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Ground Reality of Free Universities in Germany. Are They Really Free?
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Mar 11, 2025 03:09 PM IST
Tuition Free Education in Germany: Myth or Reality? Germany is an attractive study-abroad destination for international students as the country promises tuition free education at public universities in Germany. It is somewhat true; however, the ground reality of free universities in Germany are not as free as it looks. There are hidden costs associated with free universities in Germany. While you can study in Germany for free, living expenses are unavoidable. Other expenses include semester fees, textbooks, study materials, etc. Also, while the German public universities have waived tuition fees for all students, private universities do charge tuition fees similar to those found in other countries.
This Story also Contains
- Is Education in Germany Really Free for Indian Students?
- Is it Worth it to Study at Free Universities in Germany?
- Conclusion: Is Studying in Germany Really Free? Myths Busted
There is a misconception that all public German universities are truly free for international students. We have covered the ground reality of free universities in Germany in this article. It includes the contrast between the myths and realities of free education in Germany for students. Are these German institutions really free for international students? Read this article further to have clarity on whether studying in Germany is truly free and what students should be prepared for.
Related Reads:
Is Education in Germany Really Free for Indian Students?
Technically, education is free for international students in Germany studying in public universities. The promise of free education in Germany is a major attraction for Indian students. However, it is not entirely free.
There are different hidden costs that prospective students must consider before deciding to study in Germany or not in 2025. While Germany is perceived as a beacon of affordability, there are other costs, including semester fees, accommodation, and living expenses, that must be considered. Although Germany is way cheaper than other popular study abroad countries such as USA, UK and Canada, it is not entirely free.
The Reality Check: Are They Really Free?
The crucial question now is whether or not education in Germany is truly free for Indian students. The simple answer to this question is not entirely, but still cheaper than USA and other popular countries to study abroad. So, the ground reality of free universities in Germany is free tuition; however, students must budget for other costs.
German University’s Administrative Fee
Generally, the majority of public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for undergraduate and graduate courses. However, there is a semester fee to be paid each term, including administrative costs, student services, and access to public transportation. The cost of semester fees varies from one university to another but is typically between EUR 150 and EUR 350 per semester.
Living Costs in Germany
Also, living expenses in Germany are not covered in the ‘free education’ conception. Students need to plan their budget for accommodation, food, leisure, health insurance, etc. The cost of living in Germany per month ranges from EUR 800 to EUR 1200 on average. It is way higher in expensive in student friendly cities in Germany: Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. Rent alone in these German cities is between EUR 400 and EUR 700.
Mandatory Health Insurance in Germany For International Students
One of the mandatory requirements for international students in Germany is to take health insurance while staying in the country for the long term. The cost of student health insurance in Germany is generally EUR 130 to EUR 150 per month on average. However, the exact cost incurred on German health insurance depend on the type (public or private) and the requirements.
Financial Capacity For German Student Visa
Students seeking to study in free universities in Germany must first obtain a student visa. One of the major requirements to obtain a German study visa is to demonstrate at least a minimum of EUR 11,904 per year as financial capacity. It ensures that students can support themselves while studying in Germany. Students need to show this amount typically in a German blocked account.
Cost of Textbooks and Study Materials in Tuition Free German Universities
Although there is no tuition in the majority of universities in Germany, the cost of course books, study materials, and other stationary must be borne by students. Also, students cover the additional fees for class activities, internship opportunities, excursions, meet-ups, networking events, etc
Hence, the country does promise free education in Germany. However, German universities are not completely free for international students. It is a myth that Indian students can study for free in Germany, no matter what.
Also Read:
Is it Worth it to Study at Free Universities in Germany?
It is definitely worth it for international students to study in Germany at free universities. However, there are many additional expenses associated with the tuition free universities in Germany, such as rent, health insurance, additional university fees, semester fees, etc. The total cost of studying in Germany is still lower than other top 3 study abroad countries such as USA, UK, and Canada. Hence, even if the ground reality of free universities in Germany means additional expenses, it is still less as compared to others.
Also, Germany is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for international students. Hence, it is definitely worth it to study at the free universities in Germany even if these are not exactly ‘FREE’. The true cost of studying in Germany is way beyond the tuition fees, which is already explained above.
Conclusion: Is Studying in Germany Really Free? Myths Busted
The free education in Germany is a misconception. It might seem as free as we perceive it to be. However, when hidden cost factors in German free universities are discovered from semester fees and additional university fees to living expenses such as accommodation and food. We can conclude that it is definitely a myth that Indian students can study in Germany for free.
