5 cool European cities where you can do a Master’s for free

 Thinking about postgraduate study, but worried about the cost? We’ll let you in on a little secret – you can do a Master's in Europe for free (and in English)!

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If you're stuck between travelling or further study after graduating, why not combine both and do an MA in Europe? The best part is it could be completely free!

You can now get postgrad loans to cover the cost of studying an MA in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but it'll still add to your pile of student debt and you'll likely have to stump up for living costs.

But many countries in Europe have state-funded universities meaning that EU students can study for free! We've picked out some of the best options.

Brexit disclaimer: After the UK leaves the EU it's likely the situation will change and UK students may not have the same access to free education abroad. We'll update this article when we know more.

Is university free in Europe?

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Not everywhere, but in some countries it certainly is! Many of Europe’s university systems are publicly funded, which means that higher education is often partially or fully subsidised by each country’s government.

As a result, they can provide top class education for a fraction of the price we currently pay in the UK, and in some cases even offer free courses.

In other words, UK students can avoid high tuition fees at home by hopping over to mainland Europe to study instead – as long as we remain in the EU, that is!

The only catch is that some countries that offer free tuition have higher living costs than the UK, meaning the money you save on your degree could end up going on rent and food instead - so make sure you do some thorough research before picking your destination!

Interested in studying in Europe as an undergrad? Our complete guide to studying in Europe has everything you need to know!

The 5 best places to do a free master's degree

Here’s our pick of some of the best cities in Europe where you could do a master's for free and make your home for a year or two.

We’ve chosen these cities not just because they offer free (or substantially cheaper) postgrad courses in English (and at some of the best unis in the world) but because we think these cities are student friendly and would make for a particularly interesting experience abroad.

1. Berlin, Germany

   

   Easily one of the trendiest cities in Europe, Berlin is super laid back and a serious hotspot for creativity. Also the home of German techno, you certainly won’t struggle to come across some great bars and clubs for a good night out. Berlin not only oozes with coolness, but you’ll be happy to hear it’s also really cheap to live there!

   Master's tuition fees for UK students: None

   Non-EU student tuition fees: Free in Berlin, although other areas of the country have started charging non-EU students.

   Best universities for overseas students: Freie University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin

   Financial support available to UK students: None, unless one of your parents has German citizenship, you have a German spouse or you've lived in Germany for five years. Check out DAAD UK for postgraduate scholarships for study in Germany.

   % of the population able to chat about the weather in English: 56% (in Germany overall, but this figure will be much higher in their multicultural capital)

   Cost of a pint: £2.40

   Why choose Germany? Germany has been cited as one of the most supportive countries for international students worldwide, and Berlin’s prestigious universities combined with low living costs make it an ideal location for studying abroad.

   What’s the catch? Most students are required to pay an administration fee or ‘Semesterbeitrag’ of €50-100 per semester depending on the university. However, this often also covers a public transport ticket and entitles you to discounts, so it’s not money for nothing!

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

   

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   Dubbed “the coolest kid on the Nordic block” by Lonely Planet, Copenhagen is stylish to the core. Thanks to its high standards of living, chic shops and bars and low crime rate, it’s no wonder Copenhagen is also considered one of Europe’s ‘most livable’ cities. It’s not the cheapest choice, but if you budget effectively and avoid the city centre, you can turn your Danish dreams into reality.
   
   Master's tuition fees for UK students: None

   Non-EU student tuition fees: Tuition fees range between €6,000 and €16,000 a year

   Best universities for overseas students: University of Copenhagen, Technical University of Denmark

   Financial support available to UK students: Typically none unless you've lived in Denmark for five years or more or you're married to or the child of a Danish citizen. Check out the Danish State Educational Support website for more details.

   % of the population able to chat about the weather in English: 86%

   Cost of a pint: £5.08