This article is written to assist international students who are interested in studying and getting a degree in one of the cheapest universities in Germany for international students.
Germany is a country in central Europe, however, it is the second most populated country in Europe after Russia. It is also the most populous member state of the European Union.
This country is situated between the Baltic and North seas to the north, then the Alps to the south. It has a population of over 83 million within its 16 constituent states.
With several borders to the north, east, south and west. There are other interesting facts about Germany, apart from it being a country of diverse possibilities.
Germany has several universities, especially public universities. However, some public universities in Germany teach English, while others are purely English universities. Mostly for international students, which help keep foreigners at ease.
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Tuition Fees in Germany
In 2014, Germany’s Government decided to remove tuition fees from all public universities in Germany.
This means that students were no longer required to pay tuition fees, although only an administrative semester contribution of €150-€250 per semester is required.
But, tuition was re-introduced in the state of Baden-Württemberg in 2017, even after being re-introduced, the German universities in this state are still affordable.
In as much as tuition is free in Germany, it mostly applies to undergraduate studies.
However, some postgraduate studies might be free as well. Although majority requires tuition fee, except people on scholarship.
Notwithstanding, international students are required to show a proof of financial stability when applying for the student visa.
This means they should prove they have at least €10,332 in an account, where the student can withdraw a maximum of €861 every month.
Definitely, studying comes with a few expenses, the consolation is that, students in this country are free from paying enormous amounts of schooling fees.
10 Cheapest Universities in Germany for International Students
We’ve brought you a list of the cheapest universities in Germany for International students, feel free to check them out, visit their links and apply.
Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich is also known as LMU and it is the first on our list of the cheapest universities in Germany for international students.
It is a public research university and Germany’s 6th oldest university in continuous operation.
However, it was originally established in 1472 by Duke Ludwig IX of Bavaria-Landshut. This university was officially named Ludwig Maximilians-Universitat by King Maximilian I of Bavaria, in the university’s founder’s honour.
Furthermore, this university is associated with 43 Nobel laureates as of October 2020. The LMU has notable alumni and was recently given the “University of Excellence” title, under the German Universities Excellence Initiative.
LMU has over 51,606 students, 5,565 academic staffs and 8,208 administrative staffs. Moreover, this university has 19 faculties and several fields of study.
Not excluding its numerous rankings, which includes the best glo0bal university ranking.
Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
Technical University of Munich was established in 1868 by king Ludwig II of Bavaria. It is abbreviated as TUM or TU Munich. It is one of the cheapest universities in Germany for international students.
This is a public research university that specializes in engineering, technology, medicine and applied/natural sciences.
The University is organized into 11 schools and departments, not excluding numerous research centres.
TUM has over 48,000 students, 8,000 academic staff and 4,000 administrative staff. It is consistently ranked among the leading universities in the European Union.
However, it has researchers and alumni’s which include:17 Nobel laureates and 23 Leibniz Prize winners. Moreover, it has an estimate of 11 rankings, both national and global.
Location: Berlin, Germany.
This University, also known as HU Berlin, was established in the year 1809 and opened in the year 1810. Nonetheless, making it the oldest of Berlin’s four universities.
However, it is a public research university founded by Frederick William III. The University was previously known as Friedrich Wilhelm University before it was renamed in 1949.
Nevertheless, it has over 35,553 students, 2,403 academic staffs and 1,516 administrative staffs.
Notwithstanding its 57 Nobel laureates, 9 faculties and various programmes for every degree.
Besides being one of the cheapest universities in Germany for International students, this university has been granted the title of “University of Excellence” under the German Universities Excellence Initiative.
Moreover, HU Berlin is recognized as one of the best universities for natural sciences in the world. Therefore, explaining why it has several rankings.
Location: Hamburg, Germany.
The University of Hamburg, mostly referred to as UHH was founded on the 28th of March 1919.
UHH encompasses over 43,636 students, 5,382 academic staff and 7,441 administrative staff.
However, its major campus is located in the middle district of Rotherbaum, with interconnected institutes and research centres dispersed around the city-state.
It has 8 faculties and various departments. It has produced a good number of well-known alumni’s. Moreover, this university have been awarded for its quality education.
Amongst other rankings and awards, this university has been rated among the top 200 universities worldwide, by the Times Higher Education Ranking.
Nonetheless, it is one of the cheapest universities in Germany, especially for international students from different countries of the world.
Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
University of Stuttgart is a leading research university in Germany. It is another on the list of the cheapest universities in Germany for international students.
