Germany is the most preferred location for overseas students who do not speak English. It has over 380 universities in the city, with over 17000-degree programs. Undoubtedly, it is the third most popular university location, after only the United Kingdom and the United States. Currently, about 357,000 abroad students in Germany. Many don’t know that it is possible to study in Germany for free, this article will show you how.
Why study in Germany is free?
Germany offers a diverse range of experiences to the foreign student community. Ranging from cool Berlin to the city of frankfurt and the towering mountains of Bavaria, Germany gives you the best experience. You do not need to travel afar to get a calm countryside escape if the city gets buzzing.
Above all, you can study in Germany for free. Yes! The German government policy permits free university education for home and abroad students. Although, not all German universities offer free education. A few private universities do charge tuition. Only 19 private universities and 93 private universities of applied sciences in Germany charged these fees in 2017/18, accounting for less than 10% of all universities.
While some international students choose a private institution, free tuition university is still the preferred option. Germany is respected when it comes to teaching and learning. Notable scientists like Einstein, Planck, and Born studied in Germany. It is known as the country of thinkers. German universities make learning easier with updates. Also, they apply successful teaching and research methods. Employers acknowledge the positive impact on students in Germany and make them favorite candidates for work.
What are the requirements to study in Germany for free?
The non-existent tuition fees for oversea students in Germany are what varies. Like Australia, Canada, and the USA, international students pay around $10,000 to $50,000 yearly. Studying in Germany offers a low-cost experience, lowering the number of debt students will graduate with at the end of their studies.
German Universities for International Students
German universities are among the best in the world. German cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin, and Cologne have institutions. At least one of them rates amongst the best in the world. Some of Western Europe’s most prominent academic institutions are in Germany. This category includes both older conventional institutions and more recently established technology institutions. 30 top universities in Germany rank among the top in the world. The QS World University Rankings 2019 placed it among the top 500 universities.
Top 5 universities in Germany
Even though Germany has regarded universities, below is a quick rundown of the top five in the QS World University Rankings:
- LMU Munich: It is a public university established in 1472 and one of the oldest universities in Germany. It is a prominent academic institution with 42 Prize Winners. It has the second largest student population in Germany, with international students accounting for 13% of the student body.
- Technical University of Munich: Munich’s second public university focuses on science and technology. Three university department gives over 170-degree programs in engineering, science, and technology. Since 1927, companions of the institution received 13 Noble Prizes. The institution has almost 39,000 students, including nearly 9,000 international students.
- Humboldt University of Berlin: This is also a public institution in Germany. The university focuses on art and humanities. Also, it hosts an archive that contains about 6.5 million books. Humboldt university records about 33,000, 16% from abroad.
- Heidelberg University: With nearly 30,000 students, it is Germany’s oldest university. This public research university is in Heidelberg, Germany. It is Germany’s most attractive city and a sightseeing tour. Overseas students from 130 countries make up 20% of the student body.
University of Freiburg: Check out Germany’s fifth oldest university and a public research university. About 25,000 students, with 16 percent international students from 120 countries. The university has a long history of studying humanities and scientific sciences. The institution is home to 19 Nobel Laureates and 15 members of staff who have received Germany’s highest research accolade. It also has a mountain that students can use for outdoor and recreational activities.
Best Courses to Study in Germany
Public Institutions
- You learn most of the university courses in Germany in the German language. However, to host 350,000 transnational scholars by 2020, English-tutored degree programs are becoming more common.
- If you want to pursue a Master’s degree, there are a variety of English-medium courses accessible, especially in business and the social sciences. If you want to study at the undergraduate level, the International Program search tool (from the DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service) can help you.
- Currently, the tool returns 121 bachelor’s degrees that are in English. Only 60 of them, however, are at no-fee universities. Although paying tuition fees will be necessary, these private colleges can determine their costs, and many cost less than €10,000 per semester, which is still less than foreign study in other parts of the world.
- If you want to pursue a business degree, another option is to enroll at ESCP Europe. For a Bachelor of Management degree, you can study in three capital cities, including Berlin and London. While this program offers a 100% English-taught degree, it will cost you €18,000 per year as a non-EU student (€13,600 for EU students).
