Top 10 Public Universities with No to Minimal Tuition Fees

Studying in Germany has always been a preferred choice among international students due to the highly subsidized and cost-efficient nature of its education system. What makes Public Universities in Germany more popular is its diverse range of programs, affordable tuition fees, and excellent faculty to mentor students. To help you shortlist the best public universities in Germany, we have prepared a list of the top 10 public universities in Germany. Read on and explore!

Top Public Universities in Germany

Germany boasts an impressive array of public universities known for their academic excellence and research capabilities.​ Many of these public universities charge no tuition fees or provide low-cost education for domestic and international students. Explore the list below of the top 10 public universities in Germany and pick the right university of your interest:

Universities	Bachelor’s Program Fee	Master’s Program Fee
Technical University of Munich	€12,000-€18,000	€16,000-€24,000 euros
Humboldt University of Berlin	€1,890-€2,520	—
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)	No tuition fees are charged except the semester fee, which is €373.50	Same as bachelors
RWTH Aachen University	No tuition fees are charged except the semester fee, which is €304.47	Same as bachelors
Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)	No tuition fees are charged except the semester fees, which vary each semester.	Generally, no tuition fees are charged to international students except for some courses. Some of them are: Urban Management Master Course (€11,000 for three semesters) Master of Space Engineering (€24,900 for two years of study)
University of Stuttgart	€650	Same as bachelors
University of Freiburg	€720-1080	€2,600
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	€1,500  The following international students are not exempt from paying tuition fees: Students from EU/EEA countries Doctoral students Those who have passed   the German “Abitur” in Germany or at a German school abroad (for more, click here)	—
Technical University of Dresden (TU Dresden)	No tuition fees are charged except the semester fees of €500 per semester	Same as bachelors
University of Bonn	No tuition fees are charged except the semester fees of €300 per semester	Same as bachelors

Seeing the above list of top 10 Public universities in Germany, there’s no doubt that Germany is one of the most affordable study-abroad destinations. To make your education more affordable and pocket-friendly, here are some scholarships available in Germany for international students. 

Overview of Listed Universities

Let’s get a better understanding of the above-listed top 10 Public universities in Germany:

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

The  Technical University of Munich (TUM) is noted for its cutting-edge research and diverse academic programs offering. The university is constantly ranked among the best universities globally, reaching the top 10 public universities in Germany.

QS Ranking- #37
Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor in Computer Science  Bachelor in Civil Engineering
Popular courses for Masters: MSc in Mechanical Engineering MSc in Computer Science MSc in Management and Technology

Humboldt University of Berlin

Humboldt University, one of the oldest universities in Germany, excels in research and interdisciplinary studies. The university’s Nobel laureates enhance its prestige and appeal to potential students.

QS Ranking- #120

Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor in Business Administration Bachelor in Biology Bachelor in Computer Science Bachelor in Political Science

Popular courses for Masters: Master’s in Economics and Management Science MSc in Climate Change   MSc in Global History MSc in Agricultural Economics

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) was founded in the year 1472 and boasts a strong emphasis on research in multiple disciplines. It also caters to international students with numerous English-taught programs, making it among the best public universities in Germany for international students.

QS Ranking- #54

Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor in Computer Science Bachelor in Business Administration Bachelor in Political Science

Popular courses for Masters: MSc in Psychology Master’s in Law (LLM) Master’s in Business Administration

RWTH Aachen University

The RWTH Aachen University is popularly known for providing students with a dynamic life and boasting cutting-edge research facilities. The university ranks well in employability making it a good choice among the list of the Top 10 public universities in Germany.

QS Ranking- #106

Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor in Computer Science Bachelor in Civil Engineering Bachelor in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

Popular courses for Masters: MSc in Materials Science and Engineering Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Master’s in Business Administration

Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)

Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) greatly emphasizes research-driven education preparing students for successful careers in diverse fields. It stands as the largest technical university in Germany. 

QS Ranking- #154

Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor in Computer Science Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor in Business Engineering

Popular courses for Masters: MSc in Mechanical Engineering MSc in Data Science Masters in Business Administration

University of Stuttgart 

The University of Stuttgart is located in the heart of Germany’s automotive industry; it offers students exceptional opportunities for industry collaboration and research. The university has a strong focus on innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary education.

QS Ranking- #312

Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering Bachelor in Business Administration and Engineering

Popular courses for Masters: MSc in Computer Science  MSc in Mechanical Engineering MSc in Aerospace Engineering

University of Freiburg

The University of Freiburg is famous for its diverse academic offerings and research initiatives, which provide a stimulating environment for students pursuing degrees in various fields. 

QS Ranking- #192

Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Liberal Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Environmental Sciences Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English and American Studies

Popular courses for Masters: M.Sc in Biomedical Sciences M.A in Modern China Studies M.Sc in Environmental Governance M.A in English Philology

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)  promotes a research-oriented curriculum, encouraging students to engage in cutting-edge scientific endeavors. The institute is also known for its commitment to sustainability and global partnerships. 

