Why is university in Germany free?

Asked by: Mrs. Anissa Huels  |  Last update: September 29, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (39 votes)

Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition. This applies not only to German and EU citizens but also to international students from around the world. This is possible because public universities are government-funded and supported by taxes.

How is university free in Germany?

The truth is that you can earn a degree in Germany by paying little to no tuition fees — if you study at a public university. Since public universities in Germany are funded by taxes, you don't have to pay any tuition fees.

Why is school free in Germany?

The education in Germany provide you free education, the reason behind this is all public universities in Germany are funded by Government of Germany. That is the reason why all the German Universities provide you free education, not only free education but also the quality education and structured program.

Why is tuition so cheap in Germany?

The education in Germany provide you free education, the reason behind this is all public universities in Germany are funded by Government of Germany. That is the reason why all the German Universities provide you free education, not only free education but also the quality education and structured program.

When did university become free in Germany?

In October 2014, ten years ago, Lower Saxony (a state in northwestern Germany) began the first academic semester after the abolition of tuition fees at its higher education institutions, becoming the last state in the German federation to ban this practice.

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What are the negatives of free college?

Tuition-free college doesn't necessarily equate to a better education. In fact, it may diminish quality. For one, free college promises to boost enrollment, which could lead to overcrowding and require universities to expand infrastructures, add faculty, and bolster student services to accommodate enrollment growth.

Is college in Germany free for Americans?

In 2014, Germany's 16 states abolished tuition fees for undergraduate students at all public German universities. This means that currently both domestic and international undergraduates at public universities in Germany can study for free, with just a small fee to cover administration and other costs per semester.

Is medical school free in Germany?

As for most programs offered at German public universities, studying medicine in Germany is typically tuition free for international students and German students alike.

Is university free in Italy?

Comparison with Other European Countries

The cost of higher education varies across Europe. But Italy is often the most affordable. Tuition fees at public universities in Italy range from €900 to €4,000. This is much lower than countries like the UK, where fees can be over €10,000 a year.

Is studying in Germany cheaper than USA?

Compared to the USA, the cost of studying at a German university is very low. Most of the German students study in the classical way at state universities. One year for a bachelor's degree study costs only 250$-650$.

Is healthcare free in Germany?

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.

How long is a school day in Germany?

German students study at school 5 days a week, from Monday to Friday. Lessons for students will usually start from 8.00 am, which may seem early, but they get to finish at around 1.00-2.00pm. Some older students may finish later depending on their school, but the latest school finish time is around 4.00 pm.

Which country has the best education system?

  1. Germany. Germany is widely recognised as the leading country for non-English-speaking students who want to study abroad, boasting one of the best education systems in the world. ...
  2. Canada. ...
  3. France. ...
  4. United Kingdom. ...
  5. United States of America. ...
  6. Australia. ...
  7. Sweden. ...
  8. Netherlands.

Is education free in the USA?

U.S. public schools are free for your child to attend but there can still be other costs for families, these may include: School lunch, as mentioned above. School supplies, such as notebooks, pens, and a backpack. Special programs, such as sports or after-school art.

What are the pros and cons of studying in Germany?

The pros and cons of going to college in Germany
  • Pro: Free tuition. ...
  • Con: The airfare. ...
  • Pro: The views! ...
  • Con: Learning German can be difficult. ...
  • Pro: Top quality colleges and programs. ...
  • Con: Some of the resources are lacking. ...
  • Pro: You'll be surrounded by interesting and diverse cultural experiences.

How much is rent in Germany?

In general, average rental prices in Germany are reasonable and are around 5% lower than in the UK, for example. The average rent in Germany is about 1,300 EUR (1,400 USD), taking into account all types of rental properties, whether it's a furnished or unfurnished flat or house.

Are French universities free?

Most higher education institutions in France are funded by the state, therefore there is usually a nominal fee depending on the level of study. The average public university in France charges €170 per year for a bachelor's degree, €243 for a master's degree, €380 for a PhD and €601 to attend an engineering school.

Is healthcare free in Italy?

Italy Healthcare System

The national health service in Italy, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), provides residents with free or low-cost healthcare that includes access to general practitioners (GPs), treatment at public hospitals, subsidised medicines, lab services, ambulance services and certain specialist care.

Do universities in Italy speak English?

All of the best universities in Italy offer programs that are taught entirely in English. In general, you don't need to know Italian unless you're planning on doing courses in Italian. In this case, you'll need to know Italian at level B2 of the European language framework.

How can Germany afford free university?

Where Does the Funding Come From? Education in Germany is currently public-funded, and higher education institutions are given a budget each year from the ministry of education. This budget allows colleges and universities to provide free education to both national and international students.

How much do doctors earn in Germany?

In Germany, doctor/physician salaries vary from 3,290 EUROs per month (lowest average salary) all the way to 15,100 EUROs per month (highest average salary).

Can a German doctor work in the USA?

If you are a foreign doctor interested in practicing medicine in the US, then you'll need to prepare to pass the US Medical Licensing Exams, get certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign-Trained Medical Graduates, enroll in a residency program, and then take a third licensing test.

Is college free in Japan?

Tuition and Scholarships in Japan

Tuition fees at Japanese public universities are 535,800 yen, or $6,500. Academic fees for the first year generally consist of admission fee, tuition fee, and facility and equipment usage fee, but in Tsukuba, the regular entrance fees and first year tuition fees have been waived.

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 German universities teach in English?

Yes, many universities in Germany offer programs taught in English, particularly at the master's level. Some prominent universities that provide English-taught courses include the Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, and University of Heidelberg.