Cheapest Universities in Germany for International Students in 2026

Cheapest Universities in Germany:  Germany is the home for several affordable universities like Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Bremen, Ludwig Maximilian University, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, and Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt), etc. According to DAAD, as of Winter intake 2025 ,402,210 international students are admitted to top universities in Germany. It will continue to grow, as Germany has 10 top QS ranked public and private affordable universities, excellent higher education system, and globally recognized degrees. 

DAAD states that approximately 60% of the higher education institutions in Germany are funded by the Federal Government and the states. The cost of studying in a public university is much cheaper than that of a private institution. These public institutions charge only semester fees, and the tuition fee is almost zero or nil. Even for private universities, the total cost of studying doesn’t exceed  3,000 Euros per year. Thus Germany is a very affordable study abroad destination for Indian students compared to other countries like the UK, USA and Canada.

Below Infographic highlights the top 12 cheapest universities in Germany for international students.

Choosing a low-cost university in Germany can be tricky as there are 423 higher education institutions, with more than 240 being public universities. To help you study in Germany without breaking the bank, we provide a list of affordable universities with details about their fees and popular courses.

1. University of Bremen

The University of Bremen (QS world Ranking 530) is cheaper because it charges only €350 Per semester and Zero tuition fee. Located in Bremen, it is a mid-sized German Public university and an established research institution founded in 1971. It is part of the European university network YUFE–Young Universities for the Future of Europe.  

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	€350 Per semester.
Tuition Fee	Not Applicable
Popular Courses	Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science Masters in Data and Computer Science MSc Computer Engineering BSc in Medical Informatics (In German) Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 90 IELTS - 5.0 - 6.0
International Students acceptance Rate	18.60%

2. Heidelberg University

Like the University of Bremen, Heidelberg University (QS world Ranking 80) is also a public university. Heidelberg university is one of the low-cost universities that charges a €1500 Tuition fee and €151.05 Per Semester. They provide scholarships for International students based on courses they select and a few other norms. As of Winter 2025, 5,546 international students have enrolled for various UG and PG courses. Founded in 1386, it is the oldest and leading research institution in Germany.

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	€151.05 Per Semester
Tuition Fee	€1500 Tuition fee
Popular Courses	Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science Masters in Data and Computer Science MSc Computer Engineering BSc in Medical Informatics (In German) Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 90 IELTS - 5.0 - 6.0
International Students acceptance Rate	18.60%

3. Humboldt University of Berlin

The Humboldt University of Berlin (QS world Ranking 130) charges no tuition fees and DAAD scholarships are also available, thus making it the cheaper university than university of Bremen. Established in 1810, it is one of the oldest universities in Berlin, ranking among the top 10 German Universities. About 50 alumni of this university are Nobel laureates.

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	€ 290.99 per semester
Tuition Fee	Not Applicable
Popular Courses	M.S Business Administration B.S Psychology B.A. in Information Management and Information Technology Ph.D. Berlin Doctoral Program in Economics and Management Science
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- minimum 80 IELTS - minimum 6.0 In this university most of the courses are taken in German language, hence a German language certificate (Goethe-Zertifikat B2 or C1, DSH, TestDaF, online C-Test) is also needed
International Students acceptance Rate	16%

4. University of Cologne

The University of Cologne (QS world Ranking 272) is inexpensive because it charges 320.05 € per semester and no tuition fee similar to Humboldt University of Berlin and University of Bremen. It was established in 1388 as the sixth university in Central Europe. The university offers 200 Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate degrees and 4 clusters of excellence. This university has produced 4 Nobel Laureates. They provide support if you wish to do internships.

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	320.05 € per semester.
Tuition Fee	Not Applicable
Popular Courses	M.S Business Administration B.Sc Psychology B.A. in Information Management and Information Technology Ph.D. Berlin Doctoral Program in Economics and Management Science
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- minimum 80 IELTS - minimum 6.0 In this university most of the courses are taken in German language, hence a German language certificate (Goethe-Zertifikat B2 or C1, DSH, TestDaF, online C-Test) is also needed
International Students acceptance Rate	16%

5. University of Gottingen

The University of Gottingen (QS world Ranking 243) is a low-priced institution charging €344.25 per term, which is slightly higher than university of cologne. They don't charge any tuition fees. Founded in 1737, this is one of the prestigious institutions which is a member of the U15 group. More than 30,000 students are studying across 210 study programs in Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate. It has 44 Nobel Prize winners as alumni. 

