How to Study in Germany for Free: Scholarships & Tuition-Free Universities

Studying abroad doesn’t have to cost a fortune — especially if you’re looking at Germany. Known for its high-quality education system, Germany is one of the few countries in the world where you can study at top-tier universities without paying tuition fees.

With a strong tradition of academic excellence, modern infrastructure, and a student-friendly environment, Germany has become a top destination for international students. What makes it even better? You can often do it for free — or close to it.

This guide breaks down how to study in Germany for free, the types of scholarships available (including the well-known DAAD Scholarship), and what to know about public universities in Germany. Whether you’re a high school graduate or a working professional aiming to get a master’s degree, this blog is your roadmap to a tuition-free education in Germany.

Key Takeaways

• Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, even for international students.
• Scholarships like the DAAD Scholarship can cover living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.
• Germany offers a wide range of tuition-free degrees in English, especially at the master’s level.
• Public colleges in Germany are highly ranked globally and recognized for academic rigor.
• You only pay a small semester fee (usually €100–€350) at public universities in Germany — this often includes transportation.
• It’s possible to study in Germany for free by combining tuition-free programs with scholarships for living costs.

Why Study in Germany?

If you’re asking yourself, Why Germany?, here are a few reasons:

• Germany has over 400 higher education institutions, including many internationally ranked public universities.
• Most public university Germany programs are state-funded, which means they don’t charge tuition fees.
• The country is home to a vibrant student community, cutting-edge research, and top employers for internships or post-graduation jobs.
• You can choose from more than 2,000 English-taught programs across various fields like Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Humanities.

But the biggest reason? You can actually study in Germany for free.

Who Can Study in Germany for Free?

Most international students can study in Germany without paying tuition, particularly at public universities in Germany. This includes:

• EU and non-EU students
• Undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Students enrolling in full-time programs

There’s one catch: tuition is free mostly at public universities, not private ones. Private universities in Germany usually charge tuition fees, which can range from €5,000 to €20,000 per year or more.

But if you’re aiming to keep costs down, German public universities are the way to go.

What Are Tuition-Free Universities in Germany?

Let’s break it down.

Germany abolished general tuition fees for public universities back in 2014. As of now, most public colleges in Germany charge no tuition fees, even for international students. However, there is a semester fee (Semesterbeitrag), which covers administration and services like public transport.

Examples of Tuition-Free Public Universities:

• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
• University of Heidelberg
• University of Hamburg
• University of Stuttgart
• RWTH Aachen University
• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• Humboldt University of Berlin

These universities rank high internationally and offer a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, many of which are available in English.

What About Living Expenses?

While you might not pay tuition, living in Germany isn’t free. Here’s what you need to plan for:

• Rent: €250–€500/month (cheaper in smaller cities)
• Food & Groceries: €150–€250/month
• Transportation: Often included in semester fee
• Health Insurance: Around €100/month
• Miscellaneous: €50–€100/month

On average, international students need around €850–€1,000 per month to cover living costs in Germany.

This is where scholarships come in.

Scholarships That Help You Study in Germany for Free

While tuition might be covered, living expenses can add up. Scholarships bridge that gap.

1. DAAD Scholarship (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)

The DAAD Scholarship is Germany’s largest and most well-known scholarship program. It offers funding for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.

Key Benefits:

• Monthly stipend (€850 for graduates, €1,200 for doctoral students)
• Travel allowance
• Health insurance
• Study and research allowances

DAAD supports a wide range of programs, especially master’s degrees in science, engineering, economics, and social sciences.

2. Erasmus+

Erasmus+ isn’t just for EU students. It also funds international students from around the world, especially for exchange programs or joint master’s degrees.

3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

Offered to students with outstanding academic records and a commitment to social or political causes. Open to both EU and non-EU students.

4. Friedrich Ebert Foundation

Targets students from developing countries with a strong sense of social responsibility and excellent academic results.

5. Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)

Best for students interested in politics, social sciences, or public policy, especially those with leadership potential.

How to Apply to Public Universities in Germany

If you’re ready to apply, here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1. Choose a Program

Find a degree program in your field, ideally one that’s tuition-free and taught in English (or German, if you’re fluent).

2. Check Eligibility

Each program and university may have different entry requirements. Check for:

• Academic transcripts
• Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English; TestDaF/DSH for German)
• Motivation letter and CV

3. Apply Through the University or uni-assist

Some universities accept direct applications, while others require you to apply via uni-assist, a centralized application service.

4. Apply for Scholarships

Once you have an offer letter, you can apply for scholarships like DAAD. Make sure to meet all the deadlines — they’re strict.

Can You Work While Studying?

Yes. As an international student, you’re allowed to work:

• 120 full days OR 240 half days per year
• On or off-campusThis can help cover part of your living expenses. Typical student jobs include research assistants, library jobs, or internships.

What About Language Requirements?

Many master’s programs in Germany are taught entirely in English. For undergraduate programs, knowing German is often necessary.

For English-taught programs:

• IELTS (usually 6.5+)
• TOEFL (usually 90+)

For German-taught programs:

• TestDaF
• DSH
• Goethe-Zertifikat

Even if you’re studying in English, learning some basic German will make daily life and job hunting much easier.

Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of

While tuition is free, there are a few costs that might sneak up on you:

• Blocked Account: You’ll need to show proof of funds (around €11,208 per year) in a German bank account to get a student visa.
• Semester Fee: This small administrative fee ranges from €100 to €350 per semester.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory and costs around €100/month for students.

Plan for these early to avoid surprises.

Best Cities to Study in Germany (on a Budget)

Here are some affordable student cities with great public universities:

• Leipzig – Low cost of living and strong cultural scene.
• Dresden – Beautiful architecture and affordable rent.
• Aachen – Home to RWTH Aachen, a top technical university.
• Heidelberg – Smaller, charming, and student-friendly.
• Berlin – More expensive, but full of opportunity and great public universities.

Final Thoughts: Is It Really Free?

Yes — but with some planning.

You can absolutely study in Germany for free by targeting public universities in Germany, applying for scholarships like DAAD, and budgeting wisely for your living expenses. Tuition fees are practically nonexistent at public institutions, and the quality of education is world-class.

If you’re looking to study abroad without drowning in debt, Germany might be your best bet.