17 Tuition Free Universities in Germany for International Students| 2021

Why are you studying as a foreign student in Germany? Because of the free tuition for foreign students that these German universities offer! There are several countries that charge foreign students tuition fees, and several countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia charge intuition ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 a year.

Free tuition universities still exist in the USA, but compared to Germany, they are few. Tuition is not paid by these German universities because it is the government’s policy. Tuition is paid by some private colleges, but I have omitted them from the list.

A further justification to study in Germany? Because of the outstanding program! Great scientists, most notably Einstein, Planck, and Born, were created by German universities. This reality testifies to the wonderful academic programs and professors that these colleges have. Universities in Germany are amazing, not only in the STEM sectors but also in the arts and humanities. So, many many many, many

Here, we will delve into some of the questions that many international students ask, so that we will be able to answer your questions if you have any.

What is the Application Process Like? And What Are the Requirements?

To be able to study in Germany, you need to have a good GPA, good test scores in IELTS or TOEFL, and German proficiency test if your degree requires you to. Then, you will need to apply by completing the application form, submitting the required documents, and fulfilling the eligibility criteria.

To help you with the process, we’ve provided a comprehensive guide on How to Apply to Universities in Germany. If you are unsure, you should check the guide out!

Apply to as many universities to increase your chances, but don’t apply to too many because you will not be careful with your application. Around 10-15 is sufficient for undergraduate, and around 5-10 is sufficient for Masters and Ph.D.

Are these Free Universities in Germany Competitive?

The answer is no, compared to prestigious universities in Canada and USA. To increase your chances of attending these universities, you need to do some research about the acceptance rates.

This resource on Universities in Germany with the Highest Acceptance Rates is helpful for prospective international students wishing to study in Germany. These universities accept the most percentage of international students each year, so if you apply to these, you will definitely have a great chance of getting a free education in Germany.

How Can I Finance My Studies in Germany?

So, as you will see below, the German universities in this list have free tuition for international students. However, the catch is that they do not provide living costs.

To help you with living expenses, I highly suggest that you look at DAAD Scholarships, which is German Government Scholarships for International Students. This scholarship provides a generous living stipend, so we recommend you to apply for this scholarship. Also, you should apply for other Scholarships in Germany for International Students as well as DAAD Scholarships.

Other than receiving scholarships, there are other ways to finance your education, so we’ve compiled a guide on How to Study in Germany for Free. Take a look if you are interested!

Are There Free Universities in Other Countries?

This is a question that many international students ask. The short answer is yes, there are many free tuition universities around the world. Here are some of the countries with a completely free education with some great universities!

List of Universities in Germany for International Students that are Tuition-Free

Technical University of Munich
Ludwig Maximilians University
Heidelberg University
Karlsruher Institute of Technology
Humboldt University of Berlin
Free University of Berlin
RWTH University
Technical University of Berlin
University of Tubingen
Albert Ludwig University
Georg-Augusta University of Göttingen
University of Hamburg
University of Bonn
Goethe University
University of Stuttgart
Darmstadt University of Technology
TU Dresden

Description of Tuition Free Universities in Germany, Application, Information for International Students, and Scholarships Links

1. TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT MÜNCHEN – TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH

The Technical University of Munich is a large research university based in Munich, Germany, with additional campuses in Garching and Freising-Weihenstephan. The university is one of the most highly-ranked universities in the country. It is also a member of the TU9 group of highly reputed and notable institutes of technology in Germany. The university has also consistently produced graduates who are top leaders in their respective fields; alumni further include over 15 Nobel Laureates.

The main campus houses the main facilities in Engineering, Economics, Technology, Social and Sports Sciences, whereas the Garching campus houses the physical sciences, IT, and Mathematics departments. Since its inception in 1868, the TUM, with its strong position in technology and science, has gradually transformed the region of Munich into a technological and industrial hub. Another good thing is that the university tuition fee is free just like the title states!

2. LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS UNIVERSITÄT MÜNCHEN – LUDWIG MAXIMILIANS UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH

Reputed for being one of the oldest universities in Germany, Ludwig Maximilians University is based in Munich and is a public research university. LMU is among the most prestigious universities in both Germany as well as within Europe. It is also ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. Over 40 Nobel laureates are associated with the alumni, including the likes of Wilhelm Röntgen, Max Planck, and Otto Hahn.

This free university in Germany is also one of the largest in terms of the student population, currently having over 50,000 students matriculated. The majority of English-based courses are at a Master’s and postgraduate level. With over 18 faculties, LMU has several fields of study ranging from the Physical Sciences and Law to Medicine and Business.

3. RUPRECHT KARLS UNIVERSITY OF HEIDELBERG

Ruprecht Karls Universitat Heidelberg, commonly known as the Heidelberg University is a notable public research university that is based in Heidelberg, Germany. Established in 1386, the institution is among the oldest existing universities in the world that was actually established during the Holy Roman Empire! It is currently ranked among the top 50-60 universities in the world and one of the topmost universities nationally in Germany.

