7 Tuition Free Universities in Germany for International Students

If you are thinking of studying abroad in Europe, I bet you won’t think twice after reading this article about tuition free universities in Germany for international students! Let us introduce you with all the perks of German higher education.

As one of the biggest and economically strongest countries of the European Union, Germany is a very desirable destination for studying abroad. According to UNESCO, in 2013 it was the 5th most popular country for attracting 5% of the world’s international students. Moreover, by consulting ICEF Monitor, we found out that between 2014 and 2015 the number of international students increased by 7%, and the numbers are growing each year. These are serious numbers that show an exquisite interest in this country’s universities and its education programs. So, what do they offer that is so attractive?

First of all, the most important thing is that the state universities for the undergraduate studies don’t charge tuition fees. Public universities are financed by governments and from October 2014 they have established that common rule, which is also applicable to international students. Instead, there are administrative fees that can go up to 50 euros per term. Also, there is a semester contribution at enrollment, with the same price of 50 euros and for some universities, if you prolong your studies, you pay long-term fees around 500 euros per term. Secondly, cost of living for one person, for example in Berlin, is around 720 euros per month, without the rent. There are many possibilities for accommodation, as you can share a flat with other students, stay in a dorm or even rent your own flat. Lastly, there are many scholarships offered for these universities, so maybe if you are lucky, you won’t even need those 720 euros!

German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD is offering, besides scholarships, many other exchange programs such as summer schools and language courses once you arrived there. Moreover, for any kind of information concerning studying in Germany, they are the best source. However, if you are interested more about other countries check out our previous article about 8 Countries with Tuition Free Colleges in English for American Students.

After reading all of this, you must wonder, why all students who want to study abroad don’t just choose Germany? Well, you wouldn’t believe, but there is a catch. According to some, high tuition fees give the impression that the education being better. So, many students, who can afford it, choose instead the UK, the USA or for example, Switzerland. However, Germans don’t give up on their main value – education, which they look at as public good and in addition, don’t see the point of paying for it.

As every public university in Germany is tuition free for international students that choose to finish bachelor studies there, we made our list of the seven most popular ones according to sources such as Times Higher Education, Masters Portal, DAAD and Studying in Germany, to name few. Then we ranked them by the percentage of international students of undergraduate level, from the lowest to the top one. Additionally, we put World University Ranking for 2017 and German ranking for the same year. If you are interested more, check out our previous article about 7 Easiest German Universities to Get into. Let’s start with our list of tuition free universities in Germany for international students for today, here are the best universities in Germany that have no tuition fee:

7. RWTH Aachen University

International Students: 33%

World University Ranking: 78

German Ranking: 6

This university was founded in 1870 when Prussian Prince William decided to create an institute of technology. Aachen is a little town situated near the Dutch and Belgian border, and it represents the most western city in Germany. If you are interested in natural sciences and engineering, then RWTH is the right choice!

6. University of Hamburg

International Students: 39%

World University Ranking: 180

German Ranking: 19

Up next on the list of tuition free universities in Germany for international students we have University of Hamburg that is the biggest education institution on the North of Germany, and it was founded in 1919. Its special offer is large library that contains over five million volumes! Also, if acting is something that interest you, this university has a theatre called University Players.

5. Humboldt University

International Students: 42%

World University Ranking: 57

German Ranking: 4

This university that ranks 5th on our list of tuition free universities in Germany for international students was founded in 1808 by educational reformer and linguist Wilhelm von Humboldt. It takes a big role in the DFG Research Center Matheon, by spreading the awareness of growing need for interdisciplinary studies. International academic faculty stuff is around 400 people and it is situated in Berlin.

4. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

International Students: 44%

World University Ranking: 144

German Ranking: 14

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is among the youngest universities in Germany. It was founded in 2009, by merging of two institutions: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, which exists from 1956 and Karlsruhe University, from 1825.

3. Free University of Berlin

International Students: 46%

World University Ranking: 75

German Ranking: 5

Free University of Berlin, one of the tuition free universities in Germany for international students, was founded in 1948. It got its name as a reference to West Berlin, which was considered freer than the eastern part of the city, where Humboldt University is. It was selected a couple of times for the country’s University of Excellence.

2. Heidelberg University

International Students: 56%

World University Ranking: 43

German Ranking: 2

Heidelberg University is one of the German universities that offer almost any program you can think of! It was founded in 1386, which makes it the oldest one in Germany. It is also known under the name Ruperto Carola. With 56% of undergraduate foreign students, there are 678 international academic faculty stuff. It is mostly recognized for its research and scientific landscape.

1. LMU Munich

International Students: 57%

World University Ranking: 30

German Ranking: 1

On the top of our list of tuition free universities in Germany for international students is LMU, one of the most prestigious universities this country has. It was founded in 1472, and since then it has inspired many scholars and talents from all around the world. Besides Charite in Berlin, its Medical Center is the biggest institution of that kind in Germany.