free international phd programs

The Best Free PhD Programs. Fully funded PhD programs

Navigating the complexities of PhD programs, one term often dominates the discourse – “fully funded”.

It represents a golden opportunity wherein all tuition fees and living expenses are covered by the educational institution, allowing students to focus on their research and studies free from financial constraints.

In this blog post, we explore what fully funded really means, share the author’s personal journey of pursuing a PhD in Australia, delve into the policies of various countries offering free or nearly free PhD programs, and provide key tips for securing a fully funded PhD opportunity.

Whether you’re considering a domestic program or an international adventure, the insights and tips offered here could pave the way to an invaluable, financially stress-free academic journey.

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

In 2023, the concept of a “fully funded” PhD program signifies that the entirety of expenses related to the doctoral program is covered. This includes tuition fees, which are either waived or entirely paid for by the educational institution.

Beyond tuition, the program also encompasses a living stipend or allowance given to doctoral students. 

Fully funded PhD programs essentially function as a comprehensive scholarship, covering everything from tuition fees to books and other necessary supplies.

While the stipend amount can vary based on the institution, it is generally sufficient to cater to the basic living expenses of the students, covering rent, food, and transportation costs.

The main aim of providing this stipend to doctoral students is to facilitate a learning environment where they can focus entirely on their studies, research, and dissertation, without the distraction of financial pressures. 

Universities, including public ones, offer these fully funded doctoral programs with the intention to draw in the best students.

These students, in turn, are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of research in their respective fields and derive a high-quality education from their doctorates.

It is important to note that eligibility for these scholarships or stipends requires proof of commitment to the doctoral degree. In my experience, this meant securing a top-class master’s degree. This reassured the university of my dedication to pursuing a PhD and furthering my education.

In recent years, there has been a rise in such fully funded programs online , offering a wider reach for prospective PhDs.

As we move further into 2023, students may increasingly opt for these online PhD programmes, making the pursuit of doctoral degrees more accessible than ever.

Countries with a free PhD / fully funded PhD

Sometimes doing a free PhD means going abroad and doing your PhD in another country.

Personally, I travelled to Australia to do my PhD for the adventure and lifestyle. I was able to get a fully funded placement and international student fee waiver for three years to finish my degree.

Here’s a summary of some of the best countries you could do you PhD in if you want to do it for free.

In the Czech Republic , public universities host a multitude of English-language PhD programs and these programs are free for all PhD students, irrespective of their nationality. However, additional costs may be incurred by international students which might include language courses, health insurance, or student services fees, depending on the university policies.

Sweden maintains a unique policy that not only eradicates PhD fees at public universities but also provides study grants to some PhD students, which serves as a financial aid for their living expenses during the tenure of their studies.

In Germany , public universities offer feeless PhD programs to all students. However, a nominal administration fee, approximately €300 per semester, is required. This fee usually covers student services and perks like public transportation and access to university facilities.

Austria ‘s policy benefits PhD students from within the EU and EEA who complete their doctorates within a stipulated time frame, offering free education at public research universities. International students, on the other hand, have to pay fees, which, nonetheless, are capped by the Austrian government to maintain affordability.

Norway , like its Nordic counterparts, offers free PhD education at public universities to all students, regardless of their origin. But a small semester fee, usually covering student services, is obligatory.

Denmark also practices a policy of free PhD education for EU, EEA, and Swiss students at public universities, but international students are required to pay fees, which are generally on the higher side compared to other European countries.

Finland doesn’t discriminate in terms of nationality and offers free PhD studies at public universities. However, international students are charged for their Masters programs.

Saudi Arabia stands out with its unique policy where all PhD students are awarded scholarships that automatically cover their education fees, as well as help them with living expenses.

In the Netherlands , PhD study isn’t universally free, but many institutions extend the offer of free PhD study to international postgraduates. Some universities consider the PhD students as university employees, offering them a waiver on fees and potentially a salary or benefits.

Switzerland , although not offering free PhD studies, keeps its fees low at around CHF 1500 per year at public universities. State-funded PhD positions are also available to EU, EEA, and Swiss students that come with no fees and a maintenance grant.

Top tips for finding a PhD for free.

Here are the top tips I would give you when Choosing a free PhD.

• Apply to STEM programs: Many PhD (and Master’s) programs, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields, are fully funded in the US. Most state schools and Ivy League schools have fully funded programs for these fields.
• Prepare for stiff competition: Because these programs are fully funded, the competition is high. It’s not uncommon for hundreds or even thousands of students to apply to these programs each year, with only a small fraction being accepted.
• Consider assistantships: Fully-funded programs usually provide a stipend in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions. These roles involve either teaching or conducting research under a professor’s supervision.
• Be ready for some costs: Despite tuition being covered, you may still need to cover some school fees, student insurance, and other miscellaneous expenditures.
• Don’t consider unfunded programs: Many graduate programs do not fund students, but experts advise against attending these schools. The availability of funding indicates the health of the department in terms of research money and growth.
• Work on your application: The application process generally starts around September to December. Standardized tests such as GRE and TOEFL/IELTS are required, along with transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
• Avoid programs that require you to pay: It’s a common sentiment among experts that if you’re paying to be a PhD student, there might be something wrong with the program.
• Apply for fellowships: There are graduate fellowships available for international students that cover tuition and offer a monthly stipend.

Fully funded online PhD programs in the US

Here are some examples of PhD programs in the states that are free and fully funded:

• Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at UCLA are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes “a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support, and up to four years of teaching assistantships.” Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Connecticut

• At Yale University, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care.

District of Columbia

• Georgetown University offers scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years to students in its PhD program in computer science.
• Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student’s cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.
• The University of Chicago provides funding for up to eight years of study for its anthropology PhD students. This includes a full-tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a living stipend of $33,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students are also eligible to apply for external fellowships.
• University of Notre Dame doctoral students are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance.
• The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa provides full funding to “virtually all admitted students.” This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments, and 90% coverage of comprehensive health insurance. Additional funding is also provided for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships, and paid time off for independent research.
• At the University of Maryland’s Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master’s degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master’s degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships.

Massachusetts

• The T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University offers a PhD in biological sciences in public health, providing expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend, and health insurance for five years, assuming students maintain satisfactory academic progress. Current research involves diseases such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria, and tuberculosis.
• Students enrolled at the Sloan School of Management at MIT have the opportunity to study various fields, such as organization studies, accounting, and information technology. They receive a full-tuition scholarship, a monthly stipend of $4,267, medical insurance, new laptops at the start of their first and fourth years of study, and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.
• Doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees, and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, but it’s not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships, and short-term research and travel grants.
• Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. The exact amount can vary and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.
• Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend, and subsidized health insurance.
• PhD students in computer science or computer engineering at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support, health insurance, a generous stipend for living expenses, and a new high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as long as students continue to make satisfactory progress towards their degree.
• Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.
• All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years.
• Cornell University offers full funding to all students admitted to its PhD program in chemical engineering. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months, with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.
• Columbia University provides fully funded tuition and a $25,000 annual stipend for three years to students enrolled in its PhD program in clinical psychology. This stipend also carries into the student’s fourth year, during which they may be expected to serve as a graduate teaching or research assistant.

North Carolina

• Doctoral students at Duke University studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend, and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university’s student medical insurance plan.

Pennsylvania

• The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.
• Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College’s Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and “substantial stipends” toward living expenses.

Rhode Island

• Brown University guarantees full financial support for five years to its PhD students in computer science. This includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees, and a subsidy for health insurance.
• Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University. This includes full tuition, a “competitive” monthly stipend, and health insurance for up to four years.
• Rice University offers full financial assistance to students admitted to the PhD program at the Jones Graduate School of Business. This includes a research or teaching assistantship, a tuition waiver, and a $40,000 annual stipend, contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress and full-time student status.
• All students admitted to the University of Virginia’s Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant.

Washington D.C.

• American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean’s Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees, and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant.
• The University of Wisconsin—Madison guarantees full funding for the duration of the time doctoral students are expected to be on campus. This funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships, and/or traineeships. In addition, doctoral students receive a benefits package that includes health insurance.

Wrapping up

This comprehensive article delves into everything you need to know about free PhD programs, also known as fully funded PhD programs, including the essential details, benefits, and potential challenges that students may encounter.

The term “free PhD” generally refers to a fully funded program that covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses, allowing students to complete their PhD studies without financial burden.

It is crucial to understand why you should never enter a PhD program without proper funding. Hence, pursuing a free or fully funded PhD should be a priority for all PhD students, regardless of nationality or field of study.

These programs may be offered both online and on-campus by various top universities around the world.

Fully funded PhD programs cater to both international and local students, including those pursuing a traditional PhD, online doctorate, or an accelerated executive doctorate of education.

For instance, fully funded online PhD programs in fields like business administration, education policy, and social work in clinical practice are available for students who hold master’s or bachelor’s degrees.

The duration of these programs may range from 1 year for fast-track or shortest doctoral programs to several years for other disciplines. Moreover, many programs focus on specialization in subjects like higher education policy, laboratory research, and much more.

One of the perks of these programs is that many institutions provide a stipend to cover living expenses during the course of study, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their research without worrying about financial constraints.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Top 50 Free International Universities for U.S. Students

Krystle Dodge

Managing Editor

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teFor many students, the rising cost of tuition is the number one concern when determining where to enroll in college or whether to even pursue a higher education. While studying online has led to many more affordable opportunities for a higher education, many students are in search of even more savings. While some universities in the United States offer free tuition, those schools are few and far between. And many of those American options require students’ families to make under a certain amount each year or for students to enroll in work programs. But perhaps there is a way for students to not only get a tuition-free college experience, but to also study abroad while doing so!

If you are a student who doesn’t mind leaving the country to get their college education then a whole host of new options are now available for you to choose from. Many international universities offer free tuition to students from the United States in order to attract talent from our country. This is a great opportunity that not many American students take advantage of. Not only are students getting the opportunity to have a tuition-free college experience, they are also able to experience an entirely new culture and country. Typically that costs students at American universities even more money.

For students interested in pursuing a tuition free college degree abroad but are unsure of which colleges and universities to consider, we at DegreeQuery have compiled a list of some of our top fifty international universities offering free tuition to American students. These programs have been chosen for the quality and variety of programs offered on campus and have been listed in alphabetical order.

1. Aalto University

In 2010, three of Finland’s major universities merged to found what is now known as Aalto University . Located in Helsinki, Finland, Aalto University was formed by the merger of the Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Integral to Finland’s education system, these three schools served very different types of students. Feeling as though a more balanced, interdisciplinary education would help students enrolled across all three schools, the Finnish government decided to consolidate these three schools into one to provide students with a more multidisciplinary education. Through this merger, Aalto University became the second largest university in Finland. Made up of six different schools located in Helsinki and Espoo, Aalto University I some to a student body of just over 17,500 students.

For students from the United States who are interested in attending a university for free, Aalto University is a fantastic choice. By enrolling in Aalto University, US students are able to attend a high-quality Finnish university for zero dollars in tuition. Aalto University also requires that all students have an English proficiency so that means that students enrolled in the school from the United States will be able to communicate with the rest of the student body without much of a language barrier. In order to attend school in Finland, students must acquire a residence permit from the Finnish government as it is a requirement for people who are staying in the country for more than ninety days. Aalto University offers students both undergraduate and graduate degrees so this school is a great option for students interested in getting a tuition-free education for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree. Aalto University is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

2. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Established in 1925, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the sixth oldest institution for higher education in Greece. Located in Thessaloniki, Greece, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the largest university in Greece and in the Balkans. The school covers approximately 230,000 square meters in the center of Thessaloniki. Founded in 1925, the school was named after noted Greek philosopher, Aristotle. At its inception, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki focused on philosophy, physics and mathematics, law and economics, theology, and medicine. By the early 1950s, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki began focusing on developing its engineering program. During the 1979s, the school began to add additional programs including a school of journalism, sports, sciences, fine arts, and more. Today, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is home to a student body of 40,000 students and offers both undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs.

Students interested in going to university completely tuition-free should consider Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. American students are able to attend Aristotle University of Thessaloniki without paying anything for tuition. This is a great opportunity for students to attend school without incurring large amounts of debt while immersing themselves completely in a different culture. The primary language used on campus at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is Greek, but the school also offers certain courses in different languages including English. Currently, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has a sizable population of international students. If you are interested in attending an international university completely tuition-free then Aristotle University of Thessaloniki might be the right school for you. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

3. Bielefeld University

Located in Bielefeld, Germany, Bielefeld University was established in 1969. A public university, Bielefeld University is one of the newer public universities in the country of Germany. Bielefeld University was established as a reform university in order to address some of the shortcomings of a more traditional university. To do so, Bielefeld University designed its curriculum around research and training in order to help better focus students towards learning more practically as opposed to traditional lectures. Established in Bielefeld, Germany, Bielefeld University is located just outside of the Teutoburg Forest. Home to over 24,000 students, Bielefeld University students are expected to learn through interdisciplinary research which is facilitated by the unique structure of the Bielefeld University campus. Bielefeld University offers its students both undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities.

Bielefeld University is a great tuition-free college option for students from the United States. By offering students from abroad the ability to study for free, American students are able to not only gain an education at a fraction of the amount they might spend in the United States, but they are also able to experience an entirely new culture. The campus primarily teaches its courses in German but it offers over 230 courses in English. In order to benefit from this program, students must be able to prove that they have German language skills before being offered admittance into the program. Currently, Bielefeld University is host to a variety of international students from all over the globe including the United States. Bielefeld University is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

4. Charles University in Prague

The oldest and the largest university in the Czech Republic, Charles University in Prague was founded in 1348. Located in the city of Prague, Charles University was the first university to be established in Central Europe. It is also one of the oldest continuously operating universities in all of Europe. Modeled after the University of Paris, Charles University in Prague was established at the behest of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. After receiving a request from Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, Pope Clement VI called for the establishment of the university in the city of Prague. This began Charles University in Prague’s long history of academic excellence. Now, Charles University in Prague is amongst the best universities in the entire world. Currently, Charles University in Prague occupies buildings all over the city of Prague, forgoing a traditional campus. Charles University in Prague is home to over 51,000 students.

If you are interested in a completely tuition-free experience abroad then Charles University in Prague might be a great option for you. Located in Prague, Czech Republic, Charles University in Prague allows students from the United States to receive a college education without paying for tuition. In order to attend school at Charles University in Prague as an American student, students must apply for a residence permit as well as a visa before enrolling attending campus. The primary language spoken and used on campus is Czech, but every single department at Charles University in Prague offers classes in English as well as other foreign languages like French or German. For students that would like to immerse themselves in the culture of the Czech Republic while earning a tuition-free education, Charles University in Prague is a great option for studying abroad. Charles University in Prague is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

5. Dresden University of Technology

Originally the Saxon cal School, the Dresden University of Technology was founded with the goal of educating skilled workers in subjects of technology including mechanical engineering, mechanics, and ship construction. Established in what is now known as Dresden, Germany, Dresden University of Technology is now the largest university in Saxony, Germany. It is also one of the ten largest universities in the country of Germany. One of the oldest technology universities in Germany, Dresden University of Technology is a member of the TU9, a consortium of all the leading institute of technology in the country of Germany. Dresden University of Technology also received the title of “University of Excellence” from the Excellence Initiative in 2012, making it one of only eleven other universities in Germany to do so. Today, Dresden University of Technology enrolls just under 35,000 students and offers both undergraduate and graduate courses.

