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How to Study in Germany for Free for International Students in 2025
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Nov 25, 2024 07:07 PM IST
Looking for free education in Germany? We got you covered with this guide to free study in Germany for international students 2025. It is one of the countries known for its no to low tuition fees, top notch education, and strong economy. Germany consistently boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union, reflecting the strength of its economy. Free education in Germany is just a cherry on top for international students along with other benefits. One must note that there are no tuition fees in Germany for all students worldwide at public universities, and some private institutions offer affordable courses.
This Story also Contains
- Why Study in Germany?
- Top Universities Offering Free Courses in Germany 2025
- Eligibility for Free Education in Germany 2025
- How to Study in Germany for Free After 12th?
- Can you Study in Germany for Free from India?
- Is Education Free in Germany for Masters?
- Cost of Living in Germany 2025
Can you study in Germany for free? Yes, the nation is a hub of some of the publicly owned top German universities in the world which provide free education in Germany for international students as well. Top Universities such as Bonn, Heidelberg, Technical University of Munich, etc offer free courses; providing an opportunity to study in Germany for free for Indian students. It is quite challenging for international students to be a part of German universities offering quality education at zero or low tuition due to high competition and fierce selection process. International students are offered free & highly specialised courses in Germany.
All students must pay administrative fees ranging from EUR 100 to EUR 350 per semester as a social contribution; tuition remains zero. We have given a comprehensive guide below covering how one study free in Germany 2025. It includes the aspects of zero tuition in Germany, requirements, top German universities that offer courses at zero or low cost, their rankings, and more.
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Why Study in Germany?
There are several reasons supporting study in Germany for international students. Before exploring how to go Germany for study, students can look into the different advantages of studying in the nation. Here, these are:
- Quality education with affordablity
- Robust German economy offers advanced career opportunities
- Diverse range of courses in English
- 18 Months Post Study Work Permit
- Part time work up to 20 hours per week is allowed for students on German student visa
- Affordable cost of living
- Free education in German public universities
Is college free in Germany?
Yes, some of the public universities in Germany are funded by the government; hence, these offer free courses to all including international students. Some private educational institutions offer courses with affordable tuition. Thousands of students looking for free masters in Germany apply to public universities .
Top Universities Offering Free Courses in Germany 2025
Students often wonder does Germany provide free education; yes, top educational institutions do offer rigorous and streamlined courses for international students at a low cost. One must consider that few of the universities in Germany charge Indian students approximately EUR 1,500 per semester. Moreover, each student is required to pay their part of the ‘social contribution’ or administrative or registration fees ranging from EUR 100 to EUR 350.
Top Free Universities in Germany for International Students in English
German Universities | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
28 | |
191 | |
99 | |
University of Bonn | — |
84 | |
314 |
RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University is a public research university located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. RWTH Aachen University is well-known for its engineering and natural science programmes. However, it also offers RWTH Aachen University courses in business, humanities, and medicine. There are no RWTH Aachen University tuition fees for international students. The university is well renowned for quality education and free masters in Germany. However, all students are required to pay a social contribution fee every semester. For the summer semester of the academic year 2025, the social contribution fee at RWTH Aachen University amounts to EUR 303.49.
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich is a public research university in Munich, Germany. The university was established in 1868. A wide range of Technical University of Munich courses for international students are offered across various departments and schools.
Some Technical University of Munich popular courses include economics, business administration, political science, and philosophy. Some popular master's programmes at TUM include aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, data engineering and analytics, and environmental engineering, and MA in public policy, urban and regional planning, and European studies.
The Technical University of Munich tuition fees for international students usually range from 2,000 or 3,000 Euros (INR 1,78,598 to INR 2,67,897) per semester for undergraduate programmes and 4,000 or 6,000 Euros (INR 35,7,196 to INR 5,35,794) per semester for postgraduate degrees. Especially, the university is known for its free masters in Germany for eligible students. Studying at the Technical University of Munich is free of tuition for students who meet any of the following requirements:
Free Education in Germany: Technical University of Munich Requirements
Candidates are from Germany, the European Economic Area (EEA, which includes the member states of the EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), or equivalent states.
Students who have acquired their higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur) or an undergraduate degree (e.g. Bachelor) in the German education system.
Students who are already enrolled at TUM before the winter semester 2024-25 and are continuing their course of study.
Doctoral students and guest students degree programs leading to a state examination, as well as modular and other studies.
University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg is a public research university located in Hamburg, Germany. It was established in 1919 and is recognized as northern Germany's largest research university. The University of Hamburg acceptance rate is approximately 18-20% which means that the university is highly selective, increasing the competition among applicants. The University of Hamburg offers a wide range of degree certifications, including humanities, law, medicine, and scientific sciences. The University of Hamburg charges no tuition fees to both domestic and foreign students. However, the semester cost for the summer semester of 2025 is 332 EUR (Rs. 29,927.49).
