Would you like to get a Masters University free of tuition fees? It is possible. Most universities around the world, especially in Europe, offer free Masters degree for international students.
Students may need to be from a specific state, region, or low-income community. Some schools require work or services on campus after graduation.
Studying for a Master’s degree is a completely different experience than your first undergraduate degree.
When deciding where to go to graduate school, the key factors that you consider are very different from those that you considered for your undergraduate studies. This includes the financing of the course.
Many people choose to stay at the same university to get their Masters. Everything is known, you know the city, the faculty, and you probably have friends who will still be in college so it’s an easy option.
However, you may also want to consider where else to study if there is a chance you can get your Masters for free.
In this post, we’ll equip you with everything you need to know about the free master’s degree for international students and countries that offer such opportunities.
Can I get a master’s degree for free?
Over the past three decades, the average cost of going to university has risen and continues to rise at a rate that outperforms financial aid.
Higher education is indeed in crisis, and as students continue to graduate from college with debt in an unstable economy, many wonder how to continue their education without running into such debt.
While it may come as a surprise to some that such a thing exists, there are actually a number of universities that offer high quality educational experiences with free tuition.
Free tuition schools fall into different categories, but all have the basic characteristic of engaging graduates without having to borrow large amounts in their scholarship packages.
Free master’s degree for international students
A master’s degree does not have to be a huge financial investment. There are ways to graduate without debt! All you need to do is do some homework to find the right path for you.
Let’s explore the list of free master’s programs for international students
MSc Management of Intellectual Property at Queen Mary University of London School of Law
The MSc in Management of Intellectual Property examines the fundamentals of this area of law in relation to patents, trademarks and the other core areas in this area.
This Master of Science is primarily aimed at graduates in the natural sciences and engineering who are aiming for a career as patent or trademark attorney.
However, it is also open to graduates of all academic backgrounds who wish to study intellectual property (IP) at the postgraduate level.
MSc Management of Intellectual Property can study full-time for one year or part-time for two years. Classes usually start in September with exams in May or June.
Your courses take place in Queen Mary’s Charterhouse Square and Lincoln’s Inn Fields campus.
MIT Media Lab’s Program in Media Arts & Sciences
MIT accepts 50 students per year for Masters and PhD programs. The students come from various fields including computer science, neuropsychology and architecture.
The subjects of study include human-computer interaction, design and entrepreneurship. Media arts and science students are fully funded, including tuition, scholarships, and health insurance.
Curtis Institute of Music, Master of Music
The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, PA has long had a scholarship-only policy. This means that regardless of their financial circumstances, all students will use the scholarships offered by the school to fund their education for the entire Masters’ program.
This degree is very selective and only accepts 4% of applicants.
University of the People
This fully accredited U.S. university works entirely online and offers a number of non-teaching programs to choose from, including two non-teaching Masters degrees, MBA and M.Ed.
The MBA program lasts approximately one year and is a fully US-accredited online program offered to graduates in all disciplines who have two years of work experience prior to commencing the program.
The subjects of the course include management, accounting, marketing, and business law, and ethics.
UoPeople’s Master of Education in Advanced Teaching offers two specializations: Primary / Secondary Education and Secondary Education.
Students also have the opportunity to do an internship at various International Baccalaureate Schools.
MSc Human Rights and Multiculturalism
At Buskerud and Vestfold University College in Norway, students can earn an MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism through a two-year full-time Masters on the Drammen campus.
This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for work in a variety of professional fields, including government, non-profits, education, research, private business, and the media.
Classes focus on human rights in the context of cultural diversity with topics such as globalization, migration, civil wars, nation building and more.
In addition to interdisciplinary research, students are qualified to continue academic research in these areas.
Tuition is free, but scholarships are occasionally offered to cover living and travel expenses.
MPhil Theory and Practice of Human Rights
Oslo University’s MPhil Theory and Practice for Human Rights is a two-year, full-time program that offers students the opportunity to study human rights from a legal, political, social science, philosophical and historical perspective.
All courses focus on human rights, including different approaches, regional focus, methodology, practice and more. In addition to their courses, students take part in internships, discussions, and mock tests.
