Cheap and Affordable Universities in Germany
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Germany is one of the most sought-after study-abroad destinations for international students for providing quality education, an internationally recognized curriculum and above all for providing free education across all public universities in the country.
Every year, the German government allocates a major portion of its budget towards improving the education sector. Today, public universities in Germany have zero tuition fees for both domestic and international students. The belief is simple: education should be free and accessible to all.
Study in Germany is often considered the mecca of engineering studies. Every year thousands of Indian students flock to the country to pursue their dreams of studying abroad and to have a chance at a better standard of living. However, one of the biggest deterrents is the high cost that studying abroad is usually associated with.
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However, Germany is home to some of the cheapest universities in the world as most public universities provide education to international and domestic students minus the tuition fee. However, they are required to pay an administration fee which is close to 300 euros/semester. Some of the cheapest universities in Germany are Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Bremen, University of Cologne, Heidelberg University, Ludwig Maximilians University.
In this article, we explore the most affordable universities in Germany for international students, especially those from India, who are looking for a cost-effective higher education pathway.
Why Study in Germany at Public Universities?
Before we delve into the most affordable and cheap universities in Germany, let us get to understand public universities in Germany better. In 2014, international tuition fees in Public Universities were done away with. Instead, international students were required to pay an administration fee at the beginning of every semester which could cost you around €150-€250 a semester.
However, while undergraduate universities are devoid of tuition fees only select postgraduate courses are tuition-free. Candidates should note that postgraduate studies (Master’s) at German universities are usually free if they are categorized as “consecutive” – i.e. following directly on from a related bachelor’s degree gained in Germany. Tuition fees for “non-consecutive” master’s degrees, for those who have gained their bachelor’s degree elsewhere in the world, vary between universities and maybe around €20,000 for a year. Hence, candidates should note that while undergraduate studies in Germany are free, the majority of postgraduate studies would require tuition fees, unless upon cases when the student has been awarded a scholarship.
List of Cheap and Affordable Public Universities in Germany
Here is a list of affordable and cheap public universities in Germany for the benefit of Indian students wanting to pursue their higher education in Germany.
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- University of Bremen
- University of Cologne
- Heidelberg University
- Ludwig Maximilians University
- University of Gottingen
- Technical University of Berlin
- Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)
- Technical University of Munich
- University of Stuttgart
Top Cheap and Affordable Public Universities in Germany
Here is a curated list of affordable public universities in Germany offering low-cost, high-quality education to international students.
Humboldt University of Berlin
Established in 1801, Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university that started with four faculties medicine, law, theology, and philosophy. Currently, the Humboldt University of Berlin offers 189-degree courses in various fields of education like agriculture, biology, biophysics, business, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, economics, horticulture, theology, management, psychology, medicine, social sciences, and sports. Readers would be thrilled to know that, Albert Einstein - Theoretical Physicist and Karl Marx - Philosopher, Political Theorist, and Socialist Revolutionary are among the most renowned alumni of this age-old university. Read: Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany) Courses & Fees
University of Bremen
Established in 1971, the University of Bremen is an open research university known to be under the Institutional Strategies category. The curriculum of the university includes 12 faculties. Some of them are the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Biology & Chemistry, Faculty of Production Engineering, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Faculty of Cultural Studies. The courses are taught by experienced faculty members. Read: University of Bremen (Germany) Courses & Fees
University of Cologne
One of the largest universities in Germany, the University of Cologne is a well-recognized university in Germany that started with the Faculty of Economics, Business, Social Sciences, and Medicine. Currently, divided into six faculties, the university, which is located in Cologne, features 200 fields of study. These include the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Human Sciences. The university is also home to 16 research centres and 658 professors. The study programs of the university are known to prepare graduates for brilliant career opportunities. Read: University of Cologne (Germany) Courses & Fees
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Heidelberg University
Established in 1836, Heidelberg University is an open research university and Germany's oldest university founded in 1836. The university offers courses in twelve subjects’ behavioral and cultural studies, philosophy, modern languages, economics, and social sciences, biosciences, physics and astronomy, chemistry and earth sciences, math and computer science, theology, law, and two medical faculties. The university follows a semester-based academic calendar and the main language of instruction is German. Also, some of the popular programs such as Economics, American Studies, International Health, and American Studies are taught in English. Read: Heidelberg University - Germany (Germany) Courses & Fees
Ludwig Maximilians University
Established in 1472, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU) is also known as the University of Munich. It is an open research university that is associated with the LERU, Europaeum, and the German Excellence Universities. The campus of the university is home to various institutes and research centers. Some notable research centers along with the eighteen faculties at the campus are the Carson Centre for Environment and Society, Research for Integrated Protein Science, Parmenides Research Centre, Nanosystem Initiative Munich, and the Human Science Centre of Munich. The major faculties include the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Business Administration, Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of History, Faculty of Educational Sciences, and the Faculty of Language and Literature. Read: Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (Germany) Courses & Fees
Other affordable and cheap public universities in Germany include:
- University of Gottingen
- Technical University of Berlin
- Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)
- Technical University of Munich
- University of Stuttgart
Popular Private Universities in Germany (With Low Tuition)
Here are some affordable private universities in Germany for students exploring non-public options:
- New European College
- Berlin School of Business and Innovation
- GISMA - Business School
- Arden University Berlin
- IU
Let us learn about the universities and their courses in detail.
