University Tuition Fees in Europe: 2026 Guide and Cost Comparison

Searching for a world-class university with affordable tuition in Europe? Because the European higher education system is largely publicly funded, many institutions provide high-quality Master’s degrees for very low or sometimes even no tuition fees!

Europe boasts a vast array of international Master’s programmes open to global applicants. Students in Europe benefit from high living standards, vibrant cultural hubs, and engaging social environments.

Tuition fees are different for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students

In general, EU students are entitled to equal treatment when moving to another EU country for education. They can utilize the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access the same quality of medical care as they would in their home nation.

For non-EU/EEA students, the process is slightly more complex, as they often face higher tuition costs and are required to secure private medical coverage. Learn more about international student insurance for those pursuing studies in Europe.

EU citizens studying in the EU

EU citizens enjoy the automatic right to study in other member states, meaning they should not be subject to discriminatory tuition fees and are eligible for residence permits to access financial support comparable to local students.

Typically, these same rights extend to EEA and Swiss nationals, though specific regulations regarding public student loans and residency requirements may vary.

Non-EU citizens studying in the EU

European higher education institutions warmly welcome non-EU students. Although fees may differ, international students can apply for diverse scholarships and funding opportunities; in fact, Europe offers over 16 billion EUR in total annual student funding.

Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of tuition fees for international students across various European study destinations.

University tuition fees across Europe

While tuition fees in Europe vary, they are generally much lower than those in North America or Australia, without compromising the high standards of academic excellence.

Many European universities consistently rank among the best globally, including those featured in the World University Ranking by Times Higher Education, the QS Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Tuition fees in Europe typically fall into the following ranges:

• 0 – 42,500 EUR/academic year for
• 0 – 56,000 EUR/academic year for

While many European countries are known for their tuition-free education, you may encounter programs with higher costs. These are often at private institutions specializing in fields like Business, Management, or Medicine.

A recurring trend is that non-EU/EEA students should anticipate higher tuition rates compared to EU/EEA and Swiss citizens. Costs are highly dependent on the specific country, institution, and individual programme.

As you review these average tuition costs for popular study destinations, please remember that each university may have unique policies or exceptions. Always verify the fees for your specific nationality on the official programme page.

Tuition fees in Austria

In Austria, public universities offer tuition-free education for EU/EEA and Swiss students. Students from designated developing countries may also study for free, though eligibility should be checked on the university website. Other non-EU/EEA citizens typically pay 727 EUR per semester.

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) determine their own tuition rates. For EU/EEA students, the cost is usually 363 EUR per semester, while non-EU/EEA students may pay anywhere from 727 EUR up to 7,500 EUR per semester depending on the program.

At private Austrian universities, all international students should expect to pay tuition fees ranging from:

• 6,000 – 15,000 EUR/academic year for a Bachelor’s degree
• 3,000 – 23,000 EUR/academic year for a Master’s degree

All students enrolling in a degree program are required to pay a semester fee of 20 EUR for membership in the Austrian Student Union.

For more information about scholarships and practical tips, visit the Study in Austria website.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in Austria.

Universities we recommend in Austria

Tuition fees in Denmark

Higher education in Denmark is tuition-free for students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. For all other international students, annual tuition fees range from 6,000 to 16,000 EUR for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.

Non-EU/EEA students must also apply for a residence permit, which requires a processing fee of 255 EUR (1,900 DKK).

Find comprehensive details on scholarships and admission requirements on the Study in Denmark website.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in Denmark.

Universities we recommend in Denmark

Tuition fees in Finland

EU/EEA students are exempt from tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Finland.

Since August 2017, non-EU/EEA students have been required to pay tuition fees for programmes taught in English. However, degree courses conducted in Finnish or Swedish, as well as all PhD programmes, remain tuition-free.

Tuition costs for non-EU/EEA students in Finland generally fall between:

• 5,000 – 13,000 EUR/academic year for Bachelor’s degrees
• 8,000 – 18,000 EUR/academic year for Master’s degrees

For guidance regarding scholarships and residence permits, please visit the Study in Finland website.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in Finland.

