For international students, many public universities in Germany offering history are tuition-free rather than completely cost-free: many different universities offer history programs without regular tuition charges, although students still pay a semester contribution or fee for services and transport.
Students comparing Germany study programs will notice that this low-cost structure is one of the biggest reasons Germany remains attractive for humanities and social science degrees. In Germany overall, this is the normal pattern at public universities, which is why the country is popular for humanities students looking for affordable study options. One important exception is Baden-Württemberg: universities there, including Heidelberg University, charge €1,500 per semester for many non-EU international students, so not every German history school is tuition-free. Also, most undergraduate history degrees are taught mainly in German, so international applicants usually need strong German proficiency unless they find a specialized English-taught option at the master’s level.
| University | History Programs | Semester Fee |
|---|
| University of Kassel | History (B.A.), History and the Public (M.A.) | €356.82 |
| Bielefeld University | History (B.A.), History (M.A.) | about €300 |
| TU Darmstadt | History (B.A.), History (M.A.) | €382.68 |
| University of Bayreuth | History (B.A.), Global History (M.A.), History & Economics (M.A.) | €172.00 |
| Saarland University | History (B.A.), History (M.A.) | €394.30 |
Free History Schools in Germany
1. University of Kassel
University of Kassel is a strong option for international students looking for a public university in Germany with history-related study opportunities and relatively low overall study costs. Its Department of History offers history in several formats, including BA/MA pathways and teacher-training routes, which makes it useful for students who want either a traditional academic history degree or a more professionally oriented path. For students focused on affordability, Kassel stands out because the main recurring university charge is the semester fee rather than high tuition costs.
Academically, the university’s history offerings are practical as well as theoretical. The history programs connect classroom learning with museums, archives, and other institutions in Kassel, and the university also provides international application guidance for students with foreign qualifications. That makes University of Kassel a good fit for international applicants who want to study history in Germany at a public institution while keeping costs manageable and still having access to structured admissions and scholarship information.
2. Bielefeld University
Bielefeld University is a public university that does not charge tuition fees for domestic or international students, which makes it appealing for students who want a more affordable path to studying history in Europe. Instead of tuition, students usually pay a semester contribution that covers student services and other campus-related benefits.
For history-focused students, Bielefeld offers an official History program and a research-oriented academic environment in the humanities. The History master’s program highlights broad historical topics, current research questions, and training in theory and methodology, which can be valuable for students aiming for academic, research, or professional careers connected to history. Combined with Germany’s relatively low study costs, Bielefeld University is a practical choice for international students seeking quality history education without tuition fees.
3. TU Darmstadt
The Institute of History at TU Darmstadt offers history study options at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, with coverage across different historical periods and notable areas such as the history of technology and environmental history. The university also has a notably international student body, which can make it especially appealing for students coming from abroad.
For international applicants, TU Darmstadt handles applications through its TUCaN portal, and the same application deadlines apply to students with foreign university entrance qualifications. While most programs are tuition-free, students should still expect semester fees and normal living costs in Darmstadt. For funding, students can explore both TU Darmstadt scholarship options and external opportunities listed through Global Scholarships.
4. University of Bayreuth
The University of Bayreuth offers a wide range of history courses for both domestic and international students. Its history-related offerings include a B.A. in History as well as master’s programs in Global History, History & Economics, and History in Science and Practice, giving students choices that range from traditional historical study to interdisciplinary and applied history pathways. The university also provides dedicated support for international students through its International Office, including guidance on arrival, visas, residence permits, and study preparation.
For affordability, Bayreuth stands out because it does not charge tuition fees for its study programs; instead, students pay a semester contribution. The official fee page lists €165.84 for summer semester and €172.00 for winter semester. On the funding side, international students can explore support through the International Office as well as scholarship and grant options connected with DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, and other funding channels, making Bayreuth a practical choice for students seeking low-cost history study in Germany.
5. Saarland University
Saarland University offers history-focused options such as History and European-history-related programs, and its history teaching spans ancient history, the Middle Ages, modern history, economic and social history, and cultural and media history. Its location near the French border also gives many of its history offerings a distinctly European and cross-border perspective, which can be especially attractive for students interested in continental and comparative historical studies.
For students seeking a free or low-cost history school in Germany, Saarland University is appealing because most first-degree programs and consecutive master’s programs do not charge tuition fees, with students generally paying only the semester fee. The university is also notably international, welcoming students from many countries and providing dedicated guidance for international applicants. That combination of recognized degree options, relatively low study costs, and structured support makes Saarland University a practical option for international students interested in studying history in Germany.
FAQs: Free History Schools in Germany
Which German university is best for teacher-training history degrees?
The University of Kassel is a strong choice because it offers history through BA and MA pathways as well as teacher-training routes, making it useful for both academic and professionally oriented students.
Which German university is best for interdisciplinary or applied history?
The University of Bayreuth is especially attractive for interdisciplinary or applied history because it offers History, Global History, History & Economics, and History in Science and Practice.
Are scholarships available for international students studying history in Germany?
I hope that this article on the free history schools in Germany was helpful. If you are interested, check out the Study in Germany Guide and Open Courses in Germany for International Students.