It was founded in 1829 and is one of the oldest technical universities in Germany. This University is highly ranked in Civil, Mechanical, Industrial and Electrical Engineering.
However, it is organized into 10 faculties, with an estimated number of 27,686 students. Furthermore, it has a good number of staffs, both administrative and academic.
Finally, it is graced with notable alumni’s and several rankings, ranging from national to global.
Location: Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany.
Darmstadt University of Technology, also known as TU Darmstadt was founded in 1877 and has received the right to award doctorates in 1899.
This was the first university in the world, to set up a seat in electrical engineering in 1882.
However, in 1883, this university founded its first faculty on electrical engineering and even introduced its degree.
Furthermore, TU Darmstadt has assumed a pioneering position in Germany. It has introduced different scientific courses and discipline through its faculties.
Moreover, it has 13 departments, whereas, 10 of them focuses on Engineering, Natural Sciences and Mathematics. While, the other 3 focuses on, Social Sciences and Humanities.
This university has over 25,889 students, 2,593 academic staff and 1,909 administrative staff.
Location: Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, popularly known as KIT is a public research university and it is among the cheapest universities in Germany.
This Institute is one of largest educational and research institutions, by funding in Germany.
However, in 2009, the University of Karlsruhe founded in 1825 merged with the Karlsruhe Research Center founded in 1956, to form the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Therefore, the KIT was established on the 1st October 2009. It has over 23,231 students, 5,700 academic staff and 4,221 administrative staff.
Moreover, KIT is a member of the TU9, an incorporated community of the largest and most notable German institutes of technology.
The university has 11 faculties, several rankings, notable alumni’s and is one of the leading technical universities in Germany and Europe.
Location: Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
The Heidelberg University, officially known as the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386 and is one of the worlds oldest, surviving universities.
It was the third university established in the Holy Roman Empire, which has over 28,653 students, 9,000 staff both administrative and academic.
Heidelberg University has been a coeducational institution since 1899. This university consists of 12 faculties and offers degree programmes at undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels in 100 disciplines.
However, it is a German Excellence University, part of the U15, as well as a founding member of the League of European Research Universities and the Coimbra Group. It has notable alumni’s and several rankings varying from national to international.
Location: Berlin, Germany.
This University, also known as TU Berlin was the first German university to adopt the name, Technical University. It was founded in 2879 and after series of changes, it was established in 1946, bearing its present name.
Furthermore, it has over 35,570 students, 3,120 academic staff and 2,258 administrative staff. In addition, its alumni and professor includes several US National Academies members, National Medal of Science laureates and ten Nobel Prize winners.
Nevertheless, the university has 7 faculties and several departments. Notwithstanding the variety of courses and degree for several programmes.
Location: Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
University of Tubingen is one of 11 German Excellence Universities. It is a public research university with about 27,196 students and over 5,000 staff.
This university is exceptionally known for the study of Plant Biology, Medicine, Law, Archeology, Ancient Cultures, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies.
It is a center of Excellence, for artificial studies. This university has notable alumni’s which include; EU Commissioners and judges of the Federal Constitutional Court.
However, it is associated with Nobel laureates, mostly in the field of medicine and chemistry.
The University of Tubingen was founded and established in the year 1477 by Count Eberhard V. It has 7 faculties, subdivided into several departments.
Nonetheless, the university has both national and global rankings.
Student visa in Germany
For students in a country within the EEA, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, no visa is required to study in Germany only if:
- The student should be studying for over three months.
- That student must have enrolled at an approved university or other higher educational institution.
- Also, the student must have adequate income (from any source) to live without requiring income support.
- The student must have a valid health insurance.
However, students from countries outside of the EEA will need a visa to study in Germany.
You can acquire this at the German Embassy or Consulate in your residence country for an estimate of €60.
Nevertheless, within two weeks of your arrival, you must register with the Aliens Registration Office and your regional registration office to obtain a residency permit.
Furthermore, you will receive a two-year residency permit, which can be prolonged if need be.
However, you have to apply for this extension before your permit expires.
CONCLUSION:
The above universities are public universities, however, most are research universities.
These universities vary in their requirements, it is advisable you check their requirements and follow instructions by visiting their official page.
There are several other institutes in Germany that are good in specific courses that you might be interested in, eg: Computer Science, Engineering, Architecture. Etc. Moreover, these are taught in English language.
Note that, there are various universities worldwide for international students which are very cheap and affordable. Since this is so, students can have several study options.