Over 400 public universities in Germany offer free or low-cost education to students. Read the top tuition-free universities, admission requirements and reasons to study in Germany.
Germany is a top study destination for international students. This is due to its free education at public universities. Most state-funded universities offer tuition-free programs, though some specialized courses may charge fees.
Since 2014, all public universities have abolished tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate courses. They require only a yearly administration fee. Germany’s approach to education ensures accessibility for all. This makes it the fourth most popular study-abroad destination. Read more about studying in Germany and explore programs that fit your goals.
Germany’s commitment to free education began in 1971. The state-funded system was designed to make higher education accessible to all. This is irrespective of financial status. Legally established in 1976, this policy faced ups and downs over the years. But became fully entrenched after Lower Saxony abolished its fees in 2015.
Today, most public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education for both domestic and international undergraduates. However, students are required to pay a small administrative fee each semester.
Germany’s free education policy reflects its belief in education as a universal right. It also supports the economy by attracting skilled international students to address demographic and workforce challenges.
In Germany, anyone can benefit from tuition-free education! This opportunity is open to all students, whether you’re from Germany, another European country, or outside Europe. Almost all public universities in Germany offer free tuition for their programs.
However, if you’re coming from outside the EU, you’ll need to obtain a residence permit before arriving. Additionally, you must complete your studies within Germany. This makes Germany an attractive option for students globally. It offers high-quality education without the burden of tuition fees.
After your graduate business degree, you can extend residence permit to find a job & settle in Germany.
While public universities do not charge tuition fees, students are responsible for other costs. This includes applications, accommodation, and living expenses.
Some institutions may also require students to contribute by working on campus.
Here’s a table of renowned tuition-free universities in Germany:
|
University |
QS Ranking |
Popular Courses |
Acceptance Rate |
Notable Alumni |
|
Humboldt University of Berlin |
120 |
Business, Economics, Arts & Humanities, Law |
18% |
Angela Davis, Sahra Wagenknecht |
|
University of Hamburg |
205 |
Law, Economics, Computer Science |
24% |
Robert Habeck, Annalena Baerbock |
|
Ludwig Maximilians University |
54 |
Data Science, Neuro-Cognitive Psychology |
10% |
Max Planck, Thomas Mann |
|
Technical University of Munich |
37 |
Data Engineering, Computer Science |
8% |
Tsvetana Marinova, Jürgen Schopp |
|
Free University of Berlin |
98 |
Cardiac Systems, Molecular Medicine, Business Law |
15% |
Kevin Kühnert, Jonathan Franzen |
|
University of Freiburg |
192 |
Applied Physics, Computer Science |
33% |
Mario Molina, Edith Stein |
|
RWTH Aachen University |
106 |
Computer Engineering, Business Administration |
10% |
Eike Batista, Ranga Yogeshwar |
|
University of Bonn |
239 |
Law, Agricultural Science, Art History |
36% |
Karl Marx, Andrea Nahles |
|
Heidelberg University |
87 |
Economics, Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts |
45% |
Judy Smith, Allyson Lyle |
|
University of Münster |
384 |
Applied Linguistics, Business Administration |
15% |
Ursula von der Leyen, Judith Rakers |
Most Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Germany follow a similar academic calendar. Familiarity with these dates helps applicants plan their preparations and application submissions on time. Check out the basic study calendar for universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany.
|
Type of Institution |
Semester |
Semester Duration |
Lecture Start Date |
|
Universities (Universitäten) |
Summer Semester |
April to September |
15 April |
|
|
Winter Semester |
October to March |
15 October |
|
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) |
Summer Semester |
March to August |
15 March |
|
|
Winter Semester |
September to February |
15 September |
|
Semester Vacation/Break (Non-lecture Period) |
Summer Break |
End of July to September |
N/A |
|
|
Winter Break |
End of February to mid-April |
N/A |
|
Category |
Average Cost (EUR) |
Average Cost (INR) |
|
Tuition Fees |
None |
None |
|
Semester Contribution |
€150 - €250 per semester |
₹13,650 - ₹22,750 |
|
Accommodation |
€350 - €500 per month |
₹31,850 - ₹45,500 |
|
Public Transport |
€80 per month |
₹7,280 |
|
Study Materials |
€30 per month |
₹2,730 |
|
Food and Drink |
€165 per month |
₹15,015 |
|
Utilities and Bills |
€215 per month |
₹19,565 |
|
Entertainment |
€68 per month |
₹6,188 |
|
Health Insurance |
€103 – €111 per month |
₹9,373 - ₹10,101 |
|
Clothing |
€50 per month |
₹4,550 |
International students in Germany have several options for covering their living expenses. Here are some common ways:
1. Support from Parents, Family, or a Guarantor:Financial assistance can come from parents or other relatives. Additionally, a German citizen acting as a guarantor can also be a funding source.
2. International Scholarships:Scholarships are available to provide financial support, either fully or partially. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest online scholarship database. Further, and Study in Germany is another useful resource for scholarship information.
