International Students: Free Tuition For German Masters Programs

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students, offering quality education and numerous Bachelor's and Master's programmes taught in English. The country's relatively affordable living costs and zero tuition fees at public universities make it an appealing choice for Master's studies. While public universities in Germany are generally tuition-free for all students, there are some exceptions and additional costs to consider. Private universities, for instance, can charge fees ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 euros per semester, and certain specialised programmes or degrees, such as executive master's degrees or those requiring laboratory equipment, may incur additional costs. Additionally, students should budget for living expenses, which can vary depending on their location and lifestyle.

Free tuition at public universities

Germany is one of the few countries in the world to offer free tuition to international students. This applies to both German and EU citizens, as well as international students from other countries. Public universities in Germany are government-funded and supported by taxes, making them highly accessible. While there may be some small administrative fees, tuition itself is free for most students.

There are over 300 tuition-free universities in Germany that offer English-language degree programs, with a variety of study programs available, from film studies to political science to chemistry. This makes Germany the sixth most popular study destination for students. For those with a high level of German proficiency, the possibilities expand even further, with 508 universities in total across the country.

However, it is important to note that there are some exceptions to the free tuition rule. Firstly, private universities in Germany typically charge tuition fees, although these are significantly lower than in other countries. Secondly, the state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students in 2017, charging €1,500 per semester for Master's degrees. Additionally, some specialized study programs, such as those with laboratory components or joint degree programs, may incur extra costs.

While tuition may be free at public universities in Germany, there are other costs to consider, such as living expenses and the semester fee. The German government estimates that students will spend an average of €867 per month on living costs. To help with these expenses, organizations like DAAD offer scholarships and grants to eligible students.

Scholarships and grants

While public universities in Germany are tuition-free for all students, there are some costs to keep in mind. These include an administration fee of around 100-350 EUR per semester, which covers student organisation services and enrolment. Additionally, the cost of living in Germany should be considered, with the German government predicting that students will spend an average of 867 euros per month on living expenses.

To help with these costs, there are a number of scholarships and grants available to international students. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships and grants to eligible students to help cover living expenses, research costs, travel, and more. Some of the featured opportunities include:

• Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships: 40 scholarships of $5,000 each are awarded annually to US undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.
• RISE internships: 3-month internships with stipends are available to students in engineering and science fields.
• Study Scholarships: Fully-funded master's scholarships are awarded to students in any field, covering living and visa costs.
• University Summer Courses: Grants are available for undergraduate and graduate students with at least an A1 level of German who want to improve their language skills through intensive classes.

Additionally, there are other scholarship opportunities offered by organisations such as Studyportals, which offers the Studyportals Scholarship to help students fund their studies in Germany.

English-taught degrees

Germany is one of the few countries in the world to offer free tuition to international students. This applies to both public and private universities, although private universities charge a fee at their discretion, which is significantly lower than in other countries.

Public universities in Germany are tuition-free for all students, regardless of their citizenship status. There are over 3,000 free degree programs in English, and over 280 universities in Germany offer English-language study programs for international students to pursue postgraduate degrees. The English degree programs have English-speaking faculty and staff. A variety of subjects are available, including film studies, political science, and chemistry.

However, it is important to note that there are some costs associated with studying in Germany, even if tuition is free. There is an administration fee, also known as a semester fee, which usually costs between 100 and 350 EUR per semester. This fee covers student organization services and enrolment, and may also include the cost of a semester ticket for unlimited use of public transport. Additionally, students are expected to cover their living expenses, which can vary depending on their location and lifestyle. The German government predicts that students will spend an average of 867 euros per month on living costs.

There are also some exceptions to the tuition-free rule. In 2017, the state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced tuition fees of 1,500 EUR per semester for Master's degrees, or 3,000 EUR per year for non-EU/EEA students. Additionally, if you don't finish your degree course on time and you study in certain states, such as Bremen or Lower Saxony, you may have to pay tuition fees. Some specific programs, such as professional or executive master's degrees (e.g., LL.M., MBA, or MPA), highly specialized programs, international degree programs, and joint master's programs, may also require tuition.

German-taught degrees

Germany is one of the few countries in the world to offer free tuition to international students for bachelor's and master's degrees. This applies to all students, regardless of their country of origin, although there are some exceptions. Public universities in Germany are government-funded and supported by taxes, so they do not charge tuition fees for Bachelor's and Master's programmes. This includes programmes taught in German and English, although English-language programmes are rarer at the bachelor's level than at the postgraduate level.

However, it's important to note that while tuition is free, there are other costs to consider. Most universities charge an administration or semester fee, which usually costs between €100 and €350 per semester. This fee covers student organisation services, enrolment, and sometimes the cost of a semester ticket for unlimited use of public transport. Additionally, as an international student in Germany, you will need to cover your living expenses, which can vary depending on your location and lifestyle. The German government predicts that students will spend an average of €867 per month on living costs.

There are also some exceptions to the tuition-free rule. In 2017, the state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced tuition fees of €1,500 per semester for Master's degrees, and €3,000 per year for non-EU/EEA students. Additionally, if you don't finish your degree course on time and you study in certain states, such as Bremen or Lower Saxony, you may have to pay tuition fees. Private universities in Germany also charge tuition fees, which can be significantly higher than public universities.

Despite these exceptions and additional costs, Germany remains one of the most affordable destinations for international students pursuing a master's degree. The country offers a high quality of education, a lively student scene, beautiful countryside, and thriving cities, making it the sixth most popular study destination worldwide.

If you're considering studying a German-taught degree in Germany, it's important to have a solid German language proficiency, typically a minimum of upper-intermediate B2 level. This will open up more university options, as Germany has 508 universities in total, including large and small institutions. Additionally, having a good command of German will facilitate your integration into German society, which is an important aspect of the country's approach to international students.

Living costs

Germany is one of the few countries in the world to offer free tuition to international students. However, while tuition fees may be nonexistent or low, living costs in Germany can be high, especially in cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are available to international students to help cover living expenses, research costs, travel, and more. For example, the DAAD offers Gilman-DAAD Germany Scholarships, RISE internships, Study Scholarships, and University Summer Courses.

Phone Plans

A monthly mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB or more of data costs roughly EUR 25.67. Depending on the plan and provider, monthly costs might vary from EUR 10 to EUR 39.95.

Internet

High-speed internet will cost approximately EUR 45.24 per month on average. Plans start from EUR 35, but the cost varies depending on the provider and the type of plan.

Dining Out

Dining out at German restaurants can be expensive. A meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant may cost an average of EUR 65. A less expensive option is doner kebabs, which cost around EUR 15 on average.

Transportation

Car insurance premiums depend on factors such as the driver’s profile, the car’s characteristics, and location. The average cost of mandatory car insurance in Germany is EUR 304 per year. Students also pay a semester fee that ranges from EUR 100 to EUR 400, which covers access to public transportation.

Housing

Housing costs vary depending on the type of accommodation and location. A room in a shared apartment can range from EUR 250 to EUR 550 per month.

Other Expenses

Other expenses to consider include health insurance, television licences, recreational activities, and learning materials. There are also discounts available for students, such as reduced prices for tickets to the theatre, museums, opera houses, cinemas, and other cultural institutions.

Frequently asked questions