Tuition: free almost everywhere
Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees, whatever your nationality. There are two exceptions worth knowing. The state of Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and the Technical University of Munich has charged non-EU students tuition since winter 2024. Some continuing-education master's programmes also charge fees everywhere. Check before you apply.
The semester contribution
Every student pays a semester contribution, usually a few hundred euros each semester. It funds student services and often includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket for local and regional public transport across Germany. For 2026–27 it was €376.80 at Freie Universität Berlin, €402 at Universität Hamburg and about €350 at RWTH Aachen.
Proof of funds for your visa
To get a student visa you must show that you can support yourself: €992 a month, or €11,904 a year, the amount in force since January 2025. Most students do this with a blocked account (Sperrkonto): you deposit a year's money, and €992 is released to you each month. A scholarship award letter, or a formal declaration from a sponsor living in Germany, can also count. Use only a regulated blocked-account provider — see our scam guide.
Deadlines for international applicants
Non-EU applicants often face earlier deadlines than EU applicants. At RWTH Aachen, for example, non-EU master's applicants to open-admission programmes must apply by 1 March for the winter semester, while 15 July applies only to restricted programmes. Many universities also require a preliminary review of foreign certificates through uni-assist, which takes weeks. Plan your applications at least nine months ahead.
Language
Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German and ask for German at C1 level (TestDaF or DSH). Hundreds of master's programmes are taught in English. Even on an English-taught programme, learning German helps with part-time work, housing and life after graduation.
Paying for living costs
Because tuition is free, a stipend is effectively a full scholarship in Germany. The DAAD pays €992 a month to master's students and €1,300 to doctoral candidates, plus insurance and travel. International students may also work part-time within legal limits — but you cannot count on work income for your visa.