Astronomy is a natural science that covers the study of extraterrestrial objects as well as all the phenomena that occurs in the universe past the atmosphere of planet Earth. This discipline utilizes chemistry, mathematics, and physics to explain the concepts. Its subfields include astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science. Simply put, it is more than just the Sun, the Moon, or the stars. It is an extensive field.
There are many big names in astronomy and these include Galileo Galilei who is considered the “Father of Modern Physics,” physicist and one of radio astronomy’s founding figures Karl Guthe Jansky, space scientist James Alfred Van Allen, theoretical physicist, and cosmologist Stephen William Hawking, and Nicholas Copernicus who is also known as the “Father of Modern Astronomy.”
On a similar note, individuals who pursue an astronomy-focused education are bound to have an interesting careers as lifelong learners. They can work as astrophysicists, cosmologists, galactic and extra-galactic astronomers, meteorologists, or research scientists. Moreover, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the demand for astronomy experts is expected to go up as each year passes. In this article, we will be looking at free astronomy schools with no tuition!
What Do You Need to Become an Astronomer?
Besides the love for the night sky and the curiosity to unravel the secrets of the universe, you need certain knowledge and skillset to become an astronomer. These include mastery of physics and mathematical concepts, analytical thinking skills, excellent communication skills, and even computer programming skills. What’s great about aspiring to become an astronomer is that you can develop all these skills and gain foundational knowledge by taking degree programs in Astronomy or its related courses. Our roster of open courses currently has no Astronomy but make sure to visit our Open Courses Page to learn more about your options. You can also explore available courses in popular countries for international students, such as Canada and Germany.
Free Astronomy Schools with No Tuition
1. Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is popular for being one of the best universities not just in Germany, but also in all of Europe, that offers astronomy programs for free. Furthermore, it is a center of learning with a rich background history because it began welcoming students in the year 1868. Adding to this, the country’s Excellence Initiative recognizes TUM as a University of Excellence.
Moving on, TUM’s four main learning areas are Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering and Architecture, Life Sciences and Health Sciences, and Social Sciences. These are distributed across the institution’s 11 schools and departments. Related to this, there are approximately 48,300 students and over 600 professors thriving at the university. Individuals who are interested to enroll at TUM should note that there are no tuition fees. However, all students are required to pay the semester fee.
When it comes to the astronomy-related courses and programs at the higher education institute, prospective students are advised to check out the Department of Physics which is located at Campus Garching. It offers Masters’s and Ph.D. programs in Astroparticle Physics.
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Known for being one of the oldest universities in Germany, the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is a highly regarded institution for tertiary studies that specializes in astronomy programs. It was founded in 1472 and was formerly called the University of Ingolstadt. Today, it has more than 52,450 students and 780 professors and offers free education among qualified students.
Besides this, the center of excellence has four campuses: the Geschwister-Scholl-Platz Campus, Campus Grosshadern/Martinsried, Campus Sendlinger Tor, and Campus Oberschleissheim. Now, as it is a German public research university, it also offers free education to all students regardless of nationality. But similar to most of the country’s institutions that do not charge tuition fees, its students are obligated to pay the semester fees.
A Master’s degree program in Astrophysics is available at LMU’s Faculty of Physics. In addition to this, the faculty takes pride in its world-class facilities that will aid students in their classes and research. These include The Observatory and the Wendelstein-Observatory.
3. University of Oslo
Norway’s largest and oldest university is none other than the University of Oslo (UiO). It opened its doors to students in 1811. Presently, it is also famous for being an esteemed university in the entirety of Europe. This is because it is often deemed a top institution by both the Academic Ranking of World Universities and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Additionally, just like all public centers of learning in the country, all students, regardless of their nationality, do not have to pay any tuition fee of some sort.
Under UiO’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, which offers English-taught study options in astronomy and astrophysics for free.
4. Aarhus University
Aarhus University (AU) is a prestigious institute located in Denmark that was established in 1928. Currently, there are 26 academic departments at AU, giving all students a wide range of courses and programs. As for those who are new to the country and are still trying to learn the language, there are over 50 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs that utilize English as the medium of instruction, including astronomy programs. At AU, EU/EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need to pay tuition fees. On the other hand, international students are required to do so, with the addition of an application fee.
Speaking of students, lots of AU alumni end up as respected and successful individuals in their chosen fields just like former Prime Minister of Denmark Anders Fogh Rasmussen, entomologist Ebbe Nielsen, previous Lego Group CEO Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, zoologist Dorete Bloch, and political scientist John Degnbol-Martinussen.
AU offers Masters’s and Ph.D. degree programs in Astronomy. It is open to all students who are degree holders in physics or other related disciplines. Moreover, the said program is taught in English.
5. Uppsala University (UU)
One of Europe’s oldest educational institutions, Uppsala University (UU) is an acclaimed Swedish center of learning. It was founded in 1477, which is why it is not surprising to know that it has an extremely long list of noteworthy alumni from the past up to the present. This includes religious mystic Emanuel Swedenborg, physician and botanist Carl Linnaeus, Nobel Prize-winning poet Erik Axel Karlfeldt, author and theoretical physics professor Ulf H. Danielsson, as well as politician and Leader of the Liberals Nyamko Sabuni.
UU does not charge EU/EEA and Swiss students any application or tuition fees. The opposite of this is true for students from overseas and the tuition fee will depend on the individual’s chosen study program.
On the topic of astronomy, UU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a Master’s Program in Physics that specializes in astronomy and space physics, energy physics, geophysics, and more.
We hope that this article on Free Astronomy Schools with No Tuition was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
