Students can study masters in Germany in English for free but there are few exceptions to this, which you will find out in this well-researched article.
Germany is one of the European countries that provide tuition-free education. This is one of the reasons international students are attracted to Germany.
Germany hosts more than 400,000 international students, making it one of the most popular study destinations for international students.
Without any further ado, let’s begin this article on studying a masters in Germany in English for free.
Table of Contents
Can I Study Masters in Germany in English for Free?
All students can study in Germany for free, whether they are German, EU, or Non-EU students. Yes, you read that right. Most public universities in Germany are tuition-free for both domestic and international students.
Even though German is the language of instruction at most public universities in Germany, some programs are still taught in English, especially master’s degree programs.
You can study master’s in Germany in English for free but there are a few exceptions.
Exceptions to Studying Masters in Germany for Free
- Private universities are not tuition-free. If you wish to study at private universities in Germany, then be ready to pay tuition fees. However, you may be eligible for several scholarships.
- Some non-consecutive master’s programs may require tuition fees. Consecutive master’s programs are the programs you enroll in immediately after finishing a bachelor’s degree and Non-consecutive is the opposite.
- Public universities in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg are not tuition-free for Non-EU and Non-EEA students. International students from Non-EU/EEA countries must pay 1500 EUR per semester.
However, all students enrolled in Germany’s public universities must pay a semester fee. The amount varies but doesn’t cost more than 400 EUR per semester.
Requirements needed to Study Masters in Germany in English
Each institution has its requirements but these are the general requirements for a master’s degree in Germany:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- High School Diploma
- Certificate and transcripts from previous institutions
- Proof of English language proficiency (for programs taught in English)
- A Student Visa or Residence Permit (depends on your nationality). Students from EU, EEA, and some other countries don’t need a student visa
- A Valid Passport
- Student Health Insurance Certificate.
Some schools may need additional requirements like work experience, GRE/GMAT score, Interview, Essay e.t.c.
Best Universities to Study Master’s in Germany in English for Free
Below is a list of 10 universities that offer master’s degree programs taught completely in English. These universities are among the best universities in Germany.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Technical University of Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Free University of Berlin
- University of Bonn
- University of Gottingen
- Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Cologne
- The Technical University of Berlin.
1. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, also known as the University of Munich is a public research university located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
Founded in 1472, the University of Munich is one of the oldest universities in Germany. It is also the first university in Bavaria.
Ludwig Maximilian University offers English-taught master’s degree programs across different study areas. LMU also offers several double degree programs in English, German or French at selected partner universities.
Master’s degree programs taught completely in English are available in these study areas:
- Economics
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Health Science.
At LMU, there are no tuition fees for most degree programs. However, each semester all students must pay the fees for the Studentenwerk. The Studentenwerk fees consist of the basic fee and the additional fee for the semester ticket.
2. Technical University of Munich
Technical University of Munich is a public research university located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It also has a campus in Singapore called “TUM Asia”.
TUM was one of the first universities in Germany to be named a University of Excellence.
The Technical University of Munich offers several types of master’s degrees like M.Sc, MBA, and M.A. Some of these master’s degree programs are taught in English across different study areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Business
- Health Science
- Architecture
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Sport and Exercise Science.
Most study programs at TUM are tuition-free, except for MBA programs. However, all students are supposed to pay a semester fee.
3. Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University, officially known as the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, is a public research university located in Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
Founded in 1386, the University of Heidelberg is the oldest university in Germany and one of the world’s oldest surviving universities.
German is the language of instruction at Heidelberg University but some programs are taught in English.
English-taught master’s degree programs are available in these study areas:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Biosciences
- Physics
- Modern Languages
The University of Heidelberg is tuition-free for students from EU and EEA countries, as well as international students with a German university entrance qualification. International students from Non-EU/EEA countries are expected to pay €1,500 per semester.
4. Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin)
Founded in 1948, the Free University of Berlin is a public research university located in Berlin, the capital of Germany.
FU Berlin offers master’s degree programs taught in English. It also has English-taught master’s programs offered jointly by several universities (including the Free University of Berlin).
