If you are looking for a place to continue your higher education that is both affordable and recognized worldwide, German universities are worth considering. Many public universities in Germany do not charge general tuition fees for standard degree programs, although students still pay semester contributions and some exceptions apply. What’s more, you do not always have to learn German to pursue a degree, since many English-taught programs are available, especially at the master’s level. To get a better sense of your options, you can also explore courses in Germany and see which programs match your academic goals.
The international student population in Germany continues to grow, and it is a good time to consider enrolling at one of the country’s low-cost public universities. Although most public universities do not charge general tuition, students are usually required to pay a semester contribution. For the universities listed below, current or recently published semester contributions range from about €85 to about €466 per semester, depending on the university and semester. Before choosing a university, it can also help to review available programs carefully, especially if you want to compare subjects, degree levels, language of instruction, and tuition details. Here are some universities that are popular picks among international students.
| University | City | Current Semester Contribution | English-Taught Options |
|---|
| Free University of Berlin | Berlin | €358.80 for new enrollment in summer semester 2026 | English-taught bachelor’s and master’s options available |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) | Munich | €85 basic Student Union fee | Mainly English-taught master’s and international degree options |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Berlin | €355.80 for re-registration | Some master’s and joint programs in English |
| RWTH Aachen University | Aachen | About €358 | English-taught master’s programs available |
| University of Bonn | Bonn | €345.07 for summer semester 2026 | Several international and English-taught programs, mostly at the master’s level |
| Georg August University of Göttingen | Göttingen | €466.40 for summer semester 2026 | One-third of master’s programs are taught in English |
| University of Hamburg | Hamburg | €384 for summer semester 2026 | English-language master’s programs available |
| University of Cologne | Cologne | €335.65 for winter semester 2025/26 and summer semester 2026 | English or bilingual master’s options available, including in selected WiSo programs |
| Goethe University Frankfurt | Frankfurt am Main | €408.28 | Several English-taught master’s programs |
Tuition-Free Schools in Germany for International Students
1. Free University of Berlin
The Free University of Berlin is one of Germany’s well-known public research universities. It was established in 1948 and is especially known for its broad academic offerings, including programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and political science. It also offers a selection of bachelor’s and master’s programs taught in English.
At the Free University of Berlin, no tuition fee is charged for most programs, except for some continuing education and selected graduate or postgraduate programs. Students still need to pay semester fees and contributions, and they should budget separately for living expenses, health insurance, study materials, and any program-specific costs.
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is one of Europe’s leading public research universities. Established in 1472, LMU offers a wide range of degree programs across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, law, economics, and other fields. Many bachelor’s programs are taught in German, while an increasing number of master’s and international degree programs are available in English.
Students at LMU generally pay a semester fee rather than general tuition for standard degree programs, though special programs and continuing education options may have different fee rules. International applicants should confirm the exact fee and language requirements for their chosen program before applying.
“The tuition in Germany is super cheap. Public universities (Like LMU) only charge a semester contribution of 85 euros. Despite being the cheapest, they are still ranked top globally.”
Sumith
3. Humboldt University of Berlin
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees Offered: Single and Combined Bachelor’s, Master’s | Medium of Instruction: German, English
- Location: Central Berlin, Germany
This public research university in Berlin is another prestigious institution in Germany. Founded in 1810, Humboldt University of Berlin offers a wide range of degree programs and has a large international student community.
International students can benefit from the low-cost education provided at this university, but they should check each program page carefully. Many programs require German, while selected master’s and joint programs are taught mainly or entirely in English. Students also need to pay the semester contribution, which includes components such as administrative fees, student services, and the Germany semester ticket.
4. RWTH Aachen University
With more than 44,000 students, RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s largest technical universities. It is especially known for engineering, technology, natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science. In winter semester 2025/26, RWTH reported 44,382 students, including a large share of students with foreign citizenship.
RWTH Aachen does not currently charge additional tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries in standard programs. Instead, students pay a semester fee. Many bachelor’s programs are taught in German, while English-taught master’s programs are available in selected fields. It is important that you are aware of the German language requirements and any English requirements before applying for a program of your choice.
“Currently, I don’t receive any scholarships, but one of the biggest advantages of studying here in Germany is that most universities offer tuition-free education, with only a semester fee required.”
Yağmur Kaymakçı
5. University of Bonn
Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn is a public research university and one of Germany’s Universities of Excellence. It has seven faculties, around 31,000 students, and a broad academic portfolio covering around 200 subject areas. The university is also known for its excellence in transdisciplinary research areas.
The University of Bonn does not charge tuition fees for standard degree programs. Students pay a semester social contribution instead. English-taught and international programs are available, especially at the master’s level, but many degree programs still require German. Applicants should always confirm the program language and admission requirements before applying.
“While semester fees are not included in the scholarship, most German universities charge only a nominal contribution of around 300 euros per semester.”
Yevheniia
6. Georg August University of Göttingen
This university, more commonly known as Georgia Augusta, was founded at the initiative of Elector George Augustus of Hanover, who was also King George II of Great Britain. Today, the university is known for its programs in natural sciences, life sciences, and many other disciplines. Standard degree programs are generally offered without tuition fees, but students pay semester fees and contributions.