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	€344.25 per term
Tuition Fee	Not Applicable
Popular Courses	Masters in Applied Computer Science Master of Law B.A Sustainable Development Studies Ph.D in Geoscience Ph.D in Globalization and Development
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 80 minimum IELTS - 6.0 minimum
International Students acceptance Rate	17%

6. Ludwig Maximilians University

Ludwig Maximilians University (QS world Ranking 58), founded in 1472, is located in the heart of Munich. They are one of the oldest and cheapest universities in Germany similar to University of Cologne and Heidelberg University. They charge 85 Euros as a semester fee with no tuition fees. Their campuses are spread all over Munich. Over 52,418 are enrolled for the Winter 2025 semester. 

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	€85 per semester
Tuition Fee	Not Applicable
Popular Courses	M.Sc AstroPhysics Master Program in Statistics and Data Science All their Double Degree Programs Master in Quantitative Economics Doctoral Studies
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 90 minimum IELTS - 5.5-7.0 Most of the Bachelors programs are in German, hence German language knowledge is very important.
International Students acceptance Rate	20%

7. Technical University of Berlin

The Technical University of Berlin (QS world Ranking 145) is an affordable public research university that charges only €310 per semester and zero tuition fees. Established in 1770, it was the first university to adopt the name Technical University. It is one of the universities with higher international student acceptance rates. They have over 100 study programs with more than 35000 students studying. 

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	€310 per semester.
Tuition Fee	Applicable only for few courses
Popular Courses	Bachelors in BioTechnology Bachelors in Brewing and Beverage Technology B.Sc in Technomathematics Teacher Training M.ed in Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences Dual Degree COSSE - Computer Simulations for Science and Engineering Doctoral Studies
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 95 minimum IELTS - 7.0 All bachelor degrees are offered in German, hence knowing the German language is mandatory.
International Students acceptance Rate	56%

8. University of Stuttgart

The University of Stuttgart (QS world Ranking 310) charges a € 750 tuition fee per term and €285 per semester. This university charges tuition fees like Heidelberg University. But other options like DAAD scholarships, its vast libraries having numerous study materials, and affordable accommodation within the campus make it one of the low-cost institutions in Germany. It is the oldest research university, founded in 1829, and is one of the best engineering universities in the world. 

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	€285 per semester
Tuition Fee	€1500 tuition fee per term
Popular Courses	Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering M.Ed in Biology - External Study Program MS in Architecture and Urban Planning Bachelors in Technical Biology MA in Vocational Education and HRD They teach both in German and English, but most of the Bachelor degrees are taught in German. Hence knowing the German language is mandatory.
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 79 minimum IELTS - 6.0 minimum
International Students acceptance Rate	70%

9. Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)

The Technical University of Darmstadt (QS world Ranking 253) charges €220 per semester and no tuition fees, making it the low-priced university in Germany. They are technical universities similar to the Technical University of Berlin. Your complete expenditure in the city will also be low. It is the first complete autonomous university in Germany, established in 1877. They have around 120 degree programs in both bachelor's and masters. Most degree programs are taught in the German language. So, understanding the German language is very important.

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	€220 per semester
Tuition Fee	Not Applicable
Popular Courses	Bachelor of Science in Applied Geosciences Bachelor of Science in Architecture Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering Master of Science in Biology
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 79 minimum IELTS - 6.0 minimum
International Students acceptance Rate	19%

10. Technical University of Munich

The Technical University of Munich (QS world Ranking 22), established in 1868, is a public research university in Germany that collects tuition fees from 2,000-3,000 euros per semester for Bachelor's degree programs and 4,000 - 6,000 euros per semester for Master's degree programs. It is another technical university like Technical University of Berlin and TU Darmstadt. Its alumni include 18 Nobel Laureates. It is the largest university with numerous research centres. Acceptance rate is low, and you need a perfect academic score to get into the university.

