15 Free and Cheap Universities in Germany for International Students

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 359 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Germany, make sure to read more!

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!

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 Academy of Fine Arts Munich, which offers Sculpture, Photography, and New Media to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Academy of Media Arts Cologne offers Media and Fine Art, 3D-Animation, and Creative Production.

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*
Osnabrück University 0 Euros 100%
Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Berlin-Weissensee Art Academy 0 Euros 100%
Academy of Fine Arts Munich 0 Euros 100%
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg 0 Euros 100%
Technical University of Kaiserslautern 0 Euros 100%
HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts 0 Euros 100%
Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
University of Erfurt 0 Euros 100%
Ilmenau University of Technology 0 Euros 100%
Leuphana University of Lüneburg 0 Euros 100%
Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Technical University of Dresden 0 Euros 100%
University of Trier 0 Euros 100%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 1,957 Euros for universities in Germany.

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.

2. Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences

Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences was established in 1971. It is a public university that blends theory and practice by combining internships, work placements, and other practical activities with classroom learning. It also works closely with different sectors of society in conducting several research projects aimed at addressing global issues. 

3. Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences

Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences (German: Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt), is a public university located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It’s two campuses in Hamm and Lippstadt offer students technologically advanced facilities for future-oriented education. At present, more than 5,700 students are taking up bachelor’s and master’s courses in Engineering and Business.

4. Berlin-Weissensee Art Academy

The Berlin-Weissensee Art Academy offers students a wide range of courses that instill in them a strong foundation in the arts. It also offers outstanding research programs that focus on sustainable design and media technology. Multiple facilities are also available on-campus, such as numerous studio workshops where students can hone their skills.

5. Academy of Fine Arts Munich

Established in the late 18th century, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts was established by the supreme ruler to train artisans who specialized in painting landscape, history, and life-like portraits. Being one of the oldest art academies in the world, this institution was later renamed the Academy of Fine Arts Munich due to the merging of two different departments. Offering a total of 25 different classes, the university emphasizes training in the practical applications of artistic skills and advanced abilities in the world of fine arts.

6. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

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.

7. Technical University of Kaiserslautern

The Technical University of Kaiserslautern (TUK) is a German public research university. It is located in the breathtaking state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Furthermore, TUK is a known institution for providing top-quality education as well as for its contribution to numerous studies throughout the years.

8. HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts

HAWK University of Hildesheim/Holzminden/Goettingen was established in 1971. It has three campuses, each one located in Hildesheim, Holzminden, and Göttingen. They offer courses across different fields of discipline such as engineering, architecture, education, design, and management, among others.

9. Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences

Established in 1991, the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences is an academic institution that houses nearly 5,000 students with over 100 academic professors. Offering over 50 programs in bachelor’s and master’s, the university offers a variety of options where students can go to have some fun. If you like sports, you can enjoy nearly 150 different options in physical activities, and there are interesting tourist spots, three movie theaters, classical concerts, gothic festivals, and beautiful city parks that are all open to the general public.

10. University of Erfurt

The University of Erfurt, or Universität Erfurt in German, is a public institution in Thuringia, Germany. Its roots are ancient, established in 1379, but it did experience temporary closure from 1816 to 1993. Upon reopening, the university focused on religion, culture, humanities, teaching, and social studies. It is home to one of the country’s most extensive manuscript collections. Both bachelor’s and master’s programs are available at the University of Erfurt.

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. Leuphana University of Lüneburg

The Leuphana University of Lüneburg is a public center of excellence in Germany. It opened its doors to students in the year 1946. Today, it is a globally recognized institution with a college, graduate school, and professional school.

13. Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences

Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) is situated in the idyllic places of Zittau and Görlitz in the state of Saxony. This modern university has over 40 study programs offered at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Among its vast array of programs, Energy and Environment and Transformations in Industry and Society, are its two top-quality courses. Moreover, HSZG offers in-demand and industry-specific programs that will significantly contribute to society.

14. Technical University of Dresden

The Technical University of Dresden is one of the leading academic institutes in Germany. It offers programs across a wide range of disciplines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Established in 1828, the university uniquely blends tradition and modernity. The university campus features buildings constructed in the post-war era as well as modern laboratories with the most advanced facilities in the world.

 

15. 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.

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*
University of Bamberg 0 Euros 100%
Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts 0 Euros 100%
Academy of Media Arts Cologne 0 Euros 100%
Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
German University of Administrative Sciences Speyer 0 Euros 100%
Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz 0 Euros 100%
University of Wuppertal 0 Euros 100%
FH Aachen 0 Euros 100%
Dresden University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts 0 Euros 100%
Technical University of Braunschweig 0 Euros 100%
University of Lübeck 0 Euros 100%
Helmut Schmidt University 0 Euros 100%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 2,554 Euros for universities in germany.

