13 Countries Providing Affordable or Free PhD Programs for International Students
Undertaking a PhD can be costly, but some nations provide affordable or tuition-free education for students from abroad. These nations offer low tuition rates alongside scholarships to cover living costs and other expenses.
Germany, Austria, and Norway provide either tuition-free doctoral education or low tuition fees. Additionally, many of these nations extend financial assistance to allow students to concentrate on their research. Pursuing a PhD in these countries is a cost-effective choice for those aiming to earn qualifications and boost career prospects.
Based on Levergaeedu, here are 13 nations offering free or low-cost PhD programs:
Sweden Sweden offers tuition-free PhD programs to all students, regardless of nationality, with an emphasis on research that advances global knowledge. Although non-EU/EEA students must pay tuition for bachelor’s and master’s programs, doctoral studies are exempt. Approximately 30,912 international students enroll annually at 39 universities, including Uppsala University, Lund University, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
PhD studies in Sweden last four years and focus on independent research culminating in an original thesis. Students may also pursue a licentiate degree as a two-year alternative or intermediate step. Admission requirements include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a related field, proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL), and evidence of research experience. Tuition fees are waived, but students must independently fund living costs or rely on university grants.
Norway Norway provides tuition-free PhD programs for all students, regardless of citizenship, through its 22 universities, such as the University of Oslo, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and University of Bergen, which collectively host about 12,400 international students annually. The academic calendar runs from August to June, with PhD programs typically lasting 3–4 years and prioritizing research and thesis development within the Bologna framework.
PhD students in Norway are often regarded as university employees, receiving salaries and benefits while contributing through teaching or administrative roles. Eligibility requires a master’s degree in a related field, a robust research proposal, and necessary documentation, such as certified educational records, a funding strategy, and details about a potential supervisor. While tuition fees are absent, students must pay a minor semester fee to the student union, which covers services like exams and facilities.
Finland Finland offers tuition-free PhD programs to students of all nationalities at its 35 universities, including the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and Tampere University, accommodating around 23,794 international students. PhD programs typically span four years and prioritize research leading to an independent thesis, with the academic year running from September to June.
Although there are no tuition fees, students are responsible for living expenses, as universities do not charge doctoral fees. Admission requirements include a master’s degree from a recognized institution, with specific criteria set by the university and field of study. Finland’s focus on high-quality research makes it an appealing destination for PhD studies.
Germany Germany is known for its exceptional education system and innovation, featuring 520 universities that attract 311,738 international students. It offers both individual and structured PhD programs. Individual programs, common in humanities and social sciences, allow flexibility for students to find supervisors and set schedules, whereas structured programs follow defined curricula and schedules, lasting 3–5 years and emphasizing collaborative research projects.
Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for doctoral degrees, regardless of nationality. However, a semester contribution is required to cover administrative costs and services. Admission generally requires a master’s degree equivalent to German qualifications, but outstanding bachelor’s degree holders may qualify for fast-track programs after passing an entrance exam. Top institutions for PhD studies include Ludwig Maximilian University, Technical University of Munich, University of Göttingen, RWTH Aachen University, and Free University of Berlin.
Czech Republic The Czech Republic is a favored destination for its tuition-free PhD programs at public universities. All students, regardless of nationality, are exempt from tuition fees, though additional fees may apply for exceeding the standard program length of 4 to 7 years. Scholarships, tuition waivers, or merit-based financial aid are also available.
Tuition is free for programs taught in Czech, while courses in other languages, such as English or German, may incur fees depending on the institution. Eligibility for a PhD requires a master’s degree in a related field with at least 180 ECTS or equivalent credits. International students must also pass the State Doctoral Examination (SDE). Top universities offering PhD programs include Charles University, Masaryk University, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Brno University of Technology, and Palacký University Olomouc.
Austria Austria offers reasonably priced PhD programs, with international students paying a maximum of €726.72 per semester, while EU and EEA students study for free if they complete their degree within four years. The relatively lower living costs compared to other European nations add to its attractiveness.
PhD programs can be structured, featuring coursework, seminars, and collaborative research, or non-structured, focusing on independent research under a supervisor. Admission requires a master’s degree in a related field from a recognized institution and proof of language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL for English or a German equivalent. Notable universities include the University of Vienna, Graz University of Technology, University of Innsbruck, Medical University of Innsbruck, and Medical University of Vienna.
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has become a popular destination for PhD students worldwide, offering generous scholarships that cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. Programs usually last 3–4 years and are mainly taught in English, with prominent fields including science, engineering, business, and medicine.
While tuition fees exist, scholarships like the KAUST Global Fellowship Program significantly reduce costs, providing an annual stipend of $75,000 and a research grant of approximately $40,000. Applicants need a master’s degree in a relevant field and proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL). Leading universities include King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and Umm al-Qura University.
Brazil Brazil is an excellent choice for affordable PhD studies, with public universities like the University of São Paulo (USP), the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), and the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) offering tuition-free education. While private universities may charge fees ranging from BRL 18,540 to BRL 40,000 annually, education at public institutions is typically free.
PhD programs generally take 3–4 years, and scholarships from organizations like CAPES and CNPq help cover living expenses, research grants, and health insurance. Eligibility requires a master’s degree with strong academic performance, successful completion of subject-specific entrance exams, and proficiency in Portuguese or English, depending on the program.
New Zealand New Zealand is a cost-effective option for international students, particularly for unique disciplines like Ecology and Anthropology. PhD programs last 3–4 years, and tuition fees are relatively low compared to other nations.
Scholarships are available to help with tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. The University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, University of Otago, University of Waikato, and Victoria University of Wellington are top choices for PhD studies. Admission requires relevant undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications and proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).
Hungary Hungary offers affordable PhD programs, with some universities charging minimal or no tuition fees. Numerous government scholarships cover both tuition and living costs. Programs usually last 3–4 years and include two types: the traditional PhD and the Doctor of Liberal Arts (DLA).
Both involve coursework, seminars, and independent research culminating in a thesis. Leading universities include the University of Szeged, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), and Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). Applicants need a master’s degree or equivalent and proof of English proficiency.
Netherlands The Netherlands is a budget-friendly option for PhD students, as many universities waive formal tuition fees and often employ PhD candidates as paid researchers.
PhD programs last 3–4 years, and notable universities include the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, Delft University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and the University of Groningen. Students not employed as researchers may need to pay fees. Eligibility requires a master’s degree in a related field and proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).
