Think of life with exquisite cars, extravagant castles, gazillion options of delicious food to choose from, barrels of beer, a land of free-flowing ideas and free education. Seems like an ideal world to live in, doesn’t it? Well, Germany makes it all real! Studying in one of the top free Universities in Germany while you explore the country, visit the Neuschwanstein Castle, have the time of your life at Munich’s famous Oktoberfest and more does sound exciting. The icing on the cake is that you don’t have to financially burden yourself or over-work in Germany to experience this lifestyle. Studying at the public or almost free universities of Germany, will enable you to work for 20 hrs per week and explore city life, the rest of the time. International students can also benefit from the list of top German public universities that is known for their academic excellence. So, let’s discuss in detail the top free universities in Germany where you can study without the stress of paying any tuition fees. Apart from this, this blog also reveals the list of public universities in Germany, top public universities in Germany, etc.
Are Universities in Germany FREE for International Students?
Partly, Yes! Unlike many foreign universities, Germany believes in nominal education for all (nationals and international residents). While some public universities are exceptions, more than 180 German public universities offer free English taught courses. Especially for tight-budgeted students, the availability of free universities in Germany caters to their budget needs well.
The most common benefit of investing in free universities in Germany is The only cost you will have to bear is the cost of living. The maximum monthly living expense of an international student in Germany might cost about €700 - €1200. Implying that, you would be spending about Rs 60,000 - Rs 1,00,000/per month. This is relatively less than other countries considering students do not have to pay any tuition fee.
Suggested: Complete Breakdown of Germany living costs for International students.
Before diving into the pool of public colleges in Germany, there are some important things you need to check before applying to a public university in Germany .
Things to Know Before Applying to Public Universities in Germany
Before you apply to any Germany public universities, there are a set of requirements you need to meet. We have covered the top ones below:
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Language Requirement
Some German universities hold a language mandate. This means that they require you to know the basic to proficient levels of speaking the German language to study in the country. For instance, most of the German universities of Art, Film and Music require you to know the C2 level of German. This is a mandatory requirement for most public universities in Germany.
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Course Language
Check the language in which the course you are applying for is offered. If you’re comfortable in English, opt for an English-taught course. Most of the public universities in Germany have their language of instruction in English making it easy for international students to understand.
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Education Requirements
Before applying to any course abroad, check the mandatory requirements of education. This might include factors like the number of credits, years of education, levels of education etc.
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Degree Recognition
It is vital to confirm the recognition of your degree across the world. In the case of degrees from the public universities in Germany, you can be assured that your degree is widely recognized and valued globally. This is due to the list of Germany public universities that also rank on the QS-world university rankings 2022.
Speaking of the best, let’s look at the top public colleges in Germany you can apply to as an international student.
Suggested: Find out the Complete Germany Admission Requirements
10 Best Public Universities In Germany That Offer English-taught Courses
Germany has some of the top-ranked universities in the world offering both English and German taught courses. If you are already excited to study in Germany, here’s one more fact that will tune up the thrill of studying abroad - Germany houses about 59 top-ranked universities in the world. This means that you have a platter of the best to choose from.
To ease your search, let’s look at the list of public universities in Germany (that are awesome!)
|
Public Universities In Germany |
QS Ranking |
|---|---|
|
50 |
|
|
63 |
|
|
64 |
|
|
117 |
|
|
130 |
|
|
131 |
|
|
145 |
|
|
148 |
|
|
173 |
|
|
175 |
To move further, let’s discuss the list of free universities in Germany in detail. These universities will help you explore your full potential. Students studying in these universities can be assured to land some high-paying jobs at global companies. However, the competitive level of these universities is usually pretty high. So, put your best foot forward!
1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Known as the University of Excellence, the Technical University Of Munich is one of the best universities in the World. This is one of the most preferred public universities in Germany for international students due to the high quality of education and its cultural mix. This university excels in research and academia plus enriches your student life with a rich cultural environment. Basically, this is the best university to study in Germany!
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
50 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English (But Basic German Proficiency required for International Students) |
|
Average Tuition Fee |
0 |
|
Semester Enrolment Fee |
Costs anywhere between €100- € 200 per semester |
|
Courses |
Offers more than 170 courses, some of the most popular ones are Aerospace Engineering, MBA, Automotive Engineering, Brewing and Beverage Technology, Cartography and more |
2. Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
Founded in 1472, Ludwig Maximilian is one of the oldest yet finest universities in the country. Being one of the oldest public universities in Germany for International Students, Ludwig is one of the pioneers in facilitating teaching and research in English. Students studying here have the opportunity to learn from some of the experts of Harvard and more. The University also offers double degree programs. Your course at Ludwig Maximilians University Munich will definitely help you achieve your dreams and have an ambitious career.
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
63 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English |
|
Tuition Fee |
0 |
|
Semester Enrolment Fee |
Ranges anywhere between €100- € 300 per semester |
|
Courses |
Offers more than 100 courses, some of the most popular ones are Data Science, Software Engineering, Geophysics, Meteorology and more |
3. Heidelberg University
Officially known as Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, the Heidelberg University offers many Bachelors, Masters, Parallel degrees and more. International students are required to produce a German language certificate to study here (DH2 level). The university is known for its strong focus on research and interdisciplinary teaching. If you want to study in Heidelberg, you have the liberty of choosing from a wide range of 160+ courses.
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
64 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English and German |
|
Tuition Fee |
Depends on the course |
|
Semester Enrolment Fee |
€ 0-1500 per semester |
|
Courses |
The most popular courses are Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Law, Biomedical Engineering, Corporate restructuring and more |
4. Humboldt University Berlin
Humboldt University introduced the world with a new form of teaching methodology. They were the pioneers at making academia meet research. Wilhelm Von Humboldt’s two-hundred-year-old vision of emphasising education and research to go hand-in-hand came from here. Humboldt University offers a few English-taught courses so be sure of the course type and the mode of teaching before you sign up for the course. You might also require to take a few language tests such as the German language test, TestDaf etc.
