Study in Germany for Free – Universities Offering Free Education

The notion of tuition-free education in Germany might appear too good to be true, but rest assured, it's a reality. In this article, we'll delve into the details of how international students can avail themselves of the opportunity for free education in Germany. 

All public institutions in Germany offer education without tuition fees, requiring students to only cover nominal administrative charges. This remarkable offer applies universally, regardless of the student's nationality. 

However, it's important to note that while tuition fees are eliminated, international students should be prepared to secure ample funds for their cost of living. 

Additionally, it's crucial to understand that this tuition waiver pertains exclusively to undergraduate programs, and unfortunately, it doesn't extend to postgraduate and doctoral studies.

Read More: How to study in Germany for free

Why is There Free Education in Germany for International Students

•  Perception of Education: Germans view education as a societal benefit rather than a commercial product, leading to the belief that free higher education benefits the economy and overall development.
• Tuition Abolishment: In 2014, all 16 German states eliminated tuition fees for undergraduates in public universities, making education free for both domestic and international students. However, In 2017, Baden-Württemberg reintroduced tuition fees (~€3,000/year) for non-EU students at public universities.
• Minimal Administration Fee: Public universities charge a nominal administrative fee per semester to cover miscellaneous costs.
• Global Talent Attraction: Germany aims to attract and retain talented international students by offering free education and encouraging them to stay for employment opportunities post-graduation.
• High-Quality Education: German public universities are globally renowned for their high-quality education, often ranking within the top 100 international institutions.

Read More: Guide to career opportunities in Germany

Who Can Study in Germany for Free

As mentioned above, a student of any nationality is eligible for free education at public institutes. However, this waiver is only for undergraduate students and postgraduate and doctoral students will have to pay tuition fees. 

However, even this fee is much more affordable than in other countries, including the UK, USA, and Canada. Also, it should be noted that most public universities in Germany will only charge a minimal administrative fee if the master’s degree being pursued is in the same field as the aspirant’s bachelor’s studies. 

These are called consecutive master's degrees. Meanwhile, if MS is in a different stream than previous qualifications, there will be a tuition fee charge.

Important Resources to Read for Study in Germany:

Top Universities Offering Free Courses in Germany

If you are still thinking about how to study free in Germany, you can apply for admission at leading public universities in the country. 

There are approximately 300 public universities in Germany, with over 1,000 study programs available in all. Some of the top universities offering free courses include the following:

Read More: Finding Accommodation in Germany for international students

Important Expenses for Studying in Germany

Free education in Germany notwithstanding, there are several additional costs that you will need to take care of. While most public universities will not charge tuition fees, you may still have to pay the semester or administrative fee. 

This is known as Semesterbeitrag locally. It is a nominal charge of approximately €100 - €350 for an entire semester. This also includes public transportation tickets for the city and its surrounding areas which is also another benefit. 

On average, a German student has expenses of €867 per month. That includes rent, travel expenses, expenditures for food, clothing, learning materials, health insurance, telephone, Internet, radio and TV license fees, and recreational activities. 

Living and Accommodation Costs

Here is a breakdown of the monthly expenses you might have to incur.

• Rent (including utility costs): €410
• Food: €198
• Transportation costs (car/public transport): €89
• Health insurance, doctor's fees, medications: €100
• Clothing: €46
• Recreation, culture and sports: €65
• Working materials (books etc.): €31
• Telephone/internet/radio and TV license, postage: €32
   

How To Apply To Study College In Germany?

• The first step is to shortlist the course and university. Ensure that you have all the required documents ready, including academic transcripts. 

• Most public universities in Germany accept admission applications through the uni-assist platform. You need to create an account on the portal, choose the course, and university you are applying for, and upload scanned application documents

• Few universities may require you to apply on their own online application platform. Check the respective university website to identify the right platform to apply at.

• Once you have completed your application, wait for a response from the institution. 

• You can apply for a German student visa, also known as a residence permit, and buy health insurance after securing a seat.

Eligibility Criteria for Free Education in Germany

Here are some things to keep in mind to be eligible for free education in Germany

• Candidates must have a good track record including a minimum of 85% or 9 CGPA in class 12th. 
• Language proficiency entrance test score: To be eligible to study in Germany, one must meet the eligibility criteria for the respective programs at the university. Some commonly accepted tests include GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, and others. ( Most universities require a minimum German proficiency of B2 level. The minimum accepted IELTS score is generally an overall band of 6, while for TOEFL is a score of 80). 
• Some universities in Germany may exempt you from having a language test score if you prove that you have studied the English language in high school.
• University acceptance letter: Gaining admission to a public institute is indispensable to be able to study in Germany for free. 
• Most public universities in Germany will only charge a minimal administrative fee if the master’s degree being pursued is in the same field as the aspirant’s bachelor’s studies. These are called consecutive master degrees. Meanwhile, if MS is in a different stream than previous qualifications, there will be a tuition fee charge.
• Blocked account: Every year, each university requests that a monthly amount be provided for every student for enabling their living costs along with other miscellaneous expenditures. This money is deposited into the ‘Blocked Account’. Currently, Indian students must show a balance of at least €11,208 in their blocked account and are entitled to withdraw €934 monthly.

Steps to Studying in Germany for Free

If you want to avail free education in Germany, here are a few steps you can follow:

Course Selection

Select a course of your choice. Each university offers a unique set of offerings and have different eligibility criteria. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative to research and choose programs that align with your academic and career goals.

University/College Selection

The University of Cologne, RWTH Aachen University, Goethe University Frankfurt, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, and the University of Münster are some of the well-known free universities in Germany. 

Now that you have selected your course of study, you should research about the best university to pursue it. Pay close attention to application deadlines, as missing it can delay your plans by a semester or even a year.

Tuition Costs (if any) and Blocked Account

Even if you study in Germany for free, you might have to pay a charge per semester for administration, enrollment, and confirmation. This fee might vary from one university to the other but is not more than €250 per semester. 

Therefore, it is necessary to research about it. Additionally, you will have to open a German blocked account and keep an amount of €11,208 to cover the costs arising for the duration of your planned stay in the country. 

Apply

Most universities have their online portals through which you have to submit the application along with supporting documents. academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and financial proof. 

Start applying to universities and when their portals open for admissions. To avoid missing out due to time zone differences or due to a technical glitch, it is advisable to apply a day or two in advance.

Get German Student Visa

Once you receive the acceptance letter from the university, you should apply for a German student visa at least three months in advance at your local German embassy or consulate in your home country. 

To get a visa to study for free in Germany, you have to submit some documents like a valid passport, two photographs, acceptance letter, academic transcripts, proof of German language proficiency, certificate of health insurance, and declaration of authenticity of documents submitted.

Taking Off and Life in Germany

Once you have got your acceptance letter and German student visa, you are now ready to take off towards your free education in Germany. The country is well-known for its high quality of education, vibrant student life, work-life balance, high job security, and a robust social welfare system.

If Tuition is Free, Does That Mean the Universities in Germany Are Not Very Good

Only the public universities in Germany are free for international students. Whereas, the private universities do charge a tuition fee. 

However, that does not mean that the quality of education would be low as none of them is completely free and you might have to pay an administration charge per semester. 

Getting into one of these public universities is not that easy as there is a wide pool of contestants you will be competing with. 

Moreover, you can check the accreditation for the university you are applying to, so that you can be sure of the quality of education.