Guide to Free Universities in Germany (English-Taught Degrees)

Do You Really Pay Nothing? The True Cost of Studying in Germany

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to clarify what “free” actually means. While public universities do not charge tuition fees, you will still encounter a few mandatory costs.

1. The Semester Contribution (Semesterbeitrag)

You won’t pay tuition, but every student must pay a mandatory administrative fee called the Semesterbeitrag.

• Cost: Usually between €150 to €350 per semester (every 6 months).
• What it covers: Student union fees, university administration, and most importantly, a Semesterticket which gives you free public transportation in your city and often the entire surrounding region.

2. The Exception: Baden-Württemberg

3. Living Expenses & The Blocked Account

To get a student visa, the German government requires you to prove you can support yourself. For 2026, you must deposit €11,904 into a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) before arriving. This money remains yours, and is paid out to you in monthly installments of €992 to cover your rent, groceries, and health insurance.

English Taught Bachelor Programs in Germany

Historically, bachelor’s degrees were almost exclusively taught in German. However, in recent years, universities have rapidly expanded their English offerings.

While finding English-taught bachelor’s programs takes a bit more digging than master’s programs, excellent options exist, particularly in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and Business.

Top Public Universities for English Bachelor’s:

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM) — Offers programs like Aerospace, Information Engineering, and Management strictly in English. (Note: TUM recently introduced tuition fees for non-EU students starting late 2024, so verify your specific program costs.)
2. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences — One of the most international universities in Germany, offering dozens of B.A. and B.Sc. programs entirely in English, from International Relations to Bioengineering.
3. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW) — Known for its Information Engineering bachelor’s program taught in English.
4. THWS (Würzburg-Schweinfurt) — Offers twin programs in Logistics, Engineering, and Robotics.

English Taught Master Degree Programs in Germany

If you are a graduate student, you are in luck. Germany is arguably the best destination in the world for postgraduate studies. There are over 1,500 English-taught master’s programs in Germany and the vast majority of them at public universities are completely free.

Top Public Universities for English Master’s:

1. RWTH Aachen University — A powerhouse for Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science.
2. Freie Universität Berlin — Excellent for Humanities, Social Sciences, and Global History.
3. University of Bonn — Offers world-class Master’s programs in Economics, Physics, and Agricultural Sciences.
4. University of Mannheim — Widely considered the “Harvard of Germany” for Business, Finance, and Economics.

Public vs. Private Universities in Germany

When researching, you will see both public and private universities. It is crucial to know the difference:

How to Apply: The Checklist

Ready to apply to free universities in Germany? Here is your basic roadmap:

1. 1 Check your eligibility: Check the Anabin database to ensure your high school diploma or bachelor’s degree is recognized in Germany. If it isn’t, you may need to attend a Studienkolleg (Preparatory School) first.
2. 2 Prepare your documents: Gather your transcripts, passport, CV, and a motivational letter.
3. 3 Prove your language skills: Even for English-taught programs, you must prove your proficiency through IELTS (usually 6.5+) or TOEFL.
4. 4 Apply via Uni-Assist: Most public universities use a centralized portal called Uni-Assist. You upload your documents once, pay a small processing fee, and apply to multiple universities.