If you are dreaming of furthering your studies with a doctorate, but you are worried about tuition fees and you believe studying overseas is only for the wealthy. The truth is, several countries allow international students to pursue PhDs for free or even pay them a salary.
Studying for a PhD abroad is more than just earning a degree. See it as a chance to build an international career, network with top researchers, and secure your financial future.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 8 best countries to study a PhD for free, fully funded awards you can consider and tips to help you secure funding for your PhD studies abroad.
Here are some of the best countries to study PhD for free
1. Germany
Being the birthplace of the PhD, Germany is the ultimate destination for tuition-free PhDs. Public universities do not charge tuition for any student, local or international.
You will only pay a small administrative fee of €100–350 per semester, and you may need funding if your program lasts over three years.
The country is home to 19 universities in the QS ranking Top 350 (2025), making it a perfect option.
2. Sweden
Sweden offers free PhD programs to all students, including international students, and treats PhD candidates as employees with monthly salaries. Additionally, early years come with a taxed study grant, and the final two years usually offer full employment benefits like healthcare and parental leave.
Beyond funding, Sweden is a global leader in innovation, and the cost of living averages $2,264/month, but your salary or stipend often covers it.
3. Norway
In Norway, public universities charge no tuition fees to any student, regardless of nationality. PhD candidates are classified as university employees, meaning you earn a salary and enjoy workers’ rights while studying.
You will pay a small semester fee for student services, but overall, living costs are your only real expense. If you want a salary, a degree, and a good environment, Norway is the perfect destination to study and live debt-free.
4. Finland
Finland offers tuition-free PhD programs for all international students. Unlike master’s programs that charge non-EU/EEA students, doctoral studies are reduced, often paired with research employment or stipends.
In 2024, the government invested over €260 million to support 1,000 PhDs in three years, showing Finland’s commitment to research and innovation. So you should choose Finland, if you want to pursue your doctorate without financial worries.
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5. France
France is a top study destination with affordable or free PhDs. Applicants must secure a doctoral contract, which guarantees a salary, healthcare, and other benefits. Some programs have minimal fees, but living in cities like Paris may cost more.
With 10 universities in the QS ranking top 350, France offers world-class education and the romance of studying in Europe.
6. The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, most PhD students are university employees, meaning no traditional tuition fees and a monthly salary. Employment often includes pension contributions and other benefits, making your doctorate financially sustainable.
However, if you are not employed, you may pay tuition, but funding options and scholarships are widely available. Dutch universities are globally recognized for research, making your post-PhD opportunities strong across Europe.
7. Hungary
Hungary offers state-funded PhD positions, primarily for EU, EEA, and Swiss students, which include free tuition and a maintenance grant. Non-EU students can access scholarships like Stipendium Hungaricum, which cover tuition, living stipends, and health insurance.
8. Estonia
Estonia offers free PhD education to all students and exclusive grants like the Estophilus Fellowship, supporting international researchers for up to five months.
Estonia combines academic excellence with a low-cost lifestyle, making it ideal for focused research. You should choose this country if you want personalized supervision and niche research opportunities.
ONGOING SCHOLARSHIPS
Top Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
If your desired study destination is not listed, the best thing is to explore fully funded scholarships. Here are fully funded PhD scholarships to consider :
1. DAAD PhD Scholarships (Germany)
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €11,908 Stipend/Yr |
- Travel Costs | Health Insurance
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Varies by Program. Check HERE for information.
2. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (UK)
- Eligible Countries: Commonwealth Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £1,347 – £1,652 per month | Airfare Tickets
- Deadline: Yet Open, Check HERE on how to apply.
3. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | Travel Costs | Accommodation
- Deadline: Varies by Country. Check HERE for more information.
4. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | CHF 3’500 Monthly Stipend
- Deadline: Varies by Country. Check HERE for more information
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £20,000 per year | Travel Costs | Children Allowance
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Closed. Check HERE for the next application cycle.
6. Australia Research Training Program (RTP)
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $52,352 Stipends/Yr
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Varies by Institution. Check HERE for more information.
Tips That Can Help You Secure a Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
- Start Early: Funding is highly competitive, so it is advisable to plan at least 12–18 months.
- Target Research Alignment: Most Universities prefer candidates whose research goals match their faculty interests. If you match, it boosts your chance.
- Build a Strong Profile: To have a strong portfolio, publish papers, gain relevant research experience, and prepare a clear research proposal.
- Connect with Professors: A supportive supervisor can vouch for your interest and, in turn, boost your chances of securing funding.
- Apply to Multiple Programs: Applying to different universities and scholarship schemes helps improve your chances of securing a scholarship.
Conclusion
Studying a PhD abroad for free or on full funding is completely possible if you plan early and target the right countries. These countries, mostly European destinations, let you earn a world-class degree without financial stress.
By preparing strong applications, securing supervisors, and exploring fully funded scholarships, your dream of an international research career can become a reality.
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