collageHave you ever dreamed of attending top universities, but could not afford their tuition fees? Are you living in the USA or are are an international student looking for funding opportunities? Then have you checked out the scholarships available for foreign students? If you have not yet found a scholarship that suits your needs, keep reading to find out more about tuition-free universities.
Tuition fee or tuition charges are the fees charged by the students in various schools, colleges and universities for their education. The amount of tuition varies from one institution to another depending on the nature of the program, field of study, campus facilities provided by the institution etc. there are many international universities which provide free education to their international students. There are also many countries which provide government support for their students who pursue educational degrees abroad.
Free Tuition Degree Programs
Tuition Free Universities in Norway »
According to Studyinnorway.no:
Norwegian state universities and university colleges as a rule do not charge tuition fees to all students including international students. This applies to all levels, including undergraduate studies, Masters programmes and Ph.D. programmes. However, students will have to pay a semester fee of NOK 300-600 each semester.
Note that some state universities and university colleges may have tuition fees for a few specialized programmes which are typically at the Masters level. Most private institutions have tuition fees for all their programmes and courses. But the fees are usually significantly lower than those of comparable studies in most other countries. Also, foreign students don’t pay higher tuition fees than Norwegian students.
Cost of Studying in Norway: You should take into consideration that living expenses in Norway are higher than in many other countries. Living expenses would amount to NOK 90,000-100,000 per year.
Tuition Free Universities in Austria »
According to studyinaustria.at
If you are an non-EU/EEA student, federal/public universities in Austria only charge about 726.72 Euros per semester for tuition fees plus 20.20 Euros per semester for student union membership fee “ÖH-Beitrag” and the student accident insurance fee.
An exemption from paying tuition fees or a full/partial refund of the tuition fees is possible in special cases (e.g. for holders of certain scholarships, for participants in exchange programmes and university partnerships, for students from certain countries). Further information is available at the website of the university directly.
Cost of Studying in Austria: The cost of living for students in Austria is approximately 800 Euros per month which covers accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
Tuition Free Universities in Germany »
According to internationale-studierende.de, study-in.de:
As of October 2014, all Universities in Germany except Baden-Württemberg* will not charge any tuition fees for bachelor’s and consecutive master’s degree programs for all students including international students. In some Federal States, Universities will charge a semester contribution (about 50 euros) and/or administration fees (about 50 euros). This tuition fee structure can change in the future, you should check this page for updated information on tuition fees in different federal states in Germany. Currently, the federal state of Baden-Württemberg is charging tuition fees (for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diplom and state examination degree programmes) of €1,500 per semester for non-EU citizens.
Unlike undergraduate studies, most Master’s studies in Germany come with tuition fees, but they’re not as high as in other countries.
On the other hand, doctoral studies at German universities are in principle free. PhD students are charged tuition only after completing their first six semesters but they are required to pay a semester contribution of approximately 150-200 euros per semester. Doctoral students usually work on a research project (paid PhD position) or receive a scholarship.
Cost of Studying in Germany: On average, German students spend about 500-800 Euros for accommodation, transport, food, and miscellaneous expenses.
Tuition Free Universities and Scholarships in Finland »
According to studyinfinland.fi:
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students has been introduced from autumn 2017 onwards for English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes. Only Doctoral level studies will remain free of tuition fees, regardless of your nationality.
Finnish universities and UAS’s offer scholarship options for gifted non-EU/EEA students admitted to their fee-charging Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. EDUFI Fellowships are available to cover living expenses for Doctoral studies for up to one academic year.
Cost of Studying in Finland: Estimated living expenses of a single student in Finland average around 700-900 Euros per month.
Tuition Scholarships in Swedish Universities »
According to studyinsweden.se:
Application and tuition fees apply for those who are not citizens of an EU/EEA/Nordic country or Switzerland studying at the bachelor’s or master’s level. However, the Swedish Institute and a significant number of Universities offer full and partial scholarships in the form of tuition waivers for international students.
PhD positions in Sweden are usually offered as paid positions by universities or external funding bodies. This means that if you are offered a position as a PhD candidate, you will not pay fees and will receive a monthly salary.