QS Ranking- #119

Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor in Chemical Engineering and Process Engineering

Popular courses for Masters: MSc in Energy Engineering and Management MSc in Chemical Engineering Master’s in Information Technology

Technical University of Dresden (TU Dresden)

The Technical University of Dresden (TU Dresden) provides numerous interdisciplinary programs and engages in collaborations with various industry partners. Its location in Dresden, known for its cultural heritage, adds to the enriching experience for students.

QS Ranking- #246

Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor in Computer Science Bachelor in Business Administration Bachelor in Civil Engineering

Popular courses for Masters: MSc in Computer Science Masters in Civil Engineering MSc in Biotechnology

University of Bonn

Founded in 1818, the University of Bonn provides a mix of strong academic programs and a welcoming research environment. The university hosts a number of prize-winning researchers spread across a range of disciplines. 

QS Ranking- #239

Popular courses for Bachelors: Bachelor in Biology Bachelor in Economics Bachelor in Political Science Bachelor in History

Popular courses for Masters: MSc in Applied Data Science MSc in Molecular Biology MSc in Mathematics MSc in Public Health

Since Germany is a popular study-abroad destination, getting accommodations there can be a hurdle. To overcome this, we have prepared a guide Accommodation in Germany | A student’s guide

Eligibility Criteria for German Public Universities

Understanding the requirements is essential for ensuring a smooth application process for prospective international students. Below are the general requirements for Public universities in Germany.

English Language Proficiency	You must be proficient in English or German.
Health Insurance:	You must have health insurance that would cover your emergencies while in Germany.
A Valid Passport:	You must have a passport that is valid for at least three years during the time of application.
Motivation Letter:	You must submit a letter of motivation.
Statement of Purpose:	You must submit an SOP that convinces the admission committee that you are eligible. Here are some tips & tricks for your SOP for MS in Germany.
Student Visa:	To study in Germany, you must obtain a German student visa.

Documents Required for Admissions in German Public Universities

The following are the documents required:

• Certified copies of previously completed degrees or diplomas.
• Official transcripts showing subjects studied and grades obtained.
• Proof of language proficiency (German or English).
• A valid passport.
• A motivation letter detailing the reasons for choosing the program.
• Reference letters, depending on the university’s requirements.

Advantages of Choosing German Public Universities

​Choosing a public university in Germany offers numerous advantages, particularly for international students seeking a high-quality education.​ These benefits encompass aspects such as affordability, academic excellence, diverse program offerings, and vibrant student life. 

Explore the below points for a detailed examination of these key advantages.

• Affordable Tuition Fees

Public universities in Germany are predominantly funded by the state, which allows them to offer low or even free tuition for both domestic and international students. 

• High-Quality Education

German public universities are renowned for their academic rigor and high standards of education. The strong emphasis on research contributes to innovative teaching methods that prepare students for the demands of the global job market.

• Diverse Range of Programs

Germany offers a vast array of study programs across different fields of study, catering to a wide range of academic interests and career aspirations.

• International Recognition and Networking

Degrees earned from German public universities are widely recognized and respected around the world. Besides, universities often host numerous international events, workshops, and conferences, allowing students to build professional networks that can benefit their future careers.

Public Universities vs Private Universities in Germany

Here’s a small differentiation between Public and Private universities in Germany for a better understanding:

Aspect	Public Universities	Private Universities
Funding	Funded primarily by the government resulting in lower tuition	Funded by tuition fees, donations, and endowments resulting in higher tuition
Tuition Fees	Generally lower or free, especially for in-state students	Higher tuition; varies widely between institutions
Class Size	Larger class sizes, especially in foundational courses	Smaller class sizes
Diversity of Programs	Broader range of degree offerings and specializations	Often have more specialized programs, fewer overall options
Accessibility	More flexible admission requirements and higher acceptance rates	Selective admissions often require higher academic performance

Want to know more benefits of German Public universities? Read: Public universities in Germany | Features and benefits

Summary

Germany is an enticing destination for international students due to its affordable and high-quality education. This blog highlights the top 10 public universities in Germany, renowned for their academic excellence and cutting-edge research. These universities offer a diverse range of programs, minimal or no tuition fees, and excellent faculty, making them an attractive choice for students worldwide. Key universities include the Technical University of Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, and RWTH Aachen University. The blog also outlines the general eligibility criteria, required documents, and the advantages of choosing public universities over private ones.

Quick Reads:

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FAQs

• Why is Germany a popular choice for international students?

Germany offers affordable, high-quality education, with many public universities providing tuition-free or low-cost programs. The country also boasts excellent research facilities and diverse academic offerings.

• What are the top public universities in Germany for international students?

Some of the top public universities include the Technical University of Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), RWTH Aachen University, and the Technical University of Berlin.

• Do public universities in Germany charge tuition fees?

Many public universities in Germany either charge no tuition fees or very low fees. However, students must typically pay semester fees, which vary by university.

• What are the eligibility criteria for applying to public universities in Germany?

The general eligibility criteria include proficiency in English or German, health insurance, a valid passport, a motivation letter, a statement of purpose (SOP), and a student visa.

• What are the advantages of choosing public universities in Germany?

Public universities in Germany offer affordable tuition, high-quality education, a diverse range of programs, and opportunities for international networking. These institutions are also known for their research capabilities.