As the cost of studying abroad continues to rise globally, an increasing number of Nigerian students are looking to Europe for affordable higher education.
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
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.
Great article by the way. I rushed in to read when I saw the title because I’ve been searching for free or less expensive EU Universities for a while now.
My expectations were cut short when I saw ten German schools and two others (one in Austria and the other in Czech Republic). Yes I’m aware that most German public universities are “tuition” free for all, but it is not easy to secure a student visa to Germany nowadays. Waiting period can take up to a year just to secure a visa interview appointment. Furthermore, there is the compulsory “blocked account” requirement if one doesn’t have a sponsor nor scholarship to cover living and other semester expenses. These are some of the reasons why applicants are eyeing other EU countries. But unfortunately, the odds of getting an affordable one outside of Germany is so low. This is really unfortunate.