Master's degree in Europe: fees, entry and funding
Quick answer: A European master’s usually lasts 1–2 years and requires a bachelor’s degree, transcript, language certificate and motivation letter. Official non-EU examples: €3,950 a year at French public universities, €4,900 at the University of Warsaw, €7,000–12,000 at Corvinus and €25,633 at TU Delft, while most master’s at German public universities charge no tuition.
The master’s is the most popular level for studying in Europe: courses are short, the English-taught choice is broad and there are more scholarships than for undergraduates. Below are official fees, entry requirements and funding routes.
Master’s fees: official examples
| Country | University / programme | Fee (non-EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Public universities | Mostly no fee; €1,500 per semester in Baden-Württemberg |
| Germany | Constructor University (private) | €11,925 per semester, 4 semesters |
| Germany | GISMA (private) | €16,250 (1 year) – €25,100 (2 years), whole programme |
| France | Public universities | €3,950 a year |
| Netherlands | Erasmus (ESE / RSM) | €21,000 / €25,800 a year |
| Netherlands | TU Delft | €25,633 a year |
| Netherlands | Utrecht, Economics and Data Analysis | €21,342 a year |
| Poland | University of Warsaw | €4,900 a year |
| Poland | Warsaw University of Technology, Electrical Engineering | €4,500 per semester |
| Hungary | Corvinus | €7,000–12,000 a year |
| Latvia | Rīga Stradiņš, Health Management | €4,500 a year |
| Lithuania | VILNIUS TECH | €5,450–6,450 a year, 2027/28 |
| Spain | University of Barcelona, Master in Economics | €4,920 a year, 2025/26 |
Source: daad.de, constructor.university, gisma.com, campusfrance.org, eur.nl, tudelft.nl, uu.nl, uw.edu.pl, pw.edu.pl, uni-corvinus.hu, rsu.lv, vilniustech.lt, ub.edu — checked 11/2026.
Some universities quote per year, others per semester or for the whole course, so convert everything to the total programme cost before comparing.
Entry requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and transcript: some courses expect credits in specific subjects — see changing field at master’s level.
- Language certificate: the minimum score is on the programme page; some universities, such as Corvinus for most master’s, do not require one.
- Entrance test or GMAT/GRE: Corvinus runs a 100-minute online exam, with exemption possible via GMAT/GRE.
- Motivation letter, CV and references.
- Work experience: not required for most programmes, MBAs excepted.
One year or two?
Europe offers both 60 ECTS (one-year) and 120 ECTS (two-year) master’s. The shorter option costs less; the longer one gives more room for specialisation, an internship and a thesis. If you intend to go on to a doctorate or study under the State Programme, check in advance that the duration meets the rules. At GISMA the difference shows in the price: €16,250 for 60 ECTS against €25,100 for 120 ECTS.
Funding and language level
- Erasmus Mundus: €1,400 a month for up to 24 months on joint master’s, with no tuition charged to scholars; see our Erasmus Mundus guide.
- DAAD master’s scholarships: €992 a month.
- Stipendium Hungaricum: tuition waiver plus 43,700 HUF a month.
- State Programme: a grade average (ÜOMG) of at least 81 and a C1 language certificate.
- University discounts: Corvinus offers 10% off for early applicants.
Source: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu, daad.de, stipendiumhungaricum.hu — checked 11/2026.
Language bars rise at this level because teaching relies on academic writing and debate: TU Delft wants IELTS 6.5 for a bachelor’s but 7.0, with no section below 6.5, for a master’s. More in IELTS for studying in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What does a master’s in Europe cost?
In the official examples, non-EU fees range from €3,950 a year in France to €25,800 at Erasmus RSM, while most German public master’s are tuition-free.
How long is the programme?
One year (60 ECTS) or two (120 ECTS), and some countries also run 1.5-year courses of 90 ECTS.
Is IELTS compulsory?
A language certificate is usually expected, but some universities accept previous English-medium study or their own test.
When should I apply?
Around 9–12 months before the start date, keeping in mind that deadlines for non-EU applicants are often earlier.
Plan it with us
EDDE Global can help you pick a master’s programme, prepare the documents and build a scholarship strategy. Book a free consultation.