Universities we recommend in Finland

Tuition fees in France

Given the highly affordable tuition, it is no surprise that many international students choose France. Public universities charge both EU and non-EU students between 170 and 650 EUR annually, depending on the level of study and the discipline.

Private universities in France charge annual tuition fees generally ranging between:

• 5,000 – 30,000 EUR/academic year for Bachelor’s programmes
• 1,500 – 35,000 EUR/academic year for Master’s programmes

For information on scholarship opportunities, visit the Campus France website.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in France.

Universities we recommend in France

Tuition fees in Germany

Most Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes at German public universities are tuition-free for all students, regardless of origin.

The notable exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, which introduced annual tuition fees of 3,000 EUR for non-EU students.

For "non-consecutive" Master’s or PhD degrees (where your prior studies are in a different field), tuition fees can reach up to 10,000 EUR per semester or higher.

German private universities typically charge between:

• 6,500 – 26,000 EUR/academic year for Bachelor’s programmes
• 1,000 – 40,000 EUR/academic year for Master’s programmes

International students must pay an administration fee of 100 – 350 EUR per semester, which covers student services and public transportation.

If you require a student visa for Germany, you will need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your living expenses, which are currently set at 10,236 EUR.

For details regarding study visas and scholarships, please visit the DAAD website.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in Germany. 

Universities we recommend in Germany

Tuition fees in Italy

Tuition fees for Italian undergraduate and graduate programmes vary by university. Public institutions are generally more affordable, and international students can apply for financial aid or scholarships based on merit or household income.

At public Italian universities, annual tuition typically ranges from 0 to 5,000 EUR for all degrees.

Private universities in Italy charge significantly higher fees, typically ranging between:

• 3,000 – 20,000 EUR/academic year for a Bachelor’s degree
• 3,000 – 35,000 EUR/academic year for a Master’s degree

For comprehensive information about scholarships, visit the UniversItaly website.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in Italy.

Universities we recommend in Italy

Tuition fees in the Netherlands

EU/EEA students enjoy lower, subsidized tuition fees at Dutch public universities, typically ranging from 700 to 2,100 EUR per academic year.

Non-EU/EEA students should expect to pay between 6,000 and 15,000 EUR annually for a Bachelor’s degree, and between 8,000 and 20,000 EUR for a Master’s degree.

Tuition costs at private Dutch universities are generally higher, starting at:

• 7,500 – 19,000 EUR/academic year for a Bachelor’s degree
• 5,000 – 30,000 EUR/academic year for a Master’s degree

For more information about scholarships and financing options, visit the Study in Holland website.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in the Netherlands.

Universities we recommend in the Netherlands

Tuition fees in Norway

You can find tuition-free Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Norwegian public universities, which are open to all international students regardless of their home country.

At private universities in Norway, tuition fees apply to all students (national, EU/EEA, and non-EU/EEA) equally:

• 7,000 – 9,000 EUR/academic year for Bachelor’s degrees
• 9,000 – 19,000 EUR/academic year for Master’s degrees

All students must pay a modest semester fee of 30 – 60 EUR (300–600 NOK). This provides a student card, granting access to discounted healthcare, public transport, and various cultural events.

For information about scholarships and grants, visit the Study in Norway website.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in Norway.

Universities we recommend in Norway

Tuition fees in Spain

Tuition fees for degree programmes in Spain vary as regional governments set their own pricing limits for official degrees. Higher education institutions may set independent fees for non-official or private university-specific degrees.

At public Spanish universities, Bachelor’s degrees cost between 150 and 3,500 EUR per year. Master’s programmes are priced per credit (22 – 36 EUR per credit), usually resulting in an average annual cost between 300 and 3,500 EUR.

Some programmes charge non-EU students higher tuition fees than EU/EEA students. This discrepancy depends on the specific university and course, ranging from 1,000 EUR extra to several times the base tuition rate.

Tuition costs at private Spanish universities are significantly higher:

• 5,000 – 24,000 EUR/academic year for Bachelor’s degrees
• 5,000 – 30,000 EUR/academic year for Master’s degrees

You can search for available scholarships and financial aid programmes to help fund your studies in Spain.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in Spain.

