Tuition fees for Bachelor's in Germany
Find out all you need to know about tuition fees for Bachelor's in Germany! This guide covers everything from free public university options to living costs and financial aid tips.
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Last updated: May 2026
TL;DR: Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for Bachelor's programs, even for international students. The main exception is Baden-Wurttemberg, where non-EU students pay EUR 1,500/semester. The Technical University of Munich (TUM) introduced fees of EUR 2,000-3,000/semester since WS 2024/25. You will pay a semester contribution of EUR 150-400 per semester everywhere. Budget around EUR 950-1,200/month for living costs and a blocked account of EUR 11,904/year for your visa.
Are you planning a Bachelor's degree in Germany but uncertain about tuition fees, scholarships, and overall expenses? This guide walks you through every cost an international Bachelor's applicant should plan for in 2026.
Why study in Germany?
Before we discuss costs, here is why Germany is a strong pick for your Bachelor's:
- World-class education system: German universities are renowned globally for engineering, science, business, and arts.
- Affordable education: Germany offers free or low-cost tuition at public universities, making it accessible for international students.
- Diverse and inclusive environment: With students from all over the world, Germany welcomes international applicants and most universities offer dedicated support.
- Employment opportunities: Germany has one of the strongest economies in the EU. Student visa holders can work part-time and explore post-study work options.
Understanding tuition fees for Bachelor's in Germany
Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for Bachelor's programs. However, this does not mean there are zero costs. Here is the full breakdown.
1. Public universities and tuition-free education
Public universities in Germany are tuition-free for Bachelor's, applying to both domestic and international students. Important caveats:
- No tuition fees, but not completely free: Students still pay a semester contribution of EUR 150-400, covering administrative costs, student services, and the Deutschland-Ticket (EUR 58/month, included in most semester contributions).
- Exceptions: Baden-Wurttemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500/semester. The Technical University of Munich introduced fees of EUR 2,000-3,000/semester for non-EU Bachelor's students since winter semester 2024/25. TU Deggendorf followed.
Public universities in Germany (tuition + semester contribution for non-EU students)
| University | Federal state | Tuition (per semester) | Semester contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Stuttgart | Baden-Wurttemberg | EUR 1,500 | EUR 200-350 |
| University of Mannheim | Baden-Wurttemberg | EUR 1,500 | EUR 150-200 |
| University of Freiburg | Baden-Wurttemberg | EUR 1,500 | EUR 150-280 |
| University of Heidelberg | Baden-Wurttemberg | EUR 1,500 | EUR 170-280 |
| Technical University of Munich | Bavaria | EUR 2,000-3,000 | EUR 150 |
| University of Cologne | North Rhine-Westphalia | None | EUR 290 |
| Goethe University Frankfurt | Hesse | None | EUR 310 |
| University of Hamburg | Hamburg | None | EUR 350 |
| RWTH Aachen University | North Rhine-Westphalia | None | EUR 320 |
Note: Public universities in Baden-Wurttemberg charge EUR 1,500/semester specifically for non-EU international students. Most other federal states still maintain a tuition-free policy for public universities.
2. Private universities and tuition fees
Private universities in Germany do charge tuition fees, generally EUR 10,000 to EUR 24,000 per year depending on the institution and program.
- Why choose a private university? Smaller class sizes, specialised programs, additional resources for certain fields.
- Scholarships and funding: Private universities often offer scholarships or financial aid specifically for international students.
Private universities in Germany (typical annual tuition fees)
| University | Program type | Tuition (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Munich Business School | Business & Management | EUR 20,000-24,000 |
| Constructor University Bremen (formerly Jacobs) | Various (Science, Social Science) | EUR 20,000 |
| EBS University of Business and Law | Business, Economics, Law | EUR 19,000-21,000 |
| University of Applied Sciences Europe | Arts, Business, Sports, Tech | EUR 12,000-15,000 |
| Berlin International University of Applied Sciences | Arts, Business | EUR 8,000-12,000 |
| CODE University of Applied Sciences | Digital Product Development | EUR 9,800 |
| Macromedia University of Applied Sciences | Media, Design, Management | EUR 10,000-12,000 |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | Finance, Business, Management | EUR 14,000-20,000 |
| Bard College Berlin | Humanities, Social Thought | EUR 24,000 |
| Hochschule Fresenius | Health & Social Studies, Management | EUR 10,000-12,000 |
Note: Tuition fees at private universities vary widely. Most private universities offer scholarships or financial aid for international students; check funding directly with each university.