Fees for International Students
For domestic and international undergraduate students, tuition at public universities in Germany is free. The sole exception is at institutions in Baden-Württemberg, where students pay €3,000 in tuition fees per year (excluding refugees and Ph.D. students). Among them are the universities of Freiburg, Heidelberg, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, and Ulm. Students from Erasmus member states, those with EU permanent residency, and students with a German HE admission qualification are all exempt from the charge.
Even though universities are tuition-free, all students who study in Germany for free must pay a fee to cover expenses like enrolling, administration, and student assistance. This fee varies by institution, but it is often around €350. Master’s level students need to pay tuition fees. Students who are “non-consecutive,” meaning they have not finished a bachelor’s degree at a German university in the last several years, are assessed fees.
Study in Germany Scholarships
Top Scholarships to Apply for in Germany
In Germany, there are various government-funded scholarships available for study. They are as follows:
- DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
- Erasmus+: This program is for international students enrolled in a study abroad program in Europe. There are grants available to help with living expenses.
There are other non-government scholarships available for studies in Germany. These are some of them:
- International Heinrich Böll Scholarships: This program is available for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at an authorized institution.
- Kurt Hansen Science Scholarships: are available to international students interested in pursuing a career as a science educator.
- International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) for Developing Countries: Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) for Developing Countries.
- Deutschland Stipendium: A €300-per-month grant for extremely brilliant students from any country studying at German universities.
Many universities will provide university-specific scholarships to students interested in studying in Germany. Below are some of them:
- Heidelberg University: Students can apply for scholarships at Heidelberg University. The Amirana Scholarship, for example, assists students from nations who aspire to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry.
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Doctoral Tuition Waivers: With this award, tuition fees for doctoral candidates enrolled in English-medium waive courses in finance, accounting, mathematics, and business administration.
- Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarships: Students who have proven exceptional ability and register for at least two semesters are eligible (any degree level, any subject).
- RWTH Aachen University scholarships: International and domestic students can apply for funding.
Living Costs in Germany
Student residences are a cost-effective housing alternative in Germany, although the demand is high and availability is probability. Whether you live alone, with a partner, or on campus, rent might range between €210 and €360 per month. Students can also consider shared flats, like social areas, coffee shops, laundry facilities, and bicycle storage.
Aside from that, students must plan for food, utility costs, and social activities in addition to rent. When studying in Germany, we recommend that you budget €850 per month, though you raise the amount if you plan to live in one of the larger cities, such as Munich. In Germany, students are eligible for a “Semesterticket,” which covers the cost of a bus, tram, subway, and train travel.
The university’s administrative cover the cost, which they pay at the start of each semester.
German Student Visa
EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland students:
- To study in Germany, you need not need a visa.
- Within a week of arriving in Germany, you must register with the Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt.
- You must present documentation that you have a yearly income of around €8700. (for living costs).
- Health insurance must have been obtained (unless the policy from your home country is valid in Germany).
- You must show that you are fluent in the language of instruction for your degree program.
Students from Outside the EU
- Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, or the United States: Visas are not required, but a resident permit is required.
- You will need a visa if you plan to work before or after your degree in Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino, or Taiwan. A residence permit is required.
- Other countries include: Apply for a visa (Schengen Visa for three months of study, National Visa for more than three months). Your local German embassy can help you get a passport and a residence permit.
- For a Resident Permit, go to Register with the Residents’ Registration Office, provide proof of health insurance, and show proof of residency.
- For a visa, you need the same documents for a residence permit. You may also be required to provide proof of clean criminal background and a medical examination.
- For your degree course, all students who apply to study in Germany for free must demonstrate fluency in the language of instruction.
By studying and living in Germany as a foreign student, you will benefit from a high-quality educational system that will help you develop your career, learn a new language by connecting with people and socializing with other students, and gain an incredible life experience that you will remember for years to come.
For overseas students, there are hundreds of institutions in Germany that provide free or extremely low-cost tuition programs. Germany is the place to be if you want to study Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, or Business. The major reason why young people from all over the globe come to Germany is to combine high-quality education with a distinct cultural experience.
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