International students who want a top-notch education without the high cost have long made Germany a popular destination. Germany is well-known for its high academic standards, cutting-edge research, and varied cultural experiences. It provides students from all over the world with a variety of opportunities.
Regardless of nationality, the majority of public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, which makes them a desirable choice for students looking for an inexpensive higher education. The top 10 public universities in Germany that will provide free education to foreign students in 2025 will be discussed in this article.
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Rank: 41st globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
TUM is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, particularly in engineering, technology, and the natural sciences. It collaborates closely with industries, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge research and practical experience.
Highlights:
- Wide range of English-taught programmes
- Strong industry connections
- No tuition fees, only a semester contribution of approximately €150
- Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
- Free Courses and Degrees: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/organizing-your-studies/course-offerings
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU München)
Rank: 60th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
LMU Munich offers a comprehensive range of programmes across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine. It is known for its high academic standards and vibrant research community.
Highlights:
- Diverse range of programmes
- High-quality research facilities
- Semester contribution of around €129
- Estimated Application Opening Date: January 15, 2025
- Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.lmu.de/en/study/all-degrees-and-programs/international-degree-programs/
Heidelberg University
Rank: 63rd globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
As Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg is famous for its research and teaching excellence, particularly in the humanities and natural sciences. It fosters a strong international community, attracting students from around the globe.
Highlights:
- Rich academic tradition
- Extensive international partnerships
- Tuition fee of €1,500 per semester for non-EU students, plus a semester contribution of €171.80
- Estimated Application Opening Date: November 1, 2024
- Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/study/all-subjects
Humboldt University of Berlin
Rank: 70th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Humboldt University is renowned for its humanities, arts, and social sciences programmes. It emphasises interdisciplinary research and offers numerous English-taught courses, making it a top choice for international students.
Highlights:
- Strong focus on humanities and social sciences
- Located in the heart of Berlin
- Semester contribution of approximately €315
- Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
- Free Courses and Degrees: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/counselling/leaflets/ba_html
RWTH Aachen University
Rank: 71st globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
RWTH Aachen is a leading institution for engineering and technology studies. Its close ties with industry and emphasis on practical experience make it a hub for aspiring engineers and scientists.
Highlights:
- Leading engineering programmes
- Extensive industry collaborations
- Semester contribution of around €300
- Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
- Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/vor-dem-studium/~efv/studiengaenge/?mobile=1&lidx=1
Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
Rank: 106th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Tübingen is well-known for its strengths in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It offers a supportive academic environment with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
Highlights:
- Strong research orientation
- Beautiful historic campus
- Tuition fee of €1,500 per semester for non-EU students, plus a semester contribution of €158.30
- Estimated Application Opening Date: November 15, 2024
- Free Courses and Degrees: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/study/finding-a-course/degree-programs-available/
Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Rank: 107th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Charité is one of Europe’s largest university hospitals, specialising in medical and health sciences. It offers world-class medical education and research opportunities, attracting students and researchers globally.
Highlights:
- Leading medical education and research institutions
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Semester contribution of approximately €315
- Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
- Free Courses and Degrees: https://www.charite.de/en/teaching_learning/degree_programs/
University of Freiburg
Rank: 111th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
The University of Freiburg is known for its strong programmes in natural sciences, engineering, and humanities. It has a rich academic tradition and fosters an inclusive international community.
Highlights:
- Diverse academic programmes
- Vibrant international student community
- Tuition fee of €1,500 per semester for non-EU students, plus a semester contribution of €155
- Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
- Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.studium.uni-freiburg.de/en/program-offerings/english-taught-degree-programs
University of Cologne
Rank: 134th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
The University of Cologne offers a wide range of programmes across various disciplines, with strong research output in social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
Highlights:
- Broad range of study programmes
- Strong research focus
- Semester contribution of approximately €280
- Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
- Free Courses/Degrees: https://studienorientierung.uni-koeln.de/range_of_courses/index_eng.html
University of Göttingen
Rank: 135th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Göttingen is renowned for its excellence in research, particularly in the natural sciences and humanities. It offers a vibrant academic environment and numerous English-taught programmes.
Highlights:
- Strong emphasis on research and innovation
- Extensive international collaborations
- Semester contribution of around €370
- Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
- Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3811.html