New European College
Established in 2014, the New European College is a private college located in Munich. The majority of the programmes at the college are for a year and tuition fees are set at 12,000 Euros for a single academic year, tuition only. Candidates can learn more about the courses at the New European College, here.
Berlin School of Business & Innovation (BSBI)
Founded in 2005, the Berlin School of Business & Innovation (BSBI) is located in the heart of Berlin and focuses on helping graduates to become exceptional leaders in their chosen fields. The school is run on three concepts Enterprise, Leadership, and Success. Know more about the courses available at the Berlin School of Business & Innovation (BSBI).
GISMA Business School
Established in 1999, GISMA Business School helps talented and ambitious individuals develop the skills required for today’s tech-driven global business environment and utilize innovative solutions to counter contemporary challenges within the industry. Know more about the courses at the GISMA Business School, here.
Arden University Berlin
Established in 1990, Arden University Berlin is an education hub for programs designed with a strong emphasis on employability and professional development. The large number of courses offered at the university has been endorsed by professional bodies such as the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), and the Association of Project Managers (APP).
IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU)
Established in 1998, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) provides accredited higher education programs with ease and flexibility. Most of the programs of the university are available completely digitally or on-site in Berlin or Bad Honnef, near Cologne in Germany. Tuition costs at the university range from 14000-15000 Euros (excluding scholarships and bursaries).
Cost of Studying in Germany
Studying in Germany includes more than just tuition. Students must also consider their living expenses, administration fees, and other associated costs. The cost of studying in Germany is an umbrella term and includes tuition fees and the living expenses incurred by a student during his tenure at the German university.
Tuition Fees at German Universities
The education system in Germany can be broadly classified into Public Universities and Private Universities. Public Universities do not charge students a tuition fee but only an administration fee payable at the start of every semester. The administration fee could range from €150 to €250 a semester. Students should note that while undergraduate studies in Public Universities are void of any tuition fees, however, not all postgraduate studies are free of tuition fees. More of this will be explained as you keep reading.
Students wanting to study at Private universities would be required to shell out anything close to €20,000 a year for an Undergraduate Program and €30,000 a year for a Postgraduate program. Candidates should note that these figures are likely to change given the volatility of the global market.
Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students
Germany has simplified the cost of living in Germany for international students through the mandatory Blocked Account. Every year, according to the prevailing economic conditions as well as the relevant fee structure, every university would request that a monthly sum be provided for the student to facilitate his living expenses in the country as well as for completing his education, this money is deposited in a Blocked Account.
The amount that will be blocked in German bank accounts has been set at €11,904 for an entire academic year. This amount roughly translates to €992/month. For a student, this amount would cover accommodation, living expenses, and even travel pass costs. A Blocked Account is a mandatory requirement. Let us take a look at what the average expense of a student in Germany looks like.
Average Expenses of a German student (2025)
| Factors | Cost of Living |
|---|---|
| Accommodation in Germany | €567 Per month |
| Food | €200 to €400 Per month |
| Health Insurance | € 120 to € 130 Per month. |
| Transportation | €100 per month |
| Utilities | €300 per month |
| Other Expenses | varies |
| Total Cost of Living in Germany | €1,297 to €1,500 per month |
Average Everyday Prices
| Particulars | Expenses incurred per month |
|---|---|
| 1 loaf of bread (approx. 500g) | EUR 2 |
| 1 kilogramme of potatoes | EUR 0.99 |
| 1 litre of milk | EUR 0.90 |
| 1 bottle of mineral water (0.75 litres) | EUR 0.80 |
| 1 cup of coffee (in a café) | EUR 2.50 |
| 1 glass of beer (in a pub) | EUR 3 |
| 1 pizza (in a restaurant) | EUR 7 |
| 1 lunch (in the cafeteria) | EUR 2.50 |
| 1 T-shirt | EUR 10 - 50 |
| 1 pair of trousers | EUR 30 - 100 |
| 1 cinema ticket (with student discount) | EUR 6 |
| 1 theatre ticket (with student discount) | EUR 6 - 30 |
| 1 museum ticket (with student discount) | EUR 2 - 8 |
source: DAAD
Also Read
| Education Loan for Studying in Germany | Cost of Studying in Germany |
| Scholarships for Germany | Cost of Living in Germany |
Admission Requirements for German Universities
Candidates should note that every university has its own admission requirements. We are going to provide students with a rudimentary outline of some of the most important elements that make up the admission process.