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	€72-102 per semester.
Tuition Fee	2,000 or 3,000 euros per semester for Bachelor's degree programs, 4,000 or 6,000 euros per semester for Master's degree programs.
Popular Courses	Bachelor of Science in Applied Geosciences Bachelor of Science in Architecture Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering Master of Science in Biology
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 88 minimum IELTS - 6.5 minimum
International Students acceptance Rate	8%

11. University of Hamburg

The University of Hamburg (QS world Ranking 193) is a public research university in Hamburg, founded in 1919. The fee is based on the subject, the degree you select, and they also offer numerous scholarship programs, thus making them one of the most affordable universities in Germany. 7 Nobel Prize winners are alumni of this university. They have more than 150 Bachelor's, Master's, Education, and Doctorate degrees.

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	The fee is subject to change each year
Tuition Fee
Popular Courses	M.Sc in Atmospheric Science MBA in Digital and MediaManagement Bachelors in Food Chemistry B.A in Liberal Arts & Science M.A in Manuscript Cultures
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 70 minimum (Depends on the subject) IELTS - 55 minimum (Depends on the subject chosen)
International Students acceptance Rate	14%

12. Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg

Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg (QS world Ranking 201) in Germany is a cheaper university charging very low tuition and semester fees of 150 euros and 180 Euros. They charge both semester and tuition fees similar to Heidelberg University, University of Stuttgart and Technical University of Munich. Founded in 1457, Albert Ludwigs University is in the heart of the city, well connected to all transportation means. They provide Bachelor's and Master's courses as well as medicine and research to the students. 

Particulars	Data
Semester Fee	180 Euros Per Semester
Tuition Fee	150 Euros per Term
Popular Courses	B.Sc in Embedded Systems Engineering Bachelor of Arts in Geography Law Bachelor of Science in Nursing M.A in Taxation
Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL iBT- 70 minimum (Depends on the subject) IELTS - 55 minimum (Depends on the subject chosen)
International Students acceptance Rate	33%

Cheap universities in Germany for Master's

The cost of doing an MS in Germany ranges from EUR 2755 - EUR 16500 per annum. They are able to provide a master's degree at such an affordable cost as they are state-funded and have hardly any tuition costs. The cheap universities in Germany for doing Master's Degrees are:

• Freie Universität Berlin
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz
• University of Wuppertal

Also Check: Cheapest universities in the world

Final Words on Affordable Universities in Germany

To conclude, there are top QS ranking cheapest universities in Germany offering affordable education focusing on quality. Additionally, scholarships such as ERASMUS Programs and DAAD Scholarships, along with internship opportunities at top universities, can further reduce the cost of studying in Germany. Expenses related to accommodation, food, travel, and healthcare are also more economical in Germany. Therefore, choosing a well-regarded course in an established German university ensures affordability and leads to the attainment of a prestigious degree.

FAQ

1. Is it cheaper to study in Germany?

Yes, it is cheaper to study in Germany. Germany has a very robust higher education system. The renowned universities almost have zero or low cost semester fees, thus being able to provide cheaper education in Germany.

2. Which university is the cheapest in Germany?

The cheapest universities in Germany are Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Bremen, University of Cologne, Ludwig Maximilians University.

3. Which city is cheapest in Germany?

The Cheapest city in Germany is Leipzig, as the cost of living there is low with excellent low cost universities making it the cheapest city in Germany.

4. Is studying in Germany a good choice?

Yes, it is a good choice to study in Germany. Excellent education system, well renowned and established universities and great career opportunities are some of the top benefits of studying in Germany. 

5. What is the cheapest private university in Germany?

The cheapest and affordable private universities are

• New European College.
• Berlin School of Business and Innovation.
• GISMA - Business School.
• Arden University Berlin.
• IU

6. What is the cheapest public university in Germany?

The cheapest public universities in Germany are

• University of Cologne.
• Heidelberg University.
• Ludwig Maximilians University.
• University of Gottingen.
• Technical University of Berlin.
• Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)
• Technical University of Munich.
• University of Stuttgart.

7. What are the cheapest universities in Germany that teach in English?

Many universities provide bachelor courses in English and German. But most of the master degree courses are taught in German. So it is very important to know German to study in Germany.