Although predominantly taught in German, several postgraduate level courses are taught in English. These courses are completely free for both domestic and international students. The university is further associated with over 50 Nobel Prize laureates. International students make up for more than 20% of the student population, with students coming to study from 130+ different countries.

4. KARLSRUHER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The Karlsruher Institute of Technology, commonly known as KIT, is a public research university that is located in Karlsruhe in Southern Germany. Although it was established only recently in 2009, the institution has evolved into becoming one of Europe’s leading centers in engineering and natural science and is among the largest institutes of higher education in Germany. The university is further reputed for its field of computer science and is ranked 26th in the field at an international level.

Currently educating over 25,000 students, KIT provides educational courses across eleven different faculties. A range of options are offered with the possibility of cross-study programs and work-study programs. The university is further associated with 5 key Nobel Laureates and additional alumni include Karl Benz and Heinrich Hertz.

5. HUMBOLDT UNIVERSITY OF BERLIN

The Humboldt University of Berlin is located in the borough of Mitte, Berlin, and was established in 1810. Divided into over nine faculties, the university offers around 150-200 different courses for its student population that numbers 32,000. Humboldt is acclaimed as one of the world’s foremost institutions for the natural sciences and has a world-class reputation and prestige for arts and humanities.

It comes as no surprise that over 50 Nobel laureates are among the alumni of the university and are further associated with critical breakthroughs in science, including findings by Albert Einstein himself. This free university in Germany is also known for introducing the Humboldt Model of Higher Education that has greatly influenced other universities in Europe.

6. FREE UNIVERSITY OF BERLIN

Located in Berlin, the Free University is a research university that was established in 1948. It is among the most reputed universities in Germany and is a member of the German Universities Excellence Initiative. The Free University is especially famous for its fields of social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. As expected, admission into the university is fairly competitive as only 4000 places are available annually.

Over 31,000 students are currently matriculated within this prestigious institution and have access to over 190 different courses and degree programs. It should also be noted that barring aside minor fees for registration, small contributions, etc., the Free University, like its name suggests, does not charge tuition fees in the classical sense. In fact, highly talented students have the option to get a monthly commission from the university; so basically, they get paid to study!

7. RWTH AACHEN UNIVERSITY

RWTH University is a research university that is located in Aachen, Germany. It is among the largest technical universities in the nation and has over 40,000 students who are matriculated. RWTH offers around 140 study programs and courses for its students. Although it is a technology-dominant university, it offers education in Medicine, Arts, Humanities, Business, and several more fields as well.

In 2011, tuition fees were abolished by the university so academic fees are officially non-existent for the most part when it comes to studies at this prestigious university. The university further maintains strong links to the industry and is a member of very exclusive groups of universities in Europe.

8. TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF BERLIN

Among the numerous universities in Berlin, the Technical University is yet another member and was established as a research university in 1879. Commonly known as TU Berlin, it is known for its prestigious engineering, computer science and economics programs. Currently, over 34,000 students are matriculated in this institution who study around 200 different programs and courses. TU Berlin is a member of the TU9 which is a specialized society of Institutes focused on technology in Germany.

Research thrives in this notable institution and cutting-edge facilities such as the European Institute of Innovation and Technology have been established. This is also emphasized by the close links the university maintains with the industry. An added advantage to studying at TU Berlin is that this free university in Germany has one of the highest percentages of international students in its population, with over 24% enrolled during the academic year of 2018.

9. EBERHARD KARL UNIVERSITY OF TÜBINGEN

More commonly known as the University of Tubingen, this public research university is based in the city of Tubingen in Southwest Germany. With its classification as a German Excellence Institution, the university is ranked among the best of its kind in the country and is education hub for law, medicine, religious studies, philosophy and theology. Furthermore, the university is not ‘campus-based’ and the buildings are scattered throughout the city limits. Consisting of around seven faculties in total, the university offers over 200 different courses at an undergraduate and graduate level and further matriculates around 28,000 students within its walls.

Owing to its high reputation and rankings, Tubingen has consistently produced reputed alumni ranging from eminent scientists to high profile government officials, presidents, and ministers. The university is further associated with around 11 Nobel Laureates in the fields of chemistry as well as medicine and physiology.

10. ALBERT LUDWIG UNIVERSITY OF FREIBURG

Located in the city of Freiburg im Breisgau in the southwest of Germany, the Albert Ludwig University was established in 1457 and is one of rich history. Despite how old the institution is, it is still the 5th oldest university in Germany! With a student population nearing 20,000, the university is reputed for attracting students not just across Germany but from 120 different countries in the world. Currently, 18% of the student population consists of international students. It is one of the most elite universities in the country and has a long-standing reputation in teaching for arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. You can study in these courses completely for free!

In addition to being associated with 21 Nobel Laureates, the university has numerous prestigious alumni including the likes of Max Weber and Hans Krebs. The university also maintains strong international connections with universities across the world and hosts several study exchange programs for its students. Research is taken very seriously and several prestigious institutes such as the Max Planck Institute and the Confucius Institute are affiliated to this university.