1. University of Bamberg

The University of Bamberg, or Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg in German, is a public institution in Bavaria, Germany. The university’s specialties include humanities, economics, and applied computer science. Such disciplines are covered by four faculties that comprise the University of Bamberg. The university also has several partnerships with foreign universities that offer degree programs.

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

2. Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts is 0 Euros.

Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts is a public institution in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Three campuses and seven faculties comprise the university. These faculties are applied social sciences, architecture, design, electrical engineering, computer science, information technology, mechanical engineering, and business studies. They offer a few English-taught master’s programs.

3. Academy of Media Arts Cologne

The Academy of Media Arts Cologne, also known as KHM (Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln), was founded in 1989. It is a public academic institution that offers courses in Media and Fine Arts, along with seminar-type classes in Art, Film and Television, and Literary Writing. The academy is home to over 400 students, with nearly 50% international students. 

The tuition fee at Academy of Media Arts Cologne 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. Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences

Another affordable university to consider in Germany is Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences.

Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, a public institution in Saxony, Germany, is one of the largest universities in its home state. It started as a private engineering school, but by 1935, such private status was removed. EduRank places the university at 124th among German universities.

The tuition fee in Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 Euros.

5. Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences 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.

Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, or Technische Hochschule Rosenheim, is a public institution in Bavaria, Germany. It is also known as TH Rosenheim. This technical university specializes in business, technology, design, healthcare and social studies. It offers several programs, some of which are English-taught. Four campuses comprise TH Rosenheim: Burghausen, Chiemgau, Mühldorf am Inn, and Rosenheim.

6. Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences

Also known as the HNU, the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences is a highly ranked institution that has multiple international partnerships with universities around the globe. In addition to its academic connections, the HNU also has partnered with numerous corporations and businesses around the world to foster cooperation. Through this fruitful cooperation, the graduates of HNU can learn valuable hands-on experience in top-tier companies while the businesses gain innovative minds that will help them prosper even in the future to come.

7. German University of Administrative Sciences Speyer

The German University of Administrative Sciences Speyer was founded in 1947 and offers Masters and Doctorate degrees in public administration. The university combines theoretical knowledge and practical application through lectures, research, and in-service training. With approximately 400 students, classes at the university are much smaller which increases individual attention and participation.

8. Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz

Known for its size and diversity, the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz offers students over 200 courses in a wide range of disciplines to choose from. This research-intensive university also has a high alumni employability thanks to its practical approach to teaching and its close ties with its industry partners. JGU is a recipient of multiple international awards for research excellence in different fields including medicine, physics, and humanities. 

9. University of Wuppertal

The University of Wuppertal was founded in 1972 and is a scientific institution. They have three campuses: Campus Grifflenberg which is the main campus, Campus Freudenberg, and Campus Haspel. The University of Wuppertal has different schools of discipline such as cultural studies, arts, design, humanities, engineering, etc.

10. FH Aachen

FH Aachen is also known as the Aachen University of Applied Sciences. The school has two locations: Aachen and Julich. There is a variety of degree programs being offered, especially the university’s specialist areas like business, engineering, and technology.

11. Dresden University of Applied Sciences

Dresden University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1992 and is recognized as one of Germany’s top universities in the applied sciences. The university strongly focuses on research and practical learning. It has established partnerships with approximately 150 domestic and international universities for its students and faculty to participate in exchange programs, research projects, and other activities. 

12. Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts

Also known as HfMDK, the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts is a state-institutionalized university of arts that trains its students to be successful in fields related to music, theater, and dance. As of right now, this institution is staffed by 63 full-time professors with the assistance of nearly 400 part-time lecturers. Accepting students from all over the world, this university houses nearly 1,000 full-time students that are enrolled in 30 different academic programs.

13. Technical University of Braunschweig

The Technical University of Braunschweig, or TU Braunschweig, was established in 1745. The university has different courses and specializations to offer that are spread across various areas. The Technical University of Braunschweig offers courses such as economics, mathematics, sciences, engineering, education, etc.

14. University of Lübeck

The University of Lübeck was established in 1964. As a research university, it focuses on sciences and medicine. It opened a new research center in 2016 named “Center for Brain, Behavior, and Metabolism” or CBBM, which offers research groups laboratory spaces and offices.

15. Helmut Schmidt University

Helmut Schmidt University is German military academic institution for officers and officer candidates founded in 1973. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in three semesters per academic year, allowing students to complete their education in a shorter time. At present, the university has around 2,500 students across its 4 academic departments.


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!