Education continues to become highly competitive, and thus, attaining a college education becomes a major financial strain for international learners. However, many renowned universities provide free education, which is a great chance for students to get a quality education without bursting their pockets. These institutions enable students to immerse themselves in international experiences, broaden their perspectives, and create connections with peers and like-minded professionals.
This article highlights five notable universities that provide free tuition for humanities programs, showcasing their unique features and the opportunities they present.
Top Tuition-Free Institutions to Study Humanities
Here are five distinguished institutions where students can study humanities without the burden of tuition fees.
1. Freie University of Berlin
- Study Program | Free Tuition | Admissions | Scholarships
- Free to: all students
- Location: Germany
The Freie University of Berlin, founded in 1948, is characterized by its strong research focus and diverse student life. It offers various humanities programs, where students may study philosophy, history, and other courses related to cultures. This feature makes the university more acceptable for international students, especially given the university’s excellent support service and the numerous linkages with institutions in other nations.
Though there are no tuition fees, students can still avail of different scholarships to help cover their living expenses.
2. University of Helsinki
- Study Program | Free Tuition | Admissions | Scholarships
- Free to: EU/EEA students
- Location: Finland
The university was established in 1640 and is one of the oldest and foremost research institutions in Europe. It provides several regional humanities programs such as literature, philosophy, and history. International students are particularly interested in studying at the University of Helsinki because of the quality of education and the technological advancements in research.
Tuition is free for all EU/EEA students while non-EU students are required to pay for tuition. However, the university offers several scholarships to tuition-fee liable students. This will help students who are looking to reduce their academic and living expenses while studying in Finland.
3. University of Vienna
- Study Program | Free Tuition | Admissions | Scholarships
- Free to: EU/EEA students
- Location: Austria
The University of Vienna is one of the oldest universities in German-speaking countries which was founded in 1365. There are many humanities programs offered here, such as fine arts, history of art, cultural and social studies, and sociology.
Due to its historical background, ethnically diverse student population, and the chance to attend a culturally vibrant university, the university remains popular among foreign students. Tuition is free for EU/EEA students only. However, the institution also offers different scholarships for international students to help with living and other costs.
4. RWTH Aachen University
- Study Program | Free Tuition | Admissions | Scholarships
- Free to: all students
- Location: Germany
The university originated in Germany in 1870, and over time, it emerged as one of the leading research institutions in the country. Also, it is listed among the best universities that offer science and engineering programs at the international level, though it also performs well in other categories.
Apart from the quality education offered at the RWTH Aachen University, international students also benefit from the financial aspect since this university does not require tuition fees. It is also possible to pursue humanities at the bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degree levels.
5. University of Cologne
- Study Program | Free Tuition | Admissions | Scholarships
- Free to: all students
- Location: Germany
The University of Cologne is one of the public research universities situated in Germany and was established in the year 1388. It was one of the oldest universities that were still in operation in the world and it was among the few universities that offered Humanities programs to students without requiring them to pay tuition fees.
Moreover, humanities can be pursued at all degree levels. In addition to not paying any tuition fees, such students can even receive grant funding for their research work.
FAQs: Studying Humanities
Can International Students Receive Scholarships While Enrolled in Tuition-Free Schools?
Yes, the students who are attending tuition-free schools can still apply for the scholarships to meet other forms of costs including accommodation and others. It is important to note that most of these universities provide different types of scholarships for international students.
For instance, the Free University of Berlin offers study and financial grants for students who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, and the University of Cologne has available scholarships for international students. These scholarships can go a long way to reduce the cost of living in the country of study, hence less stress on the financial aspect.
What Other Costs Should Students Expect When Studying Abroad?
Even though studying in a tuition-free institution removes the burden of tuition fees, international learners should be ready to cover other costs. These may include housing where the student has to budget for accommodation either on or off campus and health insurance which many countries expect students to have which also counts towards their expenditure.
The most essential and unpredictable expenses are food, transportation, and personal needs, which may be lower or higher depending on the area. Additionally, students should also consider other academic expenses such as the cost of books and other study materials.
International students must know the study and living costs of the country they are planning to study in because this will help them be prepared and have a better experience when transitioning to a new country.
The concept of universities without tuition fees presents students with an incredible opportunity to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial costs. These institutions provide quality education while promoting equal opportunities and inclusion. With the right support and resources, students can focus on their studies and maximize their educational potential.
We hope this article on free humanities schools was informative and helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
About the Author: Hyun Lee
