One of the smallest countries in Europe, Luxembourg has a long history and is an attractive destination for politics, education, and tourism because of its unique location and rich cultural heritage. Luxembourg shares borders with France, Germany, and Belgium, which has shaped the country’s culture and languages. French, German, and Luxembourgish are used as official or administrative languages in Luxembourg. The country is also known for its strong economy and rich culture, and the Old Quarters and Fortifications of Luxembourg City were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
When it comes to education, Luxembourg is an in-demand destination for international students because it offers a long and rich history, a diverse culture, high living standards, and multilingual higher education. The University of Luxembourg is the country’s only public university and was founded in 2003, making it a young research university rather than one of the oldest universities in the world. As a result, studying in Luxembourg can offer students much more than academic training alone.
In this article, let’s talk about how you can study in Luxembourg for free or at a much lower cost. We will discuss some tips and the scholarships and financial aid options available for international students like you.
How to Study in Luxembourg for Free
Without a doubt, Luxembourg offers great opportunities and experiences for its international students once enrolled. Below are some tips for international students wishing to study in Luxembourg without spending a lot.
1. Study Hard and Prepare Your Application Early to Have a Good Application
Studying in Luxembourg can be challenging as well as attractive. Universities and higher education institutions in Luxembourg look for responsible, talented, and ambitious students from around the world.
To get the chance to study in Luxembourg for free or at a reduced cost, international student applicants must prove their skills and achievements during the application process. Therefore, it is important for applicants to research faculty and program requirements, such as GPA, a letter of intent, recommendation letters, language requirements, and student portfolios. These documents can help an applicant stand out among others. Preparing early can also help applicants meet scholarship and financial aid deadlines, so it is strongly recommended to start preparing the necessary documents in advance.
2. Apply for Scholarships
Despite being a small country, Luxembourg offers financial aid and scholarship options under specific conditions. Applicants should search for university scholarships, private foundation scholarships, Erasmus+ mobility funding, and Luxembourg State financial aid through AideFi. However, not all international students automatically qualify for Luxembourg State aid, so it is important to check the eligibility rules carefully before applying.
3. Apply to Affordable Universities
As stated above, public university fees in Luxembourg are generally low compared with many other European destinations. Official Luxembourg study information lists university registration fees between €200 and €400 per semester, while the University of Luxembourg currently lists many Bachelor’s programs at €400 per semester. Private institutions can charge much more; for example, Luxembourg School of Business lists its Weekend MBA tuition at €37,000. This is why applicants should carefully decide which institution to apply to and consider more affordable universities if they are looking for budget-friendly options.
By combining scholarships, state financial aid if eligible, and affordable tuition fees, studying in Luxembourg for free or at a very low cost may be possible for some students.
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in Luxembourg
A few financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for undergraduate studies in Luxembourg. These include Luxembourg State financial aid through AideFi for eligible students, Erasmus+ mobility funding for eligible exchange periods, and selected foundation or university-linked scholarships. The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship should not be treated as a Luxembourg scholarship, as it is intended for applications submitted by French higher education institutions.
The University of Luxembourg, the only public university in Luxembourg, charges relatively low fees compared with many universities in Europe. Current official information states that fees vary by program, and many current Bachelor’s program pages list fees of €400 per semester. Therefore, with scholarships or financial aid, eligible students may be able to reduce or cover much of their tuition cost.
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in Luxembourg
In addition to the University of Luxembourg, a few master’s and MBA programs in Luxembourg offer scholarships or tuition reductions. One example is Luxembourg School of Business, a private business school established in 2014 and accredited by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Research and Higher Education.
International students at Luxembourg School of Business can benefit from scholarship opportunities for the Weekend MBA, such as the International Entrepreneur Scholarship, which may cover up to 50% of the total tuition fee, and the Merit-Based Scholarship, which may cover up to 20% of the tuition fee. Please note that these scholarships are limited and awarded to candidates who meet the scholarship criteria.
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in Luxembourg
The Luxembourg National Research Fund offers funding for doctoral research through programs such as AFR. AFR provides doctoral funding mainly in the form of an employment contract with the host institution rather than a traditional scholarship. For the AFR PhD in Luxembourg, candidates of any nationality may apply for a doctoral position at an eligible Luxembourg host institution. The FNR notes that the AFR format is currently under review and that the 2026 AFR call will probably have been the last in this form, so applicants should always check the current FNR page before applying.
Another funding option is the FNR PRIDE Program, which is the FNR’s main program for funding doctoral research in Luxembourg. PRIDE awards blocks of PhD grants to Doctoral Training Units, and prospective PhD candidates apply directly to successful Doctoral Training Units for PhD positions. Each PRIDE PhD grant is generally equivalent to a four-year PhD employment contract, plus a training and mobility allowance, rather than a simple tuition waiver.
FAQs: Studying in Luxembourg as an International Student
Is It Cheap for International Students to Study in Luxembourg?
Yes, public higher education in Luxembourg can be affordable for international students compared with many other European destinations.
However, every institution and program can set its own tuition. For instance, official Luxembourg study information lists university registration fees between €200 and €400 per semester, while many current University of Luxembourg Bachelor’s program pages list €400 per semester. Private institutions, especially business schools and MBA programs, may charge considerably more.
International students should therefore check the tuition fee on each program’s official page before applying. The University of Luxembourg states that it does not charge separate tuition fees for international students, but fees vary by program. There are also scholarship, mobility, and financial aid options that can help eligible students reduce their costs. However, there is no general rule that programs taught in French, German, or Luxembourgish are tuition-free, so students should verify each program individually.
Overall, Luxembourg offers excellent opportunities for international students seeking Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree programs. At the same time, scholarships and financial aid are competitive and often come with strict eligibility requirements. Students who want to study in Luxembourg for free or at a lower cost should prepare early, apply carefully, and confirm the latest requirements with the university or funding provider.
We hope that this article on studying in Luxembourg for free was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Europe Scholarships and Available Courses for International Students!