For students that are interested in studying technology or some STEM-related field and are looking for a free international university to do so at, Dresden University of Technology is a great option for students to consider. Offering students from the United States free tuition, Dresden University of Technology is hoping to increase the amount of international talent. Offering all of its Master’s degree programs entirely in English, Dresden University of Technology is perfect for English speaking students interested in a Master’s degree. For those looking for undergraduate degrees, Dresden University of Technology also offers many of its undergraduate programs in English as well. If you are interested in immersing yourself in a different culture while also gaining a tuition-free education in a STEM field then Dresden University of Technology is a great option for you. Dresden University of Technology is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

6. Federal University of Minas Gerais

Located in Brazil, the Federal University of Minas Gerais was founded in September of 1927. One of Brazil’s five largest universities, the Federal University of Minas Gerais was established in the city of Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais, Brazil. With origins dating back to the 19th century, it wasn’t until 1927 in which four different universities within Minas Gerais were merged and renamed to the University of Minas Gerais. At this point the school was funded by the state of Minas Gerais until it was adopted by the federal Brazilian Government. This change in funding and stewardship led to the school being renamed to the Federal University of Minas Gerais in 1965. Today, the Federal University of Minas Gerais is one of the largest federal university in Brazil. The school is currently home to just under 50,000 students. Students at the Federal University of Minas Gerais are able to enroll in seventy-five different undergraduate degrees, fifty-seven Ph.D. programs, sixty-six, and seventy-nine graduate programs.

If you are a student who is interested in a tuition-free university experience in Brazil then the Federal University of Minas Gerais might be the best international university for you. As the top federal university in Brazil, students can expect to gain a high-quality education. By enrolling at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, students are expected to have some level of proficiency in Portuguese as that is the primary language of instruction on campus. However, the Federal University of Minas Gerais does not require students to have a certificate of proficiency in the language. For those who want a tuition-free university experience in the country of Brazil, the Federal University of Minas Gerais might be the best choice for you. The Federal University of Minas Gerais is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

7. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Established in 1792, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro was Brazil’s first official institution of higher education. Having operated continuously since 1792, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro has served as a template from which all of Brazil’s subsequent universities would be based upon. Originally named the Royal Academy of Artillery, Fortification and Design, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro acted as a military academy until it eventually adopted its identity as a polytechnic school. Today, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro is the country’s largest federally-funded university and has become the country’s center for academia and research. Currently, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro enrolls over 67,000 students in its undergraduate and graduate level courses. Students at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro are able to enroll in 157 different undergraduate courses and 580 postgraduate courses.

Located in the beautiful Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, students interested in gaining a tuition-free education in one of Brazil’s most well-known cities should consider applying to the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Offering a wide array of different undergraduate and graduate level courses, students enrolled at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro are afforded a wide array of different educational opportunities. Being located in Brazil, the primary language of instruction used on campus is Portuguese and it is recommended that students gain some level of proficiency in the language, but it is not required by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro for admittance. Wanting to attract bright American talent, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro is committed to providing tuition-free education for students coming in from abroad. If you are interested in a tuition-free education in Rio de Janeiro then the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro is the best option for you. The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

8. Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

In 1895, the School of Pharmacy and Chemistry opened in Rio Grande do Sul becoming the first institute of higher education in Rio Grande do Sul. In time, the School of Pharmacy and Chemistry would eventually grow and change to become the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul . In 1934, the school underwent further changes as it became the University of Porto Alegre and added seven different colleges that made up the entire university. The school was renamed again in 1947 to the University of Rio Grande do Sul after absorbing a nearby Dentistry and Pharmacy college. In 1950, the school went under control of the federal government. Today, the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul is one of the largest and highest rated federal universities in the entire country of Brazil. With a student body of over 30,000 undergraduate and 27,000 postgraduate students, the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul offers 95 undergraduate courses, 74 Master’s programs, and 71 Ph.D. programs.

Located in the city of Porto Alegre within Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, students who choose to enroll in the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul are able to attend a university located within one of Brazil’s most beautiful cities. For American students who are seeking a tuition-free international university, the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul is a great option for those interested in gaining their education while living in the country of Brazil. Being located in Brazil, it is recommended that students learn Portuguese as that is the primary language of instruction in the country or Brazil. However, the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul does not require students to provide a certificate of proficiency in Portuguese to attend the school. If you are looking for a tuition-free international university in the country of Brazil then the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul is a great option worth your consideration. The Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

9. Goethe University Frankfurt

Originally known as Universität Frankfurt am Main, Goethe University Frankfurt was founded in 1914. Originally established as a citizen’s university, Goethe University Frankfurt’s primary source of funding and income was generated by the local wealthy elite of the city. Through gracious donations by those of Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt was able to operate in its initial years. The school’s name was changed to Goethe University Frankfurt in 1932 to honor Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a notable local who was famous for his writing and poetry. Today, Goethe University Frankfurt has grown quite large and has become notable for its large number of alumni who have received the Nobel Prize. Currently, eighteen people who have been associated with Goethe University Frankfurt have also been recipients of the Nobel Prize. Goethe University Frankfurt is home to just over 48,000 students currently.

Students looking for a tuition-free international university in Germany should consider Goethe University Frankfurt as an option for their higher education. By enrolling in Goethe University Frankfurt, students from the United States are able to gain a tuition-free education while immersing themselves in the culture of Germany. Currently, Goethe University Frankfurt offers over 200 different undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from. The primary language of instruction at Goethe University Frankfurt is German but the university does offer many courses in English. For those looking for a tuition-free international university in Germany, Goethe University Frankfurt is a fantastic option worth consideration. Goethe University Frankfurt is is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

10. Hannover Medical School

Founded in 1961, Hannover Medical School is one of Germany’s most well-respected and highly-rated medical universities. Following the orders of the National Science Council, plans were set in motion to establish a new state medical university in the Lower Saxony region of Germany in the early 1960s. By 1965, planning and construction had been completed on the new medical school and the first classes were held. Enrolling only forty-one students at its inception, Hannover Medical School would soon grow to become one of Germany’s largest medical universities. Today, Hannover Medical School is home to a student body of just under 3,000 students. Despite its small student body size, Hannover Medical School is one of Germany’s most well-funded medical universities. Hannover Medical School also operates as an active hospital allowing students to observe and participate in the care of actual medical patients.

For students interested in a tuition-free international university education in medicine, Hannover Medical School is a fantastic option for their consideration. Offering students from America the ability to enroll for free, Hannover Medical School is a fantastic option for aspiring medical students from the United States who are trying to get an education in medicine without accruing large amounts of student debt. Hannover Medical School’s primary language of instruction is German but it does offer many courses in English as well. However, as with all colleges and universities in Germany, a certificate of proficiency in the German language is required for admittance as an international student. If you are interested in an international university with free tuition that specializes in the study of medicine then Hannover Medical School might be the best option for you. Hannover Medical School is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

11. Heidelberg University

Established in 1386, Heidelberg University is one of the oldest universities in Germany and one of the oldest surviving universities in the entire world. Established during the Holy Roman Empire, Heidelberg University was founded after Pope Urban IV called for its creation in 1386. Located in Heidelberg, Germany, Heidelberg University has grown to become one of Germany and Europe’s most well-respected and renowned universities. Located in the city of Heidelberg, Heidelberg University is home to a student body of just shy of 31,000 students. Students at Heidelberg University are able to enroll in over one-hundred different disciplines offered across undergraduate and graduate level courses. Having a major focus on research and science, Heidelberg University has been associated with fifty-six different Nobel Prize winners over the course of its existence and has been recognized as a German Excellence University.

For students interested in a tuition-free higher education, Heidelberg University is a fantastic option for students to choose. As an American student enrolling in Heidelberg University, students will not only be able to gain an education without amassing tuition debt, but they will also be able to gain a quality education while immersing themselves in the culture of Germany. As a German university, the primary language of instruction on campus is German. However, many of the programs offered at Heidelberg University are also offered in English. Students are required to provide documentation of German language skill before entering Germany for this program. If you are looking to study internationally at one of Germany’s oldest institutions of higher education then Heidelberg University is definitely worth your consideration. Heidelberg University is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

12. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

A relatively new institution, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has roots that date back all the way to 1825. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology was created in 2009 when the University of Karlsuhe merged with the Karlsruhe Research Center. Upon this merger, the new institution was named Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Located in Karlsruhe, Germany, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology focuses primarily on providing students with high-quality STEM educations. Currently, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is renowned in Europe as one of the leading universities in both Engineering and Natural Sciences. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has also had six different Nobel laureates associated with their programs. Today, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is home to a student body of just over 25,000 students. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology offers its students a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate level degrees to choose from.

For students interested in a STEM education at an international university with free tuition should consider applying to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. By enrolling at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, students are gaining access to one of Germany’s most popular and highly-recognized engineering and science universities without incurring any tuition fees. Students at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology will be able to choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs related to STEM topics. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology’s primary language of instruction is German but it offers many of its programs in English as well. As with all universities in Germany, it is required that students show proof of competency in the German language before enrolling at the university. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is a great option for STEM students interested in studying in Germany. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

13. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

One of the largest institutions in all of Europe, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens enrolls over 100,000 students also making it one of the largest universities in the entire world. Located in Zografou, Greece, the National And Kapodistrian University of Athens, commonly referred to as the University of Athens, was founded in 1837 giving it the title of the oldest institute of higher education that has operated continuously in the modern Greek state. Originally named the Othonian University in honor of King Otto of Greece, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens was later renamed to National University in 1862. In 1911, the school was separated into the Kapodistrian University and the National University and then eventually rejoined in 1932 under the current name of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

American students looking for an international university with free tuition in Greece should consider enrolling in the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens for their higher education. Offering a wide variety of both undergraduate and graduate programs, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is Greece’s largest and most robust university in the entire country. By enrolling in the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, students are able to not only gain a high-quality education but they are also able to immerse themselves in Greek culture at no additional cost. At the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the primary language of instruction used is Greek but many of the classes are also offered in English. For students looking for a large international university in Greece to enroll in tuition-free should consider the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

14. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Located in Alesund, Norway, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology was established in 1760. A public research university, Norwegian University of Science and Technology is one of Norway’s most prestigious universities. Although its history dates back to 1760, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology of today was formed in 1996 when Norwegian Institute of Technology, the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, the Norwegian College of General Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine, Trondheim Academy of Fine Arts, and Trondheim Conservatory of Music all merged to form what is now known as the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Currently, Norwegian University of Science and Technology is home to over 40,000 students making it one of the largest universities in the country of Norway.

American students interested in attending an international university in Norway, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology is a great option for those students. Norwegian University of Science and Technology has a lot of great undergraduate and graduate options for students to enroll in. Primarily offering their courses in Norwegian, Norwegian University of Science and Technology also offers many of its courses in English including offering all of its master’s programs entirely in English. This is a great option for students looking to pursue a Master’s degree without incurring massive amounts of tuition debt. If you are a student looking to pursue a higher education without incurring tuition debt then the Norwegian University of Science and Technology might be the best option for you. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

15. Ruhr University Bochum

Established in Bochum, Germany, Ruhr University Bochum was established in 1962. Following the close of World War II, Ruhr University Bochum was the first public university to be established by the government of Germany. Quickly, Ruhr University Bochum became one of Germany’s most important universities as it quickly became well known as it has been recognized by the Excellence Initiative.  Currently, Ruhr University Bochum is one of Germany’s largest universities and is an important member of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, the most prestigious German research funding organization. Ruhr University Bochum was one of the first universities in the country of Germany to adopt the international system of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees after moving from the more traditional German Diplom and Magister degrees. Currently, 184 different degree programs are offered to students at Ruhr University Bochum.

American students interested in gaining a high-quality education that is tuition-free should consider enrolling in Ruhr University Bochum. For students who are interested in attending one of Germany’s best public research universities, Ruhr University Bochum is a great choice that not only gives American students the opportunity for an excellent education, but the ability to do so without incurring debt while studying abroad in Germany. The primary language of instruction at Ruhr University Bochum is German but many of the courses offered are also offered in additional languages including English. However, Germany does require that students provide some sort of certification of proficiency in the German language. If you are interested in having a tuition-free education at an international university then Ruhr University Bochum might be a good option for you. Ruhr University Bochum is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

16. RWTH Aachen University

One of Germany’s most prestigious research universities, RWTH Aachen University was founded in 1870. Today, RWTH Aachen University has grown to become Germany’s largest technical university. Currently, RWTH Aachen University maintains very close ties to German industry as one in five board members of German corporations have attended RWTH Aachen University. RWTH Aachen University also brings it large amounts of donated money helping to give it one of the largest endowments of German universities. A member of the TU9, RWTH Aachen University is also a part of many different alliances and consortiums made up of German universities including the IDEA League which RWTH Aachen University is the leader of. Today, RWTH Aachen University enrolls a student body of over 44,500 students. Students at RWTH Aachen University are able to enroll in a variety of different undergraduate and graduate programs.

American students interested in a tuition-free international university in Germany should consider enrolling in RWTH Aachen University. As one of Germany’s top technical universities, RWTH Aachen University can provide students with a high-quality education while incurring absolutely no tuition debt. RWTH Aachen University’s primary language of instruction on campus is German. However, many of the courses on RWTH Aachen University’s campus are also taught in English. As required by the German government, all students choosing to study in Germany must provide proof of competency in the German language before attending a German university. If you are looking for a high-quality technical university and are interested in living in Germany then RWTH Aachen University might be the best university for you. RWTH Aachen University is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

17. São Paulo State University

One of São Paulo, Brazil’s six public universities, São Paulo State University was founded in 1976. Part of the Sao Paulo’s state higher education system, São Paulo State University was inspired by the University of California’s multi-campus system. With campuses all across Brazil including campuses Araçatuba, Araraquara, Assis, Botucatu, Franca, Guaratinguetá, Ilha Solteira, Jaboticabal, Marília, Presidente Prudente, Rio Claro, São José dos Campos, São José do Rio Preto and São Paulo. Operating twenty-three different campuses, São Paulo State University is home to a student body of almost 48,000 students.  São Paulo State University offers a very robust set of facilities including thirty-three institutes, thirty libraries, two hospital, and many other additional educational and research facilities.  São Paulo State University has also been ranked among the top 300 best universities in the world.

As one of Brazil’s best public universities, São Paulo State University is a great option for American students looking for an international university offering free tuition. Students who choose to attend São Paulo State University are getting the opportunity to attend a top-tier university while incurring no tuition debt, and immersing themselves in the rich culture of Brazil. By choosing to do this, students are getting access to, for free, what many students pay additional tuition money for. São Paulo State University’s primary language of instruction is Portuguese. However,  São Paulo State University does offer many of its courses in English as well. Students interested in an international university that offers free tuition to American students in Brazil should consider applying and enrolling at São Paulo State University. São Paulo State University is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

18. Technical University of Berlin

One of Germany’s premier research universities, the Technical University of Berlin is located in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1879, the Technical University of Berlin was originally known as the Royal Technical Higher School of Charlottenburg, named after the borough the school was located in. This school was formed out of the merger of the Berlin Building Academy and the Royal Trade Academy. After its formation in 1879, the Technical University of Berlin – then the Royal Technical Higher School of Charlottenburg – became the first polytechnic college to award doctorate degree in Germany. Today, the Technical University of Berlin currently enrolls over 34,400 students. The Technical University of Berlin is a member of TU9, a society of all the major institutes of technology within Germany.  Over the many years, the Technical University of Berlin has acquired a variety of different awards and recognitions including having had ten different Nobel prize winners associated with the institution.

