Study in Germany for free: what is free and what you still pay

Quick answer: Yes, you can study in Germany for free at most public universities, because they generally charge no tuition fees. However, it is not completely free. You still pay a semester contribution of about €100 to €350, and you must prove €11,904 (eleven thousand, nine hundred and four euros) a year for living costs to get a student visa. In addition, Baden-Württemberg and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) charge non-EU students tuition.

This guide explains what is free, what is not and how much you really need to study in Germany for free.

Last verified: 4 October 2026 against DAAD and the German Federal Foreign Office.

Is college free in Germany?

Mostly, yes. According to DAAD, there are generally no fees for most courses at state higher education institutions. This applies to international students too, including students from Nigeria, Ghana, India and Pakistan. However, private universities set their own fees, and some public universities and states make exceptions.

Where you cannot study in Germany for free

Two exceptions matter most for non-EU students:

• Baden-Württemberg: universities in this state charge non-EU students €1,500 (one thousand, five hundred euros) per semester for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes.
• Technical University of Munich: from winter semester 2024/25, non-EU/EEA students pay €2,000 or €3,000 per semester for a bachelor’s degree, and €4,000 or €6,000 per semester for a master’s degree.

So always check the fee page of each university before you apply.

Costs you still pay

The semester contribution is not a tuition fee. Instead, universities charge it every semester, so plan for it each time you re-enrol.

How to prove you can pay your living costs

Germany wants proof that you can support yourself. Most students open a blocked account, which releases a fixed amount each month. Alternatively, German missions accept a formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor living in Germany, or proof of a scholarship. Rules differ slightly by country, so read your local German embassy’s page first.

Study in Germany for free from Pakistan, Nigeria or India: the steps

1. Find a course. First, search tuition-free programmes at public universities, including English-taught courses.
2. Check entry rules. Next, confirm that your school or degree certificates qualify for the course.
3. Get admission. Then apply to the university and wait for your admission letter.
4. Arrange finances. After that, open a blocked account or secure a scholarship or sponsor.
5. Apply for the visa. Finally, book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate. National visas can take several months, so apply early.

For the full document list, read our guide to Germany student visa requirements.

Can you get a scholarship on top of free tuition?

Yes. Since tuition is often free, scholarships mainly help with living costs. For example, DAAD offers many scholarships, and dates depend on the programme and your country. See our guide to the DAAD scholarship deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Is studying in Germany really free for international students?

Tuition is free at most public universities. Even so, you pay a semester contribution and your own living costs, and some states and universities charge non-EU students.

How much money do I need to study in Germany?

For the visa, you must show €11,904 a year, which is €992 a month. Also budget for the semester contribution and the €75 visa fee.

Can I study in Germany for free in English?

Yes, many public universities offer English-taught programmes. Still, check each course’s fee page, because the state and university rules above apply.

Official sources

• DAAD: Finances and tuition fees
• German Embassy Islamabad: How to finance your stay
• Federal Foreign Office: Visas for Germany

This is general information. Fees and visa amounts can change, so check DAAD and your German embassy before you apply.