Study in Germany for Free – Complete Guide for International Students

Can You Really Study in Germany for Free?

Yes, if you choose a public university, your tuition will usually be free (except for universities in Baden-Württemberg, which charge €1,500 per semester) whether you are from Germany, the EU, or a non-EU country.

This policy is part of Germany’s commitment to making education accessible to everyone, and it applies to most degree programmes across the country.

However, "free" does not mean completely costless. You will still need to cover:

• Semester contributions (€100–€350 per semester)
• Living expenses (€850–€1,100/month)
• Visa-related costs (if applicable)

How Tuition-Free Education Works in Germany

The majority of German universities are publicly funded. This means the government covers most of the operating costs, allowing them to offer degrees without charging tuition. Students contribute only a semester fee, which supports administrative services, student unions, and public transport passes (in most cities).

However, there are some exceptions:

• Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester.
• Some specialised Master’s programmes and all MBA programmes require tuition fees, even at public universities.

Who Can Study for Free in Germany

The tuition-free policy is inclusive, and it applies to:

• German citizens
• EU/EEA citizens
• Non-EU international students enrolled in standard degree programmes

Whether you’re from India, the USA, Nigeria, or Brazil, you can apply to a public university and pay no tuition fees for most programmes. The only and main condition is that you meet the admission requirements for your chosen degree.

Public Universities and Tuition-Free Education

Public universities are the backbone of Germany’s higher education system. They are funded by the government, which is why they can offer tuition-free degrees to both national and international students.

These institutions are known for their academic excellence, strong research output, and a wide range of programmes in both German and English.

Programmes Offered in English at Tuition-Free Public Universities

If you’re worried about the language barrier, you’ll be happy to know that hundreds of programmes are taught in English, especially at the Master’s level.

Use the mygermanuniversity.com database to filter by "Language: English" to find the most up-to-date list of tuition-free English-taught programmes.

However, if you plan on making friends here and staying for longer in Germany, you should learn German for day-to-day interactions, group work, and making connections.

Admission Requirements at Tuition-Free Public Universities

Because tuition is free and Germany is quite sought-after, entry standards are competitive. Requirements do vary by programme, but they generally include:

For Bachelor’s programmes

• Secondary school certificate recognized as equivalent to German Abitur (use the Anabin database to check)
• Proof of language proficiency (German B2/C1 for German-taught programmes, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes)
• Sometimes, a preparatory year (Studienkolleg) is required if your home country has a 12-year school system

For Master’s programmes

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, recognized in Germany
• Proof of language proficiency (English or German, depending on programme)
• Motivation letter, CV, and letters of recommendation

Scholarships and Financial Support in Germany

Even though public universities in Germany are tuition-free for most programmes, you still need to cover living expenses, semester contributions, and other costs.

Scholarships can help ease this financial pressure, and many options are open to international students.

Main Types of Scholarships for International Students

Scholarships in Germany generally fall into three main categories:

1. Government-funded programmes
2. Private foundations
3. University-specific grants

Some scholarships cover only living costs, while others may include family allowances, insurance, or even research funding.

How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in Germany

1. Search early – Many scholarships close applications before the semester starts.
2. Use reliable databases – Start with the DAAD scholarship finder and your university’s funding page.
3. Prepre your documents – Such as academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and recommendation letters.

If you want to make sure you have enough funds to cover your costs, you can apply to several scholarships at once.