For American students looking for a technical university in Germany that offers free tuition to internationals, the Technical University of Berlin is a great option for enrollment. The Technical University of Berlin currently admits a large number of international students. Currently, 20% of the student population is made up of non-Germans. One of the leading engineering schools in Germany, the Technical University of Berlin is a great option for students interested in STEM degrees but are trying to control the costs of their degree program. The primary language of instruction at the Technical University of Berlin is German, but many of the classes are offered to students in English. Students must provide the German government with proof of proficiency in the German language before attending classes at the Technical University of Berlin. The Technical University of Berlin is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

19. Technical University of Braunschweig

Founded in 1745, the Technical University of Braunschweig is the oldest institute of technology in the country of Germany. Originally known as the Collegium Carolinum, the Technical University of Braunschweig has become well-known for a variety of research topics including vehicle engineering, aeronautics, and much more. The Technical University of Braunschweig also maintains a close relationship with the German Aerospace Center to help feed qualified and educated candidates into that program. Many notable Germans have attended the Technical University of Braunschweig including Porsche CEO Oliver Blume and BMW CEO Harald Krüger. Today, the Technical University of Braunschweig is home to a student body of approximately 20,000 students. The Technical University of Braunschweig is also an integral member of the TU9 consortium of technical institutes in Germany.

If you are a student who is interested in studying at an international university without paying for tuition, the Technical University of Braunschweig is a great option to consider. Focusing primarily on aspects of a technical education like engineering and STEM-related fields, the Technical University of Braunschweig is a great option for those looking to get a STEM education without incurring large amounts of debt due to tuition. Not only are students getting a high-quality education without paying tuition, students are also getting the ability to spend their entire education studying abroad in Germany. The primary language of instruction at the Technical University of Braunschweig is German, but many of the courses are also offered in English. Students are required to show proof of competency in the German language before attending classes at the Technical University in Braunschweig. The Technical University of Braunschweig is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

20. Technical University of Darmstadt

A member of the TU9, a network of technical universities in Germany, the Technical University of Darmstadt is one of Germany’s best research universities. Established in 1877, the Technical University of Darmstadt is located in the city of Darmstadt, Germany. The Grand Duke of Hesse, Louis IV, called for the elevation of the Polytechnic School in Darmstadt to the status of university in 1877, thus beginning the Technical University of Darmstadt’s history as one of Darmstadt and Germany’s most important universities. By 1899, the Technical University of Darmstadt began offering students doctorates, and was also one of the earliest schools to teach electrical engineering. The school had received its current name in the year 1997. Today, the Technical University of Darmstadt offers its student body of over 26,000 a wide variety of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs to choose from.

A fantastic option for American students hoping to enroll in an international university with free tuition, the Technical University of Darmstadt will provide students with a great opportunity for a higher education in STEM-related fields. Focusing primarily on engineering and science-related degree programs, students at the Technical University of Darmstadt will be receiving a high-quality education. Not only will they be gaining this education tuition-free, they will also be able to immerse themselves entirely in the German culture. The language of instruction at the University of Darmstadt is German but many of the classes offered at the university are also offered to students in English. The German government requires that all students planning to attend school in Germany must provide proof of competency in the German language. The Technical University of Darmstadt is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

21. Technical University of Munich

One of Germany’s best research universities, the Technical University of Munich was founded in 1868. Located in Munich, Germany, the Technical University of Munich was founded by King Ludwig II. As During the 19th Century, Germany was undergoing changes. One major change was the economy of Germany shifting from an agricultural economy to an industrial one. In order to prepare for the future and provide education to those who would help lead Germany in the industrial era, King Ludwig II called for the creation of a technical university. This technical university would grow to become the Technical University of Munich. Initially known as the Polytechnic School of Munich, the school would grow over the years to offer a wide range of different educational experiences.  Today, the Technical University of Munich is a member of Germany’s TU9 consortium of technical institutes and is home to a student body of over 41,000 students.

For American students interested in finding an international university that offers free tuition in Germany, the Technical University of Munich is a great option for consideration. Offering a variety of both undergraduate and graduate classes, American students have a host of options to choose from. As a technical university, the Technical University of Munich focuses primarily on STEM-related topics of study. The primary language of instruction at the Technical University of Munich is German. However, many of the courses offered at the Technical University of Munich are also offered in other languages like English. Like all universities and colleges in Germany, students are required to show proof of proficiency in the German language before attending university. For students looking for free international tuition in Germany, the Technical University of Munich is a great option worth considering. The Technical University of Munich is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

22. University of Bergen

A premier university within the country of Norway, the University of Bergen was established in 1946. One of Norway’s public universities, the University of Bergen is located in Bergen, Norway. Although it’s year of establishment is 1946, the University of Norway is part of a tradition of education in Bergen that dates all the way back 1153. In 1153, the Bergen Cathedral School was founded as a precursor to the University of Bergen. Over the years, more and more institutions of higher education would be established in the city of Bergen until finally the University of Bergen’s establishment in 1946. One of eight universities in the country of Norway, the University of Bergen is home to a student body of approximately 17,000 students. Students at the University of Bergen are able to choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to enroll in.

The University of Bergen offers many advantages to international students looking for free tuition. As an American student, the University of Bergen is a great place for students to gain a high-quality education without incurring tuition debt. Students enrolled at the University of Bergen will not only be gaining a great education, but they will also be afforded the opportunity to live in Norway for four years, immersing themselves completely in a different culture. The primary language of instruction at the University of Bergen is Norwegian. However, many of the courses offered at the University of Bergen are also offered to students in English. If you are an American looking for free tuition at an international university in Norway, then the University of Bergen is a great option worth your consideration. The University of Bergen is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

23. University of Bonn

Established in 1818, the University of Bonn is one of Germany’s best public research universities. Located in the city of Bonn, in the North Rhine-Westphalia state of Germany, the University of Bonn was initially opened as the Rhein University. Established by Frederick William III, King of Prussia, Rhein University was created as a successor to the Academy of the Prince-elector of Cologne, established in  1777. Over the coming decades, the Rhein University would grow to become the University of Bonn. During the lead up to World War II, the Nazi party seized control of the University of Bonn. Fortunately, following the end of the war, power over the University of Bonn was wrested from the Nazi party. Today, the University of Bonn has grown to encompass a large part of the city of Bonn. Over 35,600 students are currently enrolled at the University of Bonn making it one of the largest universities in the country of Germany.

When examining the choices for free tuition among international universities in Germany, American students should highly consider attending the University of Bonn. Located in the city of Bonn, the University of Bonn offers students a wide variety of different undergraduate and graduate experiences. By enrolling in the University of Bonn, students are gaining a high-quality German education while also gaining the opportunity to study abroad in Europe. Through their studies, students will be able to immerse themselves in a new country and live among the German people. The primary language of instruction at the University of Bonn is German. However, many of the course offered at the University of Bonn are also offered in English. The German government requires that international students show proof of skill in the German language before attending university in Germany. The University of Bonn is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

24. University of Bremen

Located in Bremen, Germany, the University of Bremen is one of Germany’s primary public universities. Established in 1971, the University of Bremen continues a long history of higher education in the city of Bremen, Germany. In 1584, Bremen, Germany became host to its first institution of higher education after the Bremen Latin School was upgraded to become the Gymnasium Academicum. Later in 1610, the school was developed even further to become the Gymnasium Illustre. Finally, under Napoleon’s rule, plans for a French-Bremen University began. But it wasn’t until 1971 that the official history of the University of Bremen began. Today, the University of Bremen has been awarded a variety of high honors by the Excellence Initiative started by the German government. The University of Bremen has been very successful in the categories of “Graduate Schools” and “Clusters of Excellence”. Today the University of Bremen is home to just over 19,000 students.

For American students considering their tuition-free international university options, the University of Bremen is a great option for students considering attending university in Germany. As one of the earlier successful universities in Germany, the University of Bremen has often been emulated by other universities in schools as they refer to their curriculum as following the “Bremen model”. Having received high honors for its graduate school, the University of Bremen is a great place for students looking to study a graduate degree in Germany. The primary language of instruction at the University of Bremen is German. However, many of the courses at the University of Bremen are also offered to students in English. Proof of competency in the German language is required before attending the University of Bremen. The University of Bremen is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

25. University of Campinas

One of Brazil’s top ranked universities, the University of Campinas is also well-regarded amongst all of the universities and colleges within Latin America. Founded in 1962, the University of Campinas is located in the city of Campinas within São Paulo, Brazil. Commonly known as Unicamp, the University of Campinas was designed completely from the ground up in 1962. The goal was to create an integrated research center the likes of which had never been seen in any of the universities across Brazil. The University of Campinas would focus most of its efforts on its graduate students, shooting to have over half of their students involved in graduate programs. This focus on research has paid off. Now, the University of Campinas is home to over 15% of all research performed in Brazil. The University of Campinas is currently home to a student body of 34,000 students, 16,000 of which are graduate-level students.

For students from America that are looking for an international university that focuses on graduate-level research, the University of Campinas is a great option for consideration. As one of Brazil’s premier research universities, American students who are hoping for a tuition-free graduate experience would find themselves right at home at the University of Campinas. Not only are students gaining a high-quality graduate experience and access to state-of-the-art research facilities, they are also able to immerse themselves in the Brazilian culture while incurring minimal college debt. The primary language of instruction on the University of Campinas campus is Portuguese but many of their courses are also offered to students in English as well. The University of Campinas is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

26. University of Cologne

The sixth university to be established in all of Central Europe, the University of Cologne is one of the oldest operating universities in all of Germany. Founded in 1388, the University of Cologne was established as the fourth university of the Holy Roman Empire. The University of Cologne continued to operate for the next four centuries until 1798. At this point in time, the French had invaded Cologne and shut down the University of Cologne. The school remained closed until 1919 at which point the Prussian government called for the re-establishment of the once defunct university. Located in the city of Cologne within the North Rhine-Westphalia state of Germany, the University of Cologne is now ranked as a German Excellence University. It has also consistently ranked well among college ranking publications. Today, the University of Cologne is home to a student body of just shy of 49,000 students.

American students seeking out a tuition-free education internationally should consider enrolling in the University of Cologne. As one of Germany’s oldest universities, the University of Cologne has a long and storied history of being a leader in higher education. Students at the University of Cologne are able to enroll in a multitude of different undergraduate and graduate level offerings. Not only are students able to enroll in the University of Cologne for no tuition, they are also able to gain a high-quality German education while also being able to study abroad and experience an entirely new culture. The primary language of instruction at the University of Cologne is German but many of the courses are also offered in English. The German government requires that all international students provide proof of skill in the German language before attending university. The University of Cologne is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

27. University of Duisburg-Essen

A German public university located in Duisburg and Essen, the University of Duisburg-Essen was founded in 1654. One of the older universities in Germany, the University of Duisburg-Essen has a long rich history of providing higher education to the German public and international students alike. In 1555, Duke Wilhelm V called for the creation of a university in the Lower Rhine region, approved by the Pope nine years later, the school wasn’t officially founded until ninety years later in 1654. Having gone through some hard times in the 19th Century, the school experience a resurgence in the 20th Century which helped to shape its current place in German higher education. Today, the University of Duisburg-Essen has ranked highly amongst Germany’s research universities. Over 43,000 students are currently enrolled in the University of Duisburg-Essen across its many different undergraduate and graduate offerings.

The University of Duisburg-Essen is a great option for American students seeking free international tuition from a university located in Germany. Having been ranked highly for its research efforts, the University of Duisburg-Essen is a great place for students who are looking for a graduate-level degree and want to focus on graduate-level research. Not only will students be gaining a high-quality education, they will be doing so tuition-free. Students will also be able to immerse themselves completely in the German culture, something that traditional college programs charge even more for. The primary language of instruction at the University of Duisburg-Essen is German although many of the courses are also offered to students in English. The German government requires that all students provide proof of competency in the German language before attending university. The University of Duisburg-Essen is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

28. University of Düsseldorf

Founded in 1964, the University of Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s best medical universities in the country. Although it was officially founded in 1964, the roots for the University of Düsseldorf date back much longer than that. The earliest recorded history of the University of Düsseldorf dates back to 1907 with the opening of the Düsseldorf Academy for Practical Medicine. This school eventually added an additional Natural Sciences and Humanities component to its curriculum forming Düsseldorf’s first real university. Over the years, the University of Düsseldorf was expanded upon adding additional five different faculties over the decades. Today, the University of Düsseldorf is at the forefront of medical education in the city of Düsseldorf. Currently, the University of Düsseldorf enrolls a student body of just over 32,000 students.

Many American students who are interested in a tuition-free international university should consider enrolling in the University of Düsseldorf. As one of Germany’s best medical universities, the University of Düsseldorf affords American students the unique opportunity to gain a high-quality medical education without incurring massive amounts of student debt. Not only are students able to get a fantastic education in medicine, they are able to do so while immersing themselves in the German culture. The primary language of instruction at the University of Düsseldorf is German. However, the University of Düsseldorf offers many of its courses in English as well as other foreign languages. The German government does require that those choosing to attend university in the country must first produce a certificate of competency in the German language. The University of Düsseldorf is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

29. University of Eastern Finland

Established in 2010, the University of Eastern Finland was formed out of the merger of two independent universities within the country of Finland. Now located in Joensuu, Kuopio, and Savonlinna, the University of Eastern Finland was formed when the University of Joensuu and the University of Kuopio were merged. This merger was precipitated by the Finnish government deciding to reform their university sector. Their goal was to create a stronger university system by consolidating different institutions together in order to create stronger institutions that can leverage the best from both school’s curriculum and faculty. Now operating a few different campuses across Eastern Finland, the University of Eastern Finland is now home to approximately 15,000 students. The University of Eastern Finland offers its students a variety of different undergraduate and graduate level courses to choose from.

American students who are interested in free tuition for college in Finland should consider enrolling in the University of Eastern Finland. Students who choose to enroll in the University of Eastern Finland will be able to attend university without incurring tuition fees. Through their time at the University of Eastern Finland, students will gain a quality education while also learning more about the Finnish culture and having access to travel around the rest of Europe. The primary language of instruction at the University of Eastern Finland is Finnish. However, many courses are also offered in English as well as Swedish. it is not required to know those languages but it is recommended to make communication easier. The University of Eastern Finland is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

30. University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

Located in Bavaria, Germany, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg was established in the cities of both Erlangen and Nuremberg. Founded in 1742, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is one of Germany’s older public research universities. Also known as Freidrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, the school is named in combination of Friedrich, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth who was the founder of the university, and Christian Frederick Charles Alexander, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach who was the first benefactor of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.  Over the centuries, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg would grow in size and complexity. Today, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is the second largest state university in Bavaria. Currently, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is home to a student population of approximately 40,000 students.

A highly ranked research university, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is a great option for American students who are seeking free international tuition who are also interested in studying in Germany. Located in the beautiful city of Nuremberg and Erlangen, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is a great place for students interested in experiencing the German culture to spend time and gain their education. The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg offers many undergraduate and graduate level programs for students to choose from. The primary language of instruction at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is German, but many courses are also offered in English. The German government requires that international students provide some form of documentation detailing their competency in the German language. The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

31. University of Freiburg

Officially known as the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg, the University of Frieburg is a public research university. Located in the city of Freiburg im Breisgau, the University of Frieburg is one of Baden-Württemberg and Germany’s greatest universities. Named after Albert Ludwig, the University of Frieburg has grown to have a stellar reputation in Germany and in all of Europe. One of the elite universities in the country, the University of Freiburg has had nineteen different Nobel laureates associated with the university. Established in 1457, the University of Freiburg is now the fifth-oldest university in Germany but one of the first to focus primarily on the humanities and social sciences. One of Germany’s larger universities, the University of Freiburg is currently home to a student body of just over 25,400.

