Finding an affordable university application is a key goal for many international students, and Europe hosts some of the world’s best institutions that provide high-quality education without application fees. Here’s a comprehensive guide to leading Universities in Europe without application fees, complete with core info on ranking, popular programs, fees, language options, and eligibility criteria.
Top Universities in Europe Without Application Fees 2026
University of Vienna (Austria)
The University of Vienna is among the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Europe. With over 178 degree programs and a diverse student community from 140+ countries, it stands out for its academic tradition and links to global research projects.
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Ranking (QS 2026): 130
- Popular Programs: Humanities, Sciences, Law, Social Sciences
- Tuition Fees: Free for EU/EEA students; about ₹64,200/semester for non-EU students
- Language of Instruction: German & English (many Master’s and some Bachelor’s programs are in English)
- Eligibility: Completion of secondary education with relevant subjects, language proficiency (German/English), and an entrance exam for some programs.
Technical University of Munich (Germany)
TUM is famous for innovation, cutting-edge labs, and strong industry links. It consistently tops rankings for engineering and technical subjects.
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Ranking (QS 2026): 37
- Popular Programs: Engineering, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Management
- Tuition Fees: Free for EU students; approx. ₹12,600 semester for non-EU
- Language of Instruction: German & English (about 60% English-taught Master’s)
- Eligibility: Secondary school certificate equivalent to Abitur; language test results; subject-specific requirements; and some courses require admission tests.
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Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Germany)
LMU Munich is one of Germany’s top research universities, renowned for its global faculty and interdisciplinary options.
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Ranking (QS 2026): 54
- Popular Programs: Natural Sciences, Medicine, Economics, Law
- Tuition Fees: Free for EU students; approx. ₹22,800/semester for non-EU
- Language of Instruction: German & English
- Eligibility: University entrance qualification, German/English proficiency, and program-specific requirements.
University of Oslo (Norway)
The largest and oldest Norwegian university, with a strong research focus and over 800 courses taught in English.
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Ranking (QS 2026): 119
- Popular Programs: Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, Law, Education
- Tuition Fees: Free for all students, but for some PG courses, it is around ₹16.78L-24.2L
- Language of Instruction: Norwegian & English (Master’s mostly in English)
- Eligibility: Completion of secondary education, language skills, motivation letter for some courses.
Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany)
Known for progressive research and culture, Humboldt offers a wide range of modern and classic subjects.
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Ranking (QS 2026): 130
- Popular Programs: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences
- Tuition Fees: Free for EU students; about ₹27,900/semester for non-EU students
- Language of Instruction: German & English
- Eligibility: Higher secondary certificate, proficiency in German/English, and subject prerequisites.
University of Warsaw (Poland)
Poland’s largest university, with hundreds of courses in English and a vibrant campus in the heart of Warsaw.
- Location: Warsaw, Poland
- Ranking (QS 2026): 262
- Popular Programs: Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences
- Tuition Fees: Approx. ₹1,72,000/year; no application fee
- Language of Instruction: Polish & English
- Eligibility: School-leaving certificate, English proficiency, motivation letter, and sometimes an interview.
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University of Bergen (Norway)
Focused on research, marine and environmental sciences, Bergen offers free tuition and a beautiful location for international studies.
- Location: Bergen, Norway
- Ranking (QS 2026): 281
- Popular Programs: Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences
- Tuition Fees: Free for all students
- Language of Instruction: Norwegian & English
- Eligibility: Equivalent secondary school diploma, English proficiency, and program-specific criteria.
Application & Admission Notes
- Many top European universities process applications via national portals at no cost.
- Most programs require language scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or local tests).
- Admission eligibility usually requires secondary education certificates and proof of language.
- Tuition-free education is most common in Germany and Scandinavia, while some universities like Vienna and Warsaw have moderate fees for non-EU students.
These universities combine flexibility, global academic standards, and affordable application processes—making them an excellent choice for students seeking quality education in Europe without upfront costs. Always review official university sites for current info and requirements before applying.