11. GEORG-AUGUST UNIVERSITY OF GÖTTINGEN

The Georg-Augusta University of Göttingen is located in the city of Göttingen in the northwest of Germany. This notable public research university was established in 1734, primarily as a religious education institution. It is currently one of the largest universities in the region and has over 31,000 students matriculated in its study programs. With its status as a high profile research institution, this free university in Germany is also a member of the U15 German Research university group and the Coimbra group of European universities. Georg-Augusta is known for its strong associations with Nobel laureates amongst its alumni as well as faculty and researchers.

The university is also the home to Germany’s largest academic library that hosts a collection of over 8 million volumes. The large campus consists of 13 major faculties that are broken down into 47 academic and research institutes and departments. The university is currently ranked among the top 100 universities internationally. It runs several Erasmus and student exchange programs with other universities in the world.

12. UNIVERSITY OF HAMBURG

Located in Germany’s second-largest city Hamburg, the University of Hamburg was established in 1919. But do not let its recent establishment fool you! This university has quickly developed into one of the most prestigious institutions in the country as well as in Europe. It is currently ranked as one of the top 200 universities in the world and as the 14th in Germany alone.

The university provides education for around 42,000 students and offers around 150 different programs and courses of study. Research is a focal point of the university and several institutions such as the Max Planck institutes, the Hamburg Observatory and the Confucius Institute are affiliated to the university. Admission is fairly competitive and the university admits around 7000 students each year.

13. UNIVERSITY OF BONN

The University of Bonn is a large and highly ranked university located in the city of Bonn in Northwestern Germany. Established in 1818, the university has no centralized campus but has several academic buildings across the city. It has one of the largest academic libraries in the country which hosts a collection of around 5 million volumes. Currently, around 35,000 students study at this reputed institution which offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate-level programs that are free. Of these 35,000, around 4000 are international students.

The university takes a serious perspective in fostering international relations with other universities in the world. With its high-standing research strength, numerous contributions have been made to the world of science and technology such as the discovery of radio waves. Some of the university’s most famous alumni include the likes of Max Ernst, Friedrich Nietzsche and Karl Marx.

14. GOETHE UNIVERSITY, FRANKFURT

Established in 1914 as a citizen’s university, the Goethe University is an institution in Frankfurt, Germany. Named in honour of notable German philosopher and writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the university is now an elite seat of higher education that educates well over 40,000 students. Goethe consists of 16 major faculties ranging from Law and Economics to Theology and Education.

In addition, this free university in Germany is linked with several research institutes such as the Max Planck Institute. In terms of its campus structure, the main campus is divided into four sub-campuses in the city including the Westend, Bockenheim, Riedberg, and Niederrad campuses. With its reputation for academia and research, the university has consistently produced world-class alumni and graduates, including 18 Nobel Prize laureates such as the likes of Max Born and Max von Laue.

15. UNIVERSITY OF STUTTGART

Located in the city of Stuttgart in the southwest of Germany, the University of Stuttgart is a public university that was established in 1829. A member of the TU9 group of technology-leaning universities in the country, it is one of the oldest technical institutions of higher education in Germany. The university’s programs in civil, electrical, mechanical and industrial engineering are particularly ranked highly.

In addition to its reputed academia, the university strives to maintain high standards of research and has contributed to several advancements and improvements in automotive engineering, industrial manufacturing, activity-based costing and aerospace engineering. It comes as no surprise as Gottlieb Daimler, the inventor of the automobile, studied at this institution!

The university currently provides education for around 27,000 students and offers around 150 different academic degrees and programs for its students. It is ranked among the world’s top universities for Engineering as well as one of the best engineering institutions in Germany.

16. TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DARMSTADT (TU DARMSTADT)

Also referred to as the Darmstadt University of Technology, this prestigious research institution is based in the city of Darmstadt in central Germany. Founded in 1877, this free university in Germany was actually recommended for its Engineering expertise by Albert Einstein himself!

A member of the reputed TU9 network in Germany, TU Darmstadt has grown to become one of the leading universities in both Germany as well as in Europe and is further considered to be a powerhouse for education in computer science and information technology studies. In fact, this university even surpasses other prestigious institutions such as Oxbridge and ETH Zurich!

TU Darmstadt provides education for over 21,000 students through over 100 different courses of study. Student life is very active and the university encourages participation and inclusion of all its students in the extra-curricular activities to enhance their student environment.

17. TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DRESDEN

The Technical University of Dresden, commonly known as TU Dresden, is a public research university located in the city of Dresden in Germany. With a student population numbering 37,000 +, it is one of the largest universities in the region. As its name suggests, the university has a high profile for the fields of engineering and technology studies. TU Dresden is a member of the TU9 collective of Germany technology institutes.

It currently has around 35,000 students matriculated and provides access to around 120 different courses and degrees under 14 main faculties of study. In terms of research, the university’s focal area of strength includes biotechnology, microelectronics, and transport sciences. TU Dresden has consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities, usually in the 100-200 best universities, and is further among the top 10 universities of Germany.