The University of Freiburg is a prestigious university and a great pick for American students looking for an international university that is tuition free. Committed to diversity, the University of Freiburg has students from over 120 different countries. About 16% of the student population at the University of Freiburg are not from Germany. Having garnered a great reputation among German and European universities, the University of Freiburg will allow American students to gain a high-quality education with minimal costs. Students will also gain the invaluable experience of immersing themselves in another culture and country. The primary language of instruction at the University of Freiburg is German, but many courses are also offered to students in English. German government requires that students produce some form of proof of competency in the German language before attending. The University of Freiburg is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

32. University of Giessen

Established in 1607, the University of Giessen is officially known as the Justus Liebig University Giessen. One of the larger research universities in Germany, the University of Giessen is located in the city of Giessen within the German state of Hesse. Founded in 1607, the school is named after Justus von Liebig. Justus von Liebig was the founder of modern agricultural chemistry and the inventor of artificial fertilizer. He is also one of the University of Giessen’s most famous faculty members. As one of the oldest universities in Germany, the University of Giessen has become an integral part to Germany’s history of higher education. Today, the University of Giessen has transformed to become a major research university offering courses in business, humanities, medicine, science, and much more. Currently, almost 28,500 students are enrolled at the University of Giessen.

For American students interested in gaining a higher education, while also living in the city of Giessen, Germany, should consider attending the University of Giessen. One of the best research universities in Hesse and in all of Germany, American students can be assured they’d be receiving a high-quality education at the University of Giessen. Not only are students able to get a high-quality education without incurring large amounts of student debt, students will also get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of studying abroad and immersing themselves completely in another culture for years. The primary language of instruction at the University of Giessen is German, however many of the courses are also offered in English. The German government requires all international students to show proof of skill in the German language before attending university. The University of Giessen is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

33. University of Göttingen

Colloquially known as Georgia Augusta, the  University of Göttingen was first established in 1734. Founded in the city of Göttingen, the University of Göttingen is located in Lower Saxony, Germany. The University of Göttingen’s earliest history dates back to 1734 at which point George II, King of Great Britain and Elector of Hanover called for the creation of a school in Lower Saxony. Three years later, the University of Göttingen began admitting its first class of students. The oldest university in the state of Lower Saxony, Germany, the University of Göttingen has helped earn the city of Göttingen the title of “the city of science”. The University of Göttingen has also garnered a rich history of notable figures including almost forty different Nobel Prize winners who have been associated with the institution. Today, the University of Göttingen enrolls a student body of around 31,500 students.

Many American students who are looking for free international tuition should consider enrolling in the University of Göttingen. One of the countries oldest universities, the University of Göttingen has garnered a very positive reputation for the quality of its curriculum and facilities. Located in the “city of science”, the University of Göttingen is a great place for students interested in pursuing a STEM-related degree, whether it be at the graduate or undergraduate level. The primary language of instruction at the University of Göttingen is German. However, many of the courses offered at the University of Göttingen are also offered in English. Students interested in studying at any German university must provide the German government with proof of skill in the German language. The University of Göttingen is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

34. University of Halle-Wittenberg

Officially known as Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, the University of Halle-Wittenberg was established in 1502. Located in the city of Halle in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, the University of Halle-Wittenberg is one of the country’s oldest universities. Named after Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer and teacher at the school,  the University of Halle-Wittenberg was created when the University of Wittenberg and the University of Halle were merged together 1817. This merger of the two schools allowed the two universities to form one university that complemented each other strengths and weaknesses. Today, the University of Halle-Wittenberg has a robust curriculum of undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs for students to choose from. Currently, the University of Halle-Wittenberg is home to approximately 19,300 students.

For those American students interested in attending an international university with free tuition, the University of Halle-Wittenberg is a fantastic option worth their consideration. Located in the beautiful German city of Halle, the University of Halle-Wittenberg has become well-known for the research initiatives taking place at the school. For students who are interested in pursuing undergraduate degrees or graduate-level research, the University of Halle-Wittenberg provides accommodations for all. The primary language of instruction at the University of Halle-Wittenberg is German. However, many of the courses offered at the University of Halle-Wittenberg are also offered in English. The German government requires that students attending university in Germany must provide proof of skill in the German language. In our opinion, the University of Halle-Wittenberg is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

35. University of Hamburg

Borne out of Hamburg’s General lecture system, the Colonial Institute of Hamburg, and the Academic Gymnasium, the University of Hamburg was established in 1919. Founded in the city of Hamburg, the University of Hamburg is a comprehensive university that has grown to become the largest research university in all of Northern University. The University of Hamburg has also grown to have the most extensive curriculum offerings of any school in Germany. A major nexus for research and education, the University of Hamburg has been consistently ranked among the top 200 best universities in the entire world and has placed in the top 1% of global universities as measures by the CWTS Leiden Ranking. Offering a massive variety of both undergraduate and graduate level degree programs, the University of Hamburg is home to a student body of just shy of 43,000 students.

Committed to campus diversity, the University of Hamburg enrolls a large contingent of its student population from outside of Germany. For American students interested in an international university with free tuition, the University of Hamburg is an excellent choice worthy of consideration. Having one of the most extensive curriculums of any university in Germany, the University of Hamburg has something to offer for almost every student. Not only are students able to get a great education for no tuition, they are also afforded the opportunity to get their entire education abroad. That means they will be able to immerse themselves entirely in a new and different culture. The primary language of instruction at the University of Hamburg is German, however many of the courses are also offered in English. The University of Hamburg is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

36. University of Helsinki

With roots dating back to 1640, the University of Helsinki as it is known today has been located in Helsinki Finland since 1829. Originally, the University of Helsinki was known as the Royal Academy of Abo and was located in the city of Abo. However, the school was moved in 1829 to Helsinki and the name of the school was changed. Dating back all the way to the 15th century, the University of Helsinki is the oldest university in all of Finland. In time, the University of Helsinki has also grown to be the largest university in all of Finland and has also grown to offer the widest array of different degrees and programs of study for students to choose from. The University of Helsinki adheres to the Humboldtian ethos of education which focuses the university closely on high-quality teaching and research. Currently, over 36,000 students are enrolled at the University of Helsinki.

American students who are looking for a tuition-free international university in Finland should consider the University of Helsinki. As the oldest and largest university in all of Finland, the University of Helsinki offers students the widest array of educational opportunities. The University of Helsinki has also become well-known for its research efforts which is definitely something to consider when choosing a school to enroll in. The primary language of instruction at the University of Helsinki is both Finnish and Swedish. However, many of the programs are offered in English, especially those offered at the Master’s level. For students interested in studying abroad in Finland, the University of Helsinki is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

37. University of Kiel

Founded in the city of Kiel, within the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, the University of Kiel is one of Germany’s best public universities. Established in 1665, the University of Kiel was originally known as the Academia Holsatorum Chiloniensis and was founded by the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp. From humble beginnings nearly four-hundred years ago, the University of Kiel has grown immensely over the years.  Now the University of Kiel is not only the largest university in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, it is also the oldest. The University of Kiel has also been the recipient of many awards and recognition. Currently, twelve different Nobel Prizes have been awarded to people in close association with the university. The school is also a member of the German Universities Excellence Initiative. Today, the University of Kiel enrolls a student body of just over 25,000 students.

For many students from American who are looking for an international university with free tuition, the University of Kiel might be the best option worth their consideration. Located in the city of Kiel, Germany, the University of Kiel has gained a lot of awards and recognition for the quality of education provided on campus. Not only has it been highly-lauded, the University of Kiel is one of the oldest and largest universities in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. By enrolling in the University of Kiel, not only are students getting access to a high-quality education, they are doing so tuition-free while getting the opportunity to study abroad and completely immerse themselves in a foreign culture. The primary language of instruction at the University of Kiel is German, but the school does offer many of its classes in English. The German government requires that all international students provide some form of documentation showing proficiency in the German language. The University of Kiel is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

38. University of Leipzig

Established in 1409, the University of Leipzig is one of the oldest universities in the entire world. Located in the city of Leipzig within the Free State of Saxony, Germany, the University of Leipzig was established in 1409 and modeled after the University of Prague. Fully endorsed by Pope Alexander V, Leipzig University began teaching the people of Saxony, Germany. Now the second-longest consecutively operating university in all of Germany, Leipzig University has managed to teach uninterrupted for over six-hundred years. Now a counterpoint of German education, the University of Leipzig was home to famous alumni such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Angela Merkel, and nine different Nobel laureates. Still located in the city of Leipzig, the University of Leipzig offers a variety of different undergraduate and graduate level courses for students to enroll in. Today, just over 29,500 students are enrolled in the school.

The University of Leipzig is a fantastic option for students looking for an international university that is tuition free. One of the longest-running universities in Germany, the University of Leipzig has a rich and storied history and culture. Students enrolled at the University of Leipzig are able to enroll in a wide variety of different courses and classes on their own personal journey toward the education that they desire. Not only are students able to pursue this education without incurring any tuition debt, they’ll be doing so in an entirely different country. This affords these students the unique opportunity of immersing themselves entirely in another culture. The primary language of instruction on campus is German but many of the courses are also offered in English. The German government requires that all international students provide proof of skill in German. The University of Leipzig is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

39. University of Mainz

Officially known as the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the University of Mainz is a public research university in Germany. Located in the city of Mainz within the German state of the Rhineland Patinate, the University of Mainz was opened in 1477.  Adolf II von Nassau called for the establishment of the new university at Mainz leading up to the creation of the University of Mainz. The University of Mainz’ full name was chosen to honor Johannes Gutenberg, a famous printer from the city of Mainz. Now, the University of Mainz has grown to become one of Germany’s best universities. A large operation, the University of Mainz encompasses roughly 150 different schools and clinics. Due to its immense size, the University of Mainz is one of the top ten largest universities in the country of Germany. Currently, the University of Mainz is home to a student population of over 32,600 students.

For American students looking for an international university with free tuition, the University of Mainz is a fantastic option worthy of a students consideration. Located in the beautiful city of Mainz, Germany, students who choose to enroll in the University of Mainz are afforded the opportunity to gain an education at one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education. Not only will they be able to gain a high-quality German education, they will be doing so without incurring massive amounts of student debt. And on top of all that, they’ll be getting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad and experience an entirely different culture. The primary language of instruction at the University of Mainz is German although many courses are also taught in English. The German government requires students provide proof of skill in the German language before attending university. The University of Mainz is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

40. University of Marburg

Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse, called for the founding of the University of Marburg in the year 1527. Officially known as Philipps University of Marburg, the University of Marburg’s early founding date makes it one of the oldest universities in the entire world. Started as a Protestant university, the University of Marburg is also one of the oldest Protestant universities as well. No longer with religious affiliation, the University of Marburg is a public university. Located in the city of Marburg within the German state of Hesse, the University of Marburg has made a major mark on the city of Marburg. Having shaped the growth of the city of Marburg, the University of Marburg is now the counterpoint of the city itself. The largest university in the state of Hesse, the University of Marburg is home to over 26,700 students.

The University of Marburg is a fantastic option for students looking for an international university with free tuition. One of the oldest universities in all of Germany, the University of Marburg has a rich and long history of providing high-quality education to the German public. Not only has it been well-renowned among Germans, the University of Marburg has gone to great lengths to attract international students. Currently, twelve percent of the student population at the University of Marburg are international students. Students who choose to enroll in the University of Marburg are able to gain a high-quality education while also getting the opportunity to study abroad and immerse themselves in the German culture. The primary language of instruction on campus is German but many of the course are also offered in English. The German government requires all international students to show proof of skill in the German language before attending university. The University of Marburg is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

41. University of Munich

Established in 1472, the University of Munich is located in Munich within the German state of Bavaria. Known officially as the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, the University of Munich is named in honor of Duke Ludwig IX of Bavaria Landshut, the founder of the university, and King Maximilian I of Bavaria who saved the school from French attack in 1800. originally established in Landshut, the school was moved to avoid French attack to Ingolstadt. The school was moved once more in 1826 to its current location in Munich. Now, the University of Munich is widely considered as one of Germany and Europe’s most prestigious universities. Highly-lauded, the University of Munich has the 17th highest amount of Nobel laureates of any university in the world. Currently, the University of Munich is home to a student body of over 51,000 students making it he second-largest university in Germany by student population.

For American students interested in a tuition-free international university, the University of Munich is a fantastic option for students to consider. The second-largest university in all of Germany, the University of Munich is also one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in all of Germany and Europe. Having been in operation for over half a millennium, the University of Munich has a very long and rich history of providing higher education to students. By attending the University of Munich, students not only get a high-quality education but they also get to study abroad without incurring large amounts of student debt. The primary language of instruction on the University of Munich campus is German, but many of the courses are also offered to students in English. The German government requires that all international students show proof of skill in the German language before attending university. The University of Munich is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

42. University of Münster

A German public university, the University of Münster was established in 1780. Located in the city of Münster within the German state of, North Rhine-Westphalia, the University of Münster’s history dates back to 1588 in the Münster’s Jesuit College. Beginning the history of providing higher education in the city of Münster, the Münster’s Jesuit College would open the door for the later establishment of the University of Münster. In 1631, Emperor Ferdinand II and Pope Urban VII called for the creation of a university in the city of Münster. However, this did not come to fruition for almost 150 years, at which point the University of Münster was finally established in 1780. With a long and rich history of providing education to the people of Münster, the University of Münster has now grown to offer over 120 different fields of study for students to enroll in. Currently, the University of Münster is home to a student body of just under 44,000 students.

The University of Münster is a great option for American students who are deciding which international university with free tuition is right for them. Located in the small, but beautiful city of Münster, Germany, the University of Münster has a long history of providing higher-education to the people of Germany. Offering a wide array of courses of study for students to choose from, students who enroll in the University of Münster will get the opportunity to gain a high-quality German education without incurring much student debt. While gaining their education, students will also immerse themselves in the German culture and learn to develop a more global perspective. The primary language of instruction at the University of Münster is German but many courses are also offered in English. The German government requires that international students provide proof of skill in German before attending university. The University of Münster is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

43. University of Oslo

The oldest university in all of Norway, the University of Oslo was originally known as Royal Frederick University. Established in 1811, the University of Oslo is located in the Norwegian city of Oslo. At its founding in 1811, the University of Oslo was created and closely modeled after the University of Copenhagen. and the University of Berlin. Originally named Royal Frederick University, the University was named after King Frederick VI of Denmark and Norway. The school remained known as Royal Frederick University until 1939 at which point the school was renamed to the University of Oslo. The largest university for a long time, the University of Oslo was only recently surpassed in size when two institutions merged to form the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology. Today, the University of Oslo is home to a student body of just over 27,000 students.

American students searching for an international university with free tuition should consider enrolling in the University of Oslo. Located in the beautiful city of Oslo, Norway, the University of Oslo is one of the oldest and largest universities in all of Norway. The University of Oslo has consistently ranked highly on a variety of different college rankings that include schools from all over the globe. Students at the University of Oslo are able to enroll a variety of different undergraduate and graduate offerings at the school. The primary language of instruction at the University of Oslo is Norwegian, but many courses are also offered in English. It is not required, but highly recommended that students gain some level of proficiency in the Norwegian language before attending class. The University of Oslo is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

44. University of Oulu

Founded in 1958, the University of Oulu is one of the newer public universities in Finland. Dating back to 1919, the people of Oulu called for the creation of the Oulu College Association. The plan was for this group of people to set up and create an action plan for the creation of a new university that would serve the people of Oulu, Finland. Nearly forty years later, plans for the creation of a university in Oulu were finally realized when the Oulu University Act began. In 1959, the University of Oulu opened its doors to its first class of students from the town of Oulu. Despite being one of the newer schools in the country of Finland, the University of Oulu quickly rose to prominence. Today, the University of Oulu is the largest university in all of Finland with a student body of almost 16,000 students. The University of Oulu has also consistently placed well among the top-400 universities worldwide.

