Public universities in Germany are known for strong academic standards and low costs. Most of them don’t have tuition fees: they only have a fee called the semester contribution. This makes them popular among both German and international students.
In this article, you’ll learn how public universities in Germany work, how tuition rules apply to EU and non-EU students, and how to choose the right university for you.
Public vs private universities in Germany
Germany’s higher education system includes both public and private universities.
Public universities are funded mainly by the German government. This means that tuition is typically free or very low, and admission is competitive. They make up around 60% of all higher education institutions in the country, and are among the cheapest universities in Germany.
Private universities are funded through tuition fees and private investment. They charge higher tuition fees.
Universities vs Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany
In Germany, you’ll find two types of higher education institutions:
- Universities (Universität)
- Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)
Both can be public or private, and their differences are in the teaching model.
Universities focus on research and theoretical knowledge. Courses are usually more lecture-based, and you’ll find a wide range of degree programmes.
Universities of Applied Sciences focus more on practical work. There are lots of hands-on training, placements, and internships involved. Degree programmes are usually in the fields of Technology, Engineering, Economics, Design, or Social Sciences.
Tuition fees in public German universities
Public universities in Germany don’t have tuition fees. Instead, they have semester contributions. The costs are usually the same for EU and non-EU students, but there are a few exceptions.
Costs in public German universities for EU students
At most public universities, EU students benefit from the same rules as German students. These are:
- No tuition fees for Bachelor’s and many Master’s programmes
- Semester contribution fees apply (€150-€350 per semester, but the exact amount depends)
Costs in public German universities for non-EU students
Public universities don’t charge tuition fees to non-EU students either. Semester contribution fees apply, but there are exceptions. The Federal State of Baden-Württemberg, for example, requires non-EU citizens to pay €1,500 per semester.
International students should also be aware of fees related to study visas. As of 2026, students need to provide proof of funds that they have €992 per month (or €11,904 per year) to show they can afford to live in Germany during their studies.
How to choose the right public university in Germany for you
Getting into a public university in Germany is competitive, as tuition is free and the quality is very good. It’s also harder to find English-language programmes compared to private universities, but more and more universities are adding English-language programmes every year.
Here’s how to choose, vet, and apply for public universities in Germany:
1. Search by programme
Start by choosing what you want to study, and then check which institutions offer the subject. This makes sure you decide based on interest, instead of other factors such as university ranking.
Platforms like Bachelorsportal (for Bachelor’s degrees) or Mastersportal (for Master’s degrees) will allow you to view different programmes at the same time. To make sure you see only public universities, you can use the tuition fee filter on the left.
2. Check the course content and structure
Most German universities publish detailed information on:
- Subjects covered each semester
- Compulsary and optional modules
- Who the lecturers are
- Software/tools you’ll learn during the programme
- Research or lab components
- Balance of theory and practice (Whether internships and work placements are involved)
- Exams
- Dissertation/thesis requirements
Read this information carefully to make sure the programme aligns with your interests, career goals, and expectations.
3. Review facilities, industry links, and career outcomes
Once you’ve checked the course structure, it’s time to learn more about the student experience. Check university websites and forums to find information on:
- Good research facilities, labs, and libraries
- Teaching staff
- Industry partnerships for internships or graduate programmes
- Internships built into the degree
- Career services support
- Graduate employment statistics
4. Consider location and rankings
There will likely be more industry connections and things to do in big cities, but they also tend to be more expensive. It may also be easier to get by with English in big cities. In smaller cities and university towns, living costs are usually lower, competition for housing is less intense, and student communities more close-knit.
Rankings give you an idea of the university's quality, especially for research reputation and global recognition. They can help, but keep in mind that they shouldn’t be the only factor you consider.
Some of the best public universities in Germany
Still not sure where to start? Here is a short list of public universities in Germany.
University name | Key highlights |
One of the best public universities in Germany for Natural Sciences and Engineering | |
Broad international collaborations and strong humanities and sciences programmes | |
The oldest university in Germany, many English degree programmes | |
Wide range of English-language programmes across disciplines | |
Strong industry connections with startups | |
Focus on sustainability and environmental research | |
Strong in Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences | |
Strong research in climate and earth sciences | |
Strong in Life Sciences, Agriculture, and Law | |
Engineering programmes and startup ecosystem in Berlin |
Keep in mind: this list is just a starting point. By researching programme details related to your field, you’ll find even more public universities in Germany.
Use Studyportals to find the best public universities in Germany
By using a programme database like Studyportals, you can:
- Compare programmes across universities
- Filter by subject and degree level
- Check tuition fees
Use Bachelorsportal for Bachelor’s degrees, Mastersportal for Master’s degrees, and PhDportals for PhD degrees. Then select “Germany” in the Country tab, and lower the “Tuition Fee” filter to find public universities in Germany.
FAQs
1. How many public universities are there in Germany?
Germany has over 300 public higher education institutions, including universities (research focus) and universities of applied sciences (practical focus).
2. How to get admission in a public university in Germany?
Start by checking the admission requirements and gathering the necessary documents. These typically include:
- Recognised secondary school certificate (for Bachelor’s)
- Relevant Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)
- Proof of language proficiency (English or German, depending on the programme)
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter
You can apply directly on the university websites or by using the Uni-Assist platform.
3. Which public universities in Germany are best for MBAs?
Many public universities in Germany offer high-quality MBAs. Consider looking into these ones:
- Mannheim Business School: Ranked as the best MBA programme in Germany, with integrated German lessons included in the course.
- Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Management: Offers Executive MBA for managers, MBA & IT for technical experts.
- TU Berlin: Offers sustainability-focused MBA degrees.
- LMU Munich School of Management: Comprehensive programme with five core areas, which are Accounting, Controlling & Taxation, Finance & Insurance, Digital Business, Management & Strategy, Marketing, and Management & Innovation.
- University of Cologne: Offers Corporate Development, Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management specialisations in English.
- RWTH Business School: English-language MBAs that focus on Digitalisation and Innovation.
