By persmind team European Universities with No Application Fees 2025–2026: Official Waivers for Master’s/PhD Applicants
Last Updated: September 22, 2025
If you’re planning to apply for a Master’s or PhD program in Europe, the first payment you’ll face often isn’t tuition — it’s the application fee.
The frustrating part? These fees are non-refundable, and if you’re submitting several applications, the total adds up quickly.
The good news: some European universities and centralized platforms offer official fee waivers or discount codes that completely remove the payment step, and certain groups are automatically exempted under legal provisions.
This practical guide explains all the official pathways, with verified examples, official links, and even ready-to-use email templates to help you confidently request a waiver.
Application Fees in Europe
Germany (uni-assist):
Many German universities use the uni-assist platform to process international applications.
The standard fees are €75 for the first application per semester and €30 for each additional application.
However, some universities cover these fees entirely, and a note automatically appears in your MyAssist account confirming your exemption.
Direct “No-Fee” Examples:
Some public universities in Europe (including Germany) allow direct free applications.
A clear example is the University of Bonn, which explicitly states:
“Applications to degree programs are free.”
Sweden (UniversityAdmissions.se):
There are legal exemptions from application fees — primarily for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, who do not pay application or tuition fees.
Proof of citizenship must be uploaded by the stated deadline.
Common Waiver Pathways at European Universities
1) Platform Fee Coverage (Germany Example)
When applying through uni-assist, some universities pay the handling fee on behalf of applicants for a specific semester or program.
If this applies to you, a message will automatically appear in MyAssist showing your fee exemption.
Tip: Check the program page first, then add it in MyAssist to confirm if the waiver is active.
2) “No Application Fee” via University Portal
Several European universities (especially in Germany) offer direct applications through their portals with no application fee at all.
Example: University of Bonn — explicitly states that degree applications are free.
If your desired program is available there, it’s one of the most straightforward ways to save costs.
3) Legal/Regulatory Exemptions (Sweden Model)
Through UniversityAdmissions.se, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are legally exempt from both application and tuition fees.
You only need to upload proof of citizenship before the document deadline.
This isn’t a promo code — it’s an official statutory exemption.
4) Official Waiver Codes in the United Kingdom (Oxford Example)
The University of Oxford runs several fee waiver schemes for:
Applicants from low-income countries
Refugees and displaced persons
Other widening access categories
After your waiver is approved, Oxford sends you an official Waiver Code to enter in the online form, allowing you to skip payment.
Some Oxford programs also share waiver codes across related courses (“one fee for multiple linked applications”).
Also read: [Study in Germany]
How to Obtain a Waiver or Code
1) Define Your Target Programs
Choose 4–8 programs that fit your field, requirements, and language level.
Start with universities known for free or waiver-friendly policies.
2) Read the Official Fee Page
Look for keywords like Application fee, Fee waiver, Waiver code, Handling fees, or uni-assist.
Official pages outline eligibility, deadlines, and how to receive the code (if available).
Examples:
Germany: Details on uni-assist handling fees and universities that cover them.
UK (Oxford): Specific pages listing eligibility and waiver codes.
3) If Using a Centralized Platform
Add your programs inside MyAssist (Germany).
If the waiver is active, you’ll see “Fee covered by university.”
If not, revisit the program page — exemptions may apply only to certain semesters or nationalities.
4) Attend Official University Events
Some universities issue waiver codes to participants of Open Days, webinars, or online Q&A sessions after filling out a brief form.
This is becoming more common across Europe and globally — check each university’s event calendar.
5) Contact the Admissions Office or Program Coordinator
Send a concise, polite email explaining your situation (e.g., low-income country, refugee status, financial hardship, or existing scholarship) and request clarification or a waiver code.
Always ask for an official link or written confirmation.
6) Prepare Basic Proofs
Depending on the type of exemption:
Passport/ID (for nationality-based waivers)
Scholarship or refugee status letter
Brief income statement (if required)
7) Respect Deadlines
Some universities (e.g., Oxford) require waiver applications to be submitted at least two weeks before the main deadline to ensure timely code delivery.
Ready-to-Use Waiver Request Email Template
Subject: Application Fee Waiver/Code Request – [Program], [Term/Year]
Dear Admissions/Programme Coordinator,
I am an international applicant from [Country] preparing my application for the [Master’s/PhD] in [Program] for [Term/Year].
Could you please advise whether an application fee waiver or waiver code is available (e.g., for applicants from low-income countries, displaced persons, or through departmental events)?
If possible, I would appreciate a link to the official policy and any required evidence or deadlines.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
(Arabic translation)
أنا متقدّم دولي من [البلد] إلى [اسم البرنامج]. هل هناك إعفاء من رسوم التقديم أو كود إعفاء متاح (مثلًا لفئات البلدان ذات الدخل المنخفض، أو عبر حضور فعالية، أو حالات لجوء)؟ أرجو تزويدي برابط السياسة الرسمية والمتطلبات والمواعيد. مع الشكر.
Verified Examples Recap
Germany (uni-assist): Check your MyAssist selections — if the university covers the fee, you’ll see a free-application notice.
University of Bonn (Germany): Confirms that applications to degree programs are free, though semester contributions apply after admission.
Sweden: EU/EEA/Swiss applicants are legally exempt from both application and tuition fees; upload proof of citizenship on the portal.
United Kingdom (Oxford): Offers multiple waiver programs and sends Waiver Codes upon approval; deadlines apply.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using “shared codes” from forums: These are unreliable and may invalidate your application. Only use official university links or codes.
Submitting before the waiver activates: Never click “Submit” until the exemption appears in your portal or after entering a valid waiver code.
Ignoring deadlines: Late requests may result in losing the waiver.
Believing “100% guaranteed” offers: No one can guarantee universal exemptions — always follow official policies only.
Official References
uni-assist: Handling fee structure + list of universities that cover applicant fees
University of Bonn: Free applications for degree programs
UniversityAdmissions.se: Who must pay / who is exempt (Sweden)
Conclusion
Fee waivers in Europe aren’t “secrets” — they’re officially published policies:
Platform coverage (Germany via uni-assist)
Legal exemptions (Sweden for EU/EEA citizens)
Official waiver codes (UK, like Oxford)
Start by checking your target university or platform’s official fee policy.
Request waivers early, keep written confirmation or links, and never pay without verifying the policy first.
Good luck with your applications!