3. Part-time Jobs:Working part-time is the most popular option among international students. Here are some key points to consider:
Image: Infographic highlighting the essential criteria for German university admission, including academic records, language skills, and visa documentation
There are several key requirements you need to meet to be considered an eligible applicant:
To apply for university programs in Germany, you must have a higher education entrance qualification. It is known as "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung." This is a school-leaving certificate that confirms your qualifications to begin university studies. In Germany, this qualification is called "Abitur" for general universities and "Fachhochschulreife" for universities of applied sciences.
Germany offers preparatory courses for international students. This is to help them qualify for university admission.
Most study programs in Germany are conducted in German. So proficiency in the German language is essential.
For courses held in German, a minimum level of DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 is required. There are free online resources available to help you learn German, but these do not provide recognized certificates.
If you are applying for programs taught in English, you need to prove your English language proficiency.
1. TOEFL:
2. IELTS: A score between 5.5 – 6.5 is generally accepted.
3. Other Accepted Proofs:
The General Requirements for University Admission in Germany is presented below:
|
Requirement |
Description |
|
Completed Application Form |
Submit both soft and hard copies, accurately completed with educational and training history information. |
|
Certified Copies of Certificates |
Provide authenticated copies of previous educational records. It includes school-leaving certificates, academic transcripts, diplomas, language certificates, and proof of extracurricular activities. |
|
Recognition of Earlier Qualifications |
Ensure your qualifications are recognized by the chosen German university. If not, attend a preparatory course ("Studienkolleg"). |
|
Proof of German Language Proficiency |
Provide evidence of German language proficiency through exams like DSH, TestDaF, or Goethe Institut German Language Diploma. |
|
Proof of English Language Proficiency |
For English-taught programs, submit TOEFL, IELTS, or other recognized English language proficiency test results. |
|
GRE/GMAT Test Results |
Submit GRE or GMAT scores if applying for business or graduate programs. |
|
Health Insurance Coverage |
Obtain either public or private health insurance. Public health insurance is available for students under 30; private insurance is necessary for older students and certain other categories. |
|
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume |
Submit a detailed CV or resume. It is to summarie academic, extracurricular, and work history. |
|
Passport Photo |
Provide up to five passport photos, scanned and uploaded electronically if required. |
|
Passport Copies |
Submit photocopies of your passport as required by the university. |
|
Motivation/Cover Letter |
Write a motivation letter explaining your interest in the program and how it aligns with your personal goals. |
|
Recommendation/Reference Letter |
Submit letters of recommendation from former professors or employers. |
|
Essay |
Write an essay reflecting your academic experiences, study field, program choice, and personal vision. |
Additional Notes:
Most public universities in Germany are free of tuition fees for both domestic and international students. Students only pay a small administrative fee. This is usually between €150 and €250 per semester. It includes public transportation costs. German universities offer internationally recognized degree programs.
German universities are highly ranked globally. This is due to their academic excellence, quality teaching, modern environment, research output, and strong international reputation.
Germany offers a wide range of degree courses across various fields. There are over 1,500 international programs available. This allows students to study in German, English, or a combination of both. Hence, accommodating those who do not speak German but wish to study in Germany.
German education combines theoretical and practical learning. Thus enhancing students' understanding of labour market needs and increasing employability through crucial skill development.
Graduates from German universities have good prospects in the local labor market. Hence, they benefit from the dual education system that provides both degrees and career opportunities. It helps students become active members of Germany's developed economy.
The ideal time to apply for a visa is right after you have submitted your university application or once you have received your admission letter from the university.
To apply for a student visa in Germany, you need to provide the following documents and information:
Provide one of the following:
Provide one of the following:
Proof of health insurance coverage for at least three months of your stay in Germany. Dr. Walter is a recommended provider for international student health insurance.
At Kansas Overseas Careers, we assist international students in accessing free education in Germany.
Here's how:
Germany has around 400 public universities. It includes traditional universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and technical universities. The exact number can vary slightly due to institutional changes or new establishments.
International students can study in Germany without tuition fees at public universities. The process typically involves:
Besides semester fees, students should budget for:
While many public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, students are required to pay semester fees. It ranges from €250 to €350 per semester. Private universities and some specialized programs may charge tuition fees.
No, free tuition does not imply that universities are of low quality. Many German public universities are highly regarded and offer high-quality education. The absence of tuition fees is a result of Germany's policy to provide accessible higher education.
Graduates from German universities have strong career prospects in various fields. However, it depends on their area of study. Opportunities include roles in industry, academia, research, and public service. Germany's strong economy and a global reputation for engineering, technology, and business enhance job prospects for graduates.
German public universities offer a wide range of programs across various fields, including:
As of recent statistics, the Technical University of Berlin has over 40,000 students, with around 28% being international students. The number may vary each academic year.
Yes, some German universities accept alternative proof of English language proficiency or waive the requirement based on other qualifications. This can include other standardized tests, previous education in English, or interviews. Specific requirements vary by university and program.
Some of the well-known public universities offering education without tuition fees include:
To increase your chances:
International students can access various undergraduate and postgraduate programs at German public universities for free. This includes programs in engineering, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and more.
Here are the steps international students can follow:
Scholarships for international students include:
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