10 Cheapest Universities in Germany for International Students (2026)

Public universities in Germany are state-funded, which means most charge no tuition fees regardless of whether you are a domestic or international student. The only cost is a mandatory semester contribution that covers administrative expenses and typically includes a public transport pass for the city.

Here is the list of the most affordable universities in Germany for international students:

Let’s get into the details of each of the affordable universities in Germany, along with their popular courses and more:

Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), founded in 1743, is a public university, making it a strong choice for students looking for the cheapest universities in Germany. It is known for its strong research output in engineering, natural sciences, and medicine, while maintaining extremely low semester contribution fees.

FAU stands out due to its very low administrative costs and high academic diversity, offering over 275 degree programmes across multiple disciplines.

Key Details:

• Annual Cost of Studying: €9,000-€11,500 (₹9.81L-₹12.53L including living costs in Erlangen/Nuremberg)
• Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.0-6.5 overall, TOEFL iBT: 80-90+, and some programs require German (B2/C1 level)
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Approximately 2.5-3.0 on the German scale (70-80% Indian equivalent, program-dependent)
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 15 to July 15 | Summer intake: November 15 to January 15 (varies by program)

The University of Bonn was founded in 1818. It is one of Germany’s leading research-intensive institutions and is widely considered among the most affordable universities in Germany, as it offers a low semester contribution and a strong public funding model. It is well known for mathematics, economics, physics, and life sciences.

The university is also one of the most academically prestigious universities in Germany, combining high research output with relatively low student costs and strong international collaboration networks.

Key Details: 

• Annual Cost of Studying: €10,000 - €13,000 (₹10.9L - ₹14.17L approx. including living costs in Bonn)
• Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80-95+, and German proficiency required for select programs (B2/C1)
• Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.3-3.0 German scale (75-85% Indian equivalent, program-dependent)
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 15 to July | Summer intake: December 1 to January 15

RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s top technical institutions, founded in 1870. It is a strong option among the cheapest universities in Germany for engineering and technology-focused programs. It is mainly recognised for its excellence in mechanical engineering, computer science, automotive engineering, and data science.

The university stands out for its strong industry connections, large international student population, and focus on applied research, making it a preferred choice for students aiming for technical careers in Germany.

Key Details:

• Annual Cost of Studying: €10,500-€13,800 (₹11.44L-₹15.04L including living costs in Aachen)
• Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80-90+, and German proficiency (B2/C1) required for many programs
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Around 2.5-3.0 German scale (70-80% Indian equivalent, program-dependent)
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 1 to July 15 | Summer intake: December 1 to January 15

The Technical University of Dresden is a well-established public university known for its strong research ecosystem and engineering-focused programs. With relatively lower living costs compared to cities like Munich or Berlin, it offers a cost-effective study option for international students and is often preferred by those exploring cheap universities in Germany with balanced academic and living expenses.

The university was founded in 1828 and is particularly known for Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, and Environmental Sciences, supported by modern infrastructure.

Key Details:

• Annual Cost of Studying: €9,500-€12,500 (₹10.35L-₹13.62L including living costs in Dresden)
• Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80-90+, and German proficiency (B2/C1) required for most programs
• Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5-3.0 German scale (70-80% Indian equivalent, program-dependent)
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 1 to July 15 | Summer intake: December 1 to January 15

Humboldt University of Berlin founded in 1810, is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, known for its strong academic legacy and research contributions across disciplines. It offers access to global exposure, policy institutions, and research hubs, while still being part of the affordable universities in Germany due to its public funding and moderate semester contribution.

The university is mainly known for its strengths in law, economics, social sciences, and natural sciences, with popular programs including Psychology, Political Science, Philosophy, Economics, and Physics.

Key Details:

• Annual Cost of Studying: €11,000-€15,000 (₹11.99L-₹16.35L including living costs in Berlin)
• Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80-95+, and German proficiency (B2/C1) required for most programs
• Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.3-3.0 German scale (75-85% Indian equivalent, program-dependent)
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 15 to July 15 | Summer intake: December 1 to January 15

The Free University of Berlin was established in 1948. It is a leading public research university known for its international outlook and strong focus on humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. It remains accessible for international students even after being located in Berlin, and is known as one of the cheapest universities in Germany, given its global rankings and research output.

The university offers a wide range of programs, with popular options including International Relations, Political Science, History, Sociology, and Natural Sciences, supported by a diverse academic environment and strong international partnerships.

Key Details:

• Annual Cost of Studying: €11,000-€15,500 (₹11.99L-₹16.89L including living costs in Berlin)
• Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80-95+, and German proficiency (B2/C1) required for many programs
• Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5-3.0 German scale (70-80% Indian equivalent, program-dependent)
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 15 to July 15 | Summer intake: December 1 to January 15

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is one of Europe’s most reputed universities, consistently ranked among the top institutions globally. Founded in 1472, it is located in one of Germany’s most expensive cities, and it remains part of the affordable universities in Germany due to its public funding model.