The University of Oulu is a great option for American students in search of an international university with free tuition. One of the newest universities in Finland, the University of Oulu is now one of the highest-ranked universities in the country and boasts the largest student population. Students who choose to enroll in the University of Oulu are afforded the opportunity to enroll in a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate offerings. Not only are students able to gain a high-quality education at the University of Oulu, but they are also able to immerse themselves completely in another culture without incurring high amounts of student debt. The primary language of instruction on campus is Finnish, but many courses are also offered in other languages like English. It is recommended that students have an understanding of the Finnish language before attending. The University of Oulu is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

45. University of São Paulo

A public university in Brazil, the University of São Paulo is located in the Brazilian city of São Paulo. Established in 1934, the history of the University of São Paulo dates back even further. The São Paulo Law School, the oldest component part of the University of São Paulo, was established in 1827. In 1934, the government of São Paulo called for the consolidation of the School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, the Polytechnic School of Engineering, the Luis de Quieroz College of Agriculture, the Medical School, and several other schools together to form what is now known as the University of São Paulo. Hoping to combine these schools together to create a more multidisciplinary institution, the University of São Paulo is now known as the best university in Ibero-America. Today, the University of São Paulo enrolls a student population of almost 93,000 students making it one of the largest in all of Latin America.

For American students looking for an international university with free tuition, the University of São Paulo is a great option worthy of consideration. Located in one of Brazil’s most populous and beautiful cities, the University of São Paulo is also one of the most prestigious universities in all of Latin America. Despite having been founded relatively recently, the University of São Paulo quickly rose to prominence and is now one of the most highly-regarded universities in all of Latin America and the world. By enrolling at the University of São Paulo, students not only get a high-quality education but they also get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of Brazil. The primary language of instruction at the University of São Paulo is Portuguese. However, many courses are also offered to students in English. The University of São Paulo is is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

46. University of Stuttgart

Founded in Stuttgart, Germany, the University of Stuttgart was established in 1829. Founded to complement the nearby University of Hohenheim, the University of Stuttgart focused initially on the technical sciences. In 1876, the University was renamed to be known as the Institute of Technology. This name remained as the University of Stuttgart focused primarily on engineering and technical sciences. By 1967, the school had begun to add a variety of different degree programs prompting the school to be renamed to its current name. Renamed to the University of Stuttgart, the school quickly became known for its advancements in the field of automotive engineering, aerospace engineering, and automated manufacturing. A member of the TU9, a consortium of Germany’s top institutes of technology, the University of Stuttgart is home to a student body of just under 25,000 students.

American students looking for an international university with free tuition should consider enrolling in the University of Stuttgart. Located in the beautiful city of Stuttgart, Germany, the University of Stuttgart has become highly-regarded for its engineering programs. For students who are interested in gaining a high-quality education in engineering should consider enrolling in the University of Stuttgart. Offering courses in automotive engineering, electrical engineering, and many more engineering disciplines, the University of Stuttgart is great for future engineers. Not only are students getting a high-quality education but they are also able to study abroad with minimal debt incurred. The primary language of instruction at the University of Stuttgart is German but many courses are also offered in English. The German government requires that all international students provide proof of skill in the German language before attending university. The University of Stuttgart is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

47. University of Tübingen

Known officially as the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, the University of Tübingen is one of Germany’s best public research universities. Located in Tübingen within the German state of Baden-Württemberg, the University of Tübingen was founded in 1477. Count Eberhard V, who would later go on to become the first Duke of Württemberg, founded the University of Tübingen after becoming inspired during his travels during the Renaissance. Later, the Duke Karl Eugen added his name on to the name of the school, giving the school its official name of Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. One of the oldest and most famous universities in Germany, the school has become noted for its advancements and studies in the field of medicine, natural sciences, and much more. A German Excellence University, the University of Tübingen has been highly-lauded for its academic successes. Today, the University of Tübingen is home to a student body of approximately 28,500 students.

The University of Tübingen is a stellar option for American students looking for an international university that offers free tuition. Located in the beautiful university town of Tübingen, Germany, the University of Tübingen is one Germany’s oldest universities. Having a storied history of academic excellence, the University of Tübingen is a well-regarded university with a wide variety of different degrees and programs of study. Not only will students get a great education at the University of Tübingen, but they will also be able to study abroad without incurring large amounts of student debt. The primary language of instruction at the University of Tübingen is German, but many of the courses are also offered in English. The German government requires that international students provide proof of skill in the German language before attending university. The University of Tübingen is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

48. University of Turku

One of Finland’s best universities, the University of Turku is located in Turku, Finland. Established in 1920, the University of Turku’s history dates back all the way to the early 1600s. Established in 1620, the Royal Academy of Turku was established but soon was moved to the new capital of Helsinki. Wanting to create a purely Finnish university, the Finnish intelligentsia called for the founding of the University of Turku. Located squarely in the center of the city, the University of Turku quickly became a focal point for the city of Turku, Finland. A public university, the University of Turku has done a lot to advance the education of the people of Finland and those who choose to enroll internationally. Currently, the University of Turku is home to a student body of more than 20,000 students. The University of Turku is the second-largest university in all of Finland, second to the University of Helsinki.

For American students searching for an international university with free tuition, the University of Turku is an excellent choice worthy of consideration. The second-largest university in all of Finland, the University of Turku has become a major part of the system of higher education within the country of Finland. Offering a wide variety of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the University of Turku has degree programs and courses of study for almost every student. Currently, a major proportion of those studying at the University of Turku are pursuing postgraduate degrees. The primary language of instruction on campus is Finnish but many courses are also offered in English. Students are not required to speak Finnish but it is highly recommended. The University of Turku is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

49. University of Ulm

Also known as Ulm University, the University of Ulm is located in the city of Ulm within the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Established in 1967, the University of Ulm is one of the youngest public universities in Germany and the youngest public university in Baden-Württemberg. Wanting to complement the older universities, the University of Ulm would focus on a different approach to both research and teaching. The idea was to create a university that promoted interdisciplinary studies in order to promote a well-rounded education for students. In just a few decades, the University of Ulm became well-known for its engineering sciences, medicine, and mathematics programs. Located just north of the city, the University of Ulm has become a focal point of the city of Ulm. Today, the University of Ulm is home to a student population just under 11,000 students.

The University of Ulm is a great option for American students seeking an international university with free tuition. Being a newer university, the University of Ulm has already managed to make its mark on Germany’s higher education system. With a newer more refined focus on STEM-related fields of study, the University of Ulm is a very attractive option for students looking for a career in STEM. Students who attend the University of Ulm are afforded the opportunity for a high-quality education while saving large sums of money by not paying tuition. Not only do they save money, but they are also getting the invaluable experience of immersing themselves in a foreign culture. The primary language of instruction at the University of Ulm is German but many courses are offered in English. The German government requires that international students provide proof of skill in the German language before attending the university. The University of Ulm is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

50. University of Würzburg

Officially known Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, the University of Würzburg is one of Germany’s top public research universities. Located in the city of Würzburg, located within the German state of Bavaria, the University of Würzburg was founded in 1402. One of Germany’s oldest institutions of higher education, the University of Würzburg operated for almost a decade and was shut down in 1415. However, the school was reopened by Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn in 1582. Helping to reopen the school, Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn was posthumously honored in the official name of the University of Würzburg. Over the coming centuries, the University of Würzburg would make a name for itself in the field of research and science as it became one of Germany’s top sites for academic research. Today, the University of Würzburg is part of the U15, a group made up of Germany’s most research-intensive universities. Currently, the University of Würzburg is home to a student body of just under 29,000 students.

The University of Würzburg is a fantastic option for students looking for an international university with free tuition. A massive research university, the University of Würzburg has been recognized time and time again for the quality and amount of research undertaken in the university. By enrolling at the University of Würzburg, students are able to enroll in a variety of different undergraduate and graduate offerings. The University of Würzburg offers students from America an opportunity for a high-quality education without incurring massive amounts of student debt. Students also get the invaluable experience of studying abroad and immersing themselves in another culture. The primary language of instruction at the University of Würzburg is German, but many classes are offered in English. The German government requires that all international students provide proof of skill in the German language before attending university in Germany. The University of Würzburg is one of the top international universities with free tuition.

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Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students 2024

Do you want to start your study adventure abroad? Good news! A number of fully funded scholarships are available for international students. In this article we will explain in detail about fully funded scholarships offered in world top universities, their benefits and step by step application process.

Many fully funded PhD scholarships 2024-2025 are available at world top universities for international students. These scholarships provide monthly stipend along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance and travel allowance.

Apply for fully funded scholarships and fulfill your dream of studying at world top universities like Yale University USA, Oxford University UK, Cambridge University UK, Harvard University USA, Monash University Australia, CGS China and many more. Here is a list of fully funded PhD scholarships for international students:

1. Yale University Scholarships USA

Yale University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, masters and PhD. Yale Scholarship can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year; the average Yale need-based scholarship is over $50,000.

• Institution: Yale University
• Study in: USA
• Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD
• Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process.

2. Turkey Government Scholarship

Turkey Government Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, masters and PhD studies. Turkiye Burslari Scholarship covers m onthly stipend up to 1600 TL per month, t uition Fee, r eturn flight ticket, h ealth insurance and a ccommodation.

• Institution: Turkish Universities
• Study in: Turkey
• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD 
• Click here for Deadlines and step by step Application process .

3. Chinese Government Scholarships

Chinese Government Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship.   Only masters and PhD programs are available under this scholarship at more than 280 Chinese Universities. Chinese Government Scholarship covers accommodation, basic heath insurance and monthly allowance up to 3500 Yuan.

• Institution: Chinese Universities
• Study in: China

4. DAAD Scholarship Germany

DAAD Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship. This scholarship is only available for masters or PhD studies at the top German Universities. This scholarship covers monthly payments of 850 euros for graduates or 1,200 euros for doctoral candidates.

• Institution: German Universities
• Study in: Germany
• Level of Study:  Masters / PhD

5. MEXT Scholarship Japan

MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is available for undergraduate, masters, PhD and training studies. MEXT scholarship will cover tuition fee, accommodation, monthly living allowance and round airfare travel expenses from your country to Japan.

• Institution: Japnese Universities
• Study in: Japan

6. Fulbright Scholarships USA

Fulbright Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are only offered for masters and PhD studies. Fulbright Foreign Student Program covers full tuition fee, a living stipend, full accommodation fee, airfare and health insurance.

• Institution: USA Universities
• Level of Study: Masters / PhD

7. Ton Duc Thang University Graduate Scholarship

Ton Duc Thang University Graduate Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are only offered for masters and doctoral studies. This Scholarship covers full tuition fee and full accommodation fee.

• Institution: Ton Duc Thang University
• Study in: Vietnam

8. Bangkok Government Scholarship

Bangkok Government Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are only offered for masters and Ph.D. This Scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and a monthly stipend and accommodation in the amount of 16.000 Baht.

• Institution: Chulalongkorn University
• Study in: Thailand

9. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for masters and PhD studies. This scholarship provides £17,500 stipend per annum, health insurance, academic development funding up to £2,000 and family allowance up to £10,120.

• Institution: University of Cambridge
• Study in: UK

10. Stanford University Scholarships

Stanford University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for Masters and Ph.D studies. This scholarship is offering full tuition fees, traveling allowance, Living allowance and academic expenses.

• Institution: Stanford University

11. Muhammad Bin Zaid University Scholarships

Muhammad Bin Zaid University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for masters and doctoral studies. The MBZUAI scholarship offers 100% tuition fees waiver, monthly stipend, accommodation and many more benefits.

• Institution: Muhammad Bin Zaid University
• Study in: UAE

12. Hungary Government Scholarship

Hungary Government Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students to study undergraduate, masters and PhD at Hungarian Universities . Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship will cover tuition fees, stipend of HUF 43,700/month, accommodation contribution of  HUF 40 000/month and medical insurance for up to HUF 65 000 a year/person

• Institution: Hungarian Universities
• Study in: Hungary
• Level of Study: Undergraduate/ Masters / PhD

30 Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

These fully funded Ph.D. programs are in fields like business, computer science, education and nursing.

(Getty Images) |

Many Ph.D. programs are fully funded.

Students interested in graduate research in various fields, from public health and English to computer science and engineering, have numerous options for Ph.D. programs that offer full funding. These programs typically provide waived tuition and fees and an annual stipend. Some also offer health insurance and other benefits. Gaining admittance into these small cohorts can be highly competitive, and the programs can be time-consuming . Here are 30 fully funded Ph.D. programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list – there are others out there.

• Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of Chicago

Anthropology Ph.D. students at the University of Chicago can receive funding for up to eight years of study, assuming they are in good standing at the university. During that time, they will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus health insurance and a living stipend – which equated to $33,000 for the 2022-2023 school year – and can apply for external fellowships.

Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University (MA)

Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston offers a Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health that aims to provide students with expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend and health insurance for five years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. International students receive the same benefits. Current research in the school's laboratories involves diseases like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria and tuberculosis.

(Dominick Reuter) |

• Ph.D. in business at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Students enrolled in the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can study a range of fields like organization studies, accounting and information technology. Those pursuing a Ph.D. will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus a monthly stipend of $4,267, capped at $51,204. They will also receive medical insurance, new laptops at the beginning of their first and fourth years of study and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.

(Tommy Lavergne | Rice University)

Ph.D. in business at Rice University (TX)

At the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business in Texas, students enjoy full financial assistance upon admission to the Ph.D. program. Aiming to prepare students to teach in fields like accounting, finance, organizational behavior and strategic management, the program provides students with a research or teaching assistantship. Students receive a tuition waiver and a $40,000 annual stipend contingent on making satisfactory academic progress and maintaining full-time student status.

Office of Strategic Communication | University of Iowa

• Ph.D. in business at the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business offers Ph.D. degrees in fields such as accounting, economics, business analytics and marketing. The college says it provides full funding to "virtually all admitted students." This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments and comprehensive health insurance covered at 90%. Some departments offer funding for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships and paid time off for independent research.

Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University (NY)

According to Cornell University 's website, all students admitted to the chemical engineering Ph.D. program at the New York school receive a full tuition waiver, health insurance and a stipend. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.

Chris Taggart | Columbia University

Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University (NY)

Students enrolled in Columbia University 's Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at the Teachers College in New York receive fully funded tuition and a $25,000 stipend annually for three years. The stipend also carries into a student's fourth year. These doctoral fellows "may be expected to serve" as graduate teaching or research assistants. Students typically complete the mentor-matched program, which includes a full-year internship, in five to seven years.

Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University (RI)

Brown University 's Ph.D. students in computer science have access to "full financial support while completing the degree," plus the option to take classes at nearby schools without incurring additional costs, according to the school's website. In fact, doctoral students in any program at the Rhode Island university are guaranteed five years of financial support, which includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees and a subsidy for health insurance.

Georgetown University |

Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University (DC)

Georgetown University 's Ph.D. program in computer science provides scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition at the Washington, D.C., school and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years. Once enrolled in the program, students must complete the Apprenticeship in Teaching Program and ultimately write and defend a full research dissertation in a seminar open to the public.

Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University in St. Louis

Ph.D. students in the computer science or computer engineering program at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support and health insurance. According to the university's website: "As a doctoral candidate, you will also receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses and a new, high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as you continue to make satisfactory progress towards your degree." Doctoral students may also qualify for one of three fellowships.

