Education in Germany, including primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary education, is government-funded. This means that most universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees.
Tuition fees for international students in Germany
In 2013, Lower Saxony was the last German federal state to scrap tuition fees after they were re-introduced in 2006 as part of a short-lived experiment. With the exception of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Saxony (see below), almost all public universities in Germany are free to attend at bachelor, master’s and doctorate level.
Semester fees (Semesterbeitrag)
Students do have to pay administrative fees (Semesterbeitrag) of around 150 to 250 euros per semester. This money goes towards subsidising student accommodation and canteens. It also entitles you to membership at the students’ union, a travel card for public transportation and access to university sports facilities.
Tuition fees in Baden-Württemberg
As of the winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has elected to charge tuition fees of 1.500 euros per semester to international students. This charge does not apply to citizens from the EU or EEA, or international students who hold a German secondary school leaving certificate (Abitur).
Tuition fees in Saxony
In Saxony, universities are free to charge tuition fees to non-EU students, but very few have so far opted to do so.
Tuition fees in Bavaria
In 2023, the state of Bavaria granted universities authority to charge fees to non-EU students, but so far the only institution to take up the option is the Technical University of Munich (TUM), which reintroduced fees for third-country nationals from the winter semester of 2024/2025.
A similar move was previously abandoned by North Rhine-Westphalia over concerns it would limit international student numbers.
Do non-EU students have to pay tuition fees?
In short, no. Neither German, EU or non-EU citizens have to pay tuition fees at German universities, with the exceptions outlined above. As a non-EU student, however, you will need a visa or residence permit and proof that you can cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in Germany.
Private university costs in Germany
The majority of universities in Germany are financed by the state and therefore do not charge tuition fees. Private universities, however, may charge higher fees.
Student financing options
The German federal government provides financial support for students in Germany with the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG), which is given as a grant and/or an interest-free loan. On top of this, there are other grants and scholarships available for international students, through programmes like Erasmus+ and the DAAD.