For some of us who love research and academics, there is a dream of completing a PhD program in an environment where there are excellent facilities and opportunities to work with excellent professors in our chosen field of research. The cost however can be prohibitive, including tuition, research and living costs.

Ideally, in the developed world, no decent university that is into research levies tuition fees for PhD students. They should actually be paid a salary (it could be a stipend/fellowship/scholarship).

PhD students are actually employees carrying out long term research for professors and the lab they work for. A professor cannot do all the research alone, it, therefore, means that without students professors cannot regularly publish. This is how the academic system works.

It is therefore more of individual merit criteria. It involves direct communication with the professor of the concerned country and department. Free tuition is guaranteed if the professor feels your documents, and synopsis is up to par,  and you have a brilliant carrier.

You would have done your research to find a Professor whose area of interest and research is the same as yours or similar, this way, he can supervise your work. 

We will be looking at 5 of these countries that are tuition free with even a stipend to cover living expenses.

Sweden

Sweden is the ideal doctoral destination for original and potentially innovative work, you are given free rein to explore and pursue your thoughts. 

Sweden is also a highly tolerant country and welcomes international students and visitors.

Reasons why you should consider a Swedish university this year:

Creativity and originality– You can be assured that  your doctoral research will be welcome in a country that celebrates free thinking and supports new ideas

Prize-winning research- Sweden has a history of rewarding innovation and excellent research work, being the home of 32 Nobel prize winners. You could be next.

Tuition-free– Swedish doctoral programmes are normally tuition-free (regardless of nationality) and usually include a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. 

Historic universities– Sweden has been in higher education as far back as the 1400s and the country’s universities are well placed in modern rankings,  they are particularly well ranked  in Medicine, Life Sciences and related subjects

Switzerland

The PhD students population in Switzerland are up to about 50% international students. This is because of the great universities and PhD programs in Switzerland. 

Switzerland has four official languages, German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Thankfully, their postgraduate studies, are taught in English.

Tuition fees for PhD programs in Switzerland range from CHF 1000 to CHF 2000.  Some Swiss Universities  Swiss universities advertise their PhD programs as paid assistant jobs. This way, you don’t have to pay your tuition fee, and you get paid for the job you’re doing.

PhD students are also the primary recipients of swiss Government Scholarships irrespective of nationality. 

These scholarships are for researchers and artists. It is open to postgraduate researchers in any discipline that wants to come to Switzerland to pursue their doctoral or postdoctoral studies. A master’s degree is the minimum qualification. 

Belgium

Most Belgian universities do not charge typical annual PhD tuition fees.  

 English is well-spoken at many Belgian universities and many PhD programmes use English as the language of instruction. 

Belgium is the administrative centre of Europe, an international PhD student will therefore experience the best of Western Europe with an opportunity to move to other parts of Europe. 

Belgium is also famous for its art and literature – from the Flemish Masters to Tintin and The Smurfs – it also has ancient towns and cities, boasting many cafés, restaurants, bars and museums.

PhD students often are employed as academic assistant staff or as research assistants. 

PhD salaries are determined by seniority and if you have any dependant children. Doctoral grants range from €2,373 to €2,516 per month for those with no children. PhD students receive slightly more each month depending on if they have one, two, or three children. Doctoral grants are tax exempt.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has one of the most prestigious and impressive educational systems. With a huge cultural and ethnic diversity, it’s an open society. Their PhD program is taught in English.

Most PhD students in the Netherlands are regarded as university employees and are paid a salary to fund their research. Therefore, there doctoral candidates or doctoral fellows don’t pay tuition fees. 

The Netherlands educational system dates back to the 1600 century. Their universities also rank about 150 amongst the world best universities. 

There is also a huge population of international students amongst the student population, therefore it’s a culturally diverse environment. 

Australia

A  doctorate at an Australian university is an excellent opportunity with the chance to conduct worthwhile research and earn an internationally respected degree.

Australian universities have been carrying out pioneering work in ecology, renewable energy, antibiotic therapy and more. Australia is therefore a place where your PhD could really make a difference. 

Australian universities are Internationally renowned research institutions. Some of the world’s leading universities are in Australia with seven institutions in the global top 250.

Unique PhD Opportunities in Biology and other subjects, some doctoral research can only be completed in Australia.

One thing different about Australia is that Australia values its PhD graduates; your doctorate could allow you to live and work in the country with post study visas for at least four years.

Australian doctorates can be finished and assessed without the traditional PhD viva voce if you opt for that.

Conclusion

We have looked at five countries where your dream of studying for a PhD can be achieved free. These 5 countries with free PhDs for international students in 2021/22 are open to applicants. 

Feel free to apply to these countries depending on which you prefer. Note that you will need to link up with a supervisor at the initial stages because, without a supervisor who can work with you in your area of interest, you can’t pursue a PhD in that school.  Go ahead and follow your dream.