Jeff Miller | UW-Madison

• Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison

Incoming Ph.D. students at the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin—Madison are guaranteed full funding for the duration of the time that they are expected on campus, according to the university's department of counseling psychology website. Doctoral students also receive a benefits package that includes health insurance. Funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships and/or traineeships.

Emory University |

Ph.D. in economics at Emory University (GA)

Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding, according to the Georgia university's website. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student's cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.

• Ph.D. in education at New York University

New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers more than 30 degree programs. Many can be pursued on campus or online. Ph.D. degrees are offered in areas like developmental psychology, educational leadership and childhood education. Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.

L.A. Cicero, Stanford News Service |

Ph.D. in education at Stanford University (CA)

Stanford University's Graduate School of Education allows students numerous fellowship and assistantship opportunities at the California school, along with a "five-year funding guarantee that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary, and covers the standard cost of attendance," the program website reads. At the Graduate School of Education, doctoral students can choose from a range of academic areas like curriculum studies and teacher education, and developmental and psychological sciences.

• Ph.D. in education at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.

• Ph.D. in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor can choose from numerous areas of specialization under umbrella categories like aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, macromolecular science and engineering, and robotics. All engineering doctoral students are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend and health insurance. The exact amount can vary, according to the program's website, and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.

Boston University Photography |

• Ph.D. in English at Boston University

Annually, doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, according to the university's website, but it's not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships and short-term research and travel grants.

(Stephanie Diani) |

• Ph.D. in English at the University of California—Los Angeles

Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at the University of California—Los Angeles are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes "a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support and up to four years of teaching assistantships," according to the school website. Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Jeff Watts |

Ph.D. in international relations at American University (DC)

American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean's Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant. Students also must "demonstrate competency in a modern foreign language" before graduating.

Jonathan Cohen | Binghamton University

• Ph.D. in management at Binghamton University—SUNY

All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years. This STEM-designated business doctoral degree prepares students for careers in academia and work in the public and private sectors, and has a student-faculty ratio of 1-to-1, according to the university's website.

Duke University Communications |

Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University (NC)

Doctoral students at Duke University in North Carolina studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university's student medical insurance plan. The doctoral program aims to help students publish with a faculty adviser and develop research skills, with the opportunity to present research at professional conferences.

Homewood Photography | JHU

Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University (MD)

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland provides most doctoral students with three fully funded years of study. Available financial aid includes graduate assistantships, targeted fellowships and nursing-specific funding. The university aims to "advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery" with the degree, its website reads. "By graduation, most Hopkins nurse scholars have been awarded grants that continue their research and set them well on their way to a successful career."

• Ph.D. in nursing at the University of Virginia

All students admitted to the University of Virginia 's Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant. With a heavy research focus, students can expect courses in qualitative, quantitative and historical research, and will have to submit a research proposal for peer review.

Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University (CT)

At Yale University in Connecticut, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care. The program allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in a particular area of study. Every incoming Ph.D. student gets paired with a faculty adviser "whose area of expertise and active research most closely matches with the student’s scholarly interest," according to the school's website.

University of Minnesota |

• Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend and subsidized health insurance. Funding comes from some combination of teaching assistantships, traineeships, research assistantships and fellowships. Students in the program can specialize in areas like cognitive and brain sciences, industrial-organizational psychology and social psychology.

Matt Cashore | University of Notre Dame

Ph.D. within the Romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame (IN)

University of Notre Dame doctoral students who focus on French and Francophone studies, Iberian and Latin American studies or Italian studies are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance. Anyone who completes the Ph.D. degree requirements at the Indiana university within five years will automatically receive a one-year postdoctoral fellowship via the university's 5+1 Program. Fellows will have a teaching load limited to one course per semester.

Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College (PA)

Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College 's Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and "substantial stipends" toward living expenses. The Pennsylvania college's website says: "Consistent with our model, all Ph.D. students are funded equally, and do not compete for basic financial support during coursework." The program's cohorts typically include only three or four students each year. According to the college, it awarded the first Ph.D. degree in social work in the U.S. in 1920.

Vanderbilt University |

Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University (TN)

Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. This includes full tuition, a "competitive" monthly stipend and health insurance for up to four years. Students may also be nominated for additional honor scholarships and fellowships. Areas of focus within the Ph.D. program include high-incidence disabilities and early childhood education.

Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University (IL)

This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at Northwestern University in Illinois combines coursework in humanities, social science and the visual arts. The program's students receive a five-year full-tuition scholarship plus an annual living stipend. Ph.D students enrolling at this program in fall 2022 will receive a living stipend of at least $36,960 during the 2023-2024 school year. Stipend amounts may change from year to year. Students can apply for subsidies to facilitate conference travel and summer language study.

(Photo by Sarah L. Voisin | The Washington Post via Getty Images)

• Ph.D. in women, gender and sexuality studies at University of Maryland

At the University of Maryland 's Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master's degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master's degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships. Since the program's establishment in 1999, the department has granted 36 Ph.Ds, according to UMD's website.

Learn more about paying for graduate school.

Finding a fully funded program isn't the only option to offset the costs of graduate school. See these seven strategies to pay for graduate school to learn more. Check out the latest Best Graduate Schools rankings to see the country's top business, medicine and law programs – and more. For additional grad school tips, follow U.S. News Education on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .

Ph.D. programs that are fully funded

• Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University
• Ph.D. in business at Rice University
• Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University
• Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University—St. Louis
• Ph.D. in economics at Emory University
• Ph.D. in education at Stanford University
• Ph.D. in international relations at American University
• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University
• Ph.D. within the romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame
• Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College
• Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University
• Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University

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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.

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 USA

Norway is another Nordic nation that ranks among the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. All students, regardless of nationality, are not charged tuition at Norway’s public universities. Norway’s cost of living is comparable to that of Sweden, therefore you may want to look into ways to reduce your out-of-pocket spending. Other than that, you will just need to pay a nominal semester student union charge to cover expenses like tests or sports facilities, which would only cost you between 300 and 600 Norwegian kroner (approximately INR 2353.24 to INR 4706.49). You can try your luck by submitting an application to the University of Oslo , the top-ranked institution in Norway, which is currently placed 101st in the most recent QS World University Rankings.

Following the Bologna approach, Norwegian PhD programs are third-cycle degrees. As a result, conducting research and creating a PhD thesis will be needed for you.

In Norway, PhDs frequently adhere to a standardized format. Before beginning your PhD research and thesis writing, this usually entails a training component. You might also be regarded as an employee of the university, complete with benefits. In this situation, you will need to uphold your teaching and administrative duties.

The fact that all PhD students in Norway get free tuition is a significant and alluring feature of the program. The cost of living is high in the nation. As a result, maintenance financing of some kind is typically required.

Universities in Norway do not charge tuition for their PhD programs. However, in order to join and receive a student card at many Norwegian universities, you must pay a charge of INR 4149.5 to INR 8299 to the student union each semester.

In Norway, candidates for a PhD are required to hold a master’s degree in a related field. You can check your qualifications’ eligibility at the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. A similar degree may be approved (NOKUT).

Each research organization has a different set of conditions for applications. Always double-check with your desired university.

Typically, PhD candidates must submit a strong research proposal or project description together with the necessary application materials. Other standard materials for PhD applications may also be requested from you. These are some extra materials that might be needed:

• certified copies of all the documents that are pertinent to your education
• a strategy for financing your studies (for the full 3-4 years of full-time study, plus information about the funding source and type)
• An explanation of any significant scholarly or material resource needs
• a minimum of one proposed academic supervisor’s name (unless stipulated otherwise)

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.

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How to Apply for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding, & FAQs

If you’re considering advancing your academic journey with a PhD and have a passion for conducting research in your field, Germany could be an excellent destination for you. With its top-tier universities, exciting research opportunities, financial support, and diverse culture, Germany stands out as an excellent choice for PhD studies.

These are the main steps to doing a PhD in Germany:

Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor

• Decide Between Individual and Structured PhD Programs
• Meet All Requirements & Prepare Your Application

Apply for Doctoral Studies

Secure funding, get a student visa or resident permit, arrive in germany and begin your phd program, why pursue a phd in germany.

Here are some compelling reasons to pursue a PhD in Germany:

• Top universities. Germany boasts four universities ranked in the top 100 globally, offering access to world-class education and research facilities.
• International student community. Germany welcomes a diverse and thriving international student community, with over 458,210 international students studying across the country.
• Abundant research institutions. Germany’s 1,000+ publicly funded research institutions, spanning universities, applied sciences, research institutes, businesses, and government bodies, offer countless opportunities for collaboration and networking.
• Investment in research and development. Germany’s commitment to research and development is evident through its increasing expenditure, which reached a record high of 112.6 billion euros in 2021.
• Strong economy. Germany is known for its robust and stable economy, offering potential career opportunities in academia, industry, and research sectors after completing your PhD.

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany

Below, you will find all the steps you need to take, from discovering your perfect program to submitting your application and commencing your PhD adventure in Germany.

To start your PhD in Germany, define your research focus by considering your interests and academic background. Explore resources, attend conferences, and connect with professors. Use online sources, engage with academic communities, and seek advice from current PhD students for insights into the research scene.

If you’re already clear about your research direction, it’s time to search for suitable programs. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a comprehensive database of current opportunities, which you can explore at the DAAD PhD Database . Additionally, consider researching universities in Germany individually to understand what each institution offers in terms of research and programs.

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You will also have to find a supervisor. One way to do so is by visiting university websites to find faculty directories with profiles of professors and their research interests. Contact professors whose work aligns with your research interests, express your interest and inquire about supervision opportunities.

> You can search PhD programs using the GERiT database , which features over 31,000 research institutions.

Types of PhD Programs in Germany

Before you start searching for a PhD program, it’s essential to understand that in Germany, there are two different paths you can take when pursuing a PhD, each with its own set of advantages and opportunities.

Individual PhD Programs

An individual doctorate program is considered the more common and traditional PhD route in Germany. It is a flexible and self-directed path to earning a doctoral degree, particularly in fields like humanities and social sciences. You take the initiative to find a supervisor (called “Doktorvater” or “Doktormutter”) for your research project and often suggest your research topic.

There’s no fixed curriculum, giving you the freedom to set your research timeline and choose coursework. This approach requires self-discipline and active networking, including participation in doctoral candidate meetings and research events.

Structured PhD Programs

Structured PhD programs in Germany offer a clear path to a PhD degree, typically lasting three to five years. Unlike individual doctorate studies, they include a curriculum, research proposal submission that has to fit an existing program, and a set timeline for coursework and research.

Candidates benefit from advisor supervision and are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines, making structured programs ideal if you’re seeking a guided and comprehensive doctoral experience.

Ensure You Meet All Requirements & Prepare the Application

The requirements and application documents for a PhD in Germany can vary depending on your chosen institution and research area. However, as a general guideline, you should prepare the following:

• Academic degree recognized in Germany. Typically, you’ll need a master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) to qualify for a PhD program.
• Copy of master’s thesis. Provide a copy of your master’s thesis, showcasing your research skills and the depth of your academic work.
• Research proposal. Craft a clear and comprehensive research proposal outlining your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and significance.
• Statement of purpose. Write a statement of purpose explaining why you wish to pursue a PhD in your chosen field, your academic and career goals, and how this program aligns with your aspirations.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV). Prepare a detailed CV highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, relevant coursework, publications, and any other qualifications.
• Proof of language proficiency. Depending on the language of instruction (usually German or English), you may have to provide proof of language proficiency. You can do this with certificates like TestDaF, DSH, TOEFL, IELTS, or proof of previous studies in the language.
• Academic references. You may need to provide contact information or recommendation letters from professors or academic advisors confirming your academic abilities and research potential.
• Predoctoral examination. Some programs may require you to pass a predoctoral examination as part of the application process.

Once you’ve found a suitable PhD program and a mentor, and your academic qualifications are recognized in Germany, you can start your application. Depending on the university or research institute, you can apply online or by post, so it’s essential to check their specific requirements. Keep in mind that admission committees are selective and may conduct interviews to admit the best candidates.

Securing funding is a crucial step when preparing for a PhD in Germany. To meet visa requirements and stay in the country, you must demonstrate access to a minimum of €934 per month, totaling €11,208 annually. This proof can be provided through an admission agreement or relevant contract, or you can open a blocked account with individual funds.

There are various ways to financially support yourself while pursuing a PhD in Germany:

• PhD scholarships. DAAD offers the highest number of doctoral scholarships. PhD students get an average monthly stipend of €1,139.
• Paid PhD positions. Many universities and research institutions offer paid PhD positions in Germany. You will have a contract and work on specific research projects while receiving a salary.
• Research associate positions. You can also work as a research associate in a university, research institution, or company and receive a salary as compensation.
• Part-time jobs. Some PhD students/researchers work part-time jobs that are not related to their studies to secure additional income.

> Read more about the costs associated with studying in Germany.

> Explore scholarship opportunities.

Once your acceptance into the PhD program is confirmed by the university or institution, you can begin the process of applying for a student visa or residence permit. The PhD visa or permit requirements for Germany can vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances:

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need any special permit or visa to pursue a PhD in Germany. They can research and work with just a valid passport or ID card.

For international researchers who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, a visa will be required to work as a researcher in Germany.

The type of visa you need depends on your specific situation:

• Study visa. If you’re pursuing a full-time doctoral program, you may apply for a student visa.
• Research visa. If your focus is on research and you have a formal affiliation with a research institution in Germany, you can apply for a research visa.
• EU Blue Card. If your PhD offer includes a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (or €41,041.80 in certain professions), you may be eligible for an EU Blue Card, which is a special residence title for international academics.

Residence Permit Requirements

Once you arrive in Germany, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit based on the visa you have:

• Study permit. If you’re accepted into a PhD program at a German university, you can get a study-based residence permit for up to two years, extendable.
• Research permit. If you’re a researcher with the right qualifications for doctoral programs, you can get a research permit for Germany. This requires a contract with a research institution for your project.
• EU Blue Card. You may be eligible for the EU Blue Card, which is for foreign academics and qualified workers in Germany. To get it through a PhD offer, your salary should be at least €45,300 per year, or €41,041.80 for certain bottleneck professions .

*Note that nationals of certain countries , including the United States, Australia, Israel, Japan, and Korea, who are not required to obtain a visa, must still apply for a residence permit.

> For more specific information tailored to your situation, we recommend contacting the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also use this visa navigator.

Arriving in Germany and commencing your PhD program is an exciting step, but there are certain formalities you need to take care of. The international office at the university or a representative can guide you, however here are the main things to take care of once you’re in the country:

Register Your Residence

Shortly after your arrival, you must register your residence at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). This is mandatory, and you typically have a window of two weeks to complete this process.

Obtain Health Insurance

Everyone in Germany, including international PhD students, is obligated by law to have health insurance coverage . The type of health insurance you are eligible for depends on the source of your funding:

• Doctoral candidates with an employment contract are typically insured automatically with a state-regulated health insurance provider (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung -GKV)
• Doctoral candidates without an employment contract (with a fellowship or private funding) may choose between:
• Voluntary health insurance coverage with a state-regulated provider.
• Coverage with a private health insurance company.

Some exceptions allow you to retain your insurance from your home country, such as students from a European Union (EU) country or other countries with social security agreements with Germany.

Open a Bank Account

It’s advisable to open a German bank account as soon as possible. Many financial transactions in Germany, including receiving your stipend or salary, are typically done through a German bank account.

Enrollment at University

If your PhD program requires enrollment at a university, you’ll need to complete this step. Submit the necessary documents to the university’s enrollment office, which may include your admission letter, passport, proof of health insurance, and proof of financial means.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s a lot to think about when you’re considering pursuing a PhD, especially if it’s in a foreign country. We’re sure you’ve got more questions, and we’re here to help.

