Tuition-free study programs in Germany
Public universities in Germany charge no tuition — you pay only a small semester contribution (≈ €100–350), which usually includes a public-transport ticket.
ℹ️ Is studying in Germany really free?
At state (public) universities, yes — there is no tuition fee for Bachelor's or Master's, regardless of nationality. You pay a per-semester contribution of roughly €100–350 (often including a semester transport ticket). Exceptions: private universities charge tuition, and a few states (e.g. Baden-Württemberg) charge non-EU students ~€1,500/semester. Always confirm on the official program page.
Tuition-free programs by subject
Public universities with the most tuition-free programs
Frequently Asked Questions — tuition-free study
What is the semester contribution? ▼
A mandatory per-semester fee (≈ €100–350) covering student services and usually a public-transport ticket. It is not tuition — it is far smaller and the same for everyone.
Do non-EU students pay tuition? ▼
At most public universities, no. The exception is a few states (e.g. Baden-Württemberg) that charge non-EU students about €1,500 per semester. Check the program page for your state.
Are private universities free too? ▼
No. Private universities charge tuition (often several thousand euros per semester). The free option is the public (state) universities, which is the large majority in Germany.