Do you know there are Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students? This well-detailed article on the best 15 Tuition-Free Universities for International Students in Germany, will change your thoughts on cost of studying in the European Country.
Even with the high rate of tuition in Europe, there are still countries in Europe that offer tuition free education. Germany is one of the countries in Europe that offer tuition free education.
Germany has close to 400 universities, including about 240 public universities. About 400,000 International Students make up the amount of Students in Germany. This is an evidence that Germany warmly welcomes international students.
In this article, we focus on some of the Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students.
Table of Contents
Are there Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students?
Public Universities in Germany are free to both domestic and International Students. Yes, you read that right, FREE.
Germany abolished tuition fees for undergraduate students at all public universities in Germany in 2014. Currently, both domestic and international students can study for free.
In 2017, the Baden-Wurttemberg, one of the states in Germany, reintroduced tuition fees for non EU students. This means International Students will have to pay to study in Universities in Baden-Wurttemberg. The cost of studying in these universities is within the range of €1,500 and €3,500 per semester.
However, Students will have to pay semester fees or social contribution fee to study in Tuition-Free Universities in Germany. Semester fees or social contribution fees costs between €150 and €500.
Read also: 15 Tuition-Free Universities in UK you would love.
Exceptions to studying free in Germany
Studying at a public university in Germany is free, but there are a few exceptions.
Universities in Baden-Wurttemberg has a mandatory tuition fee from €1,500 per semester to all non EU students.
Some public universities charge tuition fee for some professional study programs especially master’s degree programs. However, master’s degree at German universities are usually free if they are consecutive. That is, enrolling directly from a related bachelor’s degree gained in Germany.
Why Study in Tuition-Free Universities for International Students in Germany?
Many top ranked universities in Germany are public universities, which are also Tuition-Free Universities. Studying in a top ranked institutions is the best choice to make when choosing institution. So, you can gain recognized degree.
Also, Germany is a country with strong economy. Germany has one of the largest economy in Europe. Studying in a country with a large economy can increase your chances of getting employed.
There is also a wide range of courses to study at Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students.
Studying in Germany also gives you the opportunity to learn German, the official language of Germany. Learning a new language can be so helpful.
German is also an official language of some countries in Europe. For example, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein. About 130 million people speak German.
Read also: 25 Best Universities in Germany for Computer Science.
15 Tuition-Free Universities for International Students in Germany to Study
List of the Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students:
1. Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of the Europe’s leading universities. TUM focuses on the engineering and natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, management and social sciences.
There are no tuition fees at TUM. Students only need to pay the semester fees consisting of a Student Union fee and a basic semester ticket for the public transportation network.
TUM also provide scholarships for international students. Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate with non German university entrance certificate can apply for the scholarship.
2. Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU)
The Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich is one of the most prestigious and traditional universities in Europe, established in 1472. LMU is one of Germany’s most renowned universities.
Ludwig Maximilians University offers over 300 degree programs, and lots of summer courses and exchange opportunities. Many of these degree programs are taught in English.
In LMU, students don’t have to pay tuition fees for most degree programs. However, each semester all students must pay the fees for the Studentenwerk. The fees for the Studentenwerk consist of the basic fee and the additional fee for the semester ticket.
3. Free University of Berlin
The Free University of Berlin has been one of the German universities of excellence since 2007. It is one of the leading research university in Germany.
Free University of Berlin offers more than 150 degree programs.
There are no tuition fees at Berlin universities, except for some graduate or postgraduate programs. However, students are responsible for paying certain fees and charges each year.
4. Humboldt University of Berlin
The Humboldt University was established in 1810, making it the oldest of Berlin’s four univetsities. Humboldt University is also one of the top universities in Germany.
HU offers about 171 degree courses.
Like we said earlier, there are no tuition fees at Berlin universities. A few Master’s courses are exceptions to this rule.
5. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
KIT is one of the eleven “Universities of Excellence” in Germany. It is also the only German University of excellence with a natural large scale sector. KIT is one if the biggest science institution in Europe.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology offer more than 100 study courses in natural and engineering sciences, economics, humanities, social sciences and teaching.
KIT is one of the universities in Baden-Wurttemberg. So, international students from non EU countries will have to pay tuition fees. However, there are few exemptions to this rule.
Students will also have to pay mandatory fees including administrative charge, charge for studierendenwerk, and charge for the General Students Committee.
6. RWTH Aachen University
RWTH is know for it’s world class university education in Natural Sciences and Engineering.
Over 185 degree courses are available in RWTH.
RWTH Aachen does not charge tuition fees from international students. However, the university does charge semester fees.
7. University of Bonn
The University of Bonn is internationally recognized as one of the leading research universities in Germany. University of Bonn is one of the largest universities in Germany.
Since 2019, the University of Bonn is one of 11 German Universities of Excellence and the only German university with six Clusters of Excellence.
The University offer around 200 degree programs.
University of Bonn doesn’t charge tuition fees from students. The German government fully subsidizes all university studies in federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia to which Bonn belong.
However, all students will have to pay an administrative fee per semester. The fee includes free public transportation in Bonn/Cologne area and the whole of Northrhine-Westphalia.