As part of their final thesis, students complete a master’s thesis in which the methodology and practice of human rights are brought together. Tuition in this program is free.
MSc International Human Rights Law
The Department of Human Rights and the Legal Department of Abo Akademi University offer a two-year full-time MSc program in International Human Rights Law.
This Masters degree takes place on the university campus in Turku, Finland and offers students the opportunity to work in a variety of human rights careers including public administration, international organizations and non-governmental organizations.
The course topics vary from women’s rights to refugees and war to humanitarian law. In addition to the courses, students complete a research seminar and a master’s thesis.
The lessons for students from EU / EEA countries are free of charge.
From 2017 the tuition fees for non-EU / EEA countries will be € 10,000. Scholarships are available for students paying tuition, including a full scholarship plus the cost of living, a full scholarship, and a study scholarship that covers half the tuition fees.
LLM International Human Rights Law
The LLM International Human Rights Law degree from Lund University in Lund, Sweden is a two-year, full-time program that aims to prepare students to work in law firms, international organizations, courts, private companies, and various other sectors in the U.S. area of human rights.
Students take several courses on human rights issues and hear from guest speakers and lecturers with extensive expertise and experience in the field of human rights.
Previous speakers even included a former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. Lund University offers several scholarships for international students to cover tuition fees.
LLM Public International Law
The University of Oslo in Norway offers an LLM in International Public Law, a 1½ year Masters course with options for four programs:
- Public Law and PIL, specializing in International Criminal Law and Humanitarian Law;
- environmental and energy law
- International trade, investment, and trade law
- human rights
This full-time on-campus program is divided into three 30-credit semesters, with the final semester specifically focusing on a master’s thesis.
In addition to the courses, students have the opportunity to study topics such as lunches, guest lectures, and seminars that introduce professionals and practitioners. The lessons are free for all applicants.
MSc Social Work and Human Rights
This two-year international master’s degree in social work and human rights at Gothenburg University focuses on the interface between social work and human rights.
By linking the two areas, students should have a unique perspective on human rights issues and social development at all levels of society.
Students with degrees in social work and/or human rights will be given preference over students with degrees in related subjects.
Countries that offer Free Masters Degree for International Students
You might be shocked to know that many countries, especially in Europe, have institutions that offer a free Master’s degree for international students.
These institutions have government and organizationally funded programs that allow local and international students to continue their Master’s degrees without paying tuition fees. Some of these countries include the following:
Norway
If you can catch a cold, Norway is the perfect place to look at options for free master’s degree study abroad. Completely free tuition for everyone and no fees. Norway also offers high-quality English programs at no additional cost and a great standard of living!
Czech Republic
Studying in the Czech Republic is completely free for all citizens, but there is a very small fee for English programs.
The Czech Republic offers a Free Masters Degree as well as a high quality of life compared to the low cost of living. Perfect for students.
Germany
With a strong history of innovation – Germany led the Enlightenment and the industrial revolution – you’ll find yourself among intellectuals if you choose to study there.
You will likely get away with no debt. Tuition in Germany is free and the administration fee is between 50 and 250 euros per semester.
Iceland
An annual registration fee of approx. A course of study in Iceland costs € 600, but no noteworthy administration or tuition fees. Iceland is also a beautiful place to study, with rich and unique scientific research opportunities.
English is also widely spoken, so you won’t have to dust off this second or third language from high school.
Belgium
There are French and Flemish universities in Belgium, both of which offer English classes.
International students are charged a fee of only € 835 per year, which is worthwhile for studying at an excellent school in Western Europe.
France
France is known for its unique culture and is deeply rooted in the arts. It’s also a great place to study for budget travelers. The average cost of a master’s degree for citizens outside the European Union. If you speak French, so much the better, but most programs offer English as well.
Conclusion
Finding an opportunity to do a free master’s degree abroad is a noble and challenging achievement due to the finances and logistics involved. However, it doesn’t have to be that way for you.
You now have access to information to help you obtain a free master’s degree for international students. Use it now and apply.
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FAQs
How can I get a Masters with no money? ›
- Work for a university or college. Many higher education institutions offer "tuition remission" for employees. ...
- Look for fellowships and scholarships. Fellowships may provide an opportunity to earn free tuition in a specific field. ...
