Frankfurt is one of the best places in Germany for international students who want a respected degree without paying regular tuition fees. In Germany, “free university” usually means that public institutions do not charge tuition for most bachelor’s and master’s programs, although students still pay a semester contribution of around €390 per semester for administration, student services, and transportation. That makes Frankfurt especially appealing because it combines low-cost public education with strong career opportunities in finance, business, technology, arts, and research. Students who want to compare courses in Germany can also use our database to explore programs by subject, degree level, and tuition before choosing a university in Frankfurt.
| University | Tuition & Semester Fee | Language Options | Best For |
|---|
| Goethe University Frankfurt | semester contribution currently €390.28 per semester. | Some English-taught options are available, especially at master’s level, but many programs still require German. | Students who want strong research opportunities, broad subject choice, and the prestige of a major public university |
| Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences | Semester fee currently €386.78 per semester. | Most bachelor’s and most master’s programs require German C1, but the university also offers five master’s programs taught entirely in English. | Students who want practical, career-focused education with a stronger applied and industry-oriented approach |
| Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts (HfMDK) | Semester fee currently is €339.38 per semester. | Language requirements depend on the program; applicants must check the required German and/or English level for their exact course. | Students seeking conservatory-style artistic training in a public university setting |
Free Universities in Frankfurt
1. Goethe University Frankfurt
Goethe University Frankfurt is the city’s flagship public university and one of the strongest options for international students seeking a tuition-free education. The university offers a wide range of degree programs across many academic areas, including business, economics, law, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and medicine. It is a strong fit for students who want the experience of a large, research-focused university in a major international city.
Although Goethe University does not generally charge tuition in the usual sense, students should still expect a semester contribution. Some subjects can be studied fully in English, but in many faculties the majority of courses are still taught in German, so language preparation is important before applying.
Best for: students who want a broad academic selection, strong research opportunities, and the prestige of a major public university.
2. Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences is another strong public option for international students who want to study in Frankfurt without paying regular tuition fees. Compared with Goethe University, Frankfurt UAS is more practice-oriented and career-focused, which makes it especially attractive for students interested in applied engineering, computer science, architecture, business, social work, logistics, and urban studies.
Students still need to pay a semester contribution, but the overall cost remains far below the tuition charged by many universities in other countries. Frankfurt UAS also offers several English-taught master’s programs, making it a good option for international students who want practical education in an international setting.
Best for: students who want a practical, employment-oriented education with a stronger applied focus.
3. Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts (HfMDK)
If you are interested in music, theater, or dance, the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts is one of the city’s most specialized public institutions. It is a particularly good choice for artists who want conservatory-style training in a major cultural city while still benefiting from the lower costs of Germany’s public system.
The university offers programs in music, theater, and dance, and students pay a semester fee rather than regular tuition. It also has scholarship support options for students, including opportunities that can help international students manage living expenses while studying in Frankfurt.
Best for: students pursuing performance, composition, music education, dance, or theater at a public specialist institution.
FAQs: Free Universities in Frankfurt
Are there English-taught programs at free universities in Frankfurt?
Yes, some English-taught programs are available in Frankfurt, especially at the master level. Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences offers several English-taught master programs, and Goethe University also has some options in English. However, many courses are still taught mainly in German.
Do international students need German to study in Frankfurt?
Not always, but German is still very important. Some degrees can be completed in English, but many programs are taught mainly in German. Even when the degree is in English, basic German helps with housing, paperwork, shopping, and daily life in Frankfurt.
Is there Scholarships for International Students in Frankfurt?
Even when tuition is free, living costs in Germany are not. That is why scholarships can make a major difference for international students in Frankfurt. One of the most important scholarship options is the DAAD, which funds many international students across Germany, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels.
Another valuable option is the Deutschlandstipendium, which supports students with monthly funding and is available at several Frankfurt institutions. In addition, some universities offer targeted scholarships, emergency funding, and support programs for international students, especially at the graduate and doctoral levels.
I hope that this article on free universities in Frankfurt was helpful! If you are interested, check out the Study in Germany guides and Open Courses in Germany Page.
