Free Online Masters Degree Europe:11 Top Popular Schools

Believe it or not, there are a good number of schools offering free online masters degree Europe!

A free online master’s degree is a great way to further your education and get ahead in your career. 

One of the most popular ways to earn a master’s degree online is through an open university program, which you can take at your own pace, without ever stepping foot on campus. 

Many top universities offer these programs—including some that are completely free!

If you’re interested in pursuing an open university degree program but aren’t sure where to start, this list is here to help. 

We’ve compiled a list of all the best institutions offering free online master’s programs either entirely or partially through their normal curriculum fees. 

So, read on for more information about each school and how exactly they’ll help you get started working towards this advanced degree today.

Online Master’s Program in Europe

Online master’s degree programs are designed for working adults who are unable to attend a traditional campus. They are designed for students who want to earn a master’s degree without having to relocate.

Most of the top universities in Europe offer online master’s degrees and some of them accept international applicants from all over the world.

Entrance Requirements

Generally, to be eligible to apply for a master’s degree, you need to be at least 21 years old and hold a bachelor’s degree with a Second Class Upper Hons (2:1) being the minimum admittance range for most universities. However, some other schools accept a 2:2 (second class lower) qualification.

There are no minimum GRE scores or TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC/PTE scores required, but it is recommended that you have an IELTS score above 7, or an equivalent TOEFL or PTE score if you are applying from abroad.

You also need to pay a non-refundable application fee and submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and GRE/TOEFL/PTE scores.

You can learn more about the requirements for a master’s degree. Although this differs between different universities.

As we proceed to learn about these universities that offer free online master’s degrees, you will get to learn more about their requirements.

International Recognition of Online Master Degree Programs

So, why study for an online Master’s degree? Are they internationally recognized?

Yes. Master’s degrees are recognized country-wide (i.e. in the country where the degree is conferred). But, in the case where you’ll need a Master’s qualification to work in an administrative role or study as an exchange student in another European country, then this may not be exactly possible.

European countries are not bound by EU law to recognize master’s degrees. However, there are Diploma Supplements and other national procedures that you can go through to get your degree recognized in another European country.

In the case of the United States, your master’s degrees are not recognized in the United States automatically either. There are a few ways you can get your master’s degree recognized in the U.S; one of these is to sit for an evaluation examination organized by a top accredited college in USA, or via USCIS.

Generally, the same may apply to most other countries in the world or something in that direction.

Free Online Masters Degree Europe: Top Universities and Colleges For Free Online Master’s Degree

Without further ado, in no particular order, here are the schools where you can study an online master’s program and get conferred your degree for free!

Let’s learn about these schools:

# Open University of The Netherlands

The Open University of The Netherlands is a top-ranked university in the Netherlands and offers one of the most extensive collections of free online master’s degree programs in Europe. The school’s history dates back to 1984; it was originally founded as an independent institution but later became part of the Dutch government. 

Its accreditation by the NVAO means that students can be assured that they’re receiving quality education from an institution with a long history and reputation for excellence.

However, in terms of world rankings, OU-Netherlands is a long way off, which is not very surprising. The school makes up for this by partnering with the University of Bologna, the oldest and one of the top universities in Italy, to deliver free quality education to its students.

Students who wish to receive their master’s degree through this institution have access to open online courses covering a variety of topics including business administration, information systems, public policy analysis, and development studies that cost next to nothing.

One disadvantage of studying at this school is that a majority of the courses offered are in Dutch; only a few courses are offered in English language – which can be off-putting. Living expenses are projected to cost around 700 – 1,000 Euros.

# Novi Sad Open University, Serbia

Novi Sad Open University is one of the top open universities in the world, and they offer free online master’s degrees in Europe. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in economics, business administration, computer science, international relations, linguistics, law, and politics.

The university also offers master’s degrees in fields like accounting, finance and banking; international business management; marketing; human resources management; information systems; public administration; international relations; regional development planning; sociology; psychology, and social work.

Like OU-Netherlands, the downside to Novi Sad is that it offers most of its master’s degrees in the Serbian Language, which is not encouraging for non-native speakers.

