You can study at many German universities without paying the high tuition charged in some other study-abroad destinations. Germany is an attractive study-abroad destination for international students because of its academic opportunities, large economy, and comparatively affordable public higher education. However, tuition policies vary by university, program, state, and student nationality.
Many German universities, including the Technical University of Berlin and Heidelberg University, are public research universities offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. In general, public universities in Germany charge lower tuition than private institutions, although students normally pay semester contributions and some public universities charge tuition in specific circumstances.
Before selecting a university, compare its tuition policy, mandatory semester contribution, program requirements, and local living costs. You can also explore courses in Germany by subject and degree level. This article examines German institutions that offer comparatively affordable options for international students.
Affordable Universities in Germany for International Students
The amounts below were checked in July 2026. Semester contributions and promotional private-university prices can change each term or intake. The tuition charged to an individual student may also depend on nationality, prior education, residence status, degree type, and eligibility for an exemption.
1. Berlin School of Business and Innovation
The Berlin School of Business and Innovation is a private business school that delivers programs with academic partners. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and doctoral study options at several European locations, including Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid. The campus available to a student depends on the selected program.
BSBI publishes standard and discounted tuition separately for individual programs. For example, its 18-month, full-time MSc International Business in Berlin currently lists a total price of €14,425, with discounts potentially available. Because prices and promotions differ substantially by program and intake, applicants should check the tuition.
3. Technical University of Munich
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Tuition range for students subject to non-EU tuition: Usually €2,000–€3,000 per semester for bachelor’s programs | €4,000–€6,000 per semester for master’s programs
- Additional charge: Campus-specific semester fee
The Technical University of Munich (Technische Universität München or TUM) is a public research university with a strong focus on science, engineering, medicine, and technology. Its entrepreneurship ecosystem includes TUM Venture Labs and other support for university startups.
Since the winter semester of 2024/25, newly enrolled students from non-EU countries have generally been charged program-specific tuition for bachelor’s and master’s programs unless an exemption applies. Students must also pay a semester fee, which varies by campus. Doctoral, exchange, visiting, and certain other students are not subject to this tuition policy.
TUM reports a worldwide network of more than 120,000 alumni. It also offers tuition waivers, exemptions, and scholarships to qualifying students, but these are subject to separate eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
4. Technical University of Berlin
- Admissions | Scholarships
- General tuition: No tuition for most regular degree programs
- Semester fee: €379.06 for the winter semester of 2026/27, including the Germany semester ticket
TU Berlin traces its roots to the Royal Technical Academy, which was founded in 1879. The present university was established after World War II and offers programs across engineering, natural sciences, planning, the humanities, and other fields.
TU Berlin does not generally charge tuition for its regular degree programs, but enrolled students pay a mandatory semester fee. Tuition may apply to continuing-education master’s programs. For example, the two-year Master of Space Engineering charges total tuition of €24,900, plus an organization fee of €379.06 per semester.
5. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Tuition: €1,500 per semester for many non-EU/EEA students in bachelor’s, teacher-training, and consecutive master’s programs
KIT was created in 2009 through the merger of the University of Karlsruhe and the Karlsruhe Research Center. It is a public research institution with an emphasis on engineering, natural sciences, and technology.
Many degree-seeking students from outside the EU and EEA pay tuition of €1,500 per semester under Baden-Württemberg’s state tuition policy. Exempt groups include EU/EEA citizens, doctoral students, students who obtained a German Abitur in Germany or at a German school abroad, and certain exchange or partner-program students. Other exemptions may apply based on residence status or personal circumstances.
KIT also provides information about funding and financial assistance. Scholarship availability is limited and eligibility differs by award, so students should not assume that funding will automatically offset tuition.
6. University of Stuttgart
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Tuition: €1,500 per semester for many non-EU/EEA students
- Additional semester fee: €184
The University of Stuttgart is a public research university with particular strengths in engineering, the natural sciences, and technology. It is a member of TU9, the alliance of nine German universities of technology.
The university offers approximately 160 bachelor’s and master’s programs, including several English-taught master’s programs. Applicants should use the program finder to confirm each program’s language of instruction, because most bachelor’s programs are taught primarily in German.
International students from outside the EU and EEA generally pay tuition of €1,500 per semester unless they qualify for an exemption. The university also charges a semester fee totaling €184. Funding opportunities are competitive and may include university-administered awards, the Deutschlandstipendium.
7. Humboldt University of Berlin
- Admissions | Scholarships
- General tuition: No tuition for most regular degree programs
- Semester fee: €305.80 for the summer semester of 2026 for most degree-seeking and exchange students
Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university with an international student community. In the winter semester of 2025/26, it reported 6,279 international students, representing 17.6% of its student body.
The university offers international and English-language degree programs, particularly at the master’s level. The language of instruction and any German-language requirements must be confirmed on the individual program page.
Most regular degree programs do not charge tuition, but students pay semester fees and contributions. The amount can differ for doctoral students and certain other enrollment categories and is updated each semester.
FAQs on German Universities
What Are the General Requirements to Study in Germany?
Requirements for higher education in Germany vary by university, program, qualification, and nationality. Applicants generally need a recognized university entrance qualification or previous degree, academic transcripts and certificates, and proof of the language required for their program. After admission, international students may also need proof of sufficient funds, a student visa or residence permit, and valid health insurance.
Depending on the program, applicants may also need recommendation letters, a CV, a motivation letter, a portfolio, a research proposal, or evidence of relevant work experience, particularly when applying to postgraduate programs. Requirements must be checked on the individual program page. The uni-assist website also provides application information and evaluates international applications for many German universities.
Do Universities in Germany Offer English-taught Programs?
Yes. Although German remains the main language of instruction at many universities, institutions also offer English-taught programs at different degree levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and MBA programs. English-taught bachelor’s programs are less common than English-taught master’s programs, so applicants should check the language of instruction for each course.
For example, Constructor University offers undergraduate and graduate programs taught in English. Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt also offers English-taught degree programs, including the Master of Engineering in AI Engineering of Autonomous Systems and the Master of Engineering in International Automotive Engineering.
Applicants to English-taught programs normally need to demonstrate the required level of English. IELTS and TOEFL are commonly accepted, but accepted tests and minimum scores vary by program. For example, the University of Stuttgart’s M.Sc. in Chemical Sciences accepts a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 or an IELTS band score of at least 5.0.
Germany can be a comparatively affordable study-abroad destination, particularly for students enrolled in tuition-free public programs. However, tuition-free options are not cost-free. Students still need to budget for semester contributions, accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, visa-related financial requirements, and personal expenses.
Tuition policies also differ substantially. Non-EU students at TUM and public universities in Baden-Württemberg may pay tuition, while private institutions charge program-specific prices. Scholarships can reduce costs, but eligibility, coverage, and application procedures vary. Review the latest university fee page and explore scholarships before applying to German universities.
This article can serve as a starting point as you search for an affordable university in Germany. If you are interested, check out our Study in Germany guide and Available Programs for International Students!
