Do you know there are Tuition-Free public Universities in Germany for International Students? The answer is a big yes. There are so many public universities in Germany that offers free tuition to foreign students. Therefore, if you are looking to study for free at the world’s top universities, then Germany is one of the best places to check.
Whether you are from Europe or another continent, you can complete your undergraduate or graduate studies for free at German public universities. Sounds good right? Let’s look at the best tuition-free public universities in Germany for international students.
For many students, studying in Germany is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is college free in Germany, as many people claim? This article contains all of the pertinent information.
German colleges are consistently ranked among the best in the world, and their quality exceeds global educational standards.
However, many international students believe that popularity and high costs are inextricably linked. While this rule is generally applicable, Germany makes an exception. Despite being a global leader in higher education, studying in Germany is relatively inexpensive.
Are Public Universities For Free in Germany?
In Germany, a college education is free. However, the topic has been over-discussed, leaving people unsure whether this is true or not.
The Government approved a decision in 2014 to eliminate international fees in all public colleges. Although international tuition fees have been reinstated in some German constituent states. But, the cost of studying in Germany remains significantly lower than elsewhere.
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Why Study in Tuition-Free Public Universities for International Students in Germany?
- Many of Germany’s top-ranked universities are public institutions that also offer tuition-free education. When selecting an institution, studying at a top-ranked institution is the best option. As a result, you can obtain a recognized degree.
- Furthermore, Germany has a strong economy. Germany has one of Europe’s largest economies. Studying in a country with a large economy can improve your chances of finding work.
- Tuition-Free Universities in Germany also offer a diverse range of courses for international students.
- Studying in Germany also allows you to learn German, the official language of Germany. Learning a new language can be extremely beneficial.
- German is also an official language in a number of European countries. Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein, for example. German is spoken by approximately 130 million people.
List of Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany
Below are the Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany that you can apply for:
- Free University of Berlin
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- University of Bonn
- RWTH Aachen University
- Georg August University of Göttingen
- University of Cologne
- Goethe University
- University of Hamburg
- University of Mannheim
Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany-Free Colleges in Germany
Many German colleges offer free education to international students. Given below are some of them:
Free University of Berlin
The Free University of Berlin, or FU Berlin, is one of Germany’s best universities. It was founded in 1948 as the West Berlin chapter of Frederick William University. Its current location is in the capital. It currently has over 36,000 students enrolled, with 22 percent coming from outside of Germany.
The academic departments at FU Berlin includes the following: Biology and Chemistry, Earth Sciences, History and Cultural Studies, Law, Business and Economics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Education and Psychology, Philosophy and Humanities, Physics, Political and Social Science, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.
Except for graduate programs, the Free University of Berlin charges no tuition. It does, however, necessitate a contribution of approximately $313. This includes the enrollment/registration fee, student support services, the student union, and transportation tickets.
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Technical University of Munich
TUM, or the Technical University of Munich, is Germany’s number two institution. It was founded in 1868 and has campuses in Munich, Heilbronn, Freising, Garching, and Singapore.
TUM is a technical university that specializes in Architecture, Aerospace, Engineering, Chemistry, Informatics, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Sports & Health Science, Education, Governance, Management, and Life Science.
This free university in Germany, like most public universities, receives public funding to provide services to its 32,000+ students, one-third of whom are international.
TUM does not charge tuition, but students must pay a semester fee that ranges from 62 Euros (in Straubing) to 144.40 Euros (in Munich, Weihenstephan, and Garching).
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, also known as LMU, is Germany’s top-ranked institution. Its programs are regarded as among the best in the world, with Arts & Humanities and Physical Science courses ranking 18th and 21st internationally, respectively.
LMU was established in 1472 in Ingolstadt by Duke Ludwig IX. It is now based in Munich and is the country’s sixth-oldest operating university.