What Is the Duration of a PhD Program in Germany?

In general, a PhD program in Germany typically lasts between three to six years.

The duration of a PhD program in Germany can vary depending on several factors, including the university, the subject area, and individual progress.

Are PhD Programs in Germany Tuition-Free?

Most PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free, at least for the first six semesters. However, if you are enrolled at a university, you will need to cover a semester fee. This can vary depending on the university but usually falls within the range of €100 to €350.

Is Knowing German Mandatory to Pursue a PhD in Germany?

Knowing German is not always mandatory to pursue a PhD in Germany. Many German universities offer PhD programs in English, especially in fields like science, engineering, and the humanities. In such programs, you can write your thesis and communicate with professors and peers in English.

However, language requirements differ by university and department. If your program is in German, you might need to prove your proficiency. Knowing German can also be helpful for daily life and integration if you’re living in Germany.

Will I Get a PhD Salary in Germany?

PhD candidates in Germany, whether affiliated with universities, research institutions, or companies collaborating with them, typically receive financial support in the form of a salary or grant.

The majority of doctoral positions are structured under the TV-L (Tarifvertrag im Öffentlichen Dienst) salary scale, often falling within the TV-L 13 category, with a salary range spanning from €4,188 (Tier 1) to €6,037 (Tier 6).

Salaries are typically determined based on a wage agreement that specifies the contract tier (Stufe) and working hours (percentage-based). Many entry-level PhD students start with tier 1 contracts that are not full-time. For example, if your contract places you in Pay Group E-13 Tier 1 of the TV-L and you work at 75% capacity, your monthly gross salary will be €3,141.

Can I Work While Pursuing a PhD in Germany?

It’s generally allowed for PhD students in Germany to have part-time jobs to cover living expenses. However, the rules and expectations can vary depending on your supervisor, field of study, and specific circumstances.

While part-time work is an option, keep in mind that pursuing a PhD can be quite demanding, often requiring long hours of research and study. It’s essential to find the right balance between work and your academic commitments. Additionally, make sure to be aware of any legal and contractual obligations related to your employment while studying for your PhD.

What Is the Process for Defending a PhD Thesis in Germany?

In Germany, defending your PhD thesis involves several steps. You start by submitting your thesis and necessary documents, making sure they meet all the formal requirements. A commission is formed, and you may have the opportunity to suggest reviewers.

Then, you will have to prepare and undergo an oral defense, which can be either public or private and typically lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this, you present your research and discuss it with the committee.

The outcome of this discussion determines your final grade, which you receive after the defense. If everything goes well, you’re granted the Ph.D. title and have about two years to publish your dissertation.

What Are the Career Prospects After Completing a PhD in Germany?

After completing a PhD in Germany, career prospects are promising. Graduates often find opportunities in academia as professors or researchers or in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. Germany’s strong economy and research-oriented environment make it an attractive place for career development.

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List of Free Phd Programs In Germany

Mar 4, 2024 | 5 min read

Free PhD programs in Germany are offered at public universities to all students regardless of their nationality, for up to the standard length of a PhD (3 years).

International students looking for free PhD programs in Germany can check out public universities in Germany that offer free PhD programs to all students regardless of their nationality, for up to the standard length of a PhD (3 years). PhD programs are free also in the state of Baden-Württemberg where tuition fees were reintroduced for non-EU students in 2017.

Germany is one of the most popular study abroad destinations and is home to around 3,600 international graduates completing their doctorate every year. Having first introduced the PhD in the 19th century, German universities and specialist research centres continue to offer innovative, tuition-free, postgraduate programs in various specializations to students from all over the world.

Table of Contents

Why Study a PhD in Germany?

Types of free phd programs in germany, top universities for free phd programs in germany, eligibility requirements for free phd programs in germany, how to apply for free phd programs in germany, cost to study free phd programs in germany, scholarships for free phd programs in germany.

Germany has a global reputation as a world leader in technology innovation and research. It also has a robust economy and an attractive quality of life and is particularly renowned in fields such as engineering and manufacturing. Some reasons to study a PhD in Germany include:

• Several German universities have a strong international reputation of which 46 are ranked within the top 1000 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2020
• Germany offers a high standard of living and welcomes international students with low costs of study and good funding opportunities
• PhD in Germany is usually tuition-free and more than a quarter of doctoral candidates in Germany receive public funding
• The German higher education system is also world-class that has produced some of history’s most formidable thinkers such as theoretical physicist Albert Einstein

There are two types of free PhD programs in Germany depending on their structure and their provider. More detailed information on each type of PhD in Germany can be found below:

Individual Doctorate: This traditional PhD program in Germany is the most popular where students produce their thesis or dissertation under the supervision of a professor, but will mostly be working independently. The duration of this doctoral program varies but usually takes between 3-5 years.

The individual doctorate is known for being flexible but also demands a high amount of personal initiative and responsibility. One can not only obtain a PhD degree by conducting research work at a university but also by completing a project at a non-university research organization or at a German company in the industrial sector.

Structured PhD Programs: These free PhD programs in Germany involves a group of doctoral students being guided by a group of supervisors. Over 600 programs are available for international students with English as the language of instruction.

The structured PhD programs differ from the individual doctorate programs as the research proposals of the students have to fit in with existing PhD programs and cannot be freely structured to suit the individual research project. Students are also required to attend lectures and seminars, and will normally have a mentor.

Several universities in Germany are ranked globally for their PhD programs by various ranking organisations such as Times Higher Education, QS Rankings, and more. Listed below are some of the top universities for free PhD programs in Germany for international students:

• Technical University of Munich
• Heidelberg University
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• University of Goettingen
• University of Freiburg
• Free University of Berlin
• RWTH Aachen University

The eligibility criteria for free PhD programs in Germany vary based on the university and chosen program. In general, students need to have a good higher education degree which is equivalent to a German master’s degree. Find below the other admission requirements for enrolling in free PhD programs in Germany:

• An entrance exam and interview is needed to enrol extremely well-qualified international applicants with a bachelor’s degree to a doctoral degree program in Germany via a fast-track program
• Students applying for a PhD in English need to prove their English language proficiency with an English language proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL
• Candidates studying or submitting their PhD in German need to prove their proficiency in the language with a test such as the DSH or TestDaF

Documents Required

• Master’s degree from a recognized institution
• Proof of language proficiency (English/ German)
• Motivation letter
• Work experience

The application process differs for admission to an individual doctoral program and a structured doctoral program. Students applying for a structured PhD program should apply directly to the chosen university. The steps below explain the procedure to be followed for admission to an individual doctorate program in Germany:

• Applicants should firstly find a suitable professor who is willing to be their supervisor
• The supervisor can be found through contacts from your previous university or by searching for institutes and research centres or teams related to your area of interest
• The next step after finding a supervisor is to get the confirmation of eligibility as a doctoral candidate from the responsible department or doctoral committee
• For this, one must complete an application that includes a statement from your doctoral supervisor, certified copies of certificates, proof of recognition of your qualifications from the Dean’s office, academic references and the university degree
• The application should also include an English or German language test result, if applicable

Doctoral programs at public universities in Germany are free for all students irrespective of their nationality for up to the standard length of a PhD (3 years). Students may be required to pay the fees if the doctoral degree exceeds this duration.

Students pursuing free PhD programs in Germany are required to make a semester contribution of between €150 to €200 (~US$175-230) for administration and other costs like all other students. The main expenses for free PhD programs in Germany are living expenses.

International students applying for a student visa for Germany need to have access to a minimum of €10,236 (~US$11,266) per year in a blocked account. This amount covers the living expenses, which include rent, food, clothing, transportation, working materials, recreation and other costs.

Most doctoral students in Germany work on a paid research project or receive a scholarship. Students willing to obtain a scholarship to cover their living expenses in Germany can find various funding options on the official website of the university they wish to study at.

Students pursuing free PhD programs in Germany can also take a part-time job to supplement their funding, either within the university or outside. Full-time students from outside the EU are limited to working up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year before applying for a work permit. One can also receive graduate assistantships and fellowships from their university as well as public funding provided by the German government.

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International Students

Wharton is an international community, with students, faculty, and alumni representing 153 countries worldwide. as an international doctoral student, you will find the intellectual and cultural diversity of the wharton community to be a welcoming environment for your doctoral studies. wharton’s faculty research touches upon an extremely broad range of global business topics, providing you exceptional opportunities to explore your areas of interest., applying as an international student.

International candidates must have a college-level education equivalent to a four-year United States baccalaureate degree. There are a number of universities around the world that offer three-year undergraduate programs. If you received a bachelor’s degree upon completion of one of these undergraduate programs, you are eligible to apply to Wharton’s doctoral programs. Many candidates from three-year programs have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required.

Application Requirements for International Students

When applying, you need to carefully review the requirements for submitting all of your transcripts and student records. These include all post-secondary educational institutions you have attended, including technical and professional schools.

There is not a limit on the number of international students who will be accepted into the Doctoral Programs each year. Acceptance is based on academic history, test results, recommendations, and personal statement.

Financial Aid

International students who are accepted into the Wharton Doctoral Programs receive the same financial package as domestic students. Please see the Expenses & Financial Aid section of this site for additional information

Language Proficiency

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required if you are an international applicant whose native language is not English. Please carefully review all the requirements for the exam explained in Standardized Test Scores .

International students who are accepted into the program and whose first language is not English may be required to take the SPEAK test offered through the English Language Programs office.

This test is used to determine/confirm a student’s fluency in English. If test results indicate a student would benefit from additional language instruction, arrangements will be made for summer class work and tutoring. Students will be expected to complete this additional work to ensure their proficiency in written and spoken English in professional settings.

Immigration and Taxes

For detailed information regarding immigration and taxes, please visit Penn’s Penn Global . In order to maintain legal student status in the United States, international PhD students must be enrolled for a full-time course load, which means a minimum of three courses per semester. Full-time enrollment does not include audits or incompletes. Once you have completed your coursework and are working on your thesis or dissertation, you must maintain your full-time status by registering for doctoral dissertation tuition or registration.

For detailed information regarding immigration and taxes, please visit Penn’s Penn Global .

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Doctor of Philosophy in Education

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The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

• 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
• 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
• 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
• 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Lost in Translation

New comparative study from Ph.D. candidate Maya Alkateb-Chami finds strong correlation between low literacy outcomes for children and schools teaching in different language from home

Using E-Books to Get Young Readers Talking

New research shows how parents can help kids — and themselves — use e-books as a tool to improve early childhood development

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• Study Abroad

Fully-Funded PhD. Programs In The USA For International Students for 2024

• Universities in USA

Updated on 28 January, 2024

Sr. Content editor

In today’s era, if you wish to be considered for top-level academic and non-academic positions abroad, doctoral programs are a necessity. Several top American universities offer Ph.D. programs, but not all of them are cost-effective.

Fortunately, some universities lower students’ financial burdens and provide fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students.

Scholarships for PhD. Programs In The USA

The Fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA cover various programs such as studentships, scholarships , and grant and bursaries programs. Some American universities offer fully-funded doctoral projects as well. 

These fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students do not cover only research council studentship. Usually, they also include:

• Travel grants and conference funding
• Resource grants 
• Writing-up funding 
• Hardship funding

Eligibility for Country/Course 

These fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students are doctoral programs. Moreover, since these programs are also for out-of-state students, there is no restriction on the country’s eligibility. 

Additionally, the range of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the US varies from small grants to full studentships.

Level of Scholarship 

The doctoral programs are the highest academic degrees awarded to a student by a university. You will only be eligible for the fully-funded Ph.D. program if you have completed a pre-requisite or postgraduate program. 

The Ph.D. would involve the students engaging independently in original research in a particular field or subject of their choice. 

Tenure/Duration

The duration of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA can differ for various streams or students. American universities usually have some time restrictions. Generally, it is three to five years.

Subject/Fields for Fully Funded PhD. Programs In The USA

The USA’s fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students generally do not cover specific programs. Some scholarships provided by certain universities can be only for particular fields. For instance, the Rice University Fully Funded Doctoral program is restricted to some majors which include:

• Architecture
• Engineering 
• Humanities 
• Natural Sciences 
• Social Sciences

Several scholarships, grants, and studentships are available for Ph.D. programs in the US. Some of them are sponsored by organizations, while the universities push others. 

We have listed some common ones below for your reference:

• Microsoft Research Dissertation Grant for Doctoral Students
• IBM Fellowship Awards Program for Ph.D. Students
• Facebook Emerging Scholar Programme
• Microsoft Research Scholarship for Scholars in Europe Africa Middle East (EMEA)
• Columbia University International Postdoctoral Humanities Fellowship
• University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS)
• PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women to Study in USA and Canada

Some of the US universities that provide fully-funded PhD programs are listed in the table mentioned below:

(Source: usnews.com)

Application Duration of Fully Funded PhD. Programs In The USA

Application deadlines and notifications will vary according to the grant or scholarship you apply to. Following are the tentative application deadlines for the above-mentioned fully-funded Ph.D. programs.

Mode of Application 

The mode of application for all these fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students is online.

Eligibility Criteria And Additional Requirements 

The eligibility criteria and additional requirements will vary according to different funding programs. To give you all an insight, here are the entry requirements for the IBM Fellowship Awards Program for Ph.D. Students.

Applications are welcome for students from all nationalities. However, all such nominees:

• cannot nominate themselves and instead must be selected by the doctoral faculty member 
• have to be enrolled full-time in a Ph.D. program over two consecutive academic years of the award/forfeit the fellowship
• must have three years remaining in the program at the nomination time so the fellowship can be used for the last two years of study
• cannot be from the US-embargoed countries 
• should be in the same program for the award duration. Transferring departments or schools is not allowed  

Value of Scholarship 

The value of scholarships will also differ according to various funding programs for Ph.D. On average,  USD 25,000 to USD 40,000 (INR 20,63,363 to INR 33,01,380)

Selection Process 

The selection process of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA is based on three factors:

• Merit-based funding
• Need-based funding
• International funding

Requirements for Continuing Scholarships

Major fully-funded Ph.D. programs renew automatically for the next year varies on the basis of the student program.

In 2024, the United States continues to offer a wide array of fully-funded PhD programs for international students, reaffirming its commitment to fostering global academic collaboration and research excellence. These programs, available across diverse fields of study, not only cover tuition fees but also provide stipends, research funding, and health insurance, making advanced education accessible regardless of students' financial backgrounds. American universities prioritize attracting talented scholars from around the world, understanding their crucial role in driving innovation, cultural exchange, and academic progress. For international students, these fully-funded opportunities in the USA represent not just financial support, but a gateway to working with leading experts, accessing state-of-the-art facilities, and joining a vibrant intellectual community. In pursuing these programs, students embark on a journey of rigorous academic training and research, poised to emerge as experts and leaders in their respective fields.

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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PhD Program

Program overview.

Now Reading 1 of 4

Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

Start here.

Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.

Admissions Events

Check out our event schedule, and learn when you can chat with us in person or online.

Start Your Application

Visit this section to find important admissions deadlines, along with a link to our application.

Click here for answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.

PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous:  MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.

MIT Sloan PhD Research Groups

Behavioral & policy sciences.

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .  

PhD Program Structure

Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.

MIT Sloan Predoctoral Opportunities

MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.

Rising Scholars Conference

The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.

Now Reading 2 of 4

The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

What We Seek

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Excellent academic records
• Previous work in disciplines related to the intended area of concentration
• Strong commitment to a career in research

MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions

Dates and Deadlines

Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024. 

More information on program requirements and application components

Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.

Funding Information

Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.

