Study in Germany for free: application fees, tuition and real costs

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.

At TU Munich, non-EU students usually pay €4,000 or €6,000 a semester for a master's (€2,000 or €3,000 for a bachelor's). For students starting in winter semester 2027/28 this rises to €4,600 or €6,800 for a master's and €2,300 or €3,400 for a bachelor's; students already enrolled keep their original rate.

Application fees: uni-assist

Many German universities have foreign certificates checked by uni-assist before they decide. If yours does, uni-assist charges €75 for your first chosen programme in a semester and €30 for each additional one, so three programmes in one semester cost €135. Applying again in a later semester starts at €75 again. The fee covers the check whatever the result, so it is not refunded if you are turned down.

Some universities pay their applicants' uni-assist fees, and then your application is free: uni-assist shows a note in your selection list when that applies. Each programme page says whether to apply through uni-assist or directly to the university.

Compare other countries in our guide to universities with no application fee.

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, which still applied for winter semester 2026–27. It is linked to Germany's student grant (BAföG) rates and changes when they do, so check the current figure before you open an account. 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.

Fintiba offers blocked accounts and student health insurance.

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 (€1,400 in its EPOS call from February 2026), plus insurance and travel. International students may also work part-time within legal limits, but you cannot count on work income for your visa.

Working while you study

Students from outside the EU may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency; a day of up to four hours counts as a half day. Alternatively, you may work up to 20 hours a week during the lecture period, like German students, and without limit in the semester breaks. Work as a student assistant at your university is not counted against these limits.

Part-time work helps with living costs, but the visa still needs the full proof of funds up front.

After you graduate

Graduates from outside the EU can get a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job that matches their qualification. You may take any job while you look, and you must be able to support yourself. The permit cannot be extended; once you find qualified work, you switch to a work residence permit such as the EU Blue Card at the foreigners' authority.

Common questions

Do German universities charge an application fee?

Public universities charge no tuition in most states, but those that use uni-assist pass on its fee: €75 for your first programme in a semester and €30 for each additional one. Some universities pay this fee for their applicants.

How much does TU Munich charge international students?

Non-EU students usually pay €4,000 or €6,000 a semester for a master's and €2,000 or €3,000 for a bachelor's. For students starting in winter semester 2027/28 they rise to €4,600 or €6,800 for a master's and €2,300 or €3,400 for a bachelor's.

Is studying in Germany really free for international students?

At most public universities, yes: there is no tuition at any level. You still pay a semester contribution of a few hundred euros, and Baden-Württemberg and TU Munich charge students from outside the EU.

How much money do I need for a German student visa?

€11,904 for a year, or €992 a month. Most students put it in a blocked account; a recognised scholarship or a formal declaration from a sponsor in Germany can also count.

Can I work while studying in Germany?

Yes: 140 full days or 280 half days a year, or up to 20 hours a week during lectures and without limit in the breaks.

Can I stay in Germany after graduating?

Yes. You can get a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job, and you may work in any job while you search.

Studying in Germany for free: application fees, tuition and what you really pay

Funded routes in Germany