Eligibility for Free Education in Germany 2025
Now, we know that one can get free education in Germany but many international students ponder over ‘What is the eligibility for free education in Germany?”. So, the eligibility criteria for German universities vary as per the university. Students might wonder how to go Germany for study. One is thereby required to select the university, opt for the course and review the selected course eligibility requirements in a German university.
Generally, all international students must be academically fit to study the selected course curriculum and are required to demonstrate their eligibility to be accepted at the institution. Some of the common eligibility requirements for public universities in Germany include the following:
Requirements for Undergraduate Studies in Germany
International students generally must have completed the highest school, have English and German language command up to the level of the course if required and must submit official transcripts.
Eligibility to Study Masters in Germany
To apply for free masters in Germany, one must note that the academic requirements vary from one programme to another. However, each student must hold a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline as a master’s degree course, demonstrate English and German language proficiencies, and provide other asked supporting documents for complete review.
How to Study in Germany for Free After 12th?
After the 12th, one can apply to study in Germany for free. The certain procedure has to be followed by international students which include the following:
Steps to study in Germany for international students
Opting Course: Indian students are advised to opt for the academic programme they want to pursue at bachelor or master levels. A wide range of courses are available for international students are available with English as a language of instruction. Some of the popular courses at the public universities in Germany include Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Social Science, Mathematics, Business, Data Analytics and many more.
Selecting Public University: The next important step for Indians is the selection of a university which provides free education in Germany for international students. One can choose some of the top public universities in Germany which include the Technical University of Munich, the University of Hamburg, the University of Bonn, Heidelberg University, RWTH Aachen University, and many more.
Cost of living in Germany: One is required to search about the city where the university in Germany is located. They can check basic living costs such as rent, transportation, food, clothing, and many more to easily make budgeting decisions.
Application: One must apply after considering all the above-mentioned factors. They can consider checking the eligibility for free education in Germany and the application process of the selected public university in Germany. The application method is generally either through the online admission portal or through the mail post.
German Student Visa Application: Apply for a student visa in Germany by filling out a visa application form and submitting it to the German Embassy.
Travel: One can carry on and travel to Germany to start their academic course.
Can you Study in Germany for Free from India?
Yes, one can study in Germany free of cost if they meet the eligibility criteria as per their course of study. As the acceptance rate at the top free universities in Germany for international students in English is always low, admittance is quite hard. However, an academically fit candidate along with one with a good GPA score, SOPs, IELTS score, LORs, and many more has a higher chance of admission at German universities. Hence, the answer to Does Germany provide free education is yes. However, it is quite challenging for students to be a part of free German universities due to the complex and hard application process in a highly competitive environment.
Is Education Free in Germany for Masters?
No matter the level of education, all students including international students are exempt from paying any tuition fees at public universities in Germany. However, all public universities charge certain fees in the name of union fees, administrative costs and semester tickets instead of the tuition. These fees are generally very affordable for international students. So, there are free masters in Germany in terms of tuition fees; however, there are other associated costs that students should be aware of.
Cost of Living in Germany 2025
As already discussed above there are no tuition fees at the universities in Germany. Hence, one can study in Germany for free. However, the living costs must be bear by international students. A general break-down of living expenses at top public universities in Germany is mentioned below:
Top German Universities Cost of Living 2025
Expense List | Estimated Costs (EUR) |
Accommodation in Germany | 296.35 - 592.70 |
Food | 237.08 - 355.62 |
Health Insurance | 59.27 - 177.81 |
Transportation | 59.27 - 237.08 |
Utilities | 118.54 - 177.81 |
Mobile & Internet | 17.78 - 41.49 |
Miscellaneous | 237.08 - 474.16 |
Total Cost of Living in Germany | 1025.37 - 1819.58 |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I go to Germany to study for free?
One can study for free by applying to one of the public universities in Germany. All public colleges in Germany offer educational courses to international and domestic applicants for free. Hence, they provide almost free education in Germany for international students.
2. Is Germany free for Indian students?
Yes, Germany is free for Indian students. As public universities provide free courses for all students irrespective of their nationalities, German university tuition is free. However, all international students must pay a semester-wise social contribution.
3. How much money is required to study in Germany?
One is required to budget in a way that he/she can cover the basic living expenses at German universities. One must consider the costs of rent, food, transportation, books, clothes, personal expenses, and many more. So, students should budget accordingly. Generally, GBP 1535 is minimally required to cover the costs.
Articles
Apr 25, 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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