Read also: 50 Colleges with Full Ride Scholarships.
8. Georg-August – University of Gottingen
The University of Gottingen is an internationally renowned research university, founded in 1737.
University of Gottingen offers a range of subjects in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences and medicine.
The university offers more than 210 degree programs. Half of the PhD programs are fully taught in English as well as an increasing number of Master programs.
Usually, there is no tuition charged to international students to study in Germany. However, all students must pay a mandatory semester fees comprising administrative fees, student body fees and a Studentenwerk fee.
9. University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of the oldest universities in Germany. It is also one of the largest German universities.
There are more than 157 courses available in University of Cologne.
University of Cologne does not charge any tuition fees. However, each semester all enrolled students have to pay a social contribution fee.
10. University of Hamburg
University of Hamburg is a center of excellence research and teaching.
The University of Hamburg offers more than 170 degree programs; bachelor’s, master’s and teaching degree.
As of winter semester 2012/13, the university abolished tuition fees. However, semester contribution payment are mandatory.
11. Leipzig University
The Leipzig University was founded in 1409, making it one of the oldest university in Germany. It is also one of Germany’s leading universities when it comes to top class research and medical expertise.
Leipzig University offers a variety of subjects from humanities and social sciences to natural and life sciences. It offers more than 150 degree programs, more than 30 have international curricula.
Currently, Leipzig does not charge tuition fees for a student’s first degree. However, in some cases students may be required to pay fees for a second degree or for exceeding the standard period of study. Fees are also charged for some special courses.
All students must pay a mandatory fee per semester. This fee consists of student body, studentenwerk, MDV public transport pass.
12. University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE)
There are no tuition fees at University of Duisburg-Essen, this applies to international students as well.
All Students are however subjected to a student body and social contribution fee. The social contribution fee is used to finance the semesterticket, the student welfare contribution for the student service and the student self-administration
UDE has a variety of subjects from the humanities, education, social and economic sciences, to engineering and natural sciences, as well as medicine. The university offer over 267 study programs, including teacher training courses.
With students from 130 countries enrolled at the University Duisburg-Essen, English is increasingly replacing German as the language of instruction.
13. University of Munster
The University of Munster is one of the largest universities in Germany.
It offers more than 120 subjects and over 280 degree programs.
Although, University of Munster doesn’t charge tuition fees, all students must pay a semester fee for student related services.
14. Bielefeld University
Bielefeld University was founded in 1969. The University offers a wide range of disciplines in the universities in the humanities, natural sciences, technology, including medicine.
There are no tuition fees for both domestic and international students at Bielefeld University. All students must however pay a social fee.
In return, students will receive semester ticket which allows them use a public transport throughout North-Rhine-Westphile.
15. Goethe University Frankfurt
Goethe University Frankfurt was founded in 1914 as a unique citizens’ university, financed by wealthy citizens in Frankfurt, Germany.
The University offers more than 200 degree programs.
Goethe university has no tuition fees. However, all students must pay semester fees.
How to finance study in Tuition-Free Universities for International Students in Germany
Even with no tuition fees, a lot of students may not be able to pay for accommodation, health insurance, food and some other living expenses.
Most Tuition-Free Universities in Germany does not provide scholarship programs. However, there are still other ways you can finance your studies.
An excellent way to finance your studies and at the same time gain practical experience is to get a student job. Most of the Tuition-Free Universities in Germany offers student jobs and internship to international students.
International Students may also be qualify for German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Each year, DAAD supports over 100,000 German and international students and researches around the globe, making it the world’s largest finding organization.
Requirements needed to study in Tuition-Free Universities for International Students in Germany.
International Students will require the following to study in Germany
- Proof of language proficiency
- Student Visa or residence permit
- Proof of health insurance
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of funds
- Resume/CV
Other documents maybe required depending on choice of program and university.
FAQ about Tuition-Free Universities for International Students in Germany
What is the language of instruction in the Tuition-Free Universities for International Students in Germany?
German is the official language of Germany. The language is also the used in teaching in German Institutions.
But there are still universities in Germany that offers english taught programs. Infact, there are about 200 public universities in Germany that offers english taught programs.
However, most of the Tuition-Free Universities listed in this article offers English taught programs.
You can also enroll in languages course, so you can learn German.
Checkout our article on Top 15 English Universities in Germany for International Students.
Who is funding the Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students?
Most of the Tuition-Free Universities in Germany are funded by federal government of Germany and state governments. There are also third party funding which can be a private organization.
What is the cost of living while studying in Tuition-Free Universities in Germany?
You will need to have access to at least approximately €10,256 to cover your annual living costs in Germany.
Are these Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students competitive?
The acceptance rate of the Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students is quite high when compared to universities in UK. German Universities like University of Bonn, Ludwig-Maxilians University, Leipzip University have a good acceptance rate.
Why are there Tuition-Free Universities in Germany?
Germany abolished tuition fees in public universities in order to make higher education affordable for everyone and also attract International Students.
Conclusion
Study in Germany, a western European country and enjoy free education.
Do you love to study in Germany?
Which of the Tuition-Free Universities in Germany will you apply for?
Let us know in the Comment Section.
We recommend also: Public Universities in Germany that teach in English.