Online Tuition-Free Universities »
There are now a number of Universities offering online degrees/courses for free. The first such University is University of the People which is a tuition-free, non-profit, accredited online university dedicated to opening access to higher education globally. University of the People offers online Associates and Bachelors Degrees in Business Administration, Health Science, and Computer Science, as well as an MBA program
This was followed by an initiative of MIT and Harvard called edX which is a learning platform that gives students from any country the opportunity to take free online courses offered by three premier Universities in the US – Harvard, MIT, and UC Berkeley and about 50+ Universities and institutions.
tuition free universities for international students
10. University of Bergen, Norway
About University: The University of Bergen is Norway’s urban university, with most of its premises concentrated in two areas. Årstadvollen is the University’s “health campus”, where dentistry, medicine and health-care lie close to the Haukeland and Haraldsplass university clinics. Other subjects – natural and social sciences, psychology, the arts and law – are taught at Nygårdshøyden, a mixture of houses, shops and seats of learning. The University of Bergen is intricately woven into the geographical, historical and cultural framework of the city.
Tuition Fees: The University of Bergen is a public institution and therefore does not charge tuition fees. This applies both to Norwegian and international students. The only fee to be paid at the University of Bergen is the semester fee to the Student Welfare Organisation (SiB), currently NOK 590. Students on exchange programmes do not have to pay the semester fee. This is why the University of Bergen is attractive for graduate study. About one in three graduating doctors are from outside Norway.
Cost of Living: In spite of the general high cost of living, you can manage fairly well on a tight student budget. The average university student’s budget is approximately NOK 9785 per month (2014). This amount should cover most monthly expenses such as housing, food, clothing, study materials, books, transport and social activities.
Scholarships: The University of Bergen itself does not offer any scholarships for international students interested in studying at the university.
9. RWTH Aachen University, Germany
About University: RWTH Aachen University is the largest university of technology in Germany and one of the most renowned in Europe. Every year, numerous international students and scientists come to the university to benefit from its high quality courses and excellent facilities, both of which are recognised at an international level.
RWTH Aachen University is in the process to become an integrated, interdisciplinary technical university. The engineering focus of the university is associated with the natural sciences and medicine. The arts, social sciences and economics, structurally linked to the core disciplines, also make a significant contribution to the university’s teaching and research profile.
With its 260 institutes in nine faculties, RWTH Aachen is among the leading European scientific and research institutions. 43,721 students in 144 courses of study are enrolled in the winter semester of 2015/16, including almost 8,000 international students from more than 120 countries.
Tuition Fees: There are no tuition fees at RWTH Aachen University – this applies for international students as well! All students are, however, subject to a student body and social contribution fee of €239.75 Semester Fee.
Scholarships: Offers a variety of scholarships
Cost of Living: An estimate of the minimum costs for accommodation and living expenses for students at RWTH Aachen University is approximately € 700 per month (€ 8,400 per year)
8. Aalto University, Finland
About University: Aalto University’s mission is to build a better and stronger Finland. Here science and arts meet technology and business. Aalto University was established in 2010 through a merger of three renowned universities in the Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland. Aalto University is about cross-disciplinary projects and learning in practice. Students are encouraged and supported to excel both in their studies and their future careers. Many of them already have a vast work experience by the time they graduate. Aalto University offers more than 90 degree programmes at bachelor, master and doctoral level, leading to degrees in the fields of technology, business, art, design and architecture.
Tuition Fees: As at 2017 tuition fees have begun to be charged. Tuition fees were introduced for non-EU/EEA students in Finland from August 2017. Even these are still reasonably low. You can get a graduate degree for as low as $600.
Scholarships: Aalto University offers Masters scholarships to international students which will be opening for 2020/2021 admission by December 2019 .
Cost of Living: Students are expected to cover all living expenses (app. EUR 800 per month) and other study related costs from their own financial resources.
7.University of Oslo, Norway
About University: The University of Oslo is Norway’s largest and oldest institution of higher education. It was founded in 1811 when Norway was still under Danish rule. Today the University of Oslo has approx. 30,000 students and 4,600 employees. Four Nobel Prize winners indicates the quality of the research at the University.
Tuition Fees: Since the University of Oslo is a state university and therefore publicly funded, the students here do not pay tuition fees. Most students must pay a small semester registration fee of NOK 550 (approx. 70 euro). This fee gives you the benefit of the services of the Foundation for Student Life (SiO).
Scholarships: There are no scholarships available for students on bachelor’s degree programmes butthe University offers a variety of scholarships for PhD/Postdoctoral research programs. Scholarships for Masters are available under programmes such as Erasmus, Nordplus and the EEA Grants/Norway Grants programme.
Cost of Living: You will need a minimum of NOK 3000/USD 625 for the summer. Books, course supplies and personal expenses (such as laundry, transportation and spending money) are not included in the fees.
