Tuition-Free Universities in 2025 for Local and International Students

If you’re dreaming of getting a degree without breaking the bank or drowning in student debt, you’re not alone. I have been neck deep researching tuition-free universities in 2025. This follows a mail from an enthusiastic reader.

Here is something you should know, there are actually some pretty amazing institutions out there that welcome both local and international students to study with little or no tuition.

So, why not take that relief sigh and let’s go through some of the top tuition-free universities you should totally check out—plus how to apply, what the eligibility looks like, and some sneaky hidden costs to keep on your radar.

What Does “Tuition-Free” Actually Mean?

To avoid getting hooked to an unrealistic hype, tuition-free means you don’t have to pay for academic classes, but you still might need to give other stuffs like: student union fees, accommodation, health insurance, books, transport and other living costs.

Top Tuition-Free Universities in 2025

1. Norwegian State Universities and Colleges

One of the coolest things about studying in Norway? Public universities and university colleges don’t charge tuition fees—and that includes international students! This applies across all levels: bachelor’s, master’s, and even PhD programs.

That said, there’s a small semester fee you’ll need to pay—usually between NOK 300–600 (roughly $30–$60). Not bad at all.

Some specialized programs—mostly at the master’s level—do charge tuition fees. But these are the exception, not the rule. And here’s a big win: international students pay the same fees as Norwegian students. No inflated prices just because you’re from abroad.

Now, while tuition might be free, Norway has a pretty high cost of living. To get started, you’ll want to budget around NOK 90,000 to 100,000 per year ($8,500–$9,500) to cover housing, food, transport, and other essentials.

So yeah, free tuition is amazing—but make sure your finances are in place for living costs. Totally worth it for that Nordic quality of life and world-class education.

2. Germany – Tuition-Free Universities

Germany has been a top pick for international students—and it’s easy to see why. Since October 2014, public universities in Germany have stopped charging tuition fees for bachelor’s and consecutive master’s degree programs—even for international students!

That said, there are a few things to note:

• Most universities still require a semester contribution (usually €250–€350), which covers things like public transport, student services, and admin fees.
• This fee structure can change depending on the state, so always double-check the latest info on the university’s website.
• Important exception: If you’re a non-EU/EEA student applying to a public university in Baden-Württemberg, you’ll need to pay €1,500 per semester. Yes, the free tuition does not apply to that institution.

What About PhD Students?

Doctoral studies in Germany are usually tuition-free too, but there’s a catch. After your first six semesters, some universities may start charging tuition. Regardless, semester contributions still apply throughout your PhD.

Cost of Living, while tuition is low (or zero), living costs in Germany aren’t cheap, but they’re manageable. Most students spend around €500–€800 per month on essentials like rent, transport, food, and other daily expenses.

3. Tuition Fees at Austrian Universities

If you’re a non-EU/EEA student thinking about studying in Austria, here’s the deal: federal/public universities usually charge around €726.72 per semester in tuition fees. On top of that, there’s a small student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) of about €20.20 per semester, which also covers student accident insurance.

The good news is this, in some special cases, you might be exempt from tuition fees or even get a full or partial refund. This can happen if you hold certain scholarships, participate in exchange programs or university partnerships, or come from specific countries. So definitely check if you qualify!

For the most sure and up-to-date info, it’s best to visit the university’s official website directly.

Cost of Living in Austria

Studying in Austria means budgeting roughly €800 per month to cover things like accommodation, food, and personal expenses. Not the cheapest, but manageable, especially compared to other popular European cities.

4. Scholarships and Tuition Fees in Finland

Starting from autumn 2017, tuition fees were introduced for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs in Finland. But don’t worry, doctoral studies remain tuition-free for all students, no matter where you’re from.

The good news? Finnish universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) offer scholarships for talented non-EU/EEA students who get admitted to these fee-paying bachelor’s and master’s programs. So if you’re a high achiever, there are definitely ways to get some financial help!

Also, if you’re pursuing a doctorate, check out the EDUFI Fellowships, which can help cover your living expenses for up to one academic year.

Living Costs in Finland

Living in Finland isn’t super cheap, the average monthly expenses for a single student range between €700 and €900. This includes rent, food, transport, and other daily costs.

5. Sweden University Scholarships

For anyone intending to studyg in Sweden, here’s what to note; if you’re not from the EU/EEA, a Nordic country, or Switzerland, you’ll have to pay application and tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Yeah, it’s not free but hang tight, there’s good news too.

The Swedish Institute Scholarships and a bunch of universities offer specific tuition waivers. These waivers can cover part or the entire tuition fees if you’re an international student. Some scholarships even throw in living expenses.

Now, here’s the cool part: PhD programs in Sweden are usually paid positions. If you land a spot as a PhD candidate, you won’t pay a cent in tuition and you’ll actually get a monthly stipends. It’s basically a job and a degree. Win-win!

Tuition-Free Online Universities

Aside from the above countries that may require you to travel, you can also earn a degree or take college-level courses completely online and tuition-free! Thanks to some innovative initiatives, higher education is becoming more accessible than ever. Here are two major players leading the way:

1. University of the People

The University of the People (UoPeople) is the world’s first tuition-free, non-profit, accredited online university. Its mission is simple: make higher education available to anyone, anywhere.

Programs Offered:

• Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, and Health Science
• MBA and Master’s in Education programs are also available

What’s Free: Tuition is free, but there are modest fees for applications and course assessments (about $120 per course assessment)

Accreditation: Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

University of the People is a great option if you’re looking for flexible, low-cost education with a recognized degree at the end.

2. edX (by MIT & Harvard)

Another fantastic option is edX, a platform launched by MIT and Harvard, now part of edX/2U. It offers thousands of free online courses from top universities around the world.

Partner Institutions: Harvard, MIT, UC Berkeley, and over 50+ other universities and institutions

Course Types:

• Free audit access (learn at your own pace)
• Verified certificates and full online degrees (for a fee)
• Professional certificates and MicroMasters programs

With edX, you can explore everything from coding and data science to humanities and business. Some programs can even count toward a degree if you choose to upgrade.

Finally,

While these options may not offer a totally “free ride” in every case (there are usually small fees for exams or certificates), they still remove a huge chunk of the financial burden that comes with traditional education. They’re especially perfect if you’re looking to study on your own time, avoid massive tuition costs and gain skills or earn a degree from anywhere in the world.