Germany has always been a trailblazer in the matter of quality education. Their government spends a large part of its budget every year to improve the quality of education they offer. Worldwide, Public Universities in Germany are regarded as being the only ones that offer free education to both local and international students.
The nation holds the ideology that education ought to be free and available for all, therefore measures are taken to provide quality education at no cost.
In this article, we will be focusing on the low-cost universities in Germany for foreign students. Germany is known as a powerhouse of knowledge, and it has been referred to by scholars from all over the world and globetrotters across nations as a country full of opportunities.
Why is Germany preferred by Indian Students?
Germany is seen as the Mecca of engineering studies. Every year, thousands of Indian students arrive in the country to build their dreams of international education and a chance at better living standards. Still, one of the most significant factors that are discouraging is how expensive it has always been to study on foreign soil.
However, Germany has some of the least expensive universities in the world as most public institutions offer free education to both international and domestic students without any tuition fee. However, they must pay an administration fee that is approximately 300 euros/semester.
The German education system is generally classified into public and private universities. The public universities in Germany are the leaders of the education market in this country and with their over 240 functional public universities they offer programs for everyone. The private universities are limited in number and they provide specialised programs.
Public Universities in Germany
Before delving into the cheapest and most affordable universities in Germany, let us understand public universities better. In 2014, the government abolished international tuition fees in Public Universities. Alternatively, international students had to pay an administration fee at the beginning of each semester that could amount to up to €150-€250 per semester.
But, while undergraduate universities are tuition-free only a few postgraduate courses enjoy the same privilege. Candidates should understand that most postgraduate studies (Master’s) at German universities are free if they have been labelled as “consecutive” – meaning directly following a related bachelor’s degree gained in Germany.
The cost of the tuition fee for a “non-consecutive” master’s degree, which is given to those who have got their bachelor’s degree abroad can range from one university to another and may be around € 20,000 per year.
Therefore, it is important to mention that although undergraduate education in Germany has no tuition fees, the majority of post-graduate courses would require a study fee unless upon cases when an applicant receives a scholarship.
List of Cheap and Affordable Public Universities in Germany
Here is a list of affordable and cheap public universities in Germany for the benefit of Indian students wanting to pursue their higher education in Germany.
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- University of Bremen
- University of Cologne
- Heidelberg University
- Ludwig Maximilians University
- University of Gottingen
- Technical University of Berlin
- Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)
- Technical University of Munich
- University of Stuttgart
Let’s understand about these universities in detail:-
Humboldt University of Berlin
Founded in 1801, the Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university that initially comprised four faculties: medicine, law, theology and philosophy. At present, the Humboldt University of Berlin provides degree courses in fields such as agriculture, biology, biophysics, business; chemistry; computer science and mathematics etc., economics, horticulture –theology management psychology medicine social sciences, and sports.
At present, Humboldt University of Berlin has roughly 36,566 students, including 5,484 international students. The university has an acceptance rate of 18%, making it a highly competitive institution. Non-native English-speaking applicants are required to demonstrate their language proficiency, with an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 80 to be accepted for admission into this prestigious institution.
HU Berlin offers 171 degree programs, and there is no minimum GPA requirement for admission. The primary language of instruction is German, but there are English-taught programs for international students.
This university is well known for the people who have studied in this place and among them are world-renowned personalities like
- Albert Einstein – a Theoretical Physicist,
- Karl Marx- a Philosopher Political Theorist & Socialist Revolutionary.
University of Bremen
The University of Bremen was founded in 1971 and is considered an open research university which has been classified under the Institutional Strategies. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level programs. It has a total of 19,173 students. The university has 12 faculties in its curriculum. They include:-
- the Faculty of Electrical Engineering,
- Mathematics & Computer Science,
- Biology and Chemistry;
- Production Engineering etc..
All the courses are taught by highly experienced faculty members. The university campus offers accommodation to students in the form of both shared and single apartments, additionally, students have access to a multimedia-equipped learning space where they can engage in group studies and practise digital presentations. The campus also has a central library and a few other libraries on various blocks. The central library has a vast collection of books, journals, and research papers, and students can access electronic resources as well.
The university also has six inter-disciplinary research areas, including
- polar, marine, and climate research;
- social policy, social change, and the state;
- production engineering and material science research;
- media machines research;
- health science; and
- logistics.
The students get opportunities for student exchange programs, learn from professionals, attend guest lectures and workshops by industry experts, visit research centres, and work as interns under professional guidance.