6.Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
About University: The university was founded in Berlin in 1810, and the foundation concept of Wilhelm von Humboldt gave it the title “Mother of all modern universities”. The concept of the academic and statesman Wilhelm von Humboldt was influenced, among others, by the reform ideas of the philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte, the first vice chancellor of the university, and by the theologian and philosopher Friedrich Schleiermacher.
Tuition Fees: There are NO tuition fees at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin! Neither for German and EU students, nor for international students from other countries. However, the total amount of € 307.09 in the summer semester (€ 257.09 for exchange students) has to be paid.
Scholarships: HU awards a number of scholarships for international students through several organisations and philanthropic individuals.
Shelter City Fellowship Programme 2022 for Human Rights Defenders (Fully-funded to The Hague, Netherlands)
Cost of Living: The cost of living amounts to about € 600-700 per month (based on the maximum BaföG-grant for German students of € 670). Generally, proof of sufficient financial resources must be given when applying for a visa at a German diplomatic representation abroad or for a residence permit at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) in Berlin, which will enable the applicant to pursue university studies without financial hardship at least at the beginning.
5. Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany
About University: At Freie Universitaet, the basis for educating outstanding young academics and scientists lies in granting utmost freedom for the pursuit of ideas, combining personal liberty with strong individual support from academic advisors, and establishing a multitude of opportunities for disciplinary and interdisciplinary networking with young academics as well as seasoned scholars. The university thus encourages graduate students to pursue their studies with a high degree of autonomy and independence. At the same time, Freie Universitaet fosters individual supervision by faculty members from the respective departments and opportunities for regular peer reviews with other graduate students.
Tuition Fees: Except for some graduate or postgraduate programs, the Freie Universität Berlin does not charge tuition fees; students are merely responsible for paying certain fees and charges each semester.
Scholarships: The Freie Universität Berlin awards both undergraduate and graduate scholarships to international students.
Cost of Living: Your living costs mainly depend, of course, on your personal requirements and habits. You should count on spending a minimum of 600 to 700 Euro (rental fees, grocery, leisure time etc.). In order to obtain an entry visa or a residence permit for study purposes, you must prove that this monthly amount is at your disposal, independent of any job.
4. University of Helsinki, Finland
About University: The University concentrates on high-level scientific research and researcher education. Scientific research is also the basis of the teaching provided by the University. The University operations support the development of society, as well as business and industry. University representatives offer their competencies for the benefit of society through a number of positions of trust and expertise. The results produced by the research and teaching carried out at the University have been widely acclaimed. The University participates in more than half of the national Centres of Excellence in Research, elected by international scientific panels.
Tuition Fees: In Finland, annual tuition fees will be introduced to foreign-language Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes starting on August 1, 2017 or later. At the University of Helsinki, this in practice refers to Master’s programmes in English. Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, who do not have a permanent residence status in the area, are liable to these fees.
Scholarships: The University of Helsinki will give about 50 scholarships to qualified degree students who are accepted to study in an International Master’s Degree Programme. The different scholarships are of 3 types:
- Fully Funded Grant (Tuition fee + 10 000 EUR)
- Full Tuition fee Grant
- Study Grant (10 000 EUR)
Cost of Living: All students have to pay for their accommodation and living expenses as well as their books and other study materials. The total monthly living expenses of a single student average from 700 to 1000 euro – depending on your spending habits.
You should make sure that you make arrangements for adequate funding for your entire period of study before leaving your home country. However, as a student you have access to several student benefits, which can make your life a little easier.
3. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
About University: Ludwig-Maxmilians-Universität (LMU) München is one of Europe’s leading research universities with over 500 years of tradition. It has been selected as a “university of excellence” within the Excellence Initiative, a competition launched by the German government to promote top-level university research. As a genuine “universitas” LMU Munich offers a broad spectrum of all areas of knowledge, ranging from the humanities and cultural sciences, law, economics and social studies, to medicine and the sciences.
Tuition Fees: Students don’t have to pay tuition fees for most programs. There are tuition fees for summer programs and some English-taught Master programs, so you should check the individual course for details.
However, all students are required to pay a fee of €114,50 for student services (€52) and the basic “semester ticket” (€62,50). (You can also get a top-up card called IsarCard Semester 24/7 for €146.50 per semester that gives you unlimited travel.)
Scholarships: International students are eligible for limited scholarships and funding opportunities throughout the State of Bavaria and Germany.
