Germany is one of the best destinations for international students who want to study economics at low cost, because most public universities charge little to no tuition for many degree programs, including economics-related fields, and students usually pay only a semester contribution for administration and student services.
If you are reviewing Germany courses for international students, you will find that many economics-related programs are far more affordable than options in countries like the US or UK. This means that many economics schools in Germany are effectively “free” compared with universities in countries like the US or UK, while still offering strong academic quality, research opportunities, and access to Europe’s largest economy. Students should still check each university carefully, though, because some programs may charge tuition in certain cases, such as specialized master’s degrees or universities in Baden-Württemberg.
Free Economics Schools in Germany
| University | Economics Programs | Semester Contribution |
|---|
| University of Duisburg-Essen | B.Sc. Economics; M.Sc. Economics | €349.80 |
| Leipzig University | B.Sc. Economics and Management Science; M.Sc. Economics | €312.30 |
| Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin) | B.A. Economics | €363.77 |
| Justus Liebig University Giessen | B.Sc. Economics; M.Sc. Economics; M.Sc. Economics of Global Risk | €403.43 |
| University of Göttingen | Bachelor in Economics; Master in International Economics; Master in Development Economics | €466.40 |
Free Economics Schools in Germany
1. University of Duisburg-Essen
The University of Duisburg-Essen is a strong option for students looking for a free economics school in Germany. As a public university, it does not charge tuition fees for regular study, which makes it especially attractive for both domestic and international students. Students should still expect to pay a semester contribution, but the absence of tuition keeps the overall cost of study much lower than at many universities in other countries.
For economics, the university offers a focused academic environment through its economics offerings, with an emphasis on empirical and quantitative approaches as well as practical relevance. This makes it a good choice for students who want solid theoretical training while also developing analytical skills that connect well to real-world economic and business issues. Its location in Germany’s Ruhr region also adds value for students who want to study in a major academic and economic area.
2. Leipzig University
Through its Faculty of Economics and Management Science, Leipzig University offers economics-related study options at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, including economics and management-focused programs. Its economics offerings are designed to build analytical and quantitative skills while covering areas such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, banking, development economics, and economic policy.
For students focused on affordability, Leipzig University stands out because it generally does not charge general tuition fees, which is a major advantage for both German and international students. Instead, students usually pay a semester fee, making it a cost-effective public university option in Germany. This combination of established economics programs, public-university affordability, and location in Germany makes Leipzig University a practical option for students seeking low-cost economics education.
3. Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin)
As a public university of applied sciences, Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin) has a well-developed Department of Business and Economics and offers economics-focused study in a practical, career-oriented environment. Its economics profile is especially appealing for students who want a balance between academic theory, real-world application, and exposure to business, public policy, and international economic issues.
HWR Berlin is also attractive from a cost perspective because there are no tuition fees for Bachelor’s and consecutive Master’s programmes, with students mainly paying a semester contribution instead. For economics students, this makes the university a good fit if you want affordable study in Germany while still benefiting from a Berlin location, international opportunities, and access to scholarship support and student services.
4. Justus Liebig University Giessen
Justus Liebig University Giessen is a public university in Giessen, Germany. Its Faculty of Business Studies and Economics offers economics-related study paths from bachelor’s to doctoral level, including Economics and Business Studies, Business Administration, M.Sc. Economics, and the English-taught M.Sc. Economics of Global Risk.
For affordability, JLU is especially attractive because the university states that it does not charge tuition fees for most programs, so students generally pay only the semester contribution and standard administrative costs. This makes it a practical choice for students who want a public German university with solid economics offerings, clear admissions pathways, and scholarship options that can help cover living expenses while studying in Germany.
5. University of Göttingen
The University of Göttingen is a strong option for students looking for free economics schools in Germany because it combines a respected public university environment with a solid range of economics degrees. Its economics offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Economics as well as specialized master’s programs such as International Economics and Development Economics, making it suitable for students who want either a broad foundation or a more focused graduate path.
For affordability, Göttingen is especially attractive because it generally does not charge regular tuition fees for most students, with students instead paying administrative and semester-related costs. This makes it a practical choice for both German and international applicants who want to study economics in Germany at a lower overall cost while still having access to admissions guidance and scholarship opportunities through both the university and external funding sources.
FAQs: Free Economics Schools in Germany
What do students pay if tuition is free at economics schools in Germany?
Even when tuition is free, students usually pay a semester contribution. In this article, the listed semester contributions are €349.80 at the University of Duisburg-Essen, €312.30 at Leipzig University, €363.77 at HWR Berlin, €403.43 at Justus Liebig University Giessen, and €466.40 at the University of Göttingen.
What economics degrees can students study at these universities in Germany?
Students can find a range of economics degrees in Germany through these universities, including Bachelor of Science in Economics, Master of Science in Economics, International Economics, Development Economics, Economics and Management Science, and specialized options such as Economics of Global Risk. This gives students both broad and specialized study paths.
Which free economics school in Germany is a strong choice for applied study in Berlin?
The Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin) is a strong choice for students who want a practical, career-oriented economics education in Berlin. The article highlights its balance of academic theory, real-world application, and exposure to business, public policy, and international economic issues.
Should students still apply for scholarships if tuition is already free in Germany?
Yes. Even when tuition is free, scholarships such as DAAD and Deutschlandstipendium can help cover living expenses, housing, insurance, transport, and study materials.
I hope that this article on free economics schools in Germany was helpful. If you are interested, check out the Study in Germany Guide and Open Courses in Germany for International Students!