The university has a list of notable alumni that includes
- Reyhan Sahin (Former radio host & a rapper),
- Helga Trupel (Politician),
- Joachim Schuster (Political scientist),
- Klaus Segbers (Political scientist),
- Kathrin Fricke (Famous YouTuber),
- Johann Friedrich Herbart (Founder of Pedagogy),
- Andreas Bovenschulte (Mayor of Bremen) and many others
University of Cologne
The University of Cologne was founded in 1388 and is one of the oldest and largest national universities in Germany. It is also a top-ranking university in Germany, securing the #268 rank in QS World University Rankings 2024. It is a well-known university in Germany that began with the Faculty for Economics and Business, Social Sciences and Medicine.
At present, the university in Cologne is divided into six faculties and has 200 fields of study. Currently, more than 5,000 international students are enrolled at UoC, both as degree-seeking students and exchange students. UoC is well-known for being the leading institution for teacher training as one-third of its students enter the teaching profession.
These are the:-
- Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences;
- the Faculty of Medicine;
- the Faculty for Arts & Humanities;
- the Faculty for Mathematics & Natural Science,
- the Faculty for Law & Human Sciences.
The university also has 16 research centres and employs a total of 658 professors. The study programs of the university are also known to prepare graduates for great career opportunities. International students applying to the University of Cologne must meet language proficiency requirements and entry criteria. The University of Cologne’s acceptance rate for the class of 2027 is only a mere 20%, which means that getting admission to this university is not an easy affair.
Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University, also known as Ruperto Carola is one of the best public universities in Germany. Established in 1386, it is the oldest university in Germany and one of the strongest research universities in all of Europe. By an act of parliament, it was established as a public research university.
The university provides courses in twelve subjects’ behavioural and cultural studies, philosophy, modern languages economics social sciences biosciences physics astronomy chemistry earth science maths computer science theology law two medical faculties. The university operates on a semester system and German is the primary language of instruction.
Some of the most popular programs like Economics, American Studies, International Health, and American Studies are taught in English. Currently, Heidelberg University has more than 29,000+ students out of which 5,546 are international students. International students make up more than 18% of the overall student population. Also, the tuition fee for an MS program at Heidelberg ranges from INR 0.0 – 30.68 L per year.
Ludwig Maximilians University
Founded in 1472, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU) is also referred to as the University of Munich. It is one of the open research universities that are affiliated with LERU, Europaeum, and German Excellence Universities. Within the university’s campus, there are many institutes and research centres.
People from more than 130 countries study, teach and research together on the campus of LMU. LMU Munich offers more than 100 bachelor courses and over 100 master’s courses to international students.
Some of the other research centres in addition to the eighteen faculties on this campus include
- Carson Centre for Environment and Society,
- Research For Integrated Protein Science,
- Parmenides Research Centre;
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, and
- Human Science Center Of Munich.
Ludwig Maximillian University Munich fees for both domestic and international students are zero. The State of Bavaria funds LMU completely and therefore the university does not charge any tuition fees. However, many administrative-related fees are required to be paid. Zero tuition fees make LMU one of the most desired universities among international students. Therefore, it is one of the most sought-after universities in Germany for international students.
University of Gottingen
Established in 1737, the University of Gottingen is an open research university that is associated with the Guild of European, Research-Intensive Universities. In 1812, the university gained world fame with its library, which contained about 5.8 million volumes. At the end of the 18th century, the University of Göttingen became famous for its activities in the field of history. The university has a strong interest in science and mathematics.
The university consists of various departments, including the
- Faculty of Theology,
- Faculty of Social Sciences,
- Faculty of Law,
- Faculty of Economics, and
- Faculty of Linguistics.
Currently, the university has 13 faculties and 47 scientific centres. In addition, the scientific research faculty of the university contributed to the discovery of the theory of quantum physics and mathematical aerodynamics.
The University of Göttingen has a distinguished list of alumni, including
- Carl Friedrich (the famous mathematician),
- J. Robert Oppenheimer (Physicist),
- Heinrich Heine (Poet),
- Gerhard Schroder (Former Chancellor of Germany),
- Richard Von Weizsacker (Former President of Germany),
- Max Weber (Sociologist),
- Rudolph Sohm (Famous Lawyer) and
- Rudolph Von Jhering (Jurist).
Technical University of Berlin
The Technical University of Berlin is a public research university located in Berlin, Germany. It is considered one of the top-rated German universities worldwide and has over 43,000 students. More than 10,000 of these students are from over 150 countries. The university is consistently ranked among the top 200 universities globally. TU Berlin is a top public university, ranked #136 in the world and #12 in Germany (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024). However, international students face a challenge getting accepted due to the 52% acceptance rate.
International students at TU Berlin don’t pay tuition fees except for some master’s programs. They need at least EUR 1,200 per month for living expenses, including accommodation, food, healthcare insurance, books, and supplies.