Cost of Living: Here’s a basic outline of what you should budget for monthly living costs in Munich:
- Rooms in private housing including utilities: €350–€600
- Rooms in university housing: €300, or €370 including utilities
- Health insurance: €80
- Meals: €200–€250
- Mobile phone: €15–€30
- Public transportation: €33
2. Heidelberg University, Germany
About University: Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is Germany’s oldest university and one of the strongest research institutions in Europe. In terms of educating students and promoting promising early-career academics, Heidelberg relies on research-based teaching and an outstanding, well-structured doctoral training. Heidelberg University is a comprehensive university, offering the full spectrum of disciplines in the humanities, the social sciences and law alongside the natural and life sciences, including medicine.
Tuition Fees: There are no general tuition fees at Heidelberg University for undergraduate study programmes, nor for consecutive master’s programmes or PhD programmes. Continuing-education master’s programmes may charge special tuition fees.
Scholarships: There are a few scholarships available through the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Aus-tauschdienst – DAAD) and other institutions for highly-qualified candidates.
Cost of Living: In order to cover their living expenses, students of Heidelberg University will require at least €670 per month.
1. Technical University of Munich, Germany
About University: The Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) offers a wide range of studies in engineering, natural sciences, life and medical sciences and economics. TUM covers a wide spectrum of fundamental and applied research. The course program contains about 160 courses of study, 98% with bachelor and master degrees. TUM has drawn up double degree agreements with more than 20 universities and maintains partnerships with around 170 universities worldwide. Today TUM comprises thirteen faculties with about 37,000 students (about 20 percent of whom come from abroad), 475 professors and roughly 10,000 members of staff, academic and non-academic.
No Tuition Fees: There are no tuition fees at TUM. Students need only pay semester fees in the amount of € 114.50 consisting of a Student Union Fee and a basic Semesterticket for the public transportation network.
Scholarships: A variety of foundations offer grants to students at all levels of study and eligibility is not limited to students with outstanding marks.
Cost of Living: Living in Munich is relatively expensive. According to current calculations you will need some € 830 per month (inclusive of rent, but free time activities are not included) for living in the Bavarian capital Munich. However, when applying for your visa you will only need to present proof that you will have € 659 at per month at your disposal. Make sure that sufficient funds are available for the whole period of your studies, as you cannot count on scholarships and only are allowed work beside your studies under certain conditions.
tuition free university
What is Tuition-Free?
What does it mean to be Tuition-Free?
“Tuition-free” means that unlike other universities, UoPeople doesn’t charge students for taking courses. UoPeople also doesn’t charge students to enroll, to pay for books, or other course materials. Our unique online model of higher education allows us to bring the classroom to you– cutting the cost for our students overall.
BARCLAY COLLEGE
TUITION-FREE
LOCATION: Haviland, Kansas
Barclay College was established in 1917 as the Kansas Central Bible Training School, and from 1925-1990 was known as the Friends Bible College. Now Barclay College, this free Christian college was established by Quakers, yet it is a welcoming home to students of all evangelical faiths. The mission is largely focused on preparing students for Christian service and leadership. Some undergraduate degrees include Bachelor’s in Worship Arts, Pastoral Ministry, and Youth Ministry. There are also prominent Master’s programs in which students can take advantage. The free tuition is made possible through the Full-Tuition Scholarship, with which all resident students receive a $15,000 scholarship when they are accepted into Barclay. This scholarship is available thanks to supporters of the school who believe in giving Christian students access to a fantastic education without being overwhelmed with debt.
The tuition free online university is well-known for its online business management program, which is geared toward individuals who want to finish their bachelor’s degree anywhere in the country. Students attend in four six-week courses every semester, which means the program can be completed in as little as two years.
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BEREA COLLEGE
TUITION-FREE
LOCATION: Berea, Kentucky
This free Christian college supplies students with programs that are shaped by fairness, peace, love, and equality, and students are only required to pay an average price of $1,000 for meals, housing, and fees. Otherwise, the entirety of an individual’s education is completely free!
In fact, Berea College takes pride in its status as the only one of top colleges in the United States with a no-tuition promise! You can get a free online bachelor degree in your field of choice, too, thanks to Berea’s comprehensive degree programs. Its academic departments include African and African American studies, agriculture and natural studies, biology, business, sociology and religion, to name a few.
Over a four-year degree, students receive an education that is worth approximately $100,000. Located in the Southern United States, Berea College was founded by reformers and abolitionists with the mission to purvey the teachings and principles of Jesus Christ. Students are actively engaged on campus through the Student Labor Program, through which they serve the community and learn invaluable lessons, and which also helps keep their programs tuition-free. Berea College has been recognized many times over for their dedication to students with limited resources, by resources such as Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and USA Today, as well as many others.
