Cheapest Universities in Germany for International Students in 2026

Germany offers highly affordable education at public universities for both domestic and international students.
The cost of living in Germany is manageable, making it a practical choice for international students seeking quality education at a reasonable cost.
Several institutions provide scholarships in Germany to help with university and living costs.

When looking for the cheapest universities in Germany, you’ll come across public universities.

Most public universities in Germany only charge a semester fee for administrative costs. These institutions are also known for their high-quality education, making them attractive options for both domestic and international students.

However, there are important exceptions. States such as Baden-Württemberg require non-EU/EEA students to pay a tuition fee of €1,500 per semester, and in Bavaria, the new BayHIG law has allowed universities like the Technical University of Munich (TUM) to introduce fees for some international programmes.

EU and EEA students still pay the same as German students, meaning they are usually exempt from tuition fees in public institutions. Private universities are more expensive than public ones for both EU/EEA and international students, as they set their own tuition fees.

In this article, learn more about the costs related to studying in Germany. You’ll also find a list of the cheapest universities in Germany based on our data.

What does “cheap” mean in Germany?

When we talk about cheap universities in Germany, we mean that tuition is either completely free or very low. This is usually the case for government-funded public institutions. Instead of paying tuition, students pay a semester fee, which usually ranges between €100 and €400 per semester. This fee includes administrative costs, student services, and often a public transport ticket for the region.

The universities we’ll feature in this article are based on real data from Studyportals analysts, who compiled a list of universities and tuition fees for affordable degrees. We use the terms “cheap” or “affordable” to indicate that fees are lower than what 75% of other universities listed on our portals charge. While Germany is considered more affordable than many other countries, the exact fee structures may depend on:

whether you are an EU or a non-EU student
whether you’re studying in a public or private university
the federal state where the university is located

Before we dive in, here are some quick statistics based on Studyportals’ Germany data:

Half of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees listed on our portals are free for local and EU students.
The most expensive ones can reach up to €20,000.
Half of the Bachelor’s degrees for international students in Germany cost less than €3000.
Half of the MA degrees for international students in Germany listed on Mastersportal cost less than €500.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is subject to change, so it is crucial to check the publication date of this article. Always confirm the current tuition fees directly with the universities, as they can vary.

Public vs private universities in Germany

Most public universities in Germany offer free tuition, meaning you’ll only pay semester contributions. This is the case for both EU and non-EU students, with a few exceptions. For example, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, most EU students need to pay a tuition fee of €1,500 per semester on top of semester fees.

Private universities set their own tuition, which means they’re usually more expensive than public universities. Specialised degrees such as MBAs are more common in these types of institutions compared to public universities.

Most affordable universities in Germany

Here’s a list of universities in Germany that offer some of the most affordable degree options.

Besides semester contributions and tuition fees (if any), here are some expenses you should be aware of, so you can plan your budget realistically:

Living costs: Most students spend between €700 and €1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Health insurance: All students in Germany must have health insurance. If you already have insurance from your home country, check with your university to see if it’s accepted. In that case, you may not have to purchase one in Germany. If not, public student insurance is typically required and costs around €130-€140 per month for students under 30.
Visa fees and proof of financial resources: EU students don’t need a visa to study in Germany, but most non-EU students do. For a student visa in Germany, you’ll need to pay a €75 visa application fee and provide proof that you can cover your living expenses in the country. As of 2026, you need to show you have €992 per month (€11,904 per year).

Final words

If you’re looking for affordable study abroad destinations in Europe, Germany is a solid option. Nearly all higher education institutions offer English-language degrees, public universities only charge a semester fee, and living costs are lower compared to most Western European countries.

Explore hundreds of Bachelor's degrees and more than 2,000 Master's degrees in Germany, offering a wide range of academic options. To find the cheapest universities, use the “Tuition Fee” filter on the left.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is higher education free in Germany for international students?

Yes, many public universities in Germany offer free tuition for both domestic and international students. That said, other fees may apply, such as semester fees (covering administrative costs and student union fees). On average, these are between €100 and €400 per semester, and include transportation tickets.

2. How much does it cost to study at a private university in Germany?

Tuition fees at private universities in Germany can vary significantly, ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the programme and institution.

3. Are there scholarships available for international students in Germany?

Yes, Germany offers various scholarships for international students through programs such as Erasmus+, DAAD scholarships, and individual university grants. These scholarships can help cover tuition fees and living expenses. Browse scholarship programmes in Germany on Studyportals.

4. Do EU students pay the same tuition fees as German students?

Yes, students from EU countries generally pay the same tuition fees as German students, which often means no tuition fees at public universities and minimal fees for administrative costs.

5. What are the living costs for students in Germany?

The cost of living in Germany for students is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. On average, students can expect to spend between €700 and €1,200 per month, covering accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses. Keep in mind that the exact amount depends a lot on the city you’re in and your lifestyle.

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