PhD Program Events

May phd program overview.

During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.

June PhD Program Overview

July phd program overview, august phd program overview.

Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar

Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.

Now Reading 3 of 4

Profiles of our current students

MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.

Academic Job Market

Doctoral candidates on the current academic market

Academic Placements

Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.

view recent placements 

MIT Sloan Experience

Now Reading 4 of 4

The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.

Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.

Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.

From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.

This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.

Faculty Links

• Accounting Faculty
• Economic Sociology Faculty
• Finance Faculty
• Information Technology Faculty
• Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER) Faculty
• Marketing Faculty
• Organization Studies Faculty
• System Dynamics Faculty
• Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) Faculty

Student Research

“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship

Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.

We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.

The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.

How Should We Measure the Digital Economy?

2020 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Avinash Collis

Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program  Doctoral Forum Videos

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Studying in the USA: A Guide for International Students

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If you’re an international student looking for educational opportunities in the U.S., you’re not alone. Despite the aftereffects of the pandemic, nearly one million students from more than 200 different countries joined American students at U.S.-based institutions in the 2021–2022 school year.

Yet, between student visas, the application process, and cultural differences, some may second guess their resolve to experience American university life. With our comprehensive guide on how to study in the USA, you’ll be well prepared and on your way to international student status.

Applying to an American University

Applying to universities in the U.S. can be daunting, but this process can be challenging for U.S.-based prospective students, as well. Try not to get discouraged. Here are some steps you can take to make your educational journey abroad as seamless as possible.

Start Developing Your Skills

Since U.S. universities can be competitive, it’s important to develop your skill set as you begin this process of studying abroad. In addition to relevant language skills, you should also sharpen your critical thinking, communication (written and verbal), and time and resource management skills.

Research Colleges

Searching for the right program among American colleges is all about “finding the right fit for you.” Depending on your priorities, this might mean a college:

• Offers a degree program you’re interested in
• Accepts international students with a variety of cultural backgrounds to create a global community
• Facilitates sports and other activities that interest you and permit international student participation
• Is located in an ideal climate and living environment

To ensure a good fit and continued success, it’s important to research colleges before deciding which to submit applications to. If you don’t, you run the risk of attending a school that doesn’t align with your personal and professional interests.

Connect with Institutions Before Applying

One of the most resourceful steps you can take in this process (that many applicants overlook) is reaching out to institutions before applying. Most universities have a dedicated admissions office that fields incoming queries from prospective international students. Consider reaching out and asking them about available resources, such as:

• Career counseling
• Scholarship opportunities
• Mental health counseling
• Global student services

Another way to get connected with institutions of interest is to reach out to faculty, alumni, or current students through your personal network or mutual connections. If you don’t have any, don’t fret.

Tomo Yamamoto, associate director of International Enrollment Marketing at Northeastern University, says, “reaching out to a relevant department, or even professors when possible, is a really good place to start.” Generally, universities are vying for great candidates to apply to their programs—particularly international students with interesting backgrounds—so don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for more inside perspectives.

Consider the Requirements

In your research, you’ll come across different requirements for different universities in the application and enrollment process. Many of these requirements apply to all students, international and otherwise. For example, while most universities are now test-optional as a result of the pandemic, some colleges still require scores from a standardized test (e.g., SAT, ACT, or GRE) as part of the application process.

As an international student, you’ll want to be vigilant as you look into these requirements since there will likely be additional prerequisites. For example, the TOEFL or IELTS exams, which are meant to demonstrate proficiency in English, are common application requirements for international students.

Obtain Your Student Visa

Obtaining your student visa can be a long and arduous process, but a good institution will have the resources to guide you. For example, Northeastern provides step-by-step instructions for those applying for an F-1 student visa and J-1 student visa , depending on whether you’re an incoming full-time international student or on an exchange program with a government, organization, or university sponsorship, respectively.

In general, you will need to take the proper steps to enter the U.S. and start your academic career. Look into the first steps of obtaining your student visa; usually, it will be to submit visa-supporting documents, such as Form I-20, Form DS-2019, and a valid passport.

Maintaining Your Status

Once you’ve embarked on student life in the U.S., your journey has only begun. Once abroad, it’s essential to maintain your status of full-time, on-ground enrollment at your institution to ensure your visa remains valid and you can legally remain in the country. Remember, failure to do so can result in serious consequences.

The good news is that most institutions have a dedicated department to ensure their international students meet their visa requirements and maintain valid immigration status. As an international student, it’s important to reach out to your Office of Global Services or equivalent resource to make sure you’re doing everything needed to maintain your status.

The full-time credit conditions vary slightly by institution, but generally, they require a certain amount of class hours or credits for the term, a certain level of performance in those classes, and a certain percentage of in-person course enrollment. For example, according to Northeastern’s Office of Global Services, guidelines on maintaining status for undergraduate students include a minimum of 12 credit hours per term and a maximum of one online course. However, because these requirements are different at each university, it’s critical that you reach out to your dedicated office.

Challenges of Studying in the USA

Moving to and living in a new country can be challenging, especially when studying abroad. However, with proper preparation and the right tools, you can overcome these obstacles.

Cost of Living

What may frighten prospective international students in many cases is the cost of living in the U.S. Cities like New York and San Francisco are infamous for their inflated housing prices and high cost of living. In addition to these high prices, tuition for U.S. universities in these cities also runs high. However, international students who maintain F-1 visa status may be eligible for on-campus work. If you’re interested in this option, it’s highly recommended to continually check on-campus job postings.

As Yamamoto puts it, “The tuition and other related costs are public on the university website. Cost of living can vary depending on each student’s lifestyle and preferences.” However, both of these aspects add up to a total investment in your education abroad. As such, it’s important to research future return-on-investment prospects as a part of your preparation process. Look into potential job opportunities that support work visas, offer a rewarding average salary, and project positive job market predictions to ensure you’ll have ROI-positive options when you graduate.

Applying for a Visa

There are several potential obstacles, based on students’ individual situations, to keep in mind while applying for your student visa. For instance, politics and global current events might impact how long it takes to get a visa. In extreme cases, this can even affect whether you are eligible to receive one. It’s important to apply for the relevant visa in a timely manner to prepare for any unexpected roadblocks.

Another tip is to utilize external resources that could also help. Yamamoto suggests that “international students check the U.S. embassy website to receive more up-to-date information from the U.S. government about student visas and the application process.”

Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can be difficult to adapt to. People might speak differently than you’re used to, come off as rude or loud, or expect different social norms from you. In class, it could be difficult to speak up at the right time or take a little longer than you’d like to make friends.

But as every immigrant, ex-pat, and international student will inevitably tell you, it always gets better. In fact, assimilating into and learning about a new culture is what makes living abroad so exciting and enriching. Celebrating cultural differences is an essential part of studying in a foreign country.

At Northeastern, there are many student organizations where you can connect with peers with similar interests while safely expanding your horizons and easing your transition. Similarly, the university has dedicated support services and events to help international students succeed and feel welcome on campus, including:

• Global Student Success : Provides high-quality English language, academic, and cultural support to international and non-native English-speaking students.
• Global Student Mentor Program : Support incoming international students as they transition to college life at Northeastern and to the culture of the United States, to foster engagement with the Northeastern community, and to improve resource utilization.
• OGS Events : Attend cultural events, workshops, and more, sponsored by the Office of Global Services.

Taking the Leap to Study in the USA

Preparing to study in the USA can be confusing and challenging, but with a proper guide and an institution willing to help, it can be the beginning of one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Northeastern has a dedicated team to ensure their international students are well-prepared, adjusted, and successful.

Learn more about how you can study with us today. Check out our Office of Global Studies and the support we offer for international students.

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Get to know Kyrie Zhixuan Zhou, PhD student

PhD student Kyrie Zhixuan Zhou's goal is to make information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) experiences more equitable, accessible, beneficial, and ethical for all. In his free time, he is devoted to helping junior researchers, especially those from populations not typically represented in STEM.

Why did you decide to pursue a degree in information sciences?

My bachelor's degree is in computer science, but gradually I realized my real passion is not pursuing state-of-the-art algorithms and computer systems but how they can be leveraged responsibly for human well-being.

When I was growing up, I witnessed how women's rights were overlooked, people with disabilities were invisible, and people in general were being censored and surveilled. These experiences motivated me to understand, design, and govern ICT/AI experience for social good, with a focus on vulnerable populations and from a human-centered perspective. A degree in information sciences allows me to pursue this research in collaboration with colleagues who have a similar passion.

Why did you choose the iSchool at Illinois?

Since I was young, the University of Illinois has been my dream university. Due to its reputation, the iSchool at Illinois was at the top of my list of information sciences when I was applying for graduate school.

Most importantly, I was fascinated by the interdisciplinary and exciting research conducted by iSchool faculty. Professor Stephen Downie's research on music and Assistant Professor Melissa Ocepek's research on food were refreshing to me back then. Now, working with the best advisors one can have in the world—Assistant Professor Madelyn Sanfilippo and Associate Professor Rachel Adler—I am able to explore my research interests to the fullest extent. I think I made the right choice.

What are your research interests?

My interests are broadly in technology accessibility, ethics, and education. I aspire to design, govern, and teach about ICT/AI experience for vulnerable populations. In my research, I leverage qualitative, quantitative, and design methods to gain deeper insights into the interaction between humans and technologies as well as how technologies result in societal impact. I'm also keen on proposing policy recommendations to turn research insights into practice. My ultimate goal is to make the ICT/AI experience more equitable, accessible, beneficial, and ethical for all.

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30 Best universities for Mechanical Engineering in Moscow, Russia

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
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• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Moscow ranked based on their research performance in Mechanical Engineering. A graph of 269K citations received by 45.8K academic papers made by 30 universities in Moscow was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Moscow State University

For Mechanical Engineering

2. Bauman Moscow State Technical University

3. National Research University Higher School of Economics

4. Moscow Aviation Institute

5. N.R.U. Moscow Power Engineering Institute

6. National Research Nuclear University MEPI

7. National University of Science and Technology "MISIS"

8. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

9. Moscow State Technological University "Stankin"

10. RUDN University

11. Moscow Polytech

12. Moscow State University of Railway Engineering

13. Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

14. Moscow Medical Academy

15. Russian State University of Oil and Gas

16. mendeleev university of chemical technology of russia.

17. Russian National Research Medical University

18. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

19. National Research University of Electronic Technology

20. Moscow State Pedagogical University

21. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

22. State University of Management

23. Moscow State Institute of International Relations

24. Russian State Geological Prospecting University

25. russian state agricultural university.

26. New Economic School

27. Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation

28. Russian State University for the Humanities

29. Russian State Social University

30. Moscow State Linguistic University

Universities for Mechanical Engineering near Moscow

Engineering subfields in moscow.

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Dartmouth and Vanderbilt expand financial aid awards in an effort to eliminate student loans

By jessica dickler,cnbc • published 5 hours ago • updated 4 hours ago.

• Roughly two dozen colleges and universities have "no-loan" policies, which means they will meet 100% of an undergraduate's need for financial aid with grants rather than student loans, according to The Princeton Review.
• Now more students from middle-class families will be able to graduate debt-free after some schools further expand their financial aid programs, experts say.

Amid arguably the worst year to apply for financial aid , some colleges are implementing new strategies to entice students wary of the high cost.   

Vanderbilt University announced it is expanding  Opportunity Vanderbilt to include full-tuition scholarships to students of families with an annual income of $150,000 or less. Meanwhile, Dartmouth also said it is nearly doubling its current income threshold for a "zero parent contribution" for parents with an annual income of $125,000, up from $65,000.

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"As costs continue to escalate we think it's so important there is access," said Doug Christiansen, Vanderbilt's dean of admissions and financial aid.

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"I am concerned on a national level that we will have a portion that think they can't afford it," he said. "Students who may be in a lower-income situation are throwing their hands up and saying, 'I just can't go.'"

"College affordability is a serious issue for these families," Lee Coffin, Dartmouth's vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid, said in a statement.

"Increasing the threshold for expected parent contributions for a greater number of families is a strong, important commitment to addressing the college affordability concerns for middle-income families," Coffin said.

Dartmouth's expansion of financial aid awards for undergraduates, which goes in effect in the next academic year, was funded by a $150 million donation from the late Glenn Britt , marking the largest gift dedicated entirely to scholarships in the school's history.

Colleges with 'no loan' policies

Roughly two dozen schools already have "no-loan" policies, which means they are eliminating  student loans  altogether from their financial aid packages, according to data from The Princeton Review.

Among the schools on The Princeton Review's "The Best 389 Colleges" list, 23 promise to meet 100% of their undergraduates' financial need with grants rather than education debt.

'No loan' doesn't always mean debt-free

Of course, even without loans, students may still be on the hook for the expected family contribution, as well as other costs, including books and fees. There could also be a work-study requirement, depending on the school.

Even if a school has a no-loan policy, that also does not prevent a student or family from borrowing money to help cover their contribution, according to Jerry Inglet, a family legacy advisor at Wilmington Trust in Buffalo, New York.

"No loan is a misnomer at best," he said.

Have a more affordable backup

When picking colleges, Inglet advises students and families to also consider a "financial safety school" in the application process, which could offer more merit-based aid and bring the total cost down.

"I would have a wide net of possibilities that include a number of schools that are both academic and financial safety schools," he said.

To determine which schools may be the more affordable options, the U.S. Department of Education's college scorecard and each school's net price calculator can help.

Also, have a conversation about your family's financial capacity at the outset so students have realistic expectations of which schools are within reach, Inglet said.

"Set the guardrails early," he added.

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Victor Mukhin

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Title : Active carbons as nanoporous materials for solving of environmental problems

However, up to now, the main carriers of catalytic additives have been mineral sorbents: silica gels, alumogels. This is obviously due to the fact that they consist of pure homogeneous components SiO2 and Al2O3, respectively. It is generally known that impurities, especially the ash elements, are catalytic poisons that reduce the effectiveness of the catalyst. Therefore, carbon sorbents with 5-15% by weight of ash elements in their composition are not used in the above mentioned technologies. However, in such an important field as a gas-mask technique, carbon sorbents (active carbons) are carriers of catalytic additives, providing effective protection of a person against any types of potent poisonous substances (PPS). In ESPE “JSC "Neorganika" there has been developed the technology of unique ashless spherical carbon carrier-catalysts by the method of liquid forming of furfural copolymers with subsequent gas-vapor activation, brand PAC. Active carbons PAC have 100% qualitative characteristics of the three main properties of carbon sorbents: strength - 100%, the proportion of sorbing pores in the pore space – 100%, purity - 100% (ash content is close to zero). A particularly outstanding feature of active PAC carbons is their uniquely high mechanical compressive strength of 740 ± 40 MPa, which is 3-7 times larger than that of  such materials as granite, quartzite, electric coal, and is comparable to the value for cast iron - 400-1000 MPa. This allows the PAC to operate under severe conditions in moving and fluidized beds.  Obviously, it is time to actively develop catalysts based on PAC sorbents for oil refining, petrochemicals, gas processing and various technologies of organic synthesis.

Victor M. Mukhin was born in 1946 in the town of Orsk, Russia. In 1970 he graduated the Technological Institute in Leningrad. Victor M. Mukhin was directed to work to the scientific-industrial organization "Neorganika" (Elektrostal, Moscow region) where he is working during 47 years, at present as the head of the laboratory of carbon sorbents.     Victor M. Mukhin defended a Ph. D. thesis and a doctoral thesis at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (in 1979 and 1997 accordingly). Professor of Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. Scientific interests: production, investigation and application of active carbons, technological and ecological carbon-adsorptive processes, environmental protection, production of ecologically clean food.   

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