It’s a nice day to remind you that getting a PhD doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. In a lot of places, getting a PhD is either completely free, heavily subsidized, or even comes with a salary. This gives talented researchers from all over the world, no matter how much money they have, a chance to work with us. We look at 11 countries below where PhD programmes are very good value, based on official policies and university data. These chances can change your academic career without putting you in debt.
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PhD Programmes That Are Completely Free
Some European countries don’t charge PhD students tuition because they see doctoral studies as an extension of public education or research work.
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#1. Hungary:
In Hungary, public universities offer free PhD education to both EU and non-EU students. International applicants can get the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship to pay for their living expenses, health insurance, and housing. Institutions like Eötvös Loránd University don’t charge tuition, and students can get money through competitive grants.
#2. Saudi Arabia:
In Saudi Arabia, all students who are accepted to public universities, like King Saud University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), can get a PhD for free. International students get full scholarships, which include housing, a stipend of up to $30,000 a year, and help moving. Admission is based on merit, with a focus on research potential.
#3. Finland:
In Finland, PhD students at any public university do not have to pay tuition, no matter what their nationality is. The University of Helsinki and other universities pay for jobs through research projects or doctoral schools. The Finnish National Agency for Education may give students grants to help with living costs while they do research in a high-quality setting.
#4. Denmark:
In Denmark, PhD students are considered employees and don’t have to pay tuition. Students at Aarhus University or the University of Copenhagen go to school for three years and make about €3,500 a month before taxes. The state pays for it, making it available to people from all over the world.
Paid PhD Positions: Earn While You Learn
In several countries, students doing PhDs are paid as junior researchers, and education then turns into a funded career step.
#1. Netherlands (Holland):
In the Netherlands, all PhD candidates are employed by the university and get a net salary ranging from €2,770 to €3,500 per month for four years. Many institutions, like Delft University of Technology, do not charge any tuition fees. These positions are usually advertised as jobs, with related benefits such as pension and vacation pay.
#2. Austria:
Similar to the Netherlands, PhD students at the University of Vienna or Vienna University of Technology are employed with salaries starting at €2,300 monthly (gross). Tuition is not required, and positions come with social security. Funding is project-based or university-allocated.
#3. Italy:
Most PhD programmes include scholarships of €1,300–€1,600 per month, tax-free. Tuition fees at the University of Bologna or Sapienza University of Rome are waived or very low (€150–€500/year, sometimes covered). Three-year programmes are usually fully research-orientated and thus funded by the Ministry of Education.
Cheap or Affordable PhD Options with Low Costs
Other countries maintain minimal fees, usually offset with scholarships, making them “cheap” in comparison to private institutions in other countries.
#1. Israel:
Public universities charge minimal tuition; it’s around $3,000–$4,000 annually for internationals and is very often waived through scholarships. The Weizmann Institute has fully funded positions with stipends of $25,000+. Hebrew University programmes focus on innovation in tech/sciences, among other areas.
#2. New Zealand:
There are no fees for domestic students, and international students pay domestic rates at some universities, such as the University of Auckland, NZ$7,000–$9,000 per year. There are full scholarships available, such as the NZ International Doctoral Scholarship, which includes tuition and a NZ$28,000 per year stipend.
#3. France:
Tuition fees in public universities are €391 annually for all PhD students. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship or campus-specific grants offer €1,700 monthly. Institutions like Sorbonne University provide three-year programmes with strong research support.
#4. Norway:
No tuition fees for students at public universities. The University of Oslo and NTNU provide salaried positions, whose salaries are around NOK 500,000 per year (€45,000). Living costs in Norway are higher, but funding keeps one financially afloat.
Why Should You Choose These PhD Paths?
These systems place merit over money in addition to supporting international collaboration. Free or paid PhDs lower barriers so you can focus on your groundbreaking research. For instance, both Denmark and the Netherlands view PhDs as a form of employment, building professional experience. Scholarships in Saudi Arabia and Israel lure the best minds to their modern facilities.
Application Tips and Considerations
- Research universities’ websites for openings, as many list funded positions annually.
- Prepare strong proposals, CVs, and references.
- Language requirements vary: it’s all English in Finland and Norway, while others may require local language proficiency.
- Paid visas typically include work rights, so add up the living costs: a stipend in Austria or Italy can cover the basics in an affordable city.
Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity
A PhD abroad can be free, fully funded, or at least inexpensive to help take your expertise to the next level without breaking the bank. From Hungary’s scholarships to Norway’s salaries, these 11 countries prove that advanced education is within reach. Start exploring today – your research future awaits.