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
117 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English |
|
Tuition Fee |
0 |
|
Semester Enrolment Fee |
€200-325 per semester |
|
Courses |
Some of the most popular courses offered are Business Science, Economics, European history, etc |
5. Freie Universität Berlin
Freie University of Berlin focuses immensely on research and training It is one of the free public universities in Berlin which is funded by multiple institutes. The university has 12 academic departments and is well known internationally for its programs in arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences, etc. The good news about studying at Freie University is that you don’t need to submit a German language test certificate and have a variety of English-taught courses you can choose to study from.
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
130 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English |
|
Tuition Fee |
0 |
|
Semester Enrolment Fee |
€312.89 |
|
Courses |
Some of the most popular courses are Mathematics (Master of Sciences), Bioinformation, Business Studies and many other fields of Science. |
Suggested: Courses In German To Foreign Students
6. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology or KIT is among the eleven ‘Universities of Excellence’. The innovative infrastructure, the high-tech amenities, the attractive post-study opportunities and more make the institute rank among the top universities in the world. To study here, you will need to produce a German DH2 level certificate. Karlsruhe University offers limited English courses. However, if your specialisation is taught here, you should consider choosing to study here for excellent career prospects.
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
131 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English (few) |
|
Tuition Fee |
€1500 per semester |
|
Semester Enrolment Fee |
€150 |
|
Courses |
Master Water Science and Engineering, Master Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics |
7. RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen is the largest university of technology in Germany. With an impeccable student culture, infrastructure and promising future for its students, RWTH Aachen is a complete package. The university offers an array of Masters degrees in English for international students. So, if you are planning to study for free in Germany, RWTH is one of the best options. Aachen is also one of the popular student destinations in Germany. Choosing your specialisation and moving to Aachen would be easy because of the supportive student community there.
Related Discussion: Is GRE required for RWTH Aachen University?
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
145 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English |
|
Tuition Fee |
0 |
|
Social Contribution |
€ 300.19 |
|
Courses |
Some of the popular courses to study here are Applied Geophysics, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Micro and Nanoelectronics, Electrical Power Engineering, Civil Engineering. |
8. Technische Universität Berlin
Technical University of Berlin is one of the most popular universities in Germany. TU Berlin is also one of Germany’s largest technical universities with a student strength of over 30,000 enrolled in around 100 courses. The university offers 26 English courses, that too without charging students any tuition fee. Famous for its technical courses, the university ensures the overall development of the students through research and international networking.
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
148 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English |
|
Tuition Fee |
0 |
|
Semester Enrolment Fee |
€307.54 + €19.94 |
|
Courses |
Architecture Typology, Building Sustainability, Business Engineering Energy, Computational Neuroscience. |
9. Technische Universität Dresden
Situated on the borderlines of Germany and the Czech Republic, students studying here have a wonderful opportunity to explore the country and its neighbours. If you are looking for a picturesque affordable town in Germany, pack your bags and head to Dresden. TU Dresden has 5 schools that offer courses in over 120 disciplines. Students studying here can engage in research in several fields including Health Sciences, Biomedicine & Bioengineering, Information Technology & Microelectronics, etc. All this without having to pay any tuition fees.
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
172 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English |
|
Tuition Fee |
0 |
|
Semester Enrolment Fee |
€270 |
|
Courses |
Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Communication and Media Studies. |
10. University of Freiburg
Officially known as the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, the university boasts of many Nobel laureates and . It is one of the top-ranked universities of Germany known for entertaining the innovative ideas of its students. The University has a student strength of over 24000 students enrolled in several undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Studying here will help you enhance your learning experience abroad.
|
QS World Ranking 2022 |
175 |
|
Mode of Instruction |
English |
|
Tuition Fee |
€1500 per semester |
|
Semester Enrolment Fee |
€161 |
|
Courses |
Some of the courses to study here are Microsystems Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering and Management, Solar Energy Engineering, Global Urban Health and Neuroscience. |
This top 10 list of public universities in Germany offer courses with little to no fees. However, studying at any public university in Germany will lead you to a rewarding career. Top companies have their headquarters in Germany, making it easy for you to find a job in any of your dream companies in the world.
Suggested: Top Private Universities in Germany
How To Apply To Free Public Universities In Germany?
After discovering all the amazing opportunities waiting for you in Germany, if you are pumped up to apply to any of your desired universities in Germany, don’t fret! Applying to public universities is the same as applying to any other university.
Here’s are easy application steps to follow:
- Select your desired university
- Take the required tests necessary for your admit (IELTS, GRE etc.)
- Gather LORs, write an SOP
- Submit your application attaching your test scores, answer scripts, LORs and SOP. (Within the deadline of the university)
- Await the university response - A follow-up interview might be conducted by some universities before your admission.
By following these simple steps, you will be able to admit yourself to any public university in Germany for free.
After your application, you will further have to complete other formalities of studying in Germany like having a Germany Blocked German, applying for a student visa and a loan, if needed. Therefore, apply for admission well in advance to have enough time for the other procedures.
RECOMMENDED: Find out all the details regarding Application Process to Study in Germany
Known as the ‘Land of Ideas’, Germany promotes education in the most unique way in the world. With affordable prices and world-class facilities, Germany motivates students to study and gain expertise in their fields. Therefore, if you are thinking of studying abroad at a nominal cost, Germany should most definitely be a top choice.