LMU is one of Germany’s largest universities, with over 34,000 students, 17 percent of whom are international students. These students are enrolled in the university’s 20 faculties, which include Catholic Theology, Protestant Theology, Law, Economics, Business Administration, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, History & Arts, Psychology, Philosophy, Culture, Language & Literature, Social Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry & Pharmacy, Biology, Geoscience & Environmental Science, and Geoscience & Environmental Science.
Since 2013, LMU has been a tuition-free university in Germany, charging only a nominal fee for certain professional or graduate degrees and certificates.
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Humboldt University of Berlin
The Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) is a non-profit public research university in Berlin, Germany. The University of Berlin was founded in 1810, thanks to the efforts of its namesake, Wilhelm von Humboldt, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, and Friedrich Schleiermacher.
The university, which adheres to the Humboldtian educational model, is divided into nine faculties. Law, Mathematics & Natural Science, Life Science, Philosophy (I & II), Humanities & Social Science, Theology, and Economics & Business are the subjects covered.
Formerly known as the Friedrich Wilhelm University, HU Berlin is ranked as Germany’s sixth best university. Many of its programs are ranked in the world, with the Arts & Humanities programs ranking 20th and the Law program ranking 25th. This reputation has helped to attract many international students, who now account for 18% of the university’s 33,000+ students.
HU Berlin, like other free universities in Germany, charges only a semester fee of 300 Euros. This includes a seasonal transportation pass as well as fees for student organizations.
University of Bonn – Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany
This free German public institution, officially known as the Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn, is ranked ninth in Germany. It was established in 1818 and is now based on an urban campus in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
The university has over 37,000 students, with 13 percent coming from outside of Germany. They are enrolled in the university’s seven faculties, which are divided into Catholic Theology, Protestant Theology, Law & Economics, Medicine, Arts, Mathematics & Natural Science, and Agriculture studies.
While the university is subsidized by the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia, a small contributory fee is levied. This monthly payment of 300 Euros includes transportation in Bonn, Cologne, and the surrounding area.
RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University is a public research university in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It was founded in 1870 and is one of the largest in the country. Currently, the university has over 45,000 students, with 23 percent coming from outside of Germany.
Furthermore, RWTH Aachen is well-known for its programs in Mathematics, Natural Science, Computer Science, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Arts & Humanities, Business & Economics, and Medicine.
More so, RWTH Aachen is a free-tuition university in Germany that only requires a semestral contribution of 500 Euros. This is in addition to the 1,000 Euros per month that each student needs to live comfortably in Aachen.
Georg August University of Göttingen
This eleventh-best university, also known colloquially as the University of Göttingen and Georgia Augusta, first opened its doors in 1734. King George II of Great Britain established it to promote the shining beacon of enlightenment.
This German free university is well-known for its Life Science and Natural Science programs, but it also offers degrees in Agriculture, Biology & Psychology, Chemistry, Forest Science & Ecology, Geoscience & Geography, Mathematics & Computer Science, Physics, Law, Social Science, Economics, Humanities, Medicine, and Theology.
More so, the university currently has over 30,000 students and a 13 percent foreign enrollment rate. They, like most public university students in Germany, only pay a contribution fee of 376 Euros per semester.
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University of Cologne
The University of Cologne was founded in 1798 as the fourth university of the Holy Roman Empire, making it the sixth-oldest in Central Europe. It is also one of the largest, with 34,500+ students, 18% of whom are international students.
The university, run by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is divided into six faculties. The Faculties of Arts & Humanities and Management & Social Sciences have the most students, followed by Mathematics & Natural Science, Law, Medicine, and Human Science.
As one of Germany’s best universities, it is ranked in the top 100 for Life Sciences and in the top 150 for Arts & Humanities and Psychology.
The University of Cologne, like most public universities, is tuition-free. There is, however, a requirement for students to contribute 500 Euros per year. This includes, among other things, a public transportation pass and administrative fees.
