15 Free and Cheap Universities in Germany for International Students

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In Germany, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Germany without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Germany, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 345 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Germany, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Germany for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Germany ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Trier 0 Euros 100%
University of Kassel 0 Euros 100%
Hochschule Worms University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Pforzheim University 0 Euros 100%
Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin 0 Euros 100%
University of Bremen 0 Euros 100%
Friedrich Schiller University Jena 0 Euros 100%
Leipzig University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Berlin School of Economics and Law 0 Euros 100%
University of Vechta 0 Euros 100%
Rostock University of Music and Theatre 0 Euros 100%
Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel 0 Euros 100%
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 0 Euros 100%
Berlin University of the Arts 0 Euros 100%
Ruhr University Bochum 0 Euros 100%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 1,760 Euros for universities in Germany.

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1. University of Trier

Universität Trier, or the University of Trier in English, is a public institution in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The history of this ancient university can be traced back to 1473, when it was established through a mandate from Pope Nicholas V. No English-taught undergraduate programs are available at the university. However, there are a limited number of English-taught master’s programs available.

2. University of Kassel

University of Kassel is a flourishing institution located in Hessen, Germany. As the institution is serious about helping combat current global issues, it puts great effort into promoting sustainability and climate change on its campus. In addition, it is even recognized for forming multidisciplinary programs concentrating on natural and agricultural sciences. The University of Kassel is fast becoming a first-rate university in the Hesse region. Many local and international students prefer obtaining a degree at the university even if it can still be considered a young university.

3. Hochschule Worms University of Applied Sciences

Hochschule Worms University of Applied Sciences shortly referred to as Hochschule Worms, is one of the public universities in Germany that offers tuition-free education. The university specializes in Computer Science, Management, and Business Sciences. At present, it has over 3,800 students population, with more than 25% international students.

4. Pforzheim University

Pforzheim University has a unique selection of academic disciplines. Study programs offered at the university are not the usual mix of the general courses that come together. The school is specifically designed as an applied science university. It has over 28 undergraduate and 19 postgraduate programs in engineering, law, business, and design. An option to obtain a double-degree program is also possible.

5. Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin

The Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler or Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin in English is a specialized public institution established in 1950 in Berlin, Germany. It is one of the most prominent music schools worldwide, ranking 28th in the performing arts by the QS World Rankings. A relatively small school of less than a thousand students, its events aren’t all exclusive – they host numerous public events to showcase students’ talents and skills.

6. University of Bremen

The University of Bremen carries out research-based learning in a wide range of disciplines. For years, it has already established an excellent reputation in engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The university has ambitious and agile goals, making it one of the eleven recipients of the Universities of Excellence award.

7. Friedrich Schiller University Jena

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena, simply known by most as the University of Jena, is a public center of learning in Germany. It is situated in the lovely state of Thuringia. Additionally, it is popular for being one of the oldest universities in the country as it was founded in the year 1558.

8. Leipzig University of Applied Sciences

Leipzig University of Applied Sciences provides an excellent combination of application-driven and practice-oriented teaching setup. The university is known for its engineering-related degrees and state-of-the-art facilities. Leipzig University of Applied Sciences enables students worldwide to experience free high-quality education and contribute to the growing industry.

9. Berlin School of Economics and Law

The Berlin School of Economics and Law, founded in 1971, is one of the public universities in Berlin, Germany. With over 11,000 students, it is also one of the largest in the city. The university offers over 50 degree programs in Business and Economics, Law, Public Administration, and Engineering.

10. University of Vechta

The University of Vechta, or Universität Vechta in German, is a public research institution in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is also an ancient university whose history goes back to 1830. The available study programs are concentrated on teaching, social sciences, gerontology, social work, and philosophy. The university takes pride in being a family-friendly and sustainable institution.

11. Rostock University of Music and Theatre

Still considered a young university, Rostock University of Music and Theatre is a well-respected music and theater university in Germany and across the globe. It is one of creative and artistic students’ most preferred training institutions. In addition, only a handful of talented students are admitted yearly as the university’s admissions can be quite strenuous but very well worth it.

12. Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel

The Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, more commonly known as the University of Kiel, is a prestigious public institution for tertiary studies in Germany. It is based in the scenic state of Schleswig-Holstein. Furthermore, it is famed for its high-quality education and impactful contributions to research.

13. Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is a German educational institution that is open to students at all tertiary levels. It is located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Moreover, the institution specializes in arts, business, humanities, law, mathematics, and more.

14. Berlin University of the Arts

Berlin University of the Arts is a world-renowned center of excellence. Having been established in 1696, it undeniably has a rich historical background. In line with that, it has produced loads of popular and successful artists.

15. Ruhr University Bochum

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is a public research university in Bochum City. It is part of the German Research Foundation and has made numerous innovative strides in engineering, psychology, and materials science. Unlike other prestigious German universities, RUB initially operated a single mega campus south of Bochum City. However, the university is perpetually evolving and is currently developing state-of-the-art facilities in various locations within the city. Among its new properties is the Mark 51°7 technology campus, which is presently under construction. Facilities like third-party research institutes, tech start-ups, and innovation hubs are in the works to populate the new campus.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Germany for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Germany ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Osnabrück University 0 Euros 100%
Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg 0 Euros 100%
OTH Amberg-Weiden 0 Euros 100%
Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts 0 Euros 100%
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg 0 Euros 100%
RPTU – University of Kaiserslautern-Landau 0 Euros 100%
Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt 0 Euros 100%
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Harz University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Ilmenau University of Technology 0 Euros 100%
Saarland University 0 Euros 100%
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Westphalian University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Protestant University of Applied Sciences Rhineland-Westphalia-Lippe 0 Euros 100%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 2,380 Euros for universities in Germany.

