Study in Germany: Tuition Fees & Scholarships
As of 2014 German universities are fully funded by the German government, meaning that neither home nor international students pay tuition fees. Students need only to pay a fee of around 60-200 EUR per semester for administrative, travel, and food facilities. This has greatly increased Germany’s population as a destination for studying abroad.
Public universities
As of 2014 German universities are fully funded by the German government, meaning that neither home nor international students pay tuition fees. Students need only to pay a fee of around 60-200 EUR per semester for administration, travel, and food facilities. This has greatly increased Germany’s population as a destination for studying abroad – it is now the world’s third-most popular destination for international study.
Private universities
Private institutions do not receive subsidization from the government and are therefore dependent on tuition fees. These are not regulated by the government and can cost up to 20,000 EUR per year. This fluctuates depending on the institution of study and chosen degree program – engineering or business degrees are usually higher in cost than social sciences, for instance.
Master’s programs
Master’s courses in Germany are either ‘consecutive’, meaning that they follow directly on from a related Bachelor’s degree, or ‘non-consecutive', meaning that they are standalone courses in a more specialized area. Consecutive courses are usually free of charge in Germany for home, EU, and international students. Non-consecutive Master’s courses can cost up to around 5000 EUR per year for public universities, and up to 30,000 EUR per year for private universities.
PhD programs
For the first six semesters of study, tuition fees do not apply for Doctorate programs at public universities. However, as with Master’s and Bachelor’s options, PhD students are required to make a contribution of no more than 300 EUR per semester.
Scholarships in Germany
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For students who struggle to meet the financial criteria for their chosen degree, the Federal Student Financial Aid Program (Bundesausbildungsforderungsgesetz or BAfoG) can be accessed by both German nationals and EU students, as well as international students under some circumstances. Half of this takes the form of a state-grant and the other half is an interest-free loan that is gradually paid back.
Study in Germany - Overview
Over 400,000 international students choose Germany as their study abroad destination every year. Click here to learn why.
Education System
Want to learn about how the higher education system works in Germany? Germany is one of the popular destinations for a variety of students, given its diverse programs. Take a minute to find out more about the structure of the education system in Germany!
Student Visas
Do you need a visa to enter Germany to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizen status. You will also be required to bring certain documents with you to passport control at the airport, which we cover as well.
Housing & Living Costs
No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Germany.
Language & Culture
Germany is a country rich in history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more!
Meet the English Requirements
Make sure you're ready to start studying abroad in Germany. German schools will normally want to see evidence of your English-language abilities. The TOEFL® test is accepted by more than three-hundred leading schools right across Germany. Find out more about the TOEFL® test and how it can help you.
ETS, TOEFL and TOEFL iBT are registered trademarks of ETS.
Application Process
All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to gain acceptance into a university. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in Germany, and what you need to apply, depending on your citizenship.
Programs
Ready to look at education in Germany? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Germany today!
Author
The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.