10 Cheapest and Most Affordable Universities in Germany

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.

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. 

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

• 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

Humboldt University of Berlin

Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university. It started with four faculties: medicine, law, theology, and philosophy. The university is currently offering 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

The University of Bremen is an open research university known to be under the Institutional Strategies category. It 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

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

The LMU 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. 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 Details

Other affordable and cheap public universities in Germany include:

• University of Gottingen 
• Technical University of Berlin
• 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.  

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

AU Berlin is an education hub for programs designed with a strong emphasis on employability and professional development. Most courses are endorsed by professional bodies.

IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU)

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

There is not only tution fees for studying in Germany. 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)

Average Everyday Prices

source: DAAD 

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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

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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.