Study in Germany for free as an International student

Germany is unique as a top study-abroad location, primarily because of its abundance of excellent colleges that routinely receive high international rankings.

Germany is attractive not only because of its top-notch universities but also because its cities are filled with historical sites, monuments, and museums that reflect the country’s rich cultural legacy.

Germany is among the best places to study abroad. It is comparable to other well-liked locations like the UK and Holland and provides a distinctive blend of excellent universities and a good standard of living.

Not only do some of the world’s top colleges exist in Germany, but studying there is also completely free.

Who is eligible for free education in Germany?

In Germany, there is no tuition for anyone to study! That’s correct: there are no tuition costs for studying in Germany for anyone, including non-Europeans and Germans.

Whether you are an EEA or EU citizen makes no difference. Almost all study programs offered by public universities fall into this category.

There is a little catch: if you are not from the EU, you must complete your studies in Germany and obtain a residence visa before entering the country.

Which German universities provide free education?

The majority of public universities in Germany offer free education. You will have many possibilities because Germany boasts nearly 300 public colleges and over 1,000 study programs!

Leading public universities include the following:

• University of Cologne
• Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU)
• Goethe University Frankfurt
• RWTH Aachen University
• University of Münster
• Ruhr University Bochum
• University of Duisburg-Essen
• Universit?t Hamburg
• FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• University of Würzburg

Why are German public universities tuition-free?

Universities charge tuition almost everywhere in Europe and the rest of the world, even if the students are foreigners travelling there to further their education.

Germany is one of the few nations in Europe where international students, regardless of their origins—from Asia, Africa, or elsewhere—can study for free.

Most Germans think that open access to higher education assures economic prosperity and welfare for the general populace and that education shouldn’t be viewed as a commodity for sale.

A law passed not too long ago permitted public universities to charge minimal tuition—1,000 euros per year. However 2014, following years of public demonstrations, tuition fees were eliminated once more.

There are now highly few instances in which tuition is charged at public universities.

German administrations have recently realised the social and economic advantages of immigration. Germany aspires to attract the brightest students to study there and, ideally, stay after graduation to find employment.

For this reason, there are no standard tuition fees for international students.

Does free tuition imply that the universities are of low quality?

Not at all! Since German institutions are among the greatest in the world, international students may be sure they’ll get a top-notch education.

Numerous more prominent universities consistently place in the top 100 worldwide rankings.

Any university, regardless of its ranking, offers excellent instruction. Germany’s accreditation requirements for educational establishments are incredibly stringent.

The German government made the sole political decision to offer tuition-free higher education at public universities. A degree from a German university is valued globally and provides a wide range of employment options.

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Are there tuition costs in Germany?

In Germany, education is generally accessible. However, there are a few instances where paying tuition is required:

Only public universities offer free tuition.

You will be required to pay tuition at any of the around 100 private universities, which is comparable to what you would spend in the UK or Ireland.

Private schools in Germany, facing competition from low-cost state universities, often provide specialised programs and other advantages to ensure that students get value for their money. Of course, they may qualify for a scholarship.

German universities distinguish between “consecutive” and “non-consecutive” master’s programs.

You can attend consecutive programs directly after completing your Bachelor’s degree. Non-consecutive programmes typically require students to have post-bachelor employment experience.

Even at public universities, such non-consecutive study plans normally incur tuition costs. They are uncommon, but examples include “Executive MBAs” and other specialist Master’s degrees.

This comprises universities in Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Freiburg, Heidelberg, and a few additional locations. Tuition prices are set at 1,500 euros per semester, which is still significantly lower than in many other European nations.

Some federal states also require tuition payments ranging from 500 to 650 EUR every semester for a “secondary degree” (“Zweitstudium”). This does not apply if you are pursuing your first Bachelor’s degree or a (consecutive) Master’s program after completing your Bachelor’s degree.

The term “secondary degree” refers to pursuing a non-consecutive Master’s program, enrolling in a Bachelor’s program after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in another topic, or enrolling in a Master’s program after obtaining a Master’s degree in another subject.

How much are tuition fees in Baden-Württemberg?

Baden-Württemberg, in South-West Germany, is the only one of the 16 German federal states requiring students outside the EU to pay tuition at public universities.

Tuition expenses in Baden-Württemberg are 1,500 euros per semester or 3,000 euros per year.

These tuition prices apply to all “BaWü” public higher-education institutions, which number approximately 50.

EU citizens are treated equally with German students and hence do not pay tuition costs to German students.

What other costs should I consider when studying in Germany?

While public institutions often do not charge tuition, you will be required to pay a “semester fee” (“Semesterbeitrag”) or “administrative fee”. But it’s a little sum: often around 300 or 400 euros for the entire semester.

This includes a public transportation ticket for your city and, in some cases, the neighbouring territories at a fraction of the cost.

Germany is relatively inexpensive for a Western European country.

Here’s a summary of the average cost of living as a student in Germany:

• Rent and utilities 350 to 500 €
• Food and drink 200 to 250 €
• Health insurance 100 €
• Phone and Internet 30 €
• Leisure and hobbies 50 to 100 €

Depending on where you study, you can live on 900 euros per month.

(If you are a student needing a visa, you must open a blocked account and deposit the projected cost of living for one year before applying for the visa.)

Larger cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are generally more expensive than smaller towns.

What scholarships are available for study abroad in Germany?

Numerous scholarships are available for foreign students in Germany.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) maintains an official scholarship database that allows you to search for eligible scholarship opportunities based on your country of origin.

Can I stay in Germany after graduating from university?

International graduates from German colleges can stay in Germany while looking for work. This applies to all students, regardless of their nation of origin.

If you are a non-EU citizen, you can use an 18-month residence permit following graduation. With a “job seeker visa” (or “post-study work visa”), you can look for a job that matches your skills and work anywhere for 18 months.

The German Federal Government provides additional information regarding the graduate residency permit.

Conclusion

At Edify, a presidential award-winning consultancy, we are committed to empowering Pakistani students to pursue higher education abroad.

Our dedicated team of counsellors provides comprehensive support and guidance, assisting students at every stage of their study abroad journey.

FAQ’s

Is education utterly free in Germany?

Education in Germany is free for both native and international students.

Are IELTS required for Germany?

Yes, the IELTS exam is required for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Germany.

How much can a Pakistani student earn in Germany?

As of January 2024, students’ monthly income is limited to €522.50.