List of free tuition Universities in Germany

Free tuition Universities in Germany – Germany has one of the best Universities in the world, as well as enjoys a remarkable reputation for its national ivory towers. There are over 400 Universities, and many of them score high in international rankings.

International students who are looking to study in Germany in tuition-free Universities will find this guide useful as always.

Overview of free tuition Universities in Germany

Germany is known for its world-class higher education system and for offering free tuition to both domestic and international students.

Generally, all public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Public universities: All public universities in Germany are tuition-free for both domestic and international students, this applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

However, students may have to pay a small fee called a “Semester contribution” or “Student union fee,” which is usually between 150 to 250 euros per semester.

Private Universities: Private universities in Germany do charge tuition fees, which can range from 5,000 to 20,000 euros per year.

However, some private universities offer scholarships and financial aid to offset the cost.

International students: International students are eligible for free tuition at public universities in Germany, just like domestic students, but they may have to pay a higher fee for student union or semester contribution.

International students may need to show proof of financial stability and health insurance coverage.

Requirements free tuition for international students in Germany

Some international students may be able to study in Germany without paying tuition fees.

Here are the requirements for free tuition for international students in Germany:

EU/EEA citizens: If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you are eligible for free tuition in Germany.

Scholarships: Some international students may be able to receive scholarships from the German government, foundations, or universities that cover their tuition fees.

Research programs: If you are participating in a research program in Germany, your tuition fees may be covered by the research organization or the university.

Specific programs: Some universities in Germany offer specific programs that are tuition-free for international students.

Even though admission requirements vary from school to school, these are the common ones. I am using examples of Nigeria, you can look up the equivalence of those things for your country:

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

• English/German Language Proficiency Test Result (explained below)
• Birth Certificate (in Nigeria, from National Population Commission)
• Medical Certificate showing how healthy an applicant is
• O’ level Results and Transcripts showing grades (in Nigeria, WAEC/NECO)
• A Valid International Passport

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

• English/German Language Proficiency Test Result (explained below)
• Birth Certificate or Attestation of Birth (in Nigeria, from the National Population Commission)
• Medical Certificate showing how healthy an applicant is
• O’ level Results and Transcripts showing grades (in Nigeria, WAEC/NECO)
• A Valid International Passport
• Undergraduate Certificate
• Academic Transcript
• Should provide Two Reference Letters
• Statement of Purpose and/or Research Proposal

Note that you have to send authenticated copies of these certificates

It’s important to note that even if you meet one of the above criteria, you may still be responsible for paying other costs associated with studying in Germany, such as living expenses, insurance, and course materials. Additionally, requirements and eligibility for free tuition can change, so it’s always best to check with the specific university or program you’re interested in for the most up-to-date information.

Which tuition-free universities in Germany are taught in English?

In Germany, several universities offer tuition-free education, but not all of them have English-taught programs. However, here are a few universities that offer tuition-free education and have English-taught programs:

Berlin School of Economics and Law: Offers English-taught Bachelor and Master’s programs in Business and Economics.

Humboldt University of Berlin: Offers English-taught Master’s programs in subjects such as Economics and Computer Science.

Technical University of Munich: Offers English-taught Master’s programs in subjects such as Engineering and Computer Science.

Free University of Berlin: Offers English-taught Master’s programs in subjects such as Political Science and Philosophy.

Free tuition Universities in Germany

Germany is known for offering free education to its citizens, and international students can also study for free at many universities in the country. Here is a list of some of the universities in Germany that offer free tuition for international students:

• • Humboldt University of Berlin
  • Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
  • Technical University of Munich
  • University of Bonn
  • University of Freiburg
  • Free University of Berlin
  • Goethe University Frankfurt
  • University of Mannheim
  • University of Tübingen
  • Heidelberg University
  • TU Dresden
  • University of Stuttgart
  • Darmstadt University of Technology

It is important to note that while the tuition fee is waived, international students may still have to pay a semester fee of around 250 to 350 euros, which covers administrative costs, transportation, and other services. In addition, students will also have to cover their living expenses, including housing, food, and insurance.

Which courses are free in Germany?

Many universities in Germany offer free online courses, often referred to as “Massive Open Online Courses” (MOOCs).

These courses are typically open to anyone, regardless of where they are located and do not charge tuition fees. Some popular platforms for free online courses in Germany include:

Coursera: Coursera offers online courses from top universities in Germany, such as the Technical University of Munich and the Humboldt University of Berlin.

edX: edX is a nonprofit platform that offers free online courses from German universities such as the Technical University of Munich and the University of Heidelberg.

OpenHPI: OpenHPI is a platform run by the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam, Germany, that offers free online IT courses.

diversity: diversity is a German-based platform that offers a range of free and paid courses in various subjects.

OpenSesame: OpenSesame offers a range of free and paid courses in a variety of subjects, including those in the German language.

It is worth noting that while these courses are free, some may charge a

fee for a certificate of completion.

Can I work while a study in Germany?

Yes, as an international student in Germany, you are usually allowed to work for a certain number of hours per week while studying. However, the exact regulations may vary depending on your visa and residency status.

Generally, students from EU countries can work in Germany without any restrictions, while students from non-EU countries are allowed to work for up to 120 full or 240 half days per year.

Additionally, the German Federal Employment Agency permits international students to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.

It is always a good idea to check with the German embassy or your university’s international office to confirm the specific rules and regulations that apply to your situation.

Cheap Universities in Germany

Germany is known for offering high-quality education at affordable prices, especially compared to other countries in Europe and North America. Here are some of the cheaper universities in Germany:

• • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
  • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
  • Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
  • Leipzig University
  • Ruhr-Universität Bochum
  • Universität Augsburg
  • Universität Bamberg
  • Universität Göttingen
  • Universität Hamburg
  • Universität Regensburg

It is worth noting that tuition fees for international students have been introduced in some states in Germany in recent years, however, the fees are still relatively low compared to many other countries.

It is also important to keep in mind that the cost of living in Germany varies depending on the city, so it is a good idea to research the specific university and location before making a decision.

Conclusion

Germany is known for offering quality education at low or no cost to students. While tuition fees for international students have been introduced in some states in recent years, there are still many universities in Germany that offer free tuition to both domestic and international students. 

Some of the most well-known tuition-free universities in Germany are listed above for your perusal.