Happy New Year to you all! Before the year fully arrives, I want to wish you a wonderful 2026. I also want to say a huge thank you for all the birthday wishes and messages; while I can’t reply to everyone, I truly appreciate them.
Today, I want to address a common request: universities with no application fees. While finding schools where you don’t have to pay to apply is great, we need to look at the bigger picture. Are these universities actually affordable once you get in? It’s time to think outside the box.
study-abroad-no-application-fee
Universities with No Application Fees
If you are looking to study in the Netherlands, there are several reputable institutions where the initial application fee is waived. You should research:
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Hanze University of Applied Sciences (Note: HAN generally does not charge application fees).
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University of Leiden: Self-correction based on latest research: While often cited, Leiden University currently charges a €100 fee for most degree programs. Always verify before applying!
Moving toward Malta, there are also schools with no application fees. However, you must ask yourself: Is Malta where you really want to go? Currently, visa approval rates for Malta have dropped drastically. Many students rush to apply because it is easy, but without a visa, the admission is useless.
Thinking Beyond “Free” Applications
I understand the desire to save money, but sometimes paying an application fee is a better strategic move.
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Lithuania: Application fees here can be high, which actually means fewer people apply. If you can afford it, paying that fee might give you a better chance at admission because there is less competition.
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Italy: Italy is a great option for those seeking affordability. While some fees are increasing, many schools still only charge €20 or €30. Furthermore, Italy offers incredible opportunities like the MAECI Scholarship and various Regional Scholarships.
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Czech Republic: This is a hidden gem for affordable education. Fees are often around €20–€30. Check out the Czech University of Life Sciences, University of South Bohemia, and the University of Hradec Králové.
The Reality of Scholarships and France
If you truly want a “free” experience, scholarships are your best bet—but you must be realistic.
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Erasmus Mundus: This is a prestigious, free-to-apply scholarship. However, it requires a very strong academic background and research experience.
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France: There are “free” schools in France, but you generally have to navigate the Campus France system or the Mon Master platform to find them. Be aware that private institutions often have no application fee but charge high tuition later.
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Other Big Names: Consider the Commonwealth Scholarship, Chevening, or the Mastercard Foundation. These are free to apply for, but they are highly competitive.
Final Advice for 2026
The most important thing to remember is that an admission is just a piece of paper without a visa. Right now, many students are shifting their focus away from the US and Canada due to tightening visa regulations and high costs. If you want to move to Europe by September 2026, you need to have your applications submitted by March.
Don’t just rely on “no application fee” as your only criteria. Assess yourself honestly:
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Do you have the GPA for a full scholarship?
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If not, can you afford the tuition of a “free application” school?
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Is the country’s economy strong enough to provide jobs (like the Netherlands vs. Italy)?
Stop waiting for the “perfect” free option and start putting in the effort. Without effort, you won’t see results. I wish you all the best in your journey—let’s make 2026 your best year yet.
Keep moving!
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