Tuition free universities in Germany : Germany is a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education at a low cost. The country is well-known for its tuition-free universities, which offer students the opportunity to earn a degree without accumulating significant student debt. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the tuition-free universities in Germany and what they have to offer.
Tuition-free universities in Germany are typically public universities that receive government funding. As a result, they can offer free tuition to both domestic and international students. While students are still responsible for covering living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation, the elimination of tuition fees can significantly reduce the financial burden of earning a degree.
Tuition free universities in Germany
Here are some of the top tuition-free universities in Germany:
Free University of Berlin
The Free University of Berlin or FU Berlin is one of the best universities in Germany. Founded in the year 1948, it started as the West Berlin chapter of the Frederick William University. It is currently located in the capital. As of date, it has an enrollment rate of 36,000+ students – with 22% coming from outside Germany.
FU Berlin is academically organized into the departments of Biology & Chemistry, Earth Sciences, History & Cultural Studies, Law, Business & Economics, Mathematics & Computer Science, Education & Psychology, Philosophy & Humanities, Physics, Political & Social Science, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.
True to its’ name, the Free University of Berlin levies no tuition – except for certain graduate programs. It does, however, require a contribution worth about $313. This covers the enrollment/registration fee, student support service, student union, and transportation tickets.
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
The Technical University of Munich or TUM is the top 2 institution in all of Germany. Founded in 1868, it has a main campus in Munich – and branches Heilbronn, Freising, Garching, and Singapore. As a technical university, TUM specializes in the studies of Architecture, Aerospace, Engineering, Chemistry, Informatics, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Sports & Health Science, Education, Governance, Management, and Life Science.
Like most public universities, this free university in Germany draws funding from public money to deliver its services to its 32,000+ students – a third of which come from abroad.
Although TUM does not collect tuition, students will need to pay a semester fee ranging from 62 Euros (in Straubing) to 144.40 Euros (in Munich, Weihenstephan, and Garching).
University of Cologne
Founded in the year 1798, the University of Cologne was established as the fourth university of the Holy Roman Empire – making it the sixth-oldest in Central Europe. It’s also one of the largest with a total of 34,500+ students – 18% of which are international enrollees.
The university, which is operated by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is organized into 6 faculties. Those with the highest number of students are the Faculties of Arts & Humanities and Management & Social Sciences, followed by Mathematics & Natural Science, Law, Medicine, and Human Science.
As one of the best universities in Germany, it is ranked in the 100 bracket for Life Science and the 150 bracket for Arts & Humanities and Psychology.
As with most public universities, the University of Cologne is tuition-free. There is, however, a need for the students to contribute an annual amount of 500 Euros. This covers a public transport pass and administrative fees, to name a few.
Humboldt University of Berlin
The Humboldt University of Berlin is another top university in Germany that offers free tuition. It was founded in 1810 and is known for its strong focus on research and innovation. The university offers programs in fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more.
University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg or UHH is listed as the 12th best university in Germany. It is particularly renowned for its Arts & Humanities programs, as well as its Physical Science, Life Science, Social Science, and Business degrees.
Founded in the year 1919, UHH has 30,000+ students – with international learners representing 12% of the total. These students are enrolled in the university’s various offerings, which include that of Law, Business Administration, Economics & Social Science, Medicine, Education & Psychology, Humanities, Mathematics & Computer Science, and Engineering.
Outside of the necessary living costs, UHH students also need to shell out a contributory fee of 332 Euros every semester. This covers the transport pass, the hardship fund, administration fees, and the Studierendenwerk.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, also known as LMU, is the top-ranked institution in all of Germany. Its programs are considered some of the best in the world, with its Arts & Humanities and Physical Science courses respectively ranking 18th and 21st internationally.
Founded in the year 1472, LMU was opened in Ingolstadt by Duke Ludwig IX. Now based in Munich, it is heralded as the sixth-oldest operating university in the country.
As one of the largest institutions in Germany, LMU oversees 34,000+ students – 17% of which come from outside the country. These students are enrolled in the university’s 20 faculties, which cover the disciplines of Catholic Theology, Protestant Theology, Law, Economics, Business Administration, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, History & Arts, Psychology, Philosophy, Culture, Language & Literature, Social Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry & Pharmacy, Biology, and Geoscience & Environmental Science.
LMU, which has been a tuition-free university in Germany since 2013, only charges a nominal fee for certain professional or graduate degrees and certificates.
Goethe University
Goethe University, one of the free universities in Germany, was founded in the year 1914 as a citizen’s university. Initially named after its location of Frankfurt am Main, it was eventually dedicated in the honor of Frankfurt native Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Goethe University has one of the biggest student populations in all of Germany with 46,000+ enrollees – 16% of which come from outside the continent. These students are dispersed throughout the university’s 16 Faculties of Law, Business, Social Science, Education, Psychology, Theology, Philosophy & History, Linguistics, Modern Languages, Geosciences, Computer Science, Physics, Biochemistry, Biology, and Medicine.
This high volume is entrants is attributed to the university’s prestige – as well as its free tuition. Here, as with most German universities, both local and foreign students can study for free. The only fee that needs to be paid per semester is about 370 Euros, which covers administrative fees and certain funds.
Also check this : Top 5 Scholarships in Germany that Will Cover Your Entire Tuition
Requirements to apply to Germany Universities
The specific requirements to apply to universities in Germany vary depending on the university and program you’re interested in, but in general, here are the most common requirements for international students:
- Academic qualifications: International students must have completed their secondary education and have a qualifying degree to be eligible to apply to universities in Germany. Most universities require a secondary school certificate or diploma equivalent to the German “Abitur” or a bachelor’s degree for graduate programs.
- Language proficiency: If the program is taught in German, students must demonstrate proficiency in German by submitting a language certificate such as TestDaF or DSH. For programs taught in English, students may be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or similar language proficiency tests.
- Application form: Most universities require an online application form to be completed, which includes personal information, academic records and language proficiency information.
- Transcripts and diplomas: International students must provide certified copies of their academic records and diplomas or certificates.
- Curriculum vitae (CV): Students may be required to submit a CV, highlighting their educational and professional experience.
- Personal statement or motivation letter: This is a document that outlines why the student is interested in the program and how they meet the requirements. This is also an opportunity to explain any gaps in academic records or other unique aspects of the student’s background.
- Letters of recommendation: Students may be required to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, professors or employers.
- Application fee: Some universities charge an application fee, which can range from 50-100 euros.
It’s important to note that the requirements may vary slightly depending on the program and university you’re interested in. Make sure to check the specific application guidelines for each program and university you’re applying to.