phd tuition free universities for international students

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

5 Countries That Offer Free or Very Cheap PhD Programmes

Updated on
May 11, 2023

Do you currently hold a degree or a master’s degree and desire to advance your education by pursuing a PhD abroad? The good news is that those with graduate degrees, like master’s or doctoral degrees, had the best salaries and lowest unemployment rates in several countries. Is that terrible news? A PhD program overseas might be quite expensive. When studying overseas, you would have to take tuition, living fees, and other extra costs into account. However, there is a solution to this. The next step would be researching the nations with the most affordable PhD programs. Fortunately, there are quite a few nations where the cost of attending a PhD program is either zero or extremely low. This enables you to enrol in a prestigious university overseas and learn what it’s like to live in a foreign nation and adjust to other customs. You can concentrate on your studies and any other personal or professional goals when you study for a PhD abroad with little concern for your financial situation. Having said that, the following are the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes in the world.

This Blog Includes:

Swedish doctoral degrees, fees and funding, admissions requirements, norwegian phd fees, admission requirements, entry requirements, types of phd in germany, phd programmes, programme length, phd fees .

A Ph.D. in Economics normally includes coursework in both macroeconomics and microeconomics. However, if you intend to teach or conduct formal research in economic subjects, this is a beneficial degree. Once the proposal is approved and the oral exam is passed, the final years of enrollment are devoted to dissertation research, writing, and defence.

Sweden is the greatest option if you want to pursue a PhD in renewable energy or a field that is closely related to it. According to data, about 56 per cent of the energy utilized in Sweden in 2019 originates from renewable sources. What is the nicest thing about obtaining a PhD in Sweden? Everyone can use it for free, even students from other countries. (Note that students seeking bachelor’s or master’s degrees who are not EU/EEA citizens are not eligible for free tuition.)

Seven of Sweden’s universities are included in the top 350 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2023, making it the home to some of the most highly regarded universities in the world. The KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University, the two top universities in Sweden, are 89th and 95th, respectively.

Key details-

For students in Swedish universities, a PhD signifies the pinnacle of academic success. Similar to other nations, the focus is on your independent study leading to an original thesis that adds new knowledge to the topic.

countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes

Must Read: Best Countries for PhD

In Sweden, a doctoral study might take one of two forms:

A typical Ph.D. confers a full doctorate (together with the crucial title of “doctor”) after a minimum of four years of full-time work (240 ECTS credits).

As an alternative, you might decide to pursue a licentiate degree. Typically, this only necessitates two years of full-time work toward a more condensed and modest thesis (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits). Some students first enroll for the Swedish licentiate before upgrading to full Ph.D. candidates since it is comparable to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree provided in the UK or other countries.

In Sweden, there are two teaching terms (August to January and January to June), which are separated by summer and winter breaks. You will often have more flexibility throughout the year as a PhD student, but some additional courses and other activities can be connected to particular teaching periods.

There are no tuition fees for PhD study at state-funded Swedish universities (note that this does not apply to Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees). Doctoral programs are free for students from the EU, EEA, and other countries.

The same is true of application costs; there are none to be paid for a PhD in Sweden.

Although you will need to pay for your housing and living expenses, your university might be able to provide assistance.

Universities in Sweden are permitted to establish their own admittance standards for PhD programs. A bachelor’s degree in an applicable area is typically the required minimum, but a master’s degree is also preferable, especially if you’re asking for funding.

Your capacity to exhibit prior research experience will be as crucial as your previous qualifications. It is crucial that you can demonstrate some preparation for the independent research you will conduct on your PhD, even if this is just the dissertation project for one or both of your previous degrees.

Also Read: PhD in Netherlands

Another Nordic nation, Finland , is at the top of our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. In Finland, pursuing a PhD is entirely free, even for those who are not citizens, similar to Norway and Sweden. According to QS, Finland is home to two of the top 150 institutions. This includes the 106th-ranked University of Helsinki and the 116th-ranked Aalto University . It is distinguished as a top-tier study destination by more than just its educational features. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is ranked 66th in the most recent QS study of “Best Student Cities.” The midnight sun and the Northern lights (aurora borealis), which fill the sky with a breathtaking vista for anywhere between 10 and 20 nights a year, are only two of the most magnificent natural phenomena that can be seen in Finland’s vast, open areas.

