Top Countries With No Application Fee in 2026
Planning to study abroad but worried about costly university application fees?
Good news! Several countries and their top public universities do NOT charge application fees, making it easier for international students to apply and save money.
In this guide, discover the best countries to apply in 2026 with zero application fees, plus tips on scholarships and direct application links to get started.
Why Choose Universities Without Application Fees?
Save money during the application process
Apply to multiple universities without extra costs
More affordable access to higher education abroad
Often linked to low or free tuition fees for international students
Countries Where Universities Do NOT Charge Application Fees
🇩🇪 Germany
No application fee at most public universities
Examples: University of Bonn, TU Munich, University of Stuttgart
Apply mostly via Uni-Assist (may have a small fee), but many universities accept free direct applications
Tuition: Usually free or very low for international students
🇳🇴 Norway
No application fee at public universities
Examples: University of Oslo, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Education is free for everyone, including non-EU international students
You only pay living expenses
🇫🇮 Finland
Most universities don’t charge application fees
Examples: University of Helsinki, Tampere University
No fee via joint application system for EU/EEA or partner countries
Tuition fees may apply but no application cost
🇸🇪 Sweden
Application is free for EU/EEA students
Non-EU/EEA pay SEK 900 (~€80) but some scholarships cover this fee
Examples: Lund University, Uppsala University (look for scholarship opportunities)
🇦🇹 Austria
No application fee at public universities
Examples: University of Vienna, Graz University of Technology
Low tuition fees for international students
🇧🇪 Belgium
No application fee for many public universities
Examples: KU Leuven, Ghent University
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
No application fee for programs taught in Czech
Examples: Charles University
English-taught programs may charge a small fee
🇲🇽 Mexico
No or very low application fees at public universities
Examples: National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
Low tuition and affordable living costs
🇹🇷 Turkey
Many public universities have no application fee
Examples: Istanbul University, Ankara University
Apply directly or via YÖS exam (if required)
🇧🇷 Brazil
No application fees at most public universities
Examples: University of São Paulo, UNICAMP
Portuguese language proficiency may be required
Countries That Usually Charge Application Fees
| Country | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | $50–$150 per university |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | CAD 100–200 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | AUD 50–125 |
| 🇬🇧 UK | £20–£60 (UCAS) |
Pro Tips to Waive Application Fees
Apply for scholarships that cover fees
Attend university virtual info sessions with fee waivers
Submit applications early to benefit from early-bird fee waivers
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to apply to international universities in 2026, focus on countries with no application fee policies like Germany, Norway, Finland, Austria, and more. This can significantly reduce your upfront expenses and increase your chances of applying to multiple programs.
For more fully funded scholarships and free application tips, visit Study and Wander Your ultimate guide to hassle-free study abroad!
Explore More Scholarships on Study and Wander
Oman Scholarship Program 2025–26 for Pakistani Students – Fully funded scholarships in Oman for students from Pakistan. 👉 [Read More]
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Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2025–2026 Guide – Learn how to apply for fully funded joint master’s programs in Europe. 👉 [Read More]
Portugal Government Scholarship 2025 – A full guide for international students to study in Portugal with funded grants. 👉 [Read More]
Scholarships Without IELTS 2025 – Find fully funded programs that don’t require IELTS for admission. 👉 [Read More]
Chevening Scholarship UK 2025–26 – Apply for a funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom. 👉 [Read More]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓1. What are application fees and why do some universities charge them?
Application fees are non-refundable charges paid during the admission process to cover administrative costs. Some universities use these to manage the large volume of international applications.
❓2. Which countries offer completely free university applications for international students?
Countries like Germany, Norway, Austria, Finland, Belgium, Turkey, Mexico, and Brazil offer free or very low-cost applications at public universities—especially when applying directly.
❓3. Do these countries also offer free tuition?
Yes, many of them do. For example:
Germany & Norway offer free tuition at public universities for international students.
Austria and Finland have low tuition fees, and some offer full scholarships.
❓4. How can I find universities that don’t charge application fees?
You can:
Visit official university websites and look under “Admissions”
Apply directly (avoid third-party platforms that charge processing fees)
Use government portals like DAAD (Germany), Study in Norway, and Study in Austria
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