Bachelor’s programs at the Georg August University of Göttingen are generally taught in German, so applicants may need a German language proficiency certificate. At the graduate level, one-third of master’s programs are taught in English, and half of the Ph.D. programs are fully taught in English. Students should confirm the language of instruction and fee details on the specific program page.
“I researched German universities offering strong programs in theoretical physics and considered tuition-free public institutions.”
Abdulrahman Hassan
7. University of Hamburg
Yet another institute that is popular among international students, the University of Hamburg is a major public university in northern Germany. It offers a wide range of programs across disciplines and has English-language master’s options in selected fields.
Students at the University of Hamburg do not pay general tuition fees for many standard degree programs, but they do pay a semester contribution. The contribution for summer semester 2026 is €384 and includes components such as the semester public transport pass, student services, and an administrative fee. Students may also have opportunities to study abroad through exchange programs and partner universities.
8. University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is a public university with a long history. It was founded in 1388, closed in 1798, and re-established in 1919. Today, it is one of Germany’s major universities and has six faculties covering fields such as management, economics and social sciences, law, medicine, arts and humanities, mathematics and natural sciences, and human sciences.
The university has a diverse range of courses to pick from across its faculties. The University of Cologne does not charge tuition fees, but students pay a semester fee. The fee is €335.65 for winter semester 2025/26 and summer semester 2026, and it includes a ticket for public transportation in Germany.
“Public universities in Germany offer high academic quality with relatively affordable tuition, making it one of the most accessible destinations for international students seeking high-value education”
Maheen Sohail
9. Goethe University Frankfurt
Goethe University is a large public university in Frankfurt am Main. Students can choose from over 200 degree programs across 16 faculties and three main campus locations. The university offers undergraduate and advanced degrees in many traditional subject areas.
Many programs at Goethe University are taught in German, while several master’s programs are taught in English. For English-taught master’s programs, German language skills are generally not required for admission, though basic German is recommended for daily life in Germany. Applicants should always check the exact language and admission requirements for their selected program.
Are universities in Germany really free for international students?
Many public universities in Germany do not charge general tuition fees for international students in regular degree programs. However, students usually still pay a semester contribution that helps cover administration, student services, and often local transport. Program-specific tuition fees can still apply, so students should always check the official program page.
Which universities in Germany are tuition-free or low-cost for international students?
Many public universities in Germany are tuition-free in the sense that they do not charge regular tuition for standard degree programs. Well-known examples often include institutions such as LMU Munich, RWTH Aachen, the University of Hamburg, and the University of Cologne, where students usually pay semester contributions instead of full tuition. Always check the exact program page because costs can vary by university, state, degree type, and student category.
What are the main exceptions to free tuition in Germany?
The biggest exceptions include public universities in Baden-Württemberg, which generally charge tuition for non-EU students, Technical University of Munich, which charges tuition for many non-EU students, certain continuing education or specialized Master’s programs, and some universities with separate tuition rules. That is why students should never assume that every public university in Germany is fully free for every nationality and every program.
Can I study in Germany in English at a public university?
Yes. Many public universities in Germany offer English-taught programs, especially at the Master’s level. Bachelor’s degrees are more often taught in German, so students should always confirm the language of instruction before applying.
What are the admission requirements for public universities in Germany?
Requirements vary by university and program, but most applicants need a recognized school or university qualification, academic transcripts, and proof of language proficiency in German or English. Some programs may also request a CV, letter of motivation, portfolio, references, relevant work experience, or subject-specific prerequisites.
How much does it cost to live in Germany as an international student?
Even if tuition is low or free, students still need to budget for rent, food, health insurance, transport, and study materials. Many international students plan for roughly 900 to 1,200 euros per month depending on the city and lifestyle. For visa purposes, the proof-of-financing amount has been set at 992 euros per month, or 11,904 euros per year, since January 1, 2025.
Can international students work while studying in Germany?
Yes. Many international students in Germany work part-time while studying, both on and off campus, to help with living costs and gain experience. Third-country students can generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period. The exact rules depend on nationality and residence status, so students should always check the conditions attached to their visa or residence permit.
Are there scholarships for international students in Germany even if tuition is low or free?
Yes. Scholarships in Germany are still important because they can help cover living expenses, health insurance, travel, research costs, or study materials. International students often explore DAAD funding, Deutschlandstipendium, university-specific awards, and external foundations when planning how to study in Germany affordably. As Hajrah shared, “I was awarded the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship.” Another recipient, Maliva Islam, wrote, “I ultimately chose to pursue the DAAD Scholarship opportunity at TU Dresden, Germany.”
Germany is a popular study destination for international students, especially because many public universities offer high-standard education at low tuition cost. However, students should remember that “tuition-free” does not mean cost-free: semester contributions, living expenses, health insurance, visa proof of funds, and program-specific fees still matter. This article listed some of the popular low-cost public universities in Germany that you can consider for your higher studies.
We hope that this article on tuition-free universities in Germany for international students gave you the information you needed to know. Head over to our Germany Page for more details about studying in this European country. You can also search for study programs that are currently available on our Open Courses Page.
