized for its strengths in engineering, materials science, optical technologies, medical engineering, and energy technology.

International students can access several English-taught master’s programs, including advanced materials, computational engineering, and international business studies, while most bachelor’s programs require C1-level German proficiency.

Tuition at FAU is free for all students, both EU and non‑EU, with only a small semester fee of €72 covering administrative costs and student services.

Exceptions include professional development programs, degree programs for working professionals, and guest student programs.

Living costs vary depending on personal lifestyle, but typical monthly expenses for students living independently are approximately around €970 per month.

Graz University of Technology -€25.20 

Graz University of Technology, commonly known as TU Graz, is one of Austria’s leading technical universities and a major centre for engineering and scientific research with more than 13,000 students.

TU Graz focuses strongly on engineering, natural sciences, and technology-driven innovation. Its academic strengths include mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, materials science, electrical engineering, and environmental systems sciences.

The university offers a range of English-taught master’s programmes designed to attract international students, particularly in areas such as information and computer engineering, software engineering and management, environmental systems sciences, and advanced materials science.

For most degree programmes, tuition is free for EU/EEA students during the standard study period, with only the mandatory student union (ÖH) fee of about €25.20 per semester required.

Students who exceed the standard study duration, as well as many non-EU students, may be required to pay tuition of €363.36 per semester in addition to the ÖH fee.

What you should know 

For decades, parts of Europe built a reputation for offering tuition-free public university education, attracting international students seeking high-quality degrees at minimal cost.

Germany is one of the few study destinations where most public universities still charge no tuition fees for both EU and non-EU students, requiring only a semester contribution that typically covers administration, student services, and public transport.

The tuition-free landscape across Europe has evolved. Several countries that once offered free university education to non-EU students have introduced fees in recent years due to funding pressures and rising international demand.

  • Denmark ended free tuition for non-EU/EEA students in 2006, introducing full tuition fees while maintaining free education for EU citizens.
  • Sweden followed in 2011, implementing tuition fees for non-EU students while expanding scholarship schemes to offset costs.
  • Finland introduced tuition fees for non-EU students in 2017, with universities now charging for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
  • Austria mostly continues to offer low-cost education but charges modest tuition fees for non-EU students after a standard study period.
  • Norway long maintained free tuition for all students, but beginning in 2023, public universities started charging tuition for non-EU/EEA students, marking a major policy shift.