Finland is a very economical alternative for your PhD study abroad because of its generous higher education policy. Any student, regardless of country, is not now required to pay doctoral fees.

In contrast, fees are often charged to non-EU students for Finnish Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

A master’s degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution is necessary for admission to a PhD program in Finland.

Other prerequisites will be determined by the area of study you are applying for and the particular procedures followed by your university. If unsure, consult your department.

Germany is famous for having a top-notch educational system and for being an innovative nation. According to QS, three of its universities are among the top 100. This includes Heidelberg University, which is ranked 65th, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, which is ranked 59th, and the Technical University of Munich , which is ranked 49th. According to the most recent Best Student Cities rankings by QS, two of its cities, Munich and Berlin, are among the top 10.

Germans invented the doctoral degree, which is based on independent study leading to the submission and review of a thesis. Most colleges continue to offer this style, although some others provide more “organized” programs:

The traditional PhD requires you to choose a research project and conduct it on your own under the supervision of a qualified supervisor (Doktorvater/Doktomutter). The candidate selects the setting for their research, whether it be in a university, non-university organization, or German corporation.

Structured doctoral programs are conducted mostly in English and are focused on the global market. Along with writing your thesis, you will complete extra training, which may entail partnerships and job placements with outside research organizations.

Doctoral degrees are typically free in Germany for all students, regardless of nationality, due to the generous governmental investment in education. You might, however, have to pay additional costs while you are a student.

All public institutions in Germany offer free tuition for doctoral-level studies for up to three years (six semesters). For any additional time beyond the term of your PhD, you might have to pay tuition.

Despite not having to pay tuition, you will still need to pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), which typically ranges from INR 8k to INR 29k. This pays for office expenses, student government, and student services (Studentenwerk).

In general, you must have completed at least eight semesters of college work before enrolling in a PhD program in Germany. Your final certification must be on par with a German master’s degree.

Additionally, the Dean’s Office (Dekanat) or Board of Examiners (Promotionsausschuss) at your university must acknowledge your prior higher education degree(s).

International students with exceptional qualifications may be admitted to a PhD program with a Bachelor’s degree (fast-track program), albeit you will normally need to pass an entrance exam.

France , which has four universities ranked among the top 100 by QS, is another nation that makes it to our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. French institutions demand comparatively little tuition. A typical annual cost at a public university, for instance, is around 380 euros (INR 31k at the time of writing). Three French cities—Lyon, Toulouse, and of course, the nation’s capital Paris, which is placed ninth by QS—are included in the top 100 Best Student Cities list as a result of their high academic standing and affordable tuition.

The bulk of PhDs is completed as part of a program inside doctoral schools, although French universities occasionally do offer specific doctoral research programs.

The number is 266 in total. In order to provide doctorate training for PhD candidates and foster the growth of early career researchers, they are affiliated with universities and work in partnership with related research laboratories and other centres.

For a typical three-year PhD, a “doctorate” consists of six semesters, yielding two teachings (or research) semesters annually:

late September to early January, with a break between Christmas and New Year
early February to early June, with a spring break at Easter for several colleges

Exams are normally held at the conclusion of each semester, and institutions take a three-month summer break from July to September. As a full-time student, you will typically complete your PhD in France in 3–4 years.

The current French PhD tuition is the same for all students, regardless of nationality. But costs can differ greatly depending on whether you attend a public or private school (such a Grandes École).

Must Read: PhD in Switzerland

Public institutions charge substantially lower tuition since the State invests an average of INR 11,62,147.82 per student, per year.

The following fees may apply depending on your institution:

Fees for PhD students at public institutions are €380 annually.
Private institutions – Tuition at private institutions, particularly business schools, range from INR 2.49 Lakh to INR 8.30 Lakh per year.
Administrative fees (frais de dossier), which universities may impose, are normally modest—a few tens of euros.

