Colleges in Germany [Complete Guide]

One of the main reasons why so many students choose to study in Germany is because tuition fees are generally very low or even nonexistent. In addition, most German universities offer excellent programs taught in English, which makes them even more attractive to international students.

If you're considering studying in Germany, here's a complete guide to colleges in Germany, including information on tuition fees, admission requirements, and the most popular universities.

General Information

The majority of universities are financed by the state and are therefore state-run. However, there are also colleges run by the Protestant or Catholic churches and private colleges that are state-approved. Most private universities are universities of applied sciences.

There are around 400 institutions of higher education in Germany, including more than 100 universities, over 200 universities of applied sciences, and about 50 colleges of art and music.

Universities offer a wide range of academic programs leading to a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree. Universities of applied sciences are characterized by a strong practical orientation. The range of subjects is generally not as extensive as at universities and usually focuses on technical engineering, economics and social sciences.

Universities in Germany regularly occupy top positions in international rankings. Whether you are interested in an MBA at one of the top business schools in the country, want to complete your Bachelor's or Master's degree, or simply want to take a course in a specific field such as psychology, philosophy, technology, or science, you are sure to find a prestigious school in your favorite city!

Is college in Germany free?

Top German universities do not charge tuition fees.

If you are looking into studying abroad and in search of information and data about costs, you will find out that Germany is a country where education at the best universities and institutions of higher education is completely free. Admission requirements, on the other hand, can be quite demanding, which is why you should thoroughly check the websites of the individual universities to which you plan to apply. Always check the due date of your application and how you can stay enrolled in your second year of study.

If you would like to pursue a Master after completing your Bachelor's, you can apply for the best Master's programs anywhere in the nation. There are no fees for international students who wish to continue their education after their first degree and remain in the country as a student. Just make sure you meet all the requirements on student visas and get advice from the student council or the International Office of your university.

Why is studying in Germany free of charge?

Following a decision by the Federal Constitutional Court in 2005, tuition could be charged from the first semester onwards. Until then, studying at a state university was free of charge (with the exception of semester fees). Only long-term students and visiting students (students from other universities who were not seeking degrees or writing exams) had to pay for their studies.

These fees were a hot issue in every election. Gradually, they were abolished again in all federal states. Since 2014, tuition-free studies at state universities and colleges have once again been possible in all federal states.

Private universities, on the other hand, still rely on fees as a source of funding - and will probably always do so since private universities do not receive any state subsidies.

Is it cheap to study in Germany?

The cost of living in German cities is quite favorable compared to other European countries.

Students in need an average of €900 per month to cover their living expenses. Prices for food, housing, bills, clothing and entertainment are essentially in line with the EU average. Monthly rent is the largest expense. These costs average €320.

Rental prices in university cities like Berlin vary widely. Housing for students is most expensive in cities with a large population, like Munich (€387 rent per month), Cologne, Frankfurt (€375 each) and Hamburg (€373). The eastern German cities are the most affordable, led by Chemnitz, Leipzig and Dresden.