The university is popular for its academic excellence across disciplines, with popular programs including Business Administration, Economics, Medicine, Law, Physics, Psychology, and Data Science.

Key Details:

• Annual Cost of Studying: €11,500-€15,500 (₹12.53L-₹16.89L including living costs in Munich)
• Language Requirements: Applicants need an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80-95, with German proficiency (B2/C1) required for most German-taught programs
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Applicants are expected to have a GPA equivalent of 2.3-3.0 on the German scale (around 75-85%), with higher expectations for competitive programs
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 15 to July 15 | Summer intake: December 1 to January 15

The University of Hamburg was established in 1919 and is one of Germany’s largest public universities and a major research hub in northern Europe. It continues to be listed among the cheapest universities in Germany for students looking to study at a large research-focused institution without high tuition costs, with its strong academic infrastructure and diverse program offerings.

The university is known for its strengths in physics, climate science, economics, law, and social sciences, with popular programs including Computer Science, Business Administration, and Environmental Sciences.

Key Details:

• Annual Cost of Studying: €11,000-€14,500 (₹11.99L-₹15.80L including living costs in Hamburg)
• Language Requirements: Most programs require IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80-90, with German proficiency (B2/C1) needed for several courses, depending on the language of instruction
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Admission requires a GPA of around 2.5-3.0 on the German scale (70-80% equivalent), depending on the chosen program
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 15 to July 15 | Summer intake: December 1 to January 15

The University of Gottingen, founded in 1737, is a well-known public research university with a strong academic legacy, particularly in mathematics, physics, and life sciences. Located in a smaller student-friendly city, it offers a more budget-friendly living environment, making it a practical option for students searching for low-cost universities in Germany with lower overall expenses.

The university has a long-standing reputation for research excellence and has been associated with numerous Nobel Prize winners, with popular programs including Data Science and Economics as well.

Key Details:

• Annual Cost of Studying: €9,000-€11,500 (₹9.81L-₹12.53L including living costs in Göttingen)
• Language Requirements: Applicants need an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80-90, with German proficiency (B2/C1) required for most German-taught programs
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Most programs require a GPA of around 2.5-3.0 on the German scale (70-80%), depending on the course
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 15 to July 15 | Summer intake: December 1 to January 15 (varies by program)

The Technical University of Berlin is a leading public technical institution located in Germany’s capital and is known for its strong focus on engineering, technology, and applied sciences. It remains one of the cheapest universities in Germany, particularly for students seeking technical education in a global city environment, with its public funding model and wide range of programs.

The university was established in 1879 and is recognised for its industry connections and innovation-driven approach, with popular programs including Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Engineering, and Urban Planning.

Key Details:

• Annual Cost of Studying: €11,000-€15,000 (₹11.99L-₹16.35L including living costs in Berlin)
• Language Requirements: Most programs require IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90, with German proficiency (B2/C1) needed for several courses, depending on the language of instruction
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Admission requires a GPA equivalent of 2.5-3.0 on the German scale (70-80%), with variations based on program competitiveness
• Application Deadline: Winter intake: May 15 to July 15 | Summer intake: December 1 to January 15

No, studying in Germany is not 100% free, but it is significantly cheaper than most other study destinations. Here is an honest breakdown of what you actually pay.

What is free: Public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for both domestic and international students. This applies to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs at state-funded institutions across most German states.

What you still pay:

• Semester contribution: Every student pays a mandatory semester contribution between €72 and €400 per semester, depending on the university and state. This covers administrative costs, student services, and, in most cases, a public transport pass for the semester.
• Living expenses: Rent, food, health insurance, and transport add up to approximately €700 to €1,300 per month, depending on the city. Munich and Berlin are more expensive. Smaller university cities like Göttingen and Erlangen are significantly cheaper.
• Blocked account: Every Indian student applying for a German student visa must maintain a blocked account with a minimum of €11,208 per year. This is a mandatory visa requirement, not optional. The money is yours to use during your stay, but it must be deposited before your visa is approved.
• Health insurance: Statutory health insurance is compulsory for all students in Germany. Students under 30 enrolled at a German university pay approximately €110 to €120 per month.

Many students assume 'free education' in Germany means zero cost, but the real challenge is managing living expenses and understanding city-wise cost differences. Choosing the right university is not just about low semester fees, but also about course availability, language requirements, and job opportunities after graduation. Planning these factors early can help you avoid common mistakes during applications.

With Yocket Premium, you get personalised university shortlisting, SOP guidance, and visa support to Germany. From understanding which universities are truly tuition-free to preparing for German or English requirements, experts guide you at every step.