- Use your employer's higher education benefit.
...
Degree results & classifications.
| Percentage | Masters grade | Bachelors grade |
|---|---|---|
| 50-59% | Pass | 2.2 |
| 40-49% | Borderline Pass / Fail | 3rd |
Postgraduate students must normally pass all their modules to meet their award requirements. However, the relevant Examination Board may disregard failure in up to 30 credits where you have achieved a module mark of 40-49.9 in each of the failed modules and your overall average is 50.0 or greater.
Is a 2.2 masters degree good? ›Is a 2.2 degree good? In short, yes. You can still get a good graduate job with a 2.2 degree. The direction that a lot of employers are moving in is away from viewing a first or 2.1 as the be all and end all.
Is Masters free in Europe? ›Students from the EU/EEA, other Nordic countries, and Switzerland enjoy free Bachelor's and Master's degrees if they study at public universities. Things are different with PhD courses, which are free for all international students.
Is Masters in UK free? ›Although there are no Tuition Free Universities in UK, there are many private and government scholarships for international students in UK. If you want to apply for a scholarship, here is the list of scholarships (fully funded) to study in UK.
How much harder is a Masters? ›Master's degrees are a bit harder than most undergraduate studies. However, a postgraduate course of study is the best way to improve your academic career and personal life. You'll find ways to adjust to the increased difficulty as you go.
Is a 2 1 at Masters good? ›Upper second class (2:1) entails an average mark of between 60 and 70. 50–60 would be lower second class (2:2). A 2:1 is generally considered good, while a 2:2 is generally considered okay.
Do employers ask for Masters grade? ›Unless an employer specifically employs only Masters graduates, a Masters is sufficiently rare that the degree itself makes a candidate stand out - assuming the employer puts a premium on academic learning. The grade will only matter in those very few sectors where a Masters is the entry level requirement.
What is the average grade for a masters? ›...
Masters Degree Grades.
| Percentage | Bachelors Degree Grade | Masters Degree Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 70%+ | 1st | Distinction |
| 60-69% | 2.1 | Merit |
| 50-59% | 2.2 | Pass |
| 40-49% | 3rd | Fail/borderline pass |
What is a good mark at Masters level? ›
The boundaries for these may vary depending on your university, but as a general rule: Distinction - 70%+ Merit - 60% Pass - 50%
Is a pass at Masters good? ›A Merit is equal to a 2:1 and requires you to achieve 60-69% in your degree. A pass is equal to a 2:2 and requires you to achieve 50-59% in your degree. A fail or borderline pass is equal to a Third and requires you to achieve 40-49% in your degree.
Is a third class degree a fail? ›Third-Class Honours (40-50%): known as a 'third' or 3rd, this degree is the lowest honours degree achievable. Ordinary Degree: If an honours student fails to achieve a third class by a small margin, they may be awarded an ordinary degree i.e. without honours.
Is getting a Masters worth it? ›Nearly two-thirds (61%) of graduates with a master's degree will earn more than the median bachelor's degree holder, according to the CEW. It's even higher for doctoral (73%) and professional (83%) degree holders. Having a higher degree could also strengthen your ability to stay employed during economic downturns.
Can I do a Masters with a 3rd class degree? ›Can you do a Masters with a third class degree? It's possible for apply for a Masters with a third class degree, although it's likely that most universities won't be overly impressed. Unless you have extenuating circumstances, this grade will potentially be viewed as a reflection of your effort and dedication.
Which countries offer free Masters? ›Nordic nations Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden all offer opportunities to study free or at low cost: In Norway, university study is available free of charge to all students, regardless of study level or nationality.
What country is Masters free? ›Sweden. Terms: Like Denmark and Finland, Sweden operates a free tuition fee policy for domestic and EU students, but other international students will have to pay to study a Masters. Find out more in our guide to Masters study in Sweden or search for Swedish Masters.
Can a poor student study abroad? ›Answer: Yes it is possible to study abroad even if you don't have so good grades. Language schools abroad accept students on any level, and there are also other schools like American Community Colleges that accept students with lower grades.