# The SLHS Flexible Learning Program at The University of Oslo, Norway

The University of Oslo’s SLHS Flexible Learning Program is the only free online master’s degree in Europe that teaches you how to understand, shape, and influence international law. The program offers an in-depth understanding of human rights across multiple disciplines and perspectives.

Students can choose between three different tracks: Human Rights; International Human Rights Law & Policy; or International Law. Students who complete this program will be well prepared for careers as human rights experts, policymakers, lawyers, or activists working for the advancement of human rights laws at the local, national, or international levels.

# The International Master’s Program in Practicing Human Rights at Uppsala University

The International Master’s Program in Practicing Human Rights at Uppsala University is an online distance learning program that teaches students how to protect human rights. This program is a full-time, one-year program taught in English and is open to international students. 

The curriculum includes courses on international law, human rights law and practice, refugee protection, and torture prevention.

The program provides an opportunity for students from around the world to learn about human rights issues by following lectures given by renowned academics. It also gives participants the chance to take part in field trips in Sweden or other countries with a strong focus on human rights protection. 

Students will also have access to online materials such as books and academic articles related to their studies.

To enroll in this master’s degree program at Uppsala University, applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (or equivalent qualification). Applicants must also be proficient in English because all courses are taught in this language only.

# Intercultural Open University Foundation, Spain

Intercultural Open University Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers higher education to students around the world. The school was founded in 1981 and has grown rapidly since its inception. It currently offers master’s programs in a variety of fields, including business administration, law, and psychology.

The Intercultural Open University Foundation offers classes online as well as in-person. The school’s mission is to provide students with an excellent education without having to pay high tuition costs or take out loans. 

To achieve this goal, they have developed a system that allows students to study at their own pace and complete courses at the same time as other family members or friends who are also taking classes through the Intercultural Open University Foundation.

List of Schools for Low-cost Online Master’s Degree in Europe

While there may not be many schools keen on offering totally FREE online Master’s degrees in Europe, we know a few that are happy to offer these free online master’s programs for ridiculously low amounts.

Here they are:

1. University of Granada, Spain

The University of Granada is a public research university located in the city of Granada, Spain. It is the oldest university in Spain and the largest in the province of Granada. It is also the only public university in the province of Granada.

The University of Granada is a top school in Spain that offers online/distance learning master’s degrees for a very low sum of money. Its master’s degree cost as little as €821 per semester – most schools charge more than this per credit hour in a semester.

In terms of what programs they offer, UGR has a catalog that includes disciplines in Humanities, International Relations, Language, and Art. 

2. EUCLID University

EUCLID University is an intergovernmental university with international liaisons and representative offices in New York, Washington DC, Montpellier, and Berlin. The university is an intergovernmental, treaty-based organization established in 2008. It is headquartered in Bangui, Central African Republic.

EUCLID’s academic offerings include more than 30 programs at online postgraduate and certificate levels in areas such as business administration; law; engineering; mathematics and computer science; applied sciences; architecture and design; social sciences and humanities; health sciences; art; design; and culture.

EUCLID University, however, does not offer its online master’s programs for free. Upon enrolling in EUCLID, you are required to complete a one-time non-refundable payment of €769. You can expect the cost of studying for a master’s degree at this school to be around €6,000 – €7,000.

List of Schools With Free Tuition Fee for Master’s Degree for Citizens of EU/EEA States or Switzerland

Did you know that you can study free online master’s degree programs in most universities in Europe simply by having European citizenship?

Most universities, especially in Austria, Germany, and Norway, offer free education to their students who are either citizens of:

Here are some top countries for you to go through:

1. Lund University, Sweden

Lund University is a public research university in Lund, Sweden. It was founded on 19 December 1666 and is the oldest institution of higher education in Scandinavia.

Lund University has a strong reputation for research in the natural sciences and engineering, but also in other fields such as social sciences, law, humanities, medicine, and health sciences.

Lund University offers free online master’s degree programs in more than 55 disciplines that cost as much as €36,000; however, this is entirely free for students who are citizens of EU/EEA countries, or Switzerland.

