Which other European countries besides Germany offer low or no tuition fees for a master's degree?
Austria and Iceland charge under euro 1,500 yearly for non-EU students, while Czechia is free if you study in Czech. France, Italy, Greece, Poland and Spain typically charge euro 1,000 to 4,000 annually. Even at zero tuition, you must prove funds for living costs, which can exceed euro 1,200 monthly.
Your options beyond Germany for low or no tuition depend heavily on your nationality, since EU and EEA citizens get free access almost everywhere while non-EU students face more variation. Austria and Iceland charge close to nothing even for international students, and several other countries keep annual fees under euro 4,000 for English-taught masters programmes.
Non-EU Tuition By Country
| Country | Annual Tuition (Non-EU) |
|---|---|
| Austria | Around euro 1,460 yearly |
| Iceland | Euro 500 registration fee only |
| Czechia | Free in Czech, euro 2,000-5,000 in English |
| France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Spain | Euro 1,000-4,000 yearly |
What Else You Need To Budget For
- Every country still requires proof of funds for a student visa, even at zero tuition.
- Living costs in Norway or Iceland can exceed euro 1,200 monthly despite free tuition.
- Italy ties fees to family income through the ISEE tool, often waiving them entirely.
- Scandinavian PhD positions are salaried research jobs, tuition-free with a monthly wage.
My Advice
Do not choose a country on tuition alone, since your living cost proof of funds often matters more for your visa than the fee itself. If Austria or Czechia's fee levels appeal to you, check each specific university's English-taught programme list carefully, since fee waivers and course availability vary significantly by institution.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what Germany costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which country is more suitable for a Computer Science master's student who prioritizes lower costs and a strong job market, Germany or Ireland?
More Germany questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Why is the dMAT subject module called Battery Science and Technology in Engineering?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?