If you want to study in Germany for free in 2026–2027 and do not intended to pay admissions application fee nor tuition fees, then this article will directly show you where to apply.
International students planning for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD admissions in Germany will find here a verified list of 12 German universities where you do not need to pay tuition fees and you also do not need to pay any admissions application fee. This means you can submit your applications without spending money on application processing and still secure admission into globally ranked European universities.
Germany remains one of the very few study destinations where higher education is largely free at public universities, and at selected institutions you can even apply without paying any application charges. For students who want a high-quality European degree without financial pressure, these universities offer a rare opportunity to start a fully funded or low-cost academic journey with zero upfront admission costs.
Why Germany is Still the Best “Zero Tuition + Zero Application Fee” Study Destination?
1# No tuition fees at most public universities
Public universities in Germany generally charge no tuition fees for international students across bachelor’s, master’s, and many PhD programs. Students only pay a semester contribution (usually €150–€350), which often includes public transport and campus services.
2# No application fee at selected universities
While some universities use third-party portals that charge processing fees, several top German universities allow direct applications with no application fee for international students. This means you can apply to multiple programs without financial pressure.
3# Degrees recognized globally
German universities consistently rank among the best in engineering, computer science, business, social sciences, natural sciences, and research. A degree from Germany carries strong international credibility and employability.
4# Work opportunities and post-study residence
Students in Germany can work part-time during studies and later apply for an 18-month post-study job seeker visa. Graduates who secure skilled employment can transition toward long-term residence and even permanent settlement.
5# English-taught programs available
Thousands of master’s and a growing number of bachelor’s and PhD programs are offered entirely in English, so German language is not mandatory for many degrees.
12 German Universities with No Application/Tuition Fee Requirement for International Students (2026 Cohort)
These German universities are known for allowing international students to submit bachelor, master or PhD admissions applications without paying any admission application fee nor tuition fee for many of their programmes (especially when applying directly). But students must be required to open blocked bank accounts as requirement of admission application.
| # | University Name | Application Fee for International Students | Tuition Fee for International Students | Why This University Is a Smart Choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RWTH Aachen University | No application fee | Zero tuition fee (public university) | One of Europe’s top engineering and technology universities with strong industry links and global rankings. |
| 2 | University of Göttingen | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | Highly ranked research university offering diverse bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in science, business, and humanities. |
| 3 | University of Hamburg | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | Major German public university with strong programs in data science, law, economics, and social sciences. |
| 4 | Heidelberg University | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | Germany’s oldest and most prestigious university, globally recognized for medicine, life sciences, and research. |
| 5 | LMU Munich (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | Elite research university offering top-ranked programs in business, management, science, and social sciences. |
| 6 | Humboldt University of Berlin | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | Located in Germany’s capital, known for social sciences, business, law, and humanities excellence. |
| 7 | FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | Innovation-driven university with strong engineering, AI, business, and medical research programs. |
| 8 | University of Bremen | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | Offers high-demand programs in logistics, digital media, engineering, and natural sciences. |
| 9 | University of Stuttgart | No application fee | Near Zero tuition fee | Leading destination for mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, architecture, and technology. |
| 10 | University of Würzburg | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | Well-known for physics, life sciences, business, and international research opportunities. |
| 11 | University of Cologne | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | One of Germany’s largest universities with strong business, economics, and social science faculties. |
| 12 | Kiel University | No application fee | Zero tuition fee | Top choice for sustainability, environmental sciences, marine research, and international studies. |
What You Can Study in Germany (2026–2027 Intake)?
These above mentioned 12 Universities in Germany without application and tuition fee requirement offers a wide range of programs across all degree levels:
Bachelor’s programs
Engineering, computer science, business administration, economics, social sciences, environmental science, architecture.
Master’s programs
AI and data science, renewable energy, international business, mechanical engineering, public policy, biotechnology, finance, sustainability.
PhD programs
Most PhD positions are funded research roles with monthly stipends or salaries. Many universities accept direct PhD applications without any application fee.
Who Should Consider Germany for 2026–2027?
Germany is ideal for:
- Students seeking free or low-cost higher education
- Applicants who cannot afford high application fees in US/UK/Canada
- High-achieving students looking for globally recognized degrees
- Students planning long-term careers in Europe
- Those interested in engineering, IT, business, or research careers
Whether you’re finishing high school, completing a bachelor’s degree, or planning a PhD, Germany offers a pathway that is financially realistic and academically powerful.
When to Apply for 2026–2027 Admissions?
Most German universities follow two main intakes:
Winter 2027 intake (main intake):
Applications open: October 2026 – May/July 2027
Classes begin: September/October 2026
Summer 2026 intake (limited programs):
Applications open: January 2026 – February 2026
Classes begin: March/April 2026
For 2026–2027 cohorts, students should begin preparing documents, language tests, and shortlists now to apply early.