Top 10 German Public Universities Offering Free Education to International Students in 2025

Germany has long been a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education without the hefty price tag. Known for its excellent academic standards, innovative research, and diverse cultural experiences, Germany offers a range of opportunities for students worldwide.

Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, regardless of nationality, making it an attractive option for students seeking affordable higher education. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 German public universities offering free education to international students in 2025.

1# Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Rank: 41st globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

TUM is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, particularly in engineering, technology, and the natural sciences. It collaborates closely with industries, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge research and practical experience.

Highlights:

• Wide range of English-taught programs
• Strong industry connections
• No tuition fees, only a semester contribution of approximately €150
• Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/organizing-your-studies/course-offerings

2# Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich)

Rank: 60th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

LMU Munich offers a comprehensive range of programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine. It is known for its high academic standards and vibrant research community.

Highlights:

• Diverse range of programs
• High-quality research facilities
• Semester contribution of around €129
• Estimated Application Opening Date: January 15, 2025
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.lmu.de/en/study/all-degrees-and-programs/international-degree-programs/

3# Heidelberg University

Rank: 63rd globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

As Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg is famous for its research and teaching excellence, particularly in the humanities and natural sciences. It fosters a strong international community, attracting students from around the globe.

Highlights:

• Rich academic tradition
• Extensive international partnerships
• Tuition fee of €1,500 per semester for non-EU students, plus a semester contribution of €171.80
• Estimated Application Opening Date: November 1, 2024
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/study/all-subjects

4# Humboldt University of Berlin

Rank: 70th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

Humboldt University is renowned for its humanities, arts, and social sciences programs. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research and offers numerous English-taught courses, making it a top choice for international students.

Highlights:

• Strong focus on humanities and social sciences
• Located in the heart of Berlin
• Semester contribution of approximately €315
• Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/counselling/leaflets/ba_html

5# RWTH Aachen University

Rank: 71st globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

RWTH Aachen is a leading institution for engineering and technology studies. Its close ties with industry and emphasis on practical experience make it a hub for aspiring engineers and scientists.

Highlights:

• Leading engineering programs
• Extensive industry collaborations
• Semester contribution of around €300
• Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/vor-dem-studium/~efv/studiengaenge/?mobile=1&lidx=1

6# Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen

Rank: 106th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

Tübingen is well-known for its strengths in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It offers a supportive academic environment with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.

Highlights:

• Strong research orientation
• Beautiful historic campus
• Tuition fee of €1,500 per semester for non-EU students, plus a semester contribution of €158.30
• Estimated Application Opening Date: November 15, 2024
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/study/finding-a-course/degree-programs-available/

7# Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Rank: 107th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

Charité is one of Europe’s largest university hospitals, specializing in medical and health sciences. It offers world-class medical education and research opportunities, attracting students and researchers globally.

Highlights:

• Leading medical education and research institution
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Semester contribution of approximately €315
• Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.charite.de/en/teaching_learning/degree_programs/

8# University of Freiburg

Rank: 111th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

The University of Freiburg is known for its strong programs in natural sciences, engineering, and humanities. It has a rich academic tradition and fosters an inclusive international community.

Highlights:

• Diverse academic programs
• Vibrant international student community
• Tuition fee of €1,500 per semester for non-EU students, plus a semester contribution of €155
• Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.studium.uni-freiburg.de/en/program-offerings/english-taught-degree-programs

9# University of Cologne

Rank: 134th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

The University of Cologne offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, with strong research output in social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.

Highlights:

• Broad range of study programs
• Strong research focus
• Semester contribution of approximately €280
• Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://studienorientierung.uni-koeln.de/range_of_courses/index_eng.html

10# University of Göttingen

Rank: 135th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)

Göttingen is renowned for its excellence in research, particularly in the natural sciences and humanities. It offers a vibrant academic environment and numerous English-taught programs.

Highlights:

• Strong emphasis on research and innovation
• Extensive international collaborations
• Semester contribution of around €370
• Estimated Application Opening Date: December 1, 2024
• Free Courses/Degrees: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3811.html

Germany’s public universities offer world-class education and research opportunities without the burden of high tuition fees, making them an ideal choice for international students. While most public universities do not charge tuition fees, students should be aware of semester contributions and living costs. Additionally, specific states like Baden-Württemberg have introduced tuition fees for non-EU students. However, the overall cost remains significantly lower compared to many other countries.