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1. Osnabrück University

Osnabrück University is proud to offer a wide variety of courses to its students. It is also particularly known for being an outstanding research center in Germany. The university also believes in equality among men and women, with an Equal Opportunity Office dedicated to overseeing projects on gender equality.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Osnabrück University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg is 0 Euros.

Established a few years after World War II, the Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg is known for its rich heritage, and this institution is probably ranked among the oldest film schools that are present in the world today. Also being the largest film school in Germany, the university offers a wide variety of academic programs in filmmaking, which makes this school an attractive option for international students around the world. Even though this school has been around for a very long time, the academic standard is still on par with the rest of the world due to its enhanced research, upgraded academic facilities, and improved connections with artistic institutions all around the globe.

3. OTH Amberg-Weiden

OTH Amberg-Weiden is a young university situated in the state of Bavaria. Its two campuses are equally equipped with modern facilities, laboratories, and lecture rooms. The university’s location is an ideal place to study as the living costs are relatively low compared to other major cities in Germany. In addition, the academic programs are carefully selected to offer only well-structured and advanced courses to a diverse group of students.

The tuition fee at OTH Amberg-Weiden for incoming international master’s students is 0 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts

Another affordable university to consider in Germany is Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts.

The Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts is an educational institution that offers study programs in music, dance, and performing arts. It was established in 1971, but its rich history and tradition date back to 1756. The university is known for its excellence and success in the performing arts industry and has a long list of influential individuals that have taught there.

The tuition fee in Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 Euros.

5. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 0 Euros yearly.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg strongly aims to continue the legacy of German education and raise its standards through teaching and research. The university has a firm educational structure with a focus on engineering, medicine, and natural sciences field. The university highly ensures free and equal study opportunities for all students.

6. RPTU – University of Kaiserslautern-Landau

RPTU – University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau) is a public research university in Germany, formed in 2023 by the merger of TU Kaiserslautern and the Landau campus of University of Koblenz-Landau. With about 17,000 students across its campuses in Kaiserslautern and Landau, the university offers over 160 study programs, strong research links (including Fraunhofer, Max Planck, and AI institutes), and emphasizes innovation and international collaboration.

7. Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt

The Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt traces back its roots in two institutions: Collegium Willibaldum founded in 1472, and the University of Ingolstadt founded in 1564. In 1980, the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt officially became a university. They offer courses from different disciplines such as sciences, literature, theology, philosophy, languages, history, and mathematics, among others.

8. Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

The Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1971, though its history goes back to 1876 through the foundation of the Technical University of Darmstadt. It is one of the largest universities for Applied Sciences in Hesse, Germany. The university has over 17,000 students, with more than 18% international students.

9. Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences

Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1994. It is a public university situated in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences offers a variety of courses from different fields such as sciences, engineering, information systems, design, management, and business, among others.

10. Harz University of Applied Sciences

Harz University of Applied Sciences provides excellent education when it comes to science, technology, and business courses. The university aims to give actual practice to the students, which is why it continues to improve its training facilities and equipment. Harz University of Applied Sciences has a friendly atmosphere where students from all over the world can gather up and study things that they are passionate about. In recent years, the institution has successfully boosted its connections with global industry leaders and experts.

11. Ilmenau University of Technology

The Ilmenau University of Technology was established in 1894. As a public research university. The Ilmenau University of Technology has focused on the area of engineering while having a strong background as well as natural sciences and economics. The Ilmenau University of Technology also offers degrees in other areas such as economics, technology, media, mathematics, and management, among others.

12. Saarland University

Saarland University is a German public institute for tertiary studies. It is based in the charming city of Saarbrücken. Additionally, the university is well-known for its excellence in science-focused programs.

13. Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is an innovative technical university situated in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Since the university specializes in applied science, the institution ensures that its academic programs are well-formed, advanced, and distinct to attract many German and international students. The university’s learning approach is one key feature that captivates these prospective students: a combined research-based and practice-oriented approach to cultivate students with the desired knowledge and core capabilities. The university is still a young university, and it is very much committed to becoming a modern and leading university in Germany in years to come.

14. Westphalian University of Applied Sciences

Located in the center of the former industrial complex, the Westphalian University of Applied Science is a highly modern institution that houses nearly 10,000 people. Featuring three different campuses filled with the latest technology, the Westphalian University showcases top-tier academic programs in the fields related to engineering, technology, natural sciences, and business. In addition to its high-quality teaching, the university also boasts outstanding research capabilities that continue to attract geniuses from all over the globe.

15. Protestant University of Applied Sciences Rhineland-Westphalia-Lippe

The Protestant University of Applied Sciences Rhineland-Westphalia-Lippe was founded in 1971. Through the years, it is one of the institutions that was transformed into a university of applied sciences. The Protestant University of Applied Sciences Rhineland-Westphalia-Lippe offers courses in social work, management, education, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Germany?

Applying to cheap universities in Germany requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Germany for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Germany?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Germany. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Germany is the Berlin School of Economics and Law, which offers Business Administration, Economics, and International Business Management to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences offers Architecture, Biomedical Engineering, and Data Science.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Germany, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Germany as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Germany for international students was helpful!