‘Conquer yourself rather than the world.’ These are words said by a great French philosopher, René Descartes. He’s just one of the many renowned philosophers in the world whose phrases we can identify with daily. Studying philosophy will help you understand the fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality.
However, for those passionate about philosophy, finding institutions that offer quality education without the burden of tuition can be particularly challenging. Luckily, we have gathered some of the top schools in the world where you can pursue your philosophy degree tuition-free.
Let’s look at five top schools where you can pursue a quality degree in philosophy without paying any tuition.
Top Tuition-Free Institutions to Study Philosophy
If you are looking to study a philosophy program at no or minimal cost, consider the five schools below.
1. Free University of Berlin
Free University of Berlin or the Freie Universität Berlin in German, is a prominent public research university in Berlin, Germany. It is renowned for its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, as evidenced by its cooperation with institutions like the German Institute for Economic Research and the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin.
Just like many German public universities, students do not pay any tuition fees including international students. Students interested in studying philosophy tuition-free can pursue the M.A. in Philosophy which takes two years. However, for international students interested in pursuing the program, you must be conversant in the German language.
2. The University of Ljubljana
- Study Program | Free Tuition | Admissions
- Free to: Slovenians, students from EU countries, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and countries with bilateral agreements with Slovenia.
- Location: Slovenia
The University of Ljubljana is the largest and one of the most prestigious universities in Slovenia. Founded in 1919, it is located in the capital city, Ljubljana. International students will find this an ideal place to study as it offers a diverse environment, with more than 3, 640 international students studying at the institution in the 2023 academic year.
The university offers a wide range of quality degree programs including a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy which takes three years. This is a tuition-free program for students who meet the tuition exemption criteria including, Slovenians, students from EU countries, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Additionally, exchange students and students from countries with bilateral agreements with Slovenia are exempted from paying tuition fees.
3. Georgia State University
Georgia State University (GSU), located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a public research university established in 1913. Known for its diverse student body and strong focus on research and community engagement, GSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Famous actress Julia Roberts and renowned hip-hop artist Ludacris are some of the notable alumni of this great institution.
For philosophy enthusiasts, you will be glad to know you can pursue an M.A. in Philosophy tuition-free at Georgia State University. Every student admitted to the program receives a funding package that waives the tuition fee, including an assistantship with an annual stipend of $10,000. The philosophy department also offers other fellowships like the Andrew Altman Social Justice Fellowship with a stipend of $15,000 per year.
4. University of Pardubice
University of Pardubice is a public university located in Pardubice, Czech Republic. Founded in 1950, the university is particularly recognized for its programs in engineering, economics, and chemistry. In fact, one of its researchers, Dr. Barbora Kamenická, received the prestigious Česká hlava award usually awarded to outstanding scientists in the country.
The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies offers a 2-year Masters program in Ethics and Political Philosophy. This is a tuition-free program taught in English, making it a favorite among international students. International students can also take advantage of other institutional and external scholarship opportunities to ease the financial burden of studying in this foreign country.
5. The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is one of Germany’s premier public research universities, established in 1472. Located in Munich, the university has been recognized by the German Universities Excellence Initiative as a University of Excellence, because of its academic research achievements and strong international presence. With several Nobel Laureates associated with the university, it is evident that the university’s research initiatives are among the best in the world.
Aspiring philosophy students can sample the Master in Logic and Philosophy of Science program to see if it meets their expectations. The program is taught in English making it convenient for international students not conversant in German. Being a public university in Germany, all students do not pay tuition fees and only pay around 150 € as a semester fee.
FAQs: Studying Philosophy
Can International Students Receive Scholarships While Enrolled in Tuition-Free Schools?
Yes, international students can receive scholarships even while enrolled in tuition-free schools. You can apply for other financial aid options awarded based on other eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are awarded based on factors like leadership qualities, sports, and academic excellence.
For example, students pursuing the tuition-free master’s in philosophy at Georgia State University can apply for other departmental fellowships like the History of Philosophy Fellowship which comes with a stipend of $15,000.
What Other Costs Should Students Expect When Studying Abroad?
Studying abroad can be very expensive, especially if you lack financial aid. Apart from tuition fees, you should be prepared for various costs like accommodation, food, transport, books and supplies, health insurance, and other personal expenses like clothing, gadgets, and entertainment. Also, you need funds for emergencies like urgent repairs and medical emergencies. These costs may vary based on location, lifestyle, and program of study.
Remember, you can practice some healthy habits to cut down on expenses. For example, instead of eating out, you can prepare your meals. Or, instead of hiring a car or flying, you can opt for public transport and use a train for long distances.
Philosophy is a popular program globally and numerous philosophers have made us fall in love with various phrases applicable in our daily lives. From the University of Ljubljana to Georgia State University and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the availability of free philosophy education represents a significant opportunity for learners worldwide to pursue their philosophy degrees without financial constraints.
We hope you found this article on free philosophy schools with no tuition fees informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