However, it cannot be denied that even with the hidden and additional costs in free universities in Germany, it is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad in Europe and the world.
Also Read: Upcoming Intakes in Germany 2025-2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it true that German universities are free?
Yes, most of the German universities are tuition free for international students. However, there are other expenses which include textbooks, activity charges, accommodation, food, and others.
2. Is education in Germany free for Indians?
Yes, education in Germany is free for Indian students as far as tuition fees are concerned in public universities. Living expenses in Germany are not covered, and students must budget for those expenses personally.
3. What are the disadvantages of studying in Germany?
A few of the disadvantages of studying in Germany are homesickness, language barriers, unfamiliar environment, absence of friends and family, and many more.
4. Do you get paid to go to university in Germany?
No, but the tuition is free in universities in Germany. One can get paid in German universities if they have participated in paid assistanceship or traineeship on campus programmes.
5. Who pays for free college in Germany?
Students can study for free in Germany universities as these public institutions are funded by the government, offering education to all students irrespective of their financial conditions.
Articles
May 12, 2025
May 10, 2025
Questions related to
Have a question related to ?
Hello,
yes you can study for a bachelor's degree in Germany, as your diploma in nautical science may be considered equivalent to the 12th year for admission purposes. However each university may have specific requirements, so its important to check their entry criteria you might also need to provide additional documentation, like your diplomas' equivalency to German standards.
Riya Dhoot 01 April,2025
Hello,
It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 20 March,2025
Hello,
No, an online BCA degree from Shoolini University may not be considered valid for APS. APS (Academic Evaluation Center) mainly verifies regular degrees. Since German universities generally do not recognize fully online degrees, there is a chance that your one-year online BCA may not be accepted.
It’s best to contact APS India directly to confirm whether your online degree will be considered valid for the evaluation.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 13 March,2025
Germany is a fantastic destination for higher education.
Regarding your online BCA degree from Shoolini University , its validity for APS (Akademische Prufstelle) purposes is uncertain. Here's what you should know:
1. APS requirements: The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to German universities. APS verifies the authenticity of your educational documents and ensures they meet German academic standards.
2. Online degrees: APS has specific guidelines for online degrees. They might not recognize online degrees or may require additional documentation for verification.
3. Shoolini University: As a recognized Indian university, Shoolini University's degrees are generally accepted. However, the online nature of your BCA degree might raise concerns.
To confirm the validity of your online degree for APS purposes:
1. Contact APS directly: Reach out to the APS office in New Delhi or visit their website to inquire about their policies on online degrees.
2. Consult with Shoolini University: Verify with your university whether they have any information or experience with APS recognizing their online degrees.
3. Prepare additional documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documents, such as transcripts, course certificates, or proof of online coursework, to support your application.
It's essential to clarify this aspect before applying for APS to avoid any potential issues or delays.
sadafreen356 12 March,2025
Hello!
You are planning to enroll in bachelor studies at Germany following twelve years of school and an additional one year of B.C.A. online courses at Shoolini University in India. You need to apply for Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certification but you doubt whether an online degree will be accepted here.
Key Points to Consider:
1. German University Admission Requirements:
German universities demand students to possess the Abitur certificate which students earn at the end of secondary school after completing either 12 or 13 years of education.
All international students must obtain a qualification that corresponds to the German Abitur. Many education institutions do not accept students with just 12 years of post-GCSE education as equivalent to a German Abitur certificate and might need supplementary qualifications and exams assessments.
2. APS Certification:
As part of their functions the APS carries out document and qualification verification services for students from India and other select nations who want to study in Germany. The main function of the APS centers on authenticating academic documents regardless of the education delivery method which can be either online or in-person.
3. Recognition of Online Degrees:
Different German educational institutions follow various approaches to acknowledge online academic credentials. Specific universities allow admission of web-based qualifications as other institutions doubt their validity. You need to verify how particular universities handle online learning through direct communication.
Recommendations:
You must contact APS for verification regarding the suitability of your Shoolini University online B.C.A. year as a qualification for APS certification.
Make contact with the acceptance offices of German universities where you plan to enroll. The entry requirements of universities become clear through discussions with them because they will specify what you need along with your qualifications to meet program admission standards.
Enough evidence shows that your current qualification level falls short of German entry requirements so you need to conduct additional qualifications through studies or preparatory courses.
Divyanshi Priya 12 March,2025
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