2. Aarhus University, Denmark

Aarhus University is a public research university in Aarhus, Denmark. Founded in 1928, it is Denmark’s second oldest university and the largest in Scandinavia and one of the largest in Europe with over 50,000 students enrolled. 

The university has three campuses: two in Aarhus and one in Vejle together with several affiliated institutions across the country.

The university offers master’s degree programs in top professional majors that cost more than €10,000 for non-EU and Swiss students.

3. University of Turku, Finland

The University of Turku is Finland’s oldest and largest university. It offers a wide range of courses in English, including many free online master’s degrees.

The University of Turku has an excellent reputation for nurturing the next generation of international leaders who can apply their knowledge to solve complex problems that affect people around the world.

The Master’s Degree Programme in Political Science (MPA) at the University of Turku is an exciting opportunity to study politics and public policy in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities: Turku. 

The program offers a broad understanding of different political systems, economic systems and political processes across different countries as well as critical thinking skills which are essential for analyzing current issues from different perspectives.

4. KU Leuven, Belgium

KU Leuven is a public research university in Flanders, Belgium. It is the largest university in Belgium and the Low Countries. Its name abbreviated to KU Leuven, was founded in 1834 as an establishment of the Catholic Church but received its current status as part of a general reform of Belgian universities in 1971.

KU Leuven’s campus is located within the city, just southeast of downtown. Most academic facilities are concentrated on De Boelelaan (English: The Willow Lane) campus; it is bordered by Veldhovenseweg street on its east side, which separates it from St Pietersvliet park. 

Other university buildings are scattered throughout Leuven’s city center, with some also reaching into neighboring communities such as Heverlee and Hoegaarden.

Like other schools in this category, KU Leuven offers free online master’s degrees to citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.

Generally, most other universities in nations like Germany, Austria, Finland, etc. offer free online master’s degree programs to citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.

With a few exceptions, here are the nations:

CountryTuition fee for students from EU/EEA (per year)Tuition fee for students from other countries (per year)
Austriafreeca. 1,500 EUR
Denmarkfree45,000 – 120,000 DKK(6,000 – 16,000 EUR)
Finlandfree5,000 – 20,000 EUR
Francefree2,800 – 3,800 EUR
Germanyfreefree
Greecefreeca. 1,500 EUR
Hungaryfreeca. 1,500 EUR
Norwayfreefree
Polandfreeca. 2,000 EUR
Sloveniafreeca. 5,000 EUR
Swedenfree80,000 – 200,000 SEK(8,300 – 20,800 EUR)
Data compiled by Study.eu

Some other schools in this category include:

There are many more schools like these. You can find out more for yourself and select schools that suit your interest.

Popular FAQs

How long does it take to complete a master’s degree online?

In most cases, students can complete their master’s degree program in one year or less. It all depends on the workload of each individual student. Some schools offer flexible “accelerated” programs that allow you to speed up your studies by taking classes over a shorter period of time. 

Others have accelerated options for those who already have three years of experience in their professional field and are looking for advanced training in their area of expertise.

How much does it cost to earn a master’s degree online?

Few universities don’t charge tuition fees for online programs because they’re funded through public grants or private donations from benefactors who want to see more people pursuing higher education opportunities but may not be able to afford traditional classroom-based learning environments due to financial constraints (or other reasons). 

However, there are some exceptions: there are universities that do. And you can expect these universities to cost as much as 5,000 to 40,000 euros for online master’s degree programs.

Final Thoughts

You’ve undoubtedly heard that a master’s degree is the most prestigious qualification you can get. It’s true, but there are many factors involved in getting this coveted piece of paper. Not only will you be exposed to new ideas and learn from experts, but you’ll also have the opportunity to showcase your expertise by creating something new yourself. 

The best thing about a free online master’s degree is that it allows people who don’t have time or money for traditional college programs an easy way into higher education – all without having to pay tuition fees.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re interested in a master’s degree, then Europe is the place to go! You can find several universities that offer free online courses, with the added bonus of being able to study anywhere in Europe. 

There are many benefits associated with studying abroad such as increased cultural awareness, better communication skills, and more opportunities for employment after graduation. Do you have suggestions on the free online masters degree europe? Please comment below.

Was This Article Helpful? Tell Us What You Think.