Universities we recommend in Spain

Tuition fees in Sweden

Students from the EU/EEA, Nordic countries, and Switzerland are exempt from tuition for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Swedish public universities. Notably, all PhD programmes are tuition-free for all international students.

Non-EU/EEA citizens should expect to pay between 7,500 and 25,500 EUR per academic year for Bachelor’s or Master’s studies, plus an 85 EUR application fee.

All students are required to pay a small enrolment fee of 5 – 33 EUR for their local student union.

Numerous scholarships and financial aid programmes are offered by universities and the Swedish government. Check your eligibility on the official Study in Sweden website.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs in Sweden.

Universities we recommend in Sweden

Tuition fees in Switzerland

Public Swiss universities offer very affordable tuition fees for all international students, typically ranging from 400 to 3,700 EUR per academic year for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.

Tuition fees at private Swiss universities are notably higher:

• 8,000 – 42,000 EUR/academic year for Bachelor’s programmes
• 7,500 – 43,000 EUR/academic year for Master’s programmes

Students should also factor in additional costs such as registration, semester fees, and student association memberships.

Explore further information regarding scholarships and funding opportunities on the Study in Switzerland website.

Universities we recommend in Switzerland

Tuition fees in the United Kingdom

Important note: Following Brexit, EU/EEA students are no longer eligible for "home" tuition fees in the UK as of 1 August 2021. International fees apply, and EU students are generally not eligible for UK student loans. Learn more about tuition fees after Brexit.

You will encounter two main categories of tuition fees in the UK:

• Tuition for home students – includes UK and EU citizens (for EU/EEA citizens, 2020 is the last year when they enjoy this benefit). Scotland and Northern Ireland are exceptions. In these countries, “home students” only refers to EU and Scottish/Northern Irish citizens, and universities charge higher tuition fees for students from the rest of the UK.
• Tuition for international students – all non-EU citizens (and from 1 August 2021, EU/EEA citizens as well).

At UK public universities, tuition costs remain significantly lower for "home" students. Conversely, private institutions typically charge uniform, higher tuition fees for all applicants.

Undergraduate studies

• In England, tuition fees for undergraduate programmes offered by public universities are limited to 10,725 EUR (9,250 GBP)/year for home students.
• In Wales, tuition fees for undergraduate programmes offered by public universities are limited to 10,435 EUR (9,000 GBP)/year for home students.
• In Northern Ireland, tuition fees for undergraduate programmes offered by public universities are limited to 4,672 EUR (4,030 GBP)/year for home students. However, students from the rest of the UK can pay as much as 10,725 EUR (9,250 GBP)/year.
• In Scotland, home students do not have to pay tuition fees for undergraduate studies at public universities because they are covered by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can expect to pay up to 10,725 EUR (9,250 GBP)/year.

Home students can still access a variety of affordable study programmes in the UK, some priced under 5,000 EUR annually or even offered for free.

International students in the UK should expect annual tuition fees for Bachelor’s degrees to range between 7,000 and 40,000 EUR, regardless of whether the university is public or private.

Postgraduate studies

There is no statutory maximum for postgraduate tuition in the UK, and international students typically face higher rates than domestic students.

While some Master’s programmes for domestic students remain under 5,000 EUR, general fees range from 8,000 to 45,000 EUR annually for all students. Specialized business degrees, particularly MBAs, can exceed 50,000 EUR per year.

Studying in Britain requires careful financial planning, but various scholarships and aid programmes exist. You can explore options on the Study UK website or research student finance through UCAS.

Universities we recommend in the UK

The EU is dedicated to attracting more international students

While individual EU member states manage their own educational infrastructures, the European Union supports mobility through funding initiatives, most notably the Erasmus+ programme.

Erasmus+ supports people of all ages in studying, teaching, training, or volunteering abroad. These experiences foster cultural awareness, skill development, and new perspectives.

The EU also promotes other key educational initiatives, such as:

• A Network of European Universities
• The automatic mutual recognition of diplomas
• A European Student Card

These efforts align with the goal of establishing a "European Education Area," where the seamless mobility of learners is guaranteed by 2025.