Is TUM Munich FREE for Indian Students? Here is the Truth!

For years, the Technical University of Munich has offered tuition-free education to Indian students. But is that still the case in 2026? In this guide, you’ll get a clear answer to this question, and everything else you need to know before packing your bags for studies in Germany.

Is TU Munich Really Free for Indian Students in 2026?

No, the Technical University of Munich is not free for Indian students in 2026. The university has been charging tuition fees from non-EU/EEA students since the winter semester of the 2024-25 session. However, international students from EEA countries (EU + Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein), and all countries with corresponding agreements are exempt from paying tuition costs at TUM Germany.

However, some aspects of studies are still free for Indian students at TU Munich. Check out the video below to know more:

What is the Technical University of Munich Fee for Indian Students in 2026?

Indian students planning to enrol in UG courses have to pay EUR 2,000 or EUR 3,000 (INR 2.22 Lakhs or INR 3.34 Lakhs) as the tuition fee, per semester. As for most PG courses, the average per-semester TUM Munich tuition fees for Indian students are EUR 4,000 or EUR 6,000 (INR 4.45 Lakhs and INR 6.7 Lakhs).

In addition, students are also required to pay a semester fee of EUR 97 (INR 10.8 K) at the Munich, Heilbronn, Garching, and Weihenstephan campuses and EUR 82 (INR 9.1 K) at the Straubing campus.

TUM Munich Tuition Fee Waiver for Indian Students

Under certain conditions, Indian students can get their tuition fee waived at TU Munich. The university awards tuition fee waivers to students with special needs or those who are willing to bear the expenses of their families.

Mentioned below are the TUM Germany tuition fee waiver options for Indian students to consider:

TUM Scholarships for Indian Students

TUM Germany offers several merit-based and need-based scholarships for Indian students in Germany. These include tuition fee waivers and discounts worth up to EUR 1,800 (INR 2 Lakhs) per semester. Mentioned below are some popular financial aid options available to Indian students at TUM:

Note: The university also accepts external scholarships to study in Germany for Indian students.

Are there any TUM Courses Indian Students can still pursue for FREE?

Yes, despite the change in tuition policy, there are still 40+ courses that Indian students can pursue without paying tuition fees. Mentioned below are some popular TUM Munich Courses that Indian students can pursue for free:

What is the cost of living for Indian students at TUM?

The cost of living for Indian students at TUM Germany varies based on lifestyle and location.  The Munich/Greater Munich area is usually more expensive compared to Heilbronn or Straubing. The average cost of living in Munich for Indian students ranges between EUR 1,300 and EUR 2,000 (INR 1.45 Lakhs and INR 2.22 Lakhs) per month.

However, living in Heilbronn or Straubing costs EUR 900 to EUR 1,200 (INR 1 Lakh to INR 1.33 Lakhs) per month. Given below is a detailed breakdown of how living costs in Munich compare to the living costs in Heilbronn/Straubing for Indian students:

1 EUR = INR 111.34

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Is TUM Munich worth it for Indian Students in 2026?

Despite the higher tuition and living expenses, TU Munich is still worth the cost for Indian students. The university ranks #13 in the world and #5 in Europe for Graduate Employability in 2026, as per Times Higher Education. The table below shows the Return on Investment (ROI) that Indian students can expect on their initial investment in tuition fees.

Source: Unofficial

TU Munich vs Other Top Public Universities in Germany: Which is better for Indian students?

While TUM remains the best-ranked university in Germany, other public universities like RWTH Aachen and LMU Munich charge no tuition fees from Indian students. Mentioned below is how TUM Munich compares to other public universities in Germany for Indian students:

Indian students should choose TUM if:

• Interested in STEM or Engineering degrees in particular

• Comfortable with the higher tuition and living costs

• Want more English-taught course options

Other public universities in Germany can be better for Indian students interested in:

• Non-STEM programs like Business and Humanities

• Affordable studies at a top-tier German university

• Tuition-free universities with better admission chances

Still confused about which university is right for you? Get in touch with one of our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors to get FREE counselling on the best universities, admission process, funding your studies in Germany, part-time work options, scholarships, and more.