Germany is one of the only major study-abroad destinations where international students can study at world-class public universities with little to no tuition fees. Whether you’re applying for engineering, computer science, business, health sciences, arts, or social sciences, Germany offers hundreds of degree programs—many of them completely free.
This guide explains why Germany offers free education, which public universities are the most popular among international students, eligibility requirements, living costs, and how to apply for 2026 intake.
Why Germany Offers Free Education
Public universities in Germany are government-funded. Their goal is to make higher education accessible to everyone domestic or international—regardless of financial background.
Key reasons education is free:
- Government subsidies cover most academic costs
- Germany wants to attract global talent for its workforce
- Public universities prioritize research, innovation and accessibility
- The country aims to strengthen cultural and academic diversity
The only exception is Baden-Württemberg, where some universities charge €1,500 per semester for non-EU students.
Are Public Universities in Germany Really Free?
Yes, tuition fees are €0 at most public universities. However, students must pay a semester contribution (€250–€350), which includes:
- Public transport ticket
- Administration fee
- Student union services
This is not tuition fees, it’s a shared cost to support student services.
Top 15 Free Public Universities in Germany
Below is a curated list of Germany’s most popular public universities offering tuition-free education across bachelor’s and master’s programs.
1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- One of Europe’s leading engineering and technology universities
- Strong programs in AI, Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering
- Global reputation with industry links (BMW, Siemens, Google)
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€150
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)
- Top-ranked for humanities, sciences and business
- Ideal for research-focused students
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€150–€200
3. RWTH Aachen University
- Germany’s largest technical university
- Known for engineering, automotive, aerospace and research innovation
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€300
4. University of Stuttgart
- Strong in automotive engineering, mechanical engineering and aerospace
- Home to world-famous research institutes
Tuition Fees: €0 (except Baden-Württemberg fee for non-EU)
Semester Fee: ~€200
5. Heidelberg University
- Oldest university in Germany
- Globally known for medicine, natural sciences, humanities
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€170
6. Humboldt University of Berlin
- Top choice for arts, humanities, social sciences, linguistics
- Part of Berlin’s excellent academic ecosystem
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€300
7. Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
- Strong engineering, computer science and architecture programs
- Many English-taught master’s programs
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€300
8. University of Hamburg
- Popular for business, social sciences, engineering and environmental studies
- Active research community
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€330
9. Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin)
- Leading in political science, humanities, natural sciences
- Offers several English-taught master’s programs
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€300
10. University of Bonn
- Well-known for mathematics, economics, computer science, natural sciences
- Home to Nobel Prize-winning researchers
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€300
11. University of Cologne
- One of the largest universities in Germany
- Strong business, economics, psychology and social sciences programs
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€260
12. University of Mannheim
- Germany’s No.1 for business, economics and management
- Harvard-style business school reputation
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€190
13. University of Freiburg
- Popular for renewable energy, environmental sciences, medicine and humanities
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€250
14. TU Dresden
- Leading technical university + member of TU9
- Strong in engineering, computer science, natural sciences
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€300
15. University of Göttingen
- Known for research in physics, mathematics, biology, humanities
- Large international community
Tuition Fees: €0
Semester Fee: ~€250
Are Master’s Degrees Also Free in Germany?
Yes.Most public universities charge no tuition for master’s degrees, especially if your bachelor’s is in a related field.
Non-related master’s may have a tuition fee, but this is rare.
Eligibility Requirements for Free Public Universities in Germany
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- 12th grade with strong academic performance
- German proficiency (B2/C1) for German-taught courses
- APS Certificate (mandatory for Indian students)
- Uni-Assist evaluation
Postgraduate (Master’s)
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Minimum 65%–75% depending on program
- English proficiency:
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL 90+
- Motivation letter, CV, LORs
Living Costs for International Students in Germany
Even though tuition is free, students must budget for living expenses:
Average monthly costs:
- Accommodation: €350–€650
- Food: €150–€250
- Transport: Included in semester ticket
- Health insurance: €120
- Personal expenses: €100–€150
Total monthly cost: €750–€1,100
Germany is cheaper than other European countries like France, UK or Netherlands.
How to Apply to Free Public Universities in Germany
Step-by-Step Process:
- Research programs + check language requirements
- Prepare transcripts, certificates and APS (for Indian students)
- Apply through Stubard
- Upload IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF/DSH
- Submit SOP, CV, LORs
- Pay semester fee after acceptance
- Open a blocked account (€11,328/year)
- Apply for German student visa
Conclusion
Germany remains the best destination for international students who want affordable, high-quality, globally recognized education. With world-class public universities offering tuition-free degrees, excellent job prospects and an unmatched research environment, studying in Germany is an opportunity thousands of students pursue each year.
If you’re planning to study in Germany in 2026, applying to a free public university can significantly reduce your financial burden while giving you access to one of the strongest education systems in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are public universities in Germany really free for international students?
Yes. Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for international students, including those from non-EU countries. Students only pay a semester fee, which covers public transport and student services. Germany’s government funds higher education to attract skilled global talent.
2. Why does Germany offer free education to foreigners?
Germany believes that education is a public right and wants to develop a highly skilled workforce. By removing tuition fees, universities attract talented international students who later contribute to Germany’s economy through employment and innovation.
3. Which city in Germany is cheapest for students?
Cities like Dresden, Leipzig, Aachen, and Bremen offer very affordable housing and living costs. Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive but still manageable with student housing options.
4. Can I study in Germany without knowing German?
Yes, especially at the master’s level, where many programs are offered in English. However, bachelor’s degrees are mostly German-taught, so B2/C1 proficiency is required. Learning basic German also improves job opportunities and daily life convenience.
5. Is APS Certificate mandatory for Germany?
Yes, for Indian students APS is compulsory before applying to German universities. Applications without APS are rejected by Uni-Assist.
6. What are the hardest German universities to get into?
Highly competitive options include:
TU Munich
RWTH Aachen
University of Heidelberg
TU Berlin
University of Mannheim
Acceptance depends on academic strength and program demand.7. Can I work part-time while studying in Germany?
Yes, international students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Many students work in cafés, research labs, startups or campus jobs to support living expenses.