Cheapest Universities in Germany

Germany is home to some of the cheapest universities in Europe. Thanks to its tuition-free public university system, students from around the world can study at internationally recognised institutions while paying only a small semester contribution. 

If you’re looking for the cheapest universities in Germany, you’ll quickly discover that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality. In fact, many of the country’s top-ranked public universities charge no tuition fees at all. 

Study in Germany: Find Bachelors & Masters

💸 What is the cheapest university in Germany?

There isn’t a single cheapest university in Germany because most public universities follow the same funding model and do not charge tuition fees. In other words, it is possible to study in Germany for free while earning a degree that is recognised around the world. 

The main exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students are charged tuition of €1,500 per semester. A small number of universities in Bavaria also charge tuition fees for certain groups of international students or specific programmes.

At almost all other public universities, students only pay a semester contribution, typically between €150 and €350 per semester. This is much more than an administrative fee: it usually includes a semester ticket (Semesterticket), which provides unlimited travel on local and regional public transport within the designated area. The contribution also helps fund student services, campus facilities, student unions, sports programmes, and other university activities, making it excellent value for money. 

🏆 Cheapest universities in Germany:

Below you’ll find a table with some of the cheapest and most prestigious universities in Germany. Since tuition fees are largely the same across Germany, the cheapest universities are public institutions.

All of these universities offer internationally recognised degrees and an increasing number of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees taught entirely in English.

University	City	Tuition fees	English-taught degrees
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)	Erlangen	Free	Over 50 Bachelors and Masters
Fulda University of Applied Sciences	Fulda	Free	6 Bachelors, 6 Masters
Justus Liebig University of Giessen	Giessen	Free	2 Bachelors, 16 Masters
Leuphana University Lüneburg	Lüneburg	Free	6 Bachelors, 14 Masters
RWTH Aachen University	Aachen	Free	Over 50 Bachelors and Masters
Saarland University	Saarland	Free	3 Bachelors, 21 Masters
Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)	Berlin	Free	19 Master’s degrees
University of Cologne	Cologne	Free	2 Bachelors, 26 Masters
University of Göttingen	Göttingen	Free	2 Bachelors, 31 Masters, PhDs
University of Technology Nuremberg	Nuremberg	Free	2 Masters in AI

Study in Germany: Find more universities

🌍 Cheapest cities to study in Germany:

When budgeting for your studies, the city you choose often has a bigger impact on your costs than the university itself.

Across Germany, rent has increased significantly in recent years, and finding cheap accommodation can be particularly challenging in major cities such as Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, or Hamburg. That’s why many international students choose smaller university cities instead.

Some of Germany’s most affordable student cities include:

• Giessen
• Fulda
• Leipzig
• Chemnitz
• Magdeburg
• Kassel

Smaller student cities also have their own advantages. Campuses, accommodation, cafés, libraries, and sports facilities are often within walking or cycling distance, making daily life easier. With a large proportion of the population made up of students, they tend to have a welcoming atmosphere, an active social scene, and are often perceived as safer and easier to navigate than larger metropolitan areas. 

🏛️ Are private universities cheaper than public universities in Germany?

No. Private universities in Germany usually charge between €5,000 and €30,000 per year, depending on the programme. Private institutions set their own tuition fees, which are significantly higher than at public universities. Specialised degrees such as MBAs are often even more expensive, with tuition fees commonly ranging from €20,000 to over €50,000. 

Students can generally expect the following tuition fees:

• Bachelors in Germany: Most public Bachelor’s degrees are tuition-free, while private universities typically charge €5,000 to €20,000+ per year.
• Masters in Germany: Many public Master’s degrees are also tuition-free (particularly consecutive Master’s programmes), while private universities usually charge €5,000 to €30,000+ per year. 

Tuition fees can vary depending on the university, your nationality, the federal state, and whether you choose a public or private institution. Always check the university’s official website for the most up-to-date information. 

💡 Tips: How to budget for studying in Germany

Studying in Germany can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you plan ahead. Here are some of the best ways to keep your costs down:

• Apply for scholarships. Organisations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), universities, and private foundations offer scholarships that can help cover tuition (where applicable) or living expenses.
• Work part-time while studying. International students are generally allowed to work alongside their studies, helping to cover everyday expenses while gaining valuable work experience.
• Take advantage of your semester ticket. At many universities, your semester contribution includes unlimited travel on local and regional public transport, saving you hundreds of euros each year.
• Use student discounts. Your student ID often gives you reduced prices on museums, cinemas, gyms, public transport, software, cultural events, and even some restaurants and shops.
• Consider smaller university cities. Living in places like Giessen, Fulda, Kassel, or Chemnitz is often much cheaper than studying in Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, especially when it comes to rent.
• Apply early for student accommodation. University residences are usually the cheapest housing option, but places fill up quickly, so it’s worth applying as soon as you receive your admission offer.
• Eat at the Mensa. University cafeterias (Mensa) offer subsidised meals for students, making them one of the most budget-friendly places to eat.
• Plan your budget before you arrive. Knowing your expected monthly costs for accommodation, groceries, health insurance, transport, and leisure will help you avoid surprises and make the most of your student budget.

💳 Don’t forget the Blocked Bank Account

If you’re a non-EU student applying for a German student visa, you’ll usually need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your studies. The most common way to do this is by opening a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) before you arrive in Germany.

A blocked account holds a minimum amount set by the German authorities, and you can only withdraw a fixed amount each month after arriving in Germany. This money is intended to cover your living expenses while you study.

Although the funds remain yours, it’s important to include this requirement in your financial planning, as you’ll need to deposit the full amount before your visa is approved. 

 

1341 Programmes in Germany