Are universities free in Germany?

Asked by: Marilou Shanahan  |  Last update: July 19, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (5 votes)

Only public universities are tuition-free.
If you study at one of the roughly 100 private universities, you are expected to pay, and those tuition fees are on par with what you would pay in countries such as the UK or Ireland.

Which college is free in Germany?

RWTH Aachen University

So, if you are planning to study for free in Germany, RWTH is one of the best options. Aachen is also one of the popular student destinations in Germany. Choosing your specialisation and moving to Aachen would be easy because of the supportive student community there.

Why are public universities free in Germany?

The Gradual Abolition of Tuition Fees

1949 The German Model, founded on a commitment to state-funded, universal, and public education, rose from the ashes of WWII. 1971 Germany's Social Democrats develop system of state financial assistance that effectively rids universities of tuition fees.

Are English taught programs free in Germany?

In Germany, all public higher education institutions are free, even the highest ranked universities in the country! Unlike other countries that charge crazy tuition fees due to the high demand of students who wish to attend them, the top-ranked German universities charge the same tuition price as the rest: nothing.

Does Germany have English universities?

As well as offering a range of English-language master's programs, Universität Freiburg is also one of few German universities to offer a bachelor-level degree program taught in English, allowing international students to study for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc), depending on their major.

Top 6 Free Universities In Germany for International Students

42 related questions found

Do German universities require SAT?

Do German universities require SAT? German colleges used to require that American students submit SAT scores to apply, but a couple of years ago they stopped accepting these scores.

Can I survive with English in Germany?

Can you live in Germany without knowing German? It is just about possible to live in Germany without knowing much German. But in order to find employment and to fully integrate into society, you will need to be able to speak and read German to a good standard, especially if you live outside the major cities.

Are German universities hard to get into?

Most universities in Germany would have admission rates of approximately 30% or lower. Many students from all over the world apply to German universities because of their high-quality education and free tuition. A large number of applications suggests that the admissions process will be competitive.

Can anyone go to college in Germany?

Anyone can apply to a German university and study tuition-free as long as they meet the application requirements*. * The only exception are the public universities in Baden-Württemberg where non-EU students have to pay a fee of 1,500 € per semester.

Can a foreigner study in Germany for free?

Everyone can study in Germany tuition-free!

This applies to almost all study programmes at public universities. There is a tiny catch: If you are from outside the EU, you will need to get a residence permit before you arrive in the country; and you will have to finish your studies in Germany.

Can an American go to college in Germany?

The US students who want to study in Germany must apply for a temporary residence permit. First, you must register your address of residence in Germany and collect the required funds to cover the cost of living and studying if you haven't yet. Once you do that you're ready to apply.

Does Germany have free healthcare?

Yes, all Germans and legal residents of Germany are entitled to free “medically necessary” public healthcare, which is funded by social security contributions. However, citizens must still have either state or private health insurance, covering at least hospital and outpatient medical treatment and pregnancy.

Why are German universities ranked so low?

The effect of a few good departments at a university gets lost in averaging. The good departments in Germany are simply not clustered at a single university. Scoring high in a university ranking is not such a relevant factor for universities, and thus they have no incentive to game those systems.

Is college free for Americans in Germany?

Yes, every public university in Germany provides free tuition. The critical distinction here is between public and private institutions. Public taxes fund public Universities in Germany, whereas Private Universities have the freedom to charge tuition fees at their own will.

Are college dorms free in Germany?

Student housing is not free but is highly discounted in comparison to the average costs of living in each city. While there is no standard rate for student housing at a federal level and the costs depend on the city and university, you can expect that the rates will be much more.

Do I need to know German to study in Germany?

5. Do I need to speak German? The language of instruction at most universities in Germany is German. All students undertaking a German-taught program will need to be able to demonstrate a firm knowledge of the language, either by means of a language test result or by taking a preparatory course.

What GPA do you need to go to college in Germany?

*Students who have not taken AP tests can qualify for general admission to a preparatory course and/or assessment examination to be considered for undergraduate admissions should their cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) be a 3.0 or higher.

What SAT score is required for German universities?

Eligibility criteria

A student must have a certified 12th-grade mark sheet. Depending on the course and university, a student should have SAT or ACT scores ranging from 400 to 1600. According to university requirements, a student must have received the appropriate band scores on the English proficiency test.

What is the disadvantage of studying in Germany?

Some of the disadvantages of studying in Germany are the language barrier because some courses are taught only in German. Some public universities lack adequate facilities. Another disadvantage is that there are limitations on international students on working while studying.

Is studying in Germany worthy?

Studying abroad in Europe is every student's dream, and Germany is one of the top destinations for Indian students planning to move abroad. Home to some of the most renowned universities in the world, Germany is a student's dream destination.

Can I get a job in Germany if I don't speak German?

In short: yes, there are English-speaking jobs in Germany.

Foreigners who want to work in HR, accounting, marketing, consulting, medicine, or law have the least opportunity to find employment in English in Germany.

Can I live in Germany without a job?

You can move to Germany without a job if you intend to start your own business. You will need to apply for a residence permit and permission to start your business. You will need a self-employment visa if you are coming to Germany temporarily and for business purposes.

Is it easy to live in Germany as a foreigner?

If you're from the US and already have a good income, you'll find Germany quite manageable. But if your income is from a country that is weaker than Euro, it's going to be hard for you to survive in Germany. Still, Berlin is not as expensive as Munich or Hamburg, so it can be a good place where you can make your start.