In France, each institution is permitted to establish its own standards and conduct personalized evaluations. However, in order to enroll as a PhD student, you will normally need to hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a suitable field.

If you are pursuing your master’s degree and expect to graduate before the PhD program begins, you may apply.

Additionally, you could be accepted based on your performance on entrance tests and in pre-college courses like the ‘Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles’ (CPGE), which is a frequent practice among French Grandes Écoles.

Pursuing PhD in Finland is entirely free.

The average cost of PhD in the UK is GBP 40,000 (INR 40.67 Lakh)

One of the top countries to pursue an MBA abroad is the United States of America.

Hope now you know 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. Not sure which country to choose for your PhD? Don’t worry! Our Leverage Edu experts will provide you with end-to-end assistance starting from your university application to the time you reach your university and commence your studies. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book a FREE 30-minute counselling session today.

Nikita Puri

Nikita is a creative writer and editor, who is always ready to learn new skills. She has great knowledge about study abroad universities, researching and writing blogs about them. Being a perfectionist, she has a habit of keeping her tasks complete on time before the OCD hits her. When Nikita is not busy working, you can find her eating while binge-watching The office. Also, she breathes music. She has done her bachelor's from Delhi University and her master's from Jamia Millia Islamia.

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2025

September 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Study Abroad for Free: 50+ Universities with NO Tuition Fee for International Students

Which universities are free for international students? It may surprise you to learn that there are over 50 universities around the world with 0 tuition for international students, no matter which country you are from.

All of the universities on this list have $0 tuition fee–no scholarship necessary. If you can get into these universities, you will automatically pay no tuition.

How can universities be free?

Universities around the world are able to offer $0 tuition for a variety of reasons. Some of them have government or private funding, such as socialized or subsidized universities. Others have $0 tuition for ethical, religious, or moral reasons, and some require students to work on campus in order to earn money and save costs on hiring outside workers.

…Is it all really free?

In all of the universities in this list, tuition costs are automatically FREE for international students.

You may have to pay addition fees, including…

Application fee
Accommodation
Transportation
Semester fee

However, without the burden of tuition fees, the university experience is much more affordable. The other fees are usually quite manageable.

Can you still apply for scholarships at these schools?

Some of these universities may offer you the option to apply for additional scholarships or use outside scholarship money to cover additional costs like room and board. However, since you won’t have to pay tuition, you should not depend fully on the scholarships.

If you want to attend a university not on this list, then you have the options of applying for full-tuition scholarships. These scholarships are available for international students and they can fully pay for the tuition for you, but you have to earn them. It is not automatic.

There are also scholarships available that cover tuition, flights, accommodation, textbooks, etc. These scholarships are much more competitive. Check them out at this link:

Study Abroad for Free: 50+ Universities with No Tuition

Free education for all international students, regardless of country of origin, can be found here:

Study Abroad for Free in North America

1. Barclay College (KS), United States

Students at this private Christian college in Kansas attend tuition-free if they live on campus.

2. Berea College (KY), United States

At Kentucky’s Berea College , no student pays tuition. The scholarship amounts to nearly $200,000 over four years. Students must work at least 10 hours per week on campus.

3. College of the Ozarks (MO), United States

Full-time students at the College of the Ozarks in Missouri pay no tuition, but part-time students shell out $310 per credit hour. For those attending full time, the tuition waiver requires they work 15 hours a week, plus two 40-hour weeks during the academic year.

4. Curtis Institute of Music (PA), United States

Prospective students must audition for enrollment into Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music , which has offered full-tuition scholarships to all of its undergraduate and graduate students since 1928.

5. NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States

NYU Grossman School of Medicine awards all students enrolled in the MD degree program Full-Tuition Scholarships as part of a tuition-free initiative, so that any student can pursue the dream of becoming a physician without the burden of overwhelming student debt. *It is only open to international students who have completed their undergrad in the USA.

Click here to find programs in the US/Canada:

Study Abroad for Free in South/Central America

South America is one of the best destinations for free universities, as public universities are mostly free or very cheap for international students. The only downside is the courses are mostly offered in Spanish or Portuguese. If you want to attend a free university in this region, you will need to have some proficiency in one or both of these languages.

6. Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Brazil

Undergraduate courses are free and last from four to six years. It is worth remembering that most of USP activities are carried out in Portuguese.

7. Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil

There is no tuition fee for credit-awarding courses. There is tuition for Extension classes and pre-sessional Portuguese classes. The language of instruction is Portuguese.

8. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil

9. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil

10. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) Brazil

UFSC offers free tuition to local and international students, but this university is very competitive to get into.

11. São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil

12. University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

13. Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Argentina

14. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Argentina

15. Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Argentina

16. Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Panama

17. Universidad de Panamá, Panama

18. Universidad Autonoma de Chiriqui, Panama

19. Universidad Especializada de Las Americas, Panama

Click here to find and apply for programs in South/Central America for free:

Study Abroad for Free in Europe

Europe is also a top destination for students to study abroad for free, as many universities are subsidized by the government. Students can study in English for free in Norway and Germany. EU and EEA students are generally able to get free tuition at any university in the EU, but only Norway and Germany offer free tuition for students from any country.

20. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

Foreign students are required to pay a semester fee of $68 every semester.

21. Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway

Foreign students are required to pay a semester fee of $55 every semester.

22. Nord University, Norway

Foreign students are required to pay a semester fee of $85 every semester.

23. Østfold University/College, Norway

Foreign students are required to pay a semester fee of $70 every semester.

24. University of Agder, Norway

Foreign students are required to pay a semester fee of $83 every semester.

25. Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway

26. The Arctic University of Norway, Norway

Foreign students are required to pay a semester fee of $73 every semester.

27. University of Bergen, Norway

Foreign students are required to pay a semester fee of $65 every semester.

28. University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway

29. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway

Foreign students are required to pay an annual fee of $1168.

30. University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), Norway

Foreign students are required to pay a semester fee of $125 every semester.

31. Gjøvik University/College, Norway (Branch of Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

32. Harstad University/College, Norway (a branch of The Arctic University of Norway)

33. Technical University of Munich, Germany

34. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany

35. Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany

36. University of Hamburg, Germany

37. Free University of Berlin, Germany

38. RWTH Aachen University, Germany

39. University of Mannheim, Germany

40. University of Cologne, Germany

41. University of Bonn, Germany

42. TU Darmstadt, Germany

43. FAU Erlangen Nurnberg, Germany

44. University of Munster, Germany

45. Hamburg University of Technology, Germany

46. SRH University of Heidelberg, Germany

47. University of Applied Sciences Wurzburg Schweinfurt, Germany

48. Leibniz Universitat Hannover, Germany

49. Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland), Iceland

50. Háskólinn á Akureyri (University of Akureyri), Iceland

51. Bifröst University, Iceland

52. Iceland Academy of Arts, Iceland

53. Holar University College, Iceland

Click here to find and apply for programs in Europe, for free:

Study Abroad for Free in Africa

Several countries in Africa, like Egypt and Morocco, offer tuition-free university to local students. There are no universities in Africa that are tuition-free for any international student regardless of country.

You can still apply to scholarships to study on the continent.

We are adding new universities to our platform every day. If you want to request to apply for a program at an African university, fill out this form.

Study Abroad for Free in Asia + Oceania + Middle East

Malaysia offers tuition-free university to its own citizens. There are very few universities in Asia/Oceania that are tuition-free for any international student regardless of country.

You can still apply to scholarships to study in Asia/Oceania.

54. SUSTech, China

This university offers full scholarship to any student who meets its high entry requirements.

55. The Yenching Academy of Peking University, Beijing, China

56. Schwarzman Scholarship program of Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

57. Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology Graduate Studies (Shantou, China and Haifa, Israel)

Click here to find programs in Asia/Oceania/The Middle East and apply:

Want to study in China? Click here to go to our sister site, China Admissions.

Browse All Programs
Universities
Work & Internship Guide
Online Events & Classes
Global Scholarships Guide
How to Choose a Major?
Eligibility and Document Requirements
Safety Guide to Studying Abroad
All Articles
Our Services
Global Admissions Reviews
Book a Call

Oops! We could not locate your form.