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ALICE LLOYD COLLEGE
TUITION-FREE
LOCATION: Pippa Passes, Kentucky
Alice Lloyd College is a well-respected institution of higher education that offers free tuition to students within their service area, which includes 108 counties that span over 5 states—Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. This free college is highly dedicated to the success of its students and provides an excellent range of four-year degree programs in a small, private, liberal arts setting. Degrees include those in business, medicine, education, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and mathematics, each of which challenges students to think outside the box. A huge number of graduates go on to enter excellent master’s programs and are even more likely to do so thanks to the free college tuition! Alice Lloyd maintains an outstanding 96% job placement rate for its graduates, which is a testament to the superb levels of education provided by the faculty and administration.
Take note that Alice Lloyd College currently doesn’t offer free online college degree programs. But its wonderful campus makes for a great student life!
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COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
TUITION-FREE
LOCATION: Point Lookout, Missouri
Through a combination of the college Work Program, institutional scholarships, and federal and state grants, College of the Ozarks students can complete their entire education entirely tuition-free. The work program requires students to perform 15 hours of work per week and two 40-hour work weeks during breaks to cover the tuition and other costs. Students can also work during the summer to cover their room and board. There are no student loans throughout a student’s college experience, but they are required to give back to the community through hard work. Through this incredible free college, students gain invaluable experiences, ethics, and an education that is incredibly well-rounded. Otherwise known as Hard Work U., there are over 100 jobs and positions of which students can take advantage to offset the cost of tuition. This free Christian College is also focused on nurturing students’ faith by offering ministry retreats, mission trips, Bible studies, and other such opportunities. C of O has been educating students since 1906 and is founded on Christian principles. Students at this free college can look forward to a fulfilling experience and outstanding education.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has moved to online classes and, as such, can be considered a free online university for the time being. You can then pursue a tuition free online accounting degree where you will learn foundational knowledge and skills necessary to pass the CPA exam, among other degree outcomes.
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WEBB INSTITUTE
TUITION-FREE
LOCATION: Glen Cove, New York
The Webb Institute is an exceptional, top-ranked East Coast school that offers one double-major in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, with which all admitted students receive a four-year free college tuition scholarship. The free tuition is valued at over $50,000 per year, which saves students over $200,000 in student debt upon graduation. Webb offers students a small student-to-faculty ratio at 9:1, where they work closely with their professors in classrooms, laboratories, and out in the field. Students participate in a mandatory Winter Work Term, wherein they labor alongside ship fitters and welders receiving a salary for their work, while also getting invaluable, real-world experience. During the regular school year at this free college, students learn on a stunningly beautiful, 26-acre campus with a private beach. Webb maintains an outstanding 100% job placement rate, which makes the free bachelor degree all the more attractive due to the high return on investment. Oftentimes alumni will go on to enter eminent graduate programs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WEBB INSTITUTE’S FREE COLLEGE TUITION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
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DEEP SPRINGS COLLEGE
TUITION-FREE
LOCATION: Deep Springs, California
Deep Springs College is an incredibly unique school for men that offers a two-year, free college tuition scholarship valued at over $50,000. A small school, Deep Springs accepts about 315 applicants each year, of which about 14 are accepted after the second round of applications, essays, and interviews. 24 to 30 students are in attendance each year where they live and work on an alfalfa farm and cattle ranch in eastern California. The farming atmosphere is not the only thing that makes this free college of the liberal arts so unique—the student body is the deciding group for many aspects of maintaining the college such as admissions and hiring faculty. Students start their day with classes and lectures and then are sent off to work on the farm where they labor for no less than 20 hours each week. Students have gone on to work in journalism, agriculture, medicine, politics, and much, much more after their fulfilling and free college experience at Deep Springs College.
UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE
TUITION-FREE
LOCATION: Pasadena, California
Is University of the People legit? Yes, of course, it is! In fact, University of the People is the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited, online American university. This school is distinctive among others on this catalog as it offers students 100% online degrees! Aside from the $60 application fee and the $100 assessment fees per course, students have a completely free college experience throughout their time at this online school. Students do not pay for books or course materials of any kind and attend tuition-free university courses online. How does it make its free online degree programs, even numerous free masters degree programs, possible? UoPeople is partnered with many impressive companies and organizations that make the free tuition possible, such as Intel, Hewlett Packard, and Microsoft, as well as many others. The university also has partnerships with top-ranked institutions of education, such as NYU, UC Berkeley, University of Edinburgh, and the International Baccalaureate. The school has received glowing recognition from outstanding sources including BusinessWeek and The Economist. Students at this tuition-free university can enroll in associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees programs in the areas of Business Administration, Computer Science, Education, and Health Science.
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