The question that arises is whether is it possible to study in Germany for free as an international student? The answer arises with a partial yes.
Being in the topmost as one of the best countries to study abroad, Germany provides the versatility and combination of various courses for the international students to study and opt for according to their fulfillments and further research. Most of the public universities in Germany offer one of the best courses with quality and various opportunities for the students to grab in and pursue growth in the future and learn new things as well.
Free education in Germany is one of the factors that attracts students to pursue further studies. It is possible to study in Germany for free, by going through proper research in-depth by the student. The tuition fee is free for everyone in Germany if we go through the details. Starting from Germans, Europeans, and all non-Europeans can study in Germany free of charge – without tuition fees. The nationality doesn’t arise as a problem in the process, everyone is applicable to study free in Germany.
This structure applies to almost all study programs at public universities. But there is a tiny catch that needs to be followed, if you are from outside the EU, you need to provide a resident permit before arriving in the country; and you will have to finish your studies in Germany. Speaking of the public universities in general, there are almost 300 public universities in Germany, and there are more than 1,000 study programs in total which open the options for the students to choose in their desired course. Some of the largest public universities include the University of Munster, Goethe University Frankfurt, the University of Cologne, etc. Know more about the German education system on
There are a few exceptions in which you have to pay tuition fees, that includes –
- As mentioned above, only public universities are tuition-free and if you are willing to study at one of the private universities, you are expected to pay the tuition fees further for your part of your education. However, because of their competition from the private schools in Germany tend to offer specialized courses along with scholarships for the students, which you will be eligible for it if you apply to various elective courses in private universities.
- German universities usually distinguish the programs between consecutive and non-consecutive Master’s programs. Consecutive programs can be enrolled immediately right after you finish your bachelor’s degree. Non-consecutive programs usually ask the students to have post-bachelors work experience. Such a structure of non-consecutive study programs usually costs tuition fees, even at public universities. They are relatively rare and are applicable for a few specialized courses.
- Some federal states also expect tuition fees of 500 to 650 EUR per semester if you want to opt for a secondary degree. Though this does not apply if you enroll in a Bachelor for the first time or a consecutive Master’s program following your Bachelor’s degree in the later hand of time. With the information, a secondary degree means enrolling in a non-consecutive Master’s program as mentioned above and also if you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject and you wish to enroll for Bachelor’s again and also like the same way enrolling in a Master’s program when you already have one in another subject.
Also read: Top 7 Most Important Exams To Study Abroad
Usually, as you don’t have to pay the tuition fee in public universities with all the terms and conditions, generally you have to pay something called a “semester fee” or “administrative fee”. But that carries a small amount which is often around 300 or 400 euros for the whole semester. The fraction for other accommodation sources as well as transportation comes under different expenses irrespective of the tuition fee. As Germany provides various scholarships for international students, they can certainly enroll in it and carry out their education in their desired courses, in one of the best countries i.e., Germany.