Germany is known for excellent academic standards, with so many public universities with free tuition fees. Hence, international students prefer public universities because of their inexpensive tuition fees or free education. Private universities also offer more beneficial choices for students. Is private education free in Germany? Tuition fees are normally charged at private universities, but many German private universities have affordable or low tuition fees compared to those in the UK, USA, Australia, and more. These universities connect their degree programs to match the industry trend and enhance career opportunities.
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With affordable tuition fees, many German private universities provide scholarships to reduce financial stress. If you decide to study in Germany, this article about private universities in Germany with low tuition fees helps you get an affordable education.
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In Germany, some top-notch private universities offer cost-effective teaching, making the country's famous study-abroad location among students from India. Here are some of the most popular and affordable private universities in Germany for the 2025 academic year:
Berlin School of Business and Innovation
GISMA Business School
Arden University Berlin
The following table shows the top 5 private universities in Germany with low tuition fees, which will assist you in picking the right one for higher education in Germany without financial burden.
Particulars | Details |
New European College's official website | new-european-college.com |
Established year and location of New European College | 2014/ Bavaria, Germany |
New European College tuition fees for Indian students | Rs 4.34 lakhs—9.15 lakhs per annum |
New European College's popular courses | Business administration, MBA, and International business |
Particulars | Details |
Berlin School of Business and Innovation's official website | berlinsbi.com |
Established year and location of Berlin School of Business and Innovation | 2017/ Berlin, Germany |
Berlin School of Business and Innovation tuition fees for Indian students | Rs 6.40 lakhs - 10.98 lakhs per annum |
Berlin School of Business and Innovation's popular courses | Business administration, MBA, International health management, Economics and Game design |
Particulars | Details |
GISMA Business School's official website | gisma.com |
Established year and location of GISMA Business School | 1999/ Bradenburg, Germany |
GISMA Business School tuition fees for Indian students | Rs 9.15 lakhs - 13.03 lakhs per annum |
GISMA Business School's popular courses | Business management, Finance, Computer Science, MBA Data Science, and AI |
Particulars | Details |
Arden University Berlin's official website | arden.ac.uk/berlin |
Established year and location of Arden University Berlin | 2018/Berlin, Germany |
Arden University Berlin tuition fees for Indian students | Rs 6.86 lakhs—9.50 lakhs per annum |
Arden University Berlin's popular courses | Business management, Finance Accounting, MBA and Project Management |
Particulars | Details |
IU official website | iu.org/en-in |
Established year and location of IU | 1998/ Thuringia, Germany |
IU tuition fees for Indian students | Rs 5.49 lakhs—9.0 lakhs per annum |
IU's popular courses | AI, MBA, Computer Science, Data Science, and Computer Security |
The scholarships in Germany help to pay or decrease tuition fees for private universities that are offered based on merit, need, country and program. German scholarships cover education and expenses. For particular programs, it is possible to get free internships and training as an advantageous option.
Private University Name | Type of scholarship | Details |
New European College | Merit-based | 50% tuition costs may reduced |
Berlin School of Business and Innovation | Merit-based and early enrollment | Provides Rs 1.0 lakhs to 2.75 lakhs |
GISMA Business School | Merit and Need-Based | The stipend may vary according to the program you choose |
Arden University Berlin | Country-based (international students) | Around Rs 3.0 lakhs |
IU International University of Applied Sciences | Country-based (international students) | Approximately 50% of your fee |
Note: Scholarship applications must normally be submitted separately before the end date of scholarships. Check the availability on the official website.
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While calculating your tuition fees in German private universities, you must consider the budget of the cost of living in Germany. Expenses like food, travel, study materials, and others may change depending on the region in Germany. Generally, the German living expenses range from Rs 77,974 to 91,734 (EUR 850-1,000) per month.
Particulars | Cost in EUR | Cost in Rupees |
Rent or Accommodation | 250 - 400 | 22,452 - 36,087 |
Food or meals | 160 - 200 | 14,500 - 18,000 |
Transportation | 50 | 4,510 |
Health insurance | 100 - 150 | 9,021 - 13,532 |
Other personal expenses | 100 - 200 | 9,021 - 18,043 |
Here are some of the common eligibility criteria of universities in Germany for international students:
Copy of your degree certificate for postgraduate application
English language certificates.
Proof of financial aid
Resume or CV
Passport and visa copies with a photo ID
Also Read: German Universities With Easy Admission Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
People who don't speak English as a first language often have to take the IELTS test to get admission at German universities. Especially mandatory for degree teaching in English. Some universities in Germany may accept other approved English exams.
Some of the cheapest private universities in Germany, include New European College, Munich, Berlin School of Business and Innovation, GISMA Business School, Arden University Berlin, and IU International University of Applied Sciences.
The cheapest universities in Germany for international students are LMU Munich, University of Mannheim, University of Hamberg, Heidelberg University, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Stuttgart, RWTH Aachen University and more.
For both domestic and international students, the majority of Germany’s public universities, do not require a tuition fee. Some universities may have low semester fees. For example, the University of Munich and the University of Berlin have no tuition fees.
On Question asked by student community
Hello aspirant,
Indeed, even if you have health insurance from India, you may still need to get German health insurance because everyone in Germany is required to have it, and Indian insurance isn't often accepted as enough by German requirements. You will require a German policy for your visa, university enrollment, and extended stay; your Indian insurance is merely a temporary fix for the first few months of your trip.
Thank you
Hello ,
Yes , It's possible to study B arch in Germany for free since most public universities don't charge tution fees but you need to meet certain requirements. A strong portfolio and you will have to show proficiency in the German language by passing exam like TestDaH or DSH.
Some universities conduct an aptitude test or interview to evaluate your understanding of architecture before granting an admission.
Thank you
Hello,
Yes, you can definitely pursue B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in Physics from IISc Bengaluru and then later aim for your Ph.D. (Doctorate) at Technical University of Berlin (TUB), Germany.
Choosing, the Physics programme from IISC has a strong international reputation, and its degree is well-recognized globally, including in German universities. After completing your M.Sc., you can apply for Ph.D. positions in TUB or any other German institutes through programs like DAAD scholarships or direct university applications.
ALL THE BEST.
1. TUM (Munich) – Engineering, Computer Science
2. LMU (Munich) – Medicine, Humanities
3. Heidelberg University – Medicine, Life Sciences
4. Humboldt University (Berlin) – Humanities, Social Sciences
5. KIT (Karlsruhe) – Engineering, Natural Sciences
6. RWTH Aachen – Engineering
7. University of Freiburg – Environmental Science
8. University of Stuttgart – Engineering, Automotive
9. Free University of Berlin – Political Science, Medicine
10. University of Mannheim – Business, Economics
These universities offer affordable or tuition-free education for international students.
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.
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