Over 20 master’s programs are taught in English, including M.Sc, M.A, and continuing education master’s programs. These programs are available in:
- History and Cultural Studies
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science and Mathematics
- Earth Sciences e.t.c
The Free University of Berlin doesn’t charge tuition fees, except for some graduate programs. Students are only responsible for paying certain fees each semester.
5. University of Bonn
The Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn also known as the University of Bonn is a public research university located in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
In addition to German-taught courses, the University of Bonn also offers several English-taught programs.
The University of Bonn offers different types of master’s degrees like M.A, M.Sc, M.Ed, L.L.M, and continuing education master’s programs. English-taught master’s degree programs are available in these study areas:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts & Humanities
- Economics
- Neuroscience.
The University of Bonn doesn’t charge tuition and it is also free to apply for admission. However, students are expected to pay the social contribution or semester fee (currently €320.11 per semester).
6. University of Gottingen
Founded in 1737, the University of Gottingen, officially known as the Georg August University of Gottingen, is a public research university located in Gottingen, Lower Saxony, Germany.
The University of Gottingen offers English-taught master’s programs in the following areas of study:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biology and Psychology
- Forest Sciences
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Business and Economics.
The University of Gottingen does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay semester fees, which consist of administrative fees, student body fees, and a Studentenwerk fee. The semester fee is currently €375.31 per semester.
7. Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
The Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, also known as the University of Freiburg, is a public research university located in Freiburg I’m Breisgau, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
Founded in 1457, the University of Freiburg is one of the oldest universities in Germany. It is also one of the most innovative universities in Europe.
About 24 master’s degree programs are completely taught in English, across different study areas:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Physics
- Social Sciences
- History.
The University of Freiburg is tuition-free for students from EU and EEA countries. International students from Non-EU and Non-EEA countries will pay tuition fees. The fees amount to €1,500 per semester.
8. RWTH Aachen University
Rheinisch – Westfalische Technische Hochschule Aachen, commonly known as RWTH Aachen University is a public research university located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
With more than 47,000 students, RWTH Aachen University is the largest Technical University in Germany.
RWTH Aachen University offers English-taught master’s programs in two major fields:
- Engineering and
- Natural Sciences.
RWTH Aachen does not charge tuition fees. However, students are responsible for paying the semester fee, which consists of the student body and contribution fee.
9. University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is a public research university located in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Established in 1388, the University of Cologne is one of the oldest universities in Germany. With more than 50,000 enrolled students, the University of Cologne is also one of the largest universities in Germany.
The University of Cologne offers English-taught master’s programs across different study areas, which includes:
- Arts and Humanities
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Business
- Economics
- Political Sciences.
The University of Cologne does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay a social contribution fee (semester fees).
10. Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
The Technical University of Berlin is a public research university located in Berlin, Germany’s capital and the largest city in Germany.
TU Berlin offers about 19 English-taught master’s programs across the following study areas:
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Economics and Management
- Neuroscience
- Computer Science
At TU Berlin, there are no tuition fees, except for continuing education master’s programs. Students must pay a semester fee of €307.54 per semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn a master's degree in Germany?
In most German universities, master's degree programs last for 2 years ( four semesters of study)..
What scholarships are available to study in Germany?
Students can check the DAAD website for scholarships. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is the largest scholarship provider in Germany.
What is the Best University in Germany?
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, also known as University of Munich is the best university in Germany, followed by Technical University of Munich.
Can International Students study for free in Germany?
Public universities in Germany are tuition-free for all students except for public universities in Baden-Wurttemberg. International students from Non-EU/EEA countries will pay €1500 per semester.
What is the cost of living in Germany?
Students will spend at least €850 per month to cover the cost of living (accommodation, transportation, food, entertainment e.t.c.). The average cost of living in Germany for students is about €10,236 per year. However, the cost of living depends on your choice of lifestyle.
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Conclusion
Each year, thousands of students from abroad study in Germany. Are you wondering why? Studying in Germany has a lot of benefits which include tuition-free education, student jobs, the opportunity to learn German e.t.c.
Germany is one of the most affordable countries to study in Europe, compared to European countries like England, Switzerland, and Denmark.
We have now come to the end of this article on studying masters in Germany in English for free, we hope you found this article helpful.
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