15 Free and Cheap Universities in Hessen for International Students

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In Hessen, 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 Hessen, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 22 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Hessen, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
RheinMain University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Goethe University Frankfurt 0 Euros 100%
Geisenheim University 0 Euros 100%
Philipps University of Marburg 0 Euros 100%
University of Giessen 0 Euros 100%
Technical University of Darmstadt 0 Euros 100%
Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts 0 Euros 100%
University of Kassel 0 Euros 100%
Fulda University of Applied Science 0 Euros 100%
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) 0 Euros 100%
Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Giessen School of Theology 3,000 Euros -17%
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 9,000 Euros - 10,800 Euros -252%
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management 14,100 Euros -452%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 2,550 Euros for universities in Hessen.

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1. RheinMain University of Applied Sciences

Hochschule RheinMain or RheinMain University of Applied Sciences is a public institution in Wiesbaden City, Germany. The university is conveniently part of Europe’s Silicon Valley: IT-Cluster Rhine-Main-Neckar. Moreover, it has two locations: Wiesbaden and Rüsselsheim. The Wiesbaden location is further subdivided into three campuses.

2. Goethe University Frankfurt

Goethe University Frankfurt, colloquially referred to as Goethe University, is a public institution of higher learning in Frankfurt. The university is named in honour of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a famous philosopher from Frankfurt. Since its founding by prominent Frankfurt citizens in 1914, Geothe University has grown into one of the leading universities in Germany, gaining an outstanding reputation for its business and social research programs.

The university has five campuses spread across various locations in the city. Its new Westend Campus, with its picturesque fields and travertine-faced buildings, is one of Germany’s most beautiful campuses.

3. Geisenheim University

Geisenheim University offers a variety of in-demand courses. It focuses on programs related to food and beverage, environment, and technology, enabling students to work alongside renowned researchers and professors. Since its establishment, the university has already built an excellent reputation, primarily due to its professional and practice-oriented graduates.

4. Philipps University of Marburg

The Philipps University of Marburg, usually referred to as the University of Marburg, is among the public universities in Hessen, Germany. It was founded in 1527, making it one of the oldest operating universities in the country. The university currently has over 22,000 students, with more than 15% international enrolment, and offers programs in Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine.

5. University of Giessen

The University of Giessen has the official name of Justus Liebig University Giessen, named after the inventor of artificial fertilizer. It is part of the world’s top 500 universities, an impressive feat. Various disciplines, including law, medicine, arts, and business, are available at the institution. For those pursuing medicine, the University of Geissen has the only private university hospital in Germany.

6. Technical University of Darmstadt

The Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) is a public institute of higher studies in Germany. It is a prestigious center of learning, mainly due to its rich historical background and top-quality courses and programs. Adding to this, TU Darmstadt is also consistently included in lists of top universities worldwide.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Fulda University of Applied Science

Fulda University of Applied Science is home to over 7,000 students from both Germany and around the world. With the vision and goal of making a difference, the university strives to provide their students with the means of changing the world. They offer students the opportunity to follow their dreams and chase the career they wish to pursue.

10. 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.

11. European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)

European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), or Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) in German, is a public institution and among the smallest universities in Germany. It is also known as the Viadrina or the University of Frankfurt (Oder). An ancient establishment, the university was first founded in 1506 but closed down in 1811. It was then reopened in 1991 as the present university. Many programs are offered at the Viadrina, some of which are English-taught.

12. Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences

Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) is a specialized university that offers numerous degree programs in applied science. The university educates more than 18000 full-time students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels on three campuses in Hesse, Germany. Each of its campuses promotes an open-minded environment between instructors and students. The faculty encourages students to participate in social interactions and activities to help develop their capabilities and skills. This ensures that students will reach their full potential upon completion of their studies at the university.

13. Giessen School of Theology

The Giessen School of Theology was established 1974. Is it situated in the city of Giessen, Hesse. The Giessen School of Theology is focused on Theology, and is recognized Hessen Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts.

14. Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1848. Originally named Fresenius Chemical Laboratory, it became a private university situated in Idstein, Germany. It established distance and online learning for students across different programs in 2015.

15. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

Known as one of the top business schools not only in Germany but on the entire continent, the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management is a private academic institution that provides outstanding business education and research. It is among the elite business schools that received triple accreditation from the three most prominent accrediting bodies. The school’s programs are designed to be up-to-date with the latest business trends to train students to become highly adaptable and competent professionals in the business industry.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
RheinMain University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Goethe University Frankfurt 0 Euros 100%
Geisenheim University 0 Euros 100%
Philipps University of Marburg 0 Euros 100%
University of Giessen 0 Euros 100%
Technical University of Darmstadt 0 Euros 100%
Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts 0 Euros 100%
University of Kassel 0 Euros 100%
Fulda University of Applied Science 0 Euros 100%
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) 0 Euros 100%
Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros - 7,050 Euros 100%
Giessen School of Theology 3,000 Euros 13%
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 9,000 Euros - 10,800 Euros -162%
EBS University of Business and Law 15,900 Euros -363%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 3,432 Euros for universities in Hessen.

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1. RheinMain University of Applied Sciences

Hochschule RheinMain or RheinMain University of Applied Sciences is a public institution in Wiesbaden City, Germany. The university is conveniently part of Europe’s Silicon Valley: IT-Cluster Rhine-Main-Neckar. Moreover, it has two locations: Wiesbaden and Rüsselsheim. The Wiesbaden location is further subdivided into three campuses.

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

2. Goethe University Frankfurt

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

Goethe University Frankfurt, colloquially referred to as Goethe University, is a public institution of higher learning in Frankfurt. The university is named in honour of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a famous philosopher from Frankfurt. Since its founding by prominent Frankfurt citizens in 1914, Geothe University has grown into one of the leading universities in Germany, gaining an outstanding reputation for its business and social research programs.

The university has five campuses spread across various locations in the city. Its new Westend Campus, with its picturesque fields and travertine-faced buildings, is one of Germany’s most beautiful campuses.

3. Geisenheim University

Geisenheim University offers a variety of in-demand courses. It focuses on programs related to food and beverage, environment, and technology, enabling students to work alongside renowned researchers and professors. Since its establishment, the university has already built an excellent reputation, primarily due to its professional and practice-oriented graduates.

The tuition fee at Geisenheim University 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. Philipps University of Marburg

Another affordable university to consider in Hessen is Philipps University of Marburg.

The Philipps University of Marburg, usually referred to as the University of Marburg, is among the public universities in Hessen, Germany. It was founded in 1527, making it one of the oldest operating universities in the country. The university currently has over 22,000 students, with more than 15% international enrolment, and offers programs in Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine.

The tuition fee in Philipps University of Marburg for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 Euros.

5. University of Giessen

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Giessen 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.

The University of Giessen has the official name of Justus Liebig University Giessen, named after the inventor of artificial fertilizer. It is part of the world’s top 500 universities, an impressive feat. Various disciplines, including law, medicine, arts, and business, are available at the institution. For those pursuing medicine, the University of Geissen has the only private university hospital in Germany.

6. Technical University of Darmstadt

The Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) is a public institute of higher studies in Germany. It is a prestigious center of learning, mainly due to its rich historical background and top-quality courses and programs. Adding to this, TU Darmstadt is also consistently included in lists of top universities worldwide.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Fulda University of Applied Science

Fulda University of Applied Science is home to over 7,000 students from both Germany and around the world. With the vision and goal of making a difference, the university strives to provide their students with the means of changing the world. They offer students the opportunity to follow their dreams and chase the career they wish to pursue.

10. 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.

11. European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)

European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), or Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) in German, is a public institution and among the smallest universities in Germany. It is also known as the Viadrina or the University of Frankfurt (Oder). An ancient establishment, the university was first founded in 1506 but closed down in 1811. It was then reopened in 1991 as the present university. Many programs are offered at the Viadrina, some of which are English-taught.

12. Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences

Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) is a specialized university that offers numerous degree programs in applied science. The university educates more than 18000 full-time students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels on three campuses in Hesse, Germany. Each of its campuses promotes an open-minded environment between instructors and students. The faculty encourages students to participate in social interactions and activities to help develop their capabilities and skills. This ensures that students will reach their full potential upon completion of their studies at the university.

13. Giessen School of Theology

The Giessen School of Theology was established 1974. Is it situated in the city of Giessen, Hesse. The Giessen School of Theology is focused on Theology, and is recognized Hessen Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts.

14. Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1848. Originally named Fresenius Chemical Laboratory, it became a private university situated in Idstein, Germany. It established distance and online learning for students across different programs in 2015.

15. EBS University of Business and Law

EBS University of Business and Law was established in 1971 as a private research university. EBS has three campuses: two in Wiesbaden and one in Oestrich-Winkel. EBS has officially attained its university status in 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Hessen 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 Hessen?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Hessen. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Hessen is the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, which offers Animation and Game, Business Psychology, and Energy Management to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences offers Animation and Game Direction, Civil 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 Hessen, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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