For Undergraduate Studies
- Candidates should have successfully passed their Class 12 Examinations
- Scores of English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic
- Basic IT Skills (for Technical courses)
- Official Transcripts (Academic + Extracurricular)
- Student CV
- Evidence of proficiency in the German Language (TestDAF or DSH)
For Postgraduate Studies
- Students must have completed a bachelor's degree in a related field
- Scores of English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic
- GRE or GMAT Scores
- Official Transcripts (Academic + Extracurricular)
- Student CV
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Evidence of proficiency in German Language (TestDAF or DSH)
Important: Candidates should note that the above requirements are a general outline of what would be expected as part of the admission process. However, candidates would have to go above and beyond when the actual admission process commences.
Related Reads
Post-Study Opportunities in Germany
One of the biggest questions students have is: What comes after graduation? This is one of the most important questions of every graduating student. The expectations built on the Return on Investment (ROI) are extremely high on money spent for studying abroad. Hence, a lot of students end up asking about the job scenario and market prospects.
Candidates should note that talking to university alumni and also joining various online forums would give them an idea about the job scenario of the German economy around the time they graduate. Hence, candidates still doubting on going to Germany to pursue higher education should be aware that it is not often one who comes across a study destination that is qualitative but also affordable.
Germany offers:
-
Post-study work permits
-
Job seeker visas
-
Pathways to permanent residency
To increase your ROI (Return on Investment), talk to university alumni, join student communities, and explore career support services offered on campus.
Related Reads
| Germany Student Visa Guide | Part-Time Work Options in Germany |
| Post-Study Work Permits in Germany | Popular Job Sectors in Germany |
For more queries, do get in touch with us in the comments below. Candidates can also get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad experts on our website.
Yes, most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs. Students are generally required to pay a nominal semester fee ranging from €100 to €300.
Yes, living costs in Germany are significantly higher for Indians. On average, a single person would need about INR 85,316 (approximately €1,000) per month to maintain a similar lifestyle that costs around INR 27,882 in India. This means living expenses in Germany can be about 205.9% higher than in India.
To study in Germany, students need around €11,904 annually for living expenses. This is approximately INR 10,50,000. Additionally, students should consider health insurance and other personal expenses when budgeting.
A few of the reasons to study at BSBI Germany campus are:
- Central Location: The main campus of BSBI Germany is located in the heart of Berlin. It is located in the historical building of Alte Post. The neighborhood surrounding the campus has shops, restaurants, and cafes
- Diverse community: When students join BSBI, they are going to witness a diverse student cohort of over 100 nationalities
- Affordable education: Berlin is one of the best value European cities that lead to high-quality education, making it one of the most affordable cities in Europe to live and study in
- Dedicated career and employment support: BSBI Berlin a range of career support services to its students
- Academic excellence: The teachers at the school are experienced industry professionals who pass on their expertise through hands-on teaching methods
The acceptance rate for the IU International University of Applied Science ranges between 40% to 80%, which means the selection process of the university is moderate to highly competitive. Students who hold good academic scores, exam test scores along with all the required documents that help them to secure enrollment in the university.
The acceptance rate shows that out of 100 students, only 40 to 80 students are accepted; therefore, it is also suggested to the students that they should apply at the university before the application deadline or the semester begins as per the details shared by the university.
Yes Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences is free for students. However, applicants need to maintain certain criteria to get free tution fees. Some of the courses in which Frankfurt University has free tution fees are courses like Accounting & Finance, Advanced Architecture, General Computer Science, General Mechanical Engineering, Applied Nursing Science, Business Administration, Architecture, Aviation & Tourism Management, and more. But the tuition fee for an MSc in urban agglomeration is INR 5.39 L ( which is low compared to other countries.
As per Article 3 LHGebG (Baden-Württemberg Act on State University Fees), international students from third-countries / Non-EU countries attending bachelor’s, teacher’s, and consecutive master’s programs and free movers will have to pay the tuition fee of amount EUR 1,500 per semester. Students can check the cost of living in Germany for International Students from here.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Public universities in Germany have zero tuition fees for both domestic and international students. Generally, public universities like the University of Cologne and RWTH Aachen University have minimal fees, mainly covering administrative costs.