Goethe University
Goethe University, one of Germany’s free universities, was founded in 1914 as a citizen’s university. Originally named after its location in Frankfurt am Main, it was later dedicated to Frankfurt native Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
With 46,000+ students, Goethe University has one of the largest student populations in Germany, with 16 percent of students coming from outside the continent. These students are spread across the university’s 16 faculties, including Law, Business, Social Science, Education, Psychology, Theology, Philosophy & History, Linguistics, Modern Languages, Geosciences, Computer Science, Physics, Biochemistry, Biology, and Medicine.
This high number of applicants is due to the university’s prestige, as well as its free tuition. Local and international students can study for free here, as at most German universities. The only fee required per semester is approximately 370 Euros, which covers administrative fees and certain funds.
University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg, UHH, is ranked as Germany’s 12th best university. It is particularly well-known for its Arts & Humanities programs, as well as degrees in Physical Science, Life Science, Social Science, and Business.
More so, UHH was founded in 1919. It has over 30,000 students, with international students accounting for 12% of the total. More so, these students are enrolled in a variety of programs at the university, including law, business administration, economics and social science, medicine, education and psychology, humanities, mathematics and computer science, and engineering.
Aside from the necessary living expenses, UHH students must also pay a contributory fee of 332 Euros each semester. This includes transportation, the hardship fund, administrative fees, and the Studierendenwerk.
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University of Mannheim
The University of Mannheim (UMA) is a public research university located in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The university was founded in 1967.
The University of Mannheim has been preparing students for leadership roles in business, academia, and society for generations. The university’s profile, which is characterized by economic and social sciences, is one of its strengths in this task. The University of Mannheim has consistently been ranked as one of the top 20 European research institutions in these fields.
How to Apply to Study in Germany: Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany
Applying to college in Germany is simple if you follow the instructions provided here.
First, select an appropriate degree. Is this supposed to be a problem? Yes, it is possible for international students. Germany has over a hundred accredited public and private universities. However, you’re probably less aware of their study programs in the first place, so you’ll have to do your own diligent online research.
Secondly, try to narrow your options until you’re left with two to three colleges that you believe will correspond to your academic goals. Also, college websites provide helpful guidelines about what your course will cover, so make sure to read that section carefully.
Thirdly, when you’ve decided on a degree, it’s time to look into the admissions requirements. Because German colleges are free to set their own admissions criteria, it is always best to rely on their information. They vary depending on a variety of factors, including your nationality and the nature of your course.
Documents Required: Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany
Fourthly, to give you a general idea of what to expect in this regard, the following documents are typically required to apply for college in Germany:
- Grade certificates
- Recognized Degree Qualifications
- Proof of Financial Resources
- Proof of German Language Proficiency
- Other additional documents includes CV, Motivation Letter or relevant References can also be required at some German colleges.
Note: It is important to note that undergraduate degrees in public German colleges are taught in German. As a result, if you want to study at this academic level, you must first obtain a German language certificate.
Scores from TestDaf, Dash Certificate, or GDS Certificate are typically required, but German colleges accept a variety of other language proficiency tests.
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More so, language requirements vary according to the college of your choice. In general, to gain admission, you must know at least B-2 German.
List of German colleges that offer international postgraduate courses taught in English
- Jacobs University
- University of Gottingen
- Free Universitat Berlin
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
- Bremen University of Applied Sciences
- Technische Universitat Munchen
- Max Planck Institute
- Technische Universitat Dresden
- Hochschule Mannheim –University of Applied Sciences
List Of Scholarships To Study in Universities In Germany
The cherry on top of studying in Germany is that, despite the low cost, there are numerous scholarships available.
These scholarships may be provided by governmental or non-governmental organizations, including individual colleges and foundation programs. However, the criteria for these grants vary and are dependent on your personal circumstances. Regarding their number, you are likely to be eligible for one of them.
Here are some scholarships for international college students in Germany: Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany:
- DAAD Scholarship Programme
- Friedrich Ebert Scholarships
- Erasmus Scholarships
- Goethe Goes Global Scholarships
- Heinrich Boll Scholarships
- DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Programme
I hope that this article on tuition-free public universities in Germany for international students was helpful.
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