Key fees and costs to consider beyond tuition
While public universities typically do not charge tuition fees for Bachelor's programs, there are several other costs you will need to budget for.
1. Semester contribution
The semester contribution covers various student services and administrative costs, including the Deutschland-Ticket. This fee is mandatory and ranges from EUR 150 to EUR 400 per semester.
2. Student union and administrative fees
Bundled into the semester contribution. They fund libraries, computer labs, and sports centres.
3. Blocked account requirement
To get a German student visa, open a blocked account with EUR 11,904 per year (EUR 992/month). This proves you can support yourself financially. Use our blocked account calculator to estimate the exact amount.
4. Living expenses
Living costs in Germany are moderate compared to many other European countries, varying significantly by city:
- Rent and housing: EUR 350-750/month, with shared apartments (WG) or student dormitories more affordable.
- Food and groceries: EUR 200-300/month.
- Health insurance: Mandatory, ~EUR 120/month for statutory student plans.
- Public transportation: Deutschland-Ticket EUR 58/month, often included in your semester contribution.
Plan EUR 950-1,200/month total, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Funding your studies: scholarships and part-time work
Germany offers various ways to support international students financially.
1. Scholarships
Numerous scholarships for Bachelor's are available specifically for international students:
- DAAD scholarships: EUR 934/month plus travel and insurance for selected programs.
- Deutschlandstipendium: EUR 300/month, merit-based, all nationalities.
- Erasmus+: For EU exchange students.
- University-specific scholarships: Check each university's website.
For the full picture, see our scholarships guide.
2. Part-time work opportunities
International students can work 140 full days or 280 half days per year (raised from 120/240 in March 2024 under the Skilled Immigration Act 2.0):
- On-campus jobs: Research assistants (HiWi), library aides, administrative support.
- Off-campus jobs: Tutoring, retail, hospitality, cafes.
- Hourly wages: Minimum wage is EUR 13.90/hour as of 2026; many student jobs pay EUR 13.90-18/hour. Werkstudent positions can earn EUR 800-1,200/month.
For the full breakdown, see our part-time jobs guide and student jobs in Germany article.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Bachelor's programs in Germany cost?
Most public universities offer Bachelor's programs free of tuition, but students pay a semester contribution of EUR 150-400. Baden-Wurttemberg charges EUR 1,500/semester for non-EU students. TUM charges EUR 2,000-3,000/semester for non-EU students since WS 2024/25.
How much is the student tuition fee in Germany?
Public universities are mostly tuition-free for international students (with Baden-Wurttemberg and TUM exceptions). Private universities charge EUR 10,000-24,000 per year.
Do international students pay tuition in Germany?
International students at public universities usually do not pay tuition, except in Baden-Wurttemberg (EUR 1,500/semester for non-EU) and at TUM in Bavaria (EUR 2,000-3,000/semester for non-EU since WS 2024/25). Private universities charge tuition for everyone.
How much money do I need in a blocked account for a German student visa?
You need EUR 11,904 per year (EUR 992/month) in a blocked account to prove you can support yourself financially.
Is Germany expensive for Indian students?
Germany is moderately priced for Indian students, with living costs of EUR 950-1,200/month depending on the city and lifestyle. Public university tuition is free in most states, which makes Germany one of the most affordable study destinations in the EU.
What is the Deutschland-Ticket and do students get it?
The Deutschland-Ticket costs EUR 58/month and provides unlimited local and regional public transport across Germany. Most universities include it in the semester contribution, so students get it automatically. See our semester ticket guide for details.
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