The Technical University of Berlin is recognized for its technical and engineering programs. It has seven faculties offering over 100 programs, namely:-
- Humanities and Education Sciences,
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences,
- Process Sciences,
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences,
- Mechanical Engineering and Transport Systems,
- Planning Building Environment, and
- Economics and Management
Cost of Studying in Germany
The cost of studying in Germany is a collective term and refers to the tuition fees as well as living expenses spent by an individual student during his stay at any German university. The university is known to be one of the oldest universities in Germany with a huge number of students.
Tuition Fees at German Universities
The education system in Germany can be divided into two groups, namely; Public Universities and Private Universities. Public Universities do not charge students tuition but only an administration fee, which is payable at the beginning of each semester. The administration fee could be between € 150 and EUROS 250 per semester.
Students should also note that although undergraduate studies in Public Universities are free of tuition fees, postgraduate courses may require students to pay some amount as their fee. As you go further, more of this will be made clear.
For students aiming to pursue Undergraduate Programs at Private universities, they would have to part with anything close to €20,00 a year while their counterparts vying for Postgraduate programs would be forced to cough out between €35 – 45. It should be remembered that these figures are subject to change due to the nature of the global market being unstable.
Cost of living in Germany for Indian students
Germany has made the cost of living in another country for foreign students easier by introducing a compulsory Blocked Account. Every year as per the current economic conditions and appropriate fee structure, every university would demand a monthly amount to be provided for the student so that he can meet his living expenses in the country and also complete his/her education. This money is kept aside and deposited in blocked accounts.
Starting January 01, 2023, this amount has been set at €11,208 for an entire academic year. This amount roughly translates to €934/month. For a student, this amount would cover accommodation, living expenses, and even travel pass costs. A Blocked Account is a mandatory requirement. Let us take a look at what the average expense of a student in Germany looks like.
Average Expenses of a German student
| Particulars | Expenses incurred per month |
| Rent (including utility costs) | EUR 332 |
| Food | EUR 154 |
| Clothing | EUR 48 |
| Transportation costs (car/public transport) | EUR 116 |
| Health insurance, doctor’s fees, medications | EUR 96 |
| Telephone/Internet/radio and TV licence, postage | EUR 32 |
| Working materials (books etc.) | EUR 24 |
| Recreation, culture, and sports | EUR 65 |
Average prices of everyday commodities in Germany
| Particulars | Expenses incurred per month |
| 1 loaf of bread (approx. 500g) | EUR 2 |
| 1 kilogramme of potatoes | EUR 0.99 |
| 1 litre of milk | EUR 0.90 |
| 1 bottle of mineral water (0.75 litres) | EUR 0.80 |
| 1 cup of coffee (in a café) | EUR 2.50 |
| 1 glass of beer (in a pub) | EUR 3 |
| 1 pizza (in a restaurant) | EUR 7 |
| 1 lunch (in the cafeteria) | EUR 2.50 |
| 1 T-shirt | EUR 10 – 50 |
| 1 pair of trousers | EUR 30 – 100 |
| 1 cinema ticket (with student discount) | EUR 6 |
| 1 theatre ticket (with student discount) | EUR 6 – 30 |
| 1 museum ticket (with student discount) | EUR 2 – 8 |
Admission requirements for German Universities
Candidates should note that every university has its admission requirements. We are going to provide students with a rudimentary outline of some of the most important elements that make up the admission process.
For Undergraduate Studies
- Candidates should have successfully passed their Class 12 Examinations
- Scores of English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic
- Basic IT Skills (for Technical courses)
- Official Transcripts (Academic + Extracurricular)
- Student CV
- Evidence of proficiency in the German Language (TestDAF or DSH)
For Postgraduate Studies
- Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Scores of English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic
- GRE or GMAT Scores
- Official Transcripts (Academic + Extracurricular)
- Student CV
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Evidence of proficiency in German Language (TestDAF or DSH)
Important: Candidates should note that the above requirements are a general outline of what would be expected as part of the admission process. However, candidates would have to go above and beyond when the actual admission process commences.
What is Next after you Graduate from Germany?
This is one of the fundamental questions asked by every graduating student. The ROI-based expectations are very high on the money spent for studying abroad. As a result, many students often inquire about the job scenario and market prospects.
Candidates must be aware of the fact that interviewing university alumni and also participating in different online forums would make them know about how things were in terms of jobs during their graduation when it comes to the German economy.
Therefore, applicants who are yet to be convinced about pursuing education in Germany should know that it is not every day one comes across a study destination that possesses both quality and affordability.
