7 Cheapest Law Schools in Europe

Study Law for Less at These 7 Cheapest Law Schools in Europe

So, you’re thinking about heading to Europe to study law? Honestly, it’s a brilliant move. Beyond the obvious perks—like weekend trips to the Alps or eating your way through Italy—Europe is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and, surprisingly, most affordable legal education systems.

The "expensive education" narrative is very North American. In many European countries, higher education is seen as a public right rather than a luxury product. But if you’ve started searching, you’ve probably noticed that "cheap" can mean anything from "literally $0" to "the price of a used sedan."

We did the digging for you. Whether you’re an EU citizen or coming from overseas, here are seven of the cheapest law schools in Europe that don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price tag.

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1. Free University of Berlin (Germany)

If you want the best bang for your buck, Germany is the undisputed heavyweight champion. Most public universities in Germany charge zero tuition, even for international students.

At the Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin), you aren’t paying for the "brand," even though it’s one of the most respected law schools in the country. Instead of tuition, you pay a "semester contribution."

• The Cost: Roughly €310 per semester.

• What’s Included: This fee usually includes a "Semesterticket," which gives you unlimited public transport in Berlin for six months.

• The Catch: For the undergraduate LLB (which leads to the State Examination), you’ll need high proficiency in German. However, they offer specialized Master of Laws (LLM) programs in English, though some of those specific masters might carry a higher fee.

2. University of Göttingen (Germany)

While we’re on the subject of Germany, we have to talk about the University of Göttingen. It’s one of the oldest and most storied law faculties in the country. If you’re looking for a "student town" vibe where the entire city revolves around the university, this is it.

• The Cost: About €350 - €450 per semester.

• Why it’s great: It has one of the largest legal libraries in Germany.

• Note for 2026: Keep an eye on the state of Baden-Württemberg (where universities like Heidelberg are). They are one of the few regions that do charge non-EU students around €1,500 per semester. Lower Saxony (Göttingen) and Berlin remain largely tuition-free.

3. University of Oslo (Norway)

Norway is a bit of a paradox. It is one of the most expensive countries to live in, but for a long time, it was the land of free tuition. As of 2023, Norway introduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, but for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, it remains free.

• The Cost: For EU students: €0 tuition (just a small student union fee of about €70). For non-EU students: Expect to pay between €13,000 and €18,000 per year.

• The Strategy: If you are a non-EU student, Norway might seem pricey now. However, if you are an EU citizen, the University of Oslo’s English-taught LLMs in Public International Law or Information and Communication Technology Law are world-class and essentially free.

4. University of Pisa / Scuola Normale Superiore (Italy)

Italy is fantastic because tuition fees at public universities are often based on your family income (ISEE). This means if you come from a middle- or lower-income background, your fees could drop significantly.

The University of Pisa is a standout. But if you are a literal genius, you should look at the Scuola Normale Superiore. It is an elite "university within a university" in Pisa.

• The Cost: At the University of Pisa, fees range from €400 to €2,500 per year.

• The "Gold Mine": If you get into the Scuola Normale Superiore, they actually cover your tuition, housing, and meals. It’s incredibly competitive, but it’s effectively a "full ride" in the heart of Tuscany.

5. University of Vienna (Austria)

Austria is a hidden gem for budget-conscious students. The University of Vienna is located in a city that is consistently ranked as the most livable in the world.

• The Cost: * EU/EEA Students: Roughly €20 per semester (student union fee) if you finish your degree on time.

  • Non-EU Students: Around €726 per semester.

• Why it works: Even for non-EU students, paying around €1,450 a year for a top-tier European law degree is an absolute steal compared to the US or UK.

6. KU Leuven (Belgium)

If you are interested in European Union Law or International Business Law, there is no better place than Belgium. You’re literally a train ride away from the European Parliament and the European Commission.

KU Leuven is consistently ranked as one of the top 50 universities globally.

• The Cost: * EU Students: Approximately €1,100 per year.

  • Non-EU Students: Around €4,000 - €8,000 per year (depending on the specific LLM or program).

• Pro Tip: Look for the Master of Laws (LLM) program. It is highly international and taught entirely in English.

7. University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (France)

Studying law at the Sorbonne sounds like something out of a movie, right? Well, it’s surprisingly accessible. France has a "low-cost" public education model, although they did recently increase rates for international students.

• The Cost:

  • EU Students: About €170 (Undergrad) to €250 (Masters) per year.

  • Non-EU Students: Around €2,770 (Undergrad) to €3,770 (Masters) per year.

• The Reality Check: While the tuition is low, Paris is... not. You’ll save on the degree, but you’ll pay for it in tiny apartments and expensive espresso. Still, having "Sorbonne" on your CV is a lifetime flex.

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A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Before you pack your bags, there are three things that can "sneak up" on you:

1. Cost of Living vs. Tuition: A "free" university in Munich or Oslo might end up costing you more than a €5,000-a-year university in a cheaper city like Budapest or Warsaw because of rent and groceries.

2. Language Barriers: Most "free" Bachelor's degrees (LLB) are taught in the local language. English-taught programs are much more common at the Master's (LLM) level.

3. Bar Admission: If you plan on practicing law in your home country (like the US, Canada, or India), make sure the European degree will be recognized by your local Bar Association. Often, a European LLM is a great "add-on," but you may still need a local degree to practice.

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