What is the cheapest Masters Degree in UK? ›Cheap universities in the UK offering Master's degrees
University of the West of Scotland – Masters start at 2,300 GBP/year. University of Strathclyde – Masters start at 2,400 GBP/year. University of Bedfordshire – Masters start at 2,665 GBP/year. University of Buckingham – Masters start at 3,000 GBP/year.
Germany is renowned for its generous approach to higher education. Almost all public universities provide free education to students, regardless of nationality. This means you can study a German Masters for free, whether you are a German, EU or non-EU student.
Which University is cheapest in UK? ›
- Staffordshire University. ...
- Teesside University. ...
- Leeds Trinity University. ...
- University of Cumbria. ...
- London Metropolitan University. ...
- The University of Bolton. ...
- University of Chester. ...
- Coventry University.
- Start with money you don't have to pay back. Supplement your savings by applying for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantship positions.
- Explore federal student loans. ...
- Consider a responsible, private graduate school loan.
Two key funding sources to explore: employer tuition reimbursement and industry and professional association scholarships. Pursuing your master's degree isn't only beneficial for your individual career, but for your employer as well. Your employer may or may not have an official tuition reimbursement program.
Is Masters free in Germany? ›Germany is renowned for its generous approach to higher education. Almost all public universities provide free education to students, regardless of nationality. This means you can study a German Masters for free, whether you are a German, EU or non-EU student.
How do people afford Masters abroad? ›- education or investment funds.
- fee-free universities.
- scholarships.
- grants and bursaries.
- university jobs.
- interest-free loans.
- student loans.
- personal loans.
Earn fellowships, scholarships and grants
Fellowships, scholarships and grants are the best ways to pay for grad school because you typically don't repay them. However, you do need to earn this financial aid — for graduate school, free money is usually based on academic merit, not financial need.
Nearly two-thirds (61%) of graduates with a master's degree will earn more than the median bachelor's degree holder, according to the CEW. It's even higher for doctoral (73%) and professional (83%) degree holders. Having a higher degree could also strengthen your ability to stay employed during economic downturns.
Do you get paid to do masters? ›Stipends are the largest source of income. They are generally granted to STEM graduate students pursuing a research-based MSc or PhD degree, but not to those completing a course-based or professional program (e.g., medicine or dentistry). The source of the stipend varies from department to department.
How long is a Masters degree? ›Master's degrees typically take two years to complete, but the timeframe can vary from person to person. Depending on your degree program and whether you're going to school full-time or part-time, it could take you less time to get your master's degree – or more.
Does FAFSA cover Masters degree? ›The FAFSA covers financial aid for graduate school as well as for undergraduate school. Filing the FAFSA as a graduate student is similar to completing it as an undergraduate. You'll need tax returns, bank account information, and details on any investments.
How many credits do you need for a Masters? ›
Most Master's degree programs require 40 hours of credit.
Is Masters free in Canada? ›Generally, Canadian universities do not offer tuition fee waivers. Therefore, it is not possible to gain free education in Canada. However, some Canadian universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students. Examples of such universities are the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, etc.
Which country offers free masters education? ›Nordic nations Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden all offer opportunities to study free or at low cost: In Norway, university study is available free of charge to all students, regardless of study level or nationality.
Which country has free college? ›Norway offers free college tuition at all of its public universities for both Norwegians and international students. The Norwegian government funds these universities to help degree-seekers graduate with less debt. Norway also offers scholarships and grants to cover living expenses in the high-cost-of-living country.
Can I study abroad if I'm poor? ›Can I study abroad if I'm poor? Nothing can stop you if you can prove yourself. You can always apply for some of the best and international merit-based scholarships. Showcasing your merit can also get you education loans.
How can I study in USA without money? ›- Know how much you need to save. ...
- Choose your destination wisely. ...
- Search out scholarships, grants, and fellowships. ...
- Use that financial aid. ...
- Put your skills to work and get a job. ...
- Become a fundraising expert. ...
- Make your budget work for you. ...
- Swap study abroad for something else.
- Italy. With its amazing food, sexy language, beautiful art, and dynamic history, Italy is the most sought-after destination for aspiring study abroad students. ...
- Spain. Spain boasts historic festivals, siestas, and flamenco dancers. ...
- England. ...
- France. ...
- Germany. ...
- Australia. ...
- Japan. ...
- China.