Germany is one of the top choices for people who desire an international degree. But it didn’t just become a top choice overnight, Germany’s popularity spawned from its high level of education and cheap tuition comparable to other European countries. But what if you could study in Germany free of cost? Well, there’s no need to imagine it as I’m about to teach you how to study in Germany for free or at a very low cost.
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Why People Prefer to Study in Germany
Before we delve deeper, let’s talk about why people prefer to study in Germany. There are several reasons why people choose Germany as their study destination, and most of them are not far-fetched, such as the high level of education and cheap tuition. Germany has some of the top-level universities in Europe and the world, and most of these universities are free, even for international students. Others that are not free are quite cheap.
Another reason is Germany’s robust economy which provides endless job opportunities. The country has the largest economy in Europe and the fourth-largest economy in the world, making it a home for multinational corporations across several industries, like automotive, engineering, information technology, and healthcare. But what’s even more enticing is the opportunity to work while studying. With several on- and off-campus part-time job opportunities for students, international students will be able to live comfortably and ease off the financial burden.
Lastly, let’s talk about the rich German cultural experience. The country is blessed with a diverse cultural and natural heritage, making it not just a study destination but a tourist attraction, too. The beautiful landscape and the German ecosystem are enough for sight-seeing. But the idea of meeting new people and learning a new language and culture is equally exhilarating.
How to Study in Germany for Free or At Low Cost
Germany is one of the best European countries offering free education as it is open to both the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EAA) and non-EU/EEA citizens. Many public universities in Germany are tuition-free, and this is true for both German- and English-taught programmes.
Can I study in Germany for Free?
If you’re wondering if it’s indeed possible to study in Germany for free, the simple answer is yes! It’s quite possible to study in Germany for free of all costs, even as an international student. Germany offers one of the best affordable educations in Europe and many of the universities, especially the public universities 100%tuition-free. While many European countries offer tuition-free programmes only to citizens of EU/EEA countries, Germany is open to all.
Why’s this? Well, Germany’s economy is one of the largest in the world and the country continues to invite international students to study in the country, integrate them into their society, and eventually, into their workforce. This continuous inflow provides adequate manpower in the German workforce and contributes to the increasing growth of their economy.
Which Universities Are Tuition-Free in Germany?
German public universities are tuition-free for all students for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies almost every time, and this includes the top universities in the country. As a student in a German public university, you’ll only have to cover your living expenses and some other little charges that are only a few hundred Euros a semester.
However, studying in private universities is a different story as they’re not being funded by the public and hence, are not free. Studying in these private universities is usually expensive and the tuition ranges between 10,000 and 40,000 Euros a year.
Exceptions to Studying in Germany for Free
As interesting as it sounds to study in Germany for free, there are a few exceptions to this.
- The State of Baden-Württemberg: Firstly, if you apply to a university in the state of Baden-Württemberg, you will have to pay tuition. The state introduced tuition for non-EU/EEA citizens starting in 2017, and since then, international students in this state have been required to pay 1,500 Euros per semester during the course of their study. This only applies to universities in Heidelberg, Freiburg, Stuttgart, and Constance, which all fall within the Baden-Württemberg state.
- Professional/Executive Programmes: Enrolling in a professional programme is another exception. Professional programmes, such as L.LM, MBA, MPA, or the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degree are not covered by the tuition-free programmes in Germany. Hence, the students have to cover the tuition by themselves. Meanwhile, DAAD offers scholarship opportunities to cover the tuition for the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degree.
- Pursuing a Post-Graduate Degree in a Different Field: Lastly, if you’re enrolled in a master’s or PhD programme in a field different from your previous field, you will be expected to pay tuition in German universities.
What’s Stopping You From Studying in Germany For Free?
With several German universities offering free education, what’s stopping you from applying? Studying in Germany isn’t as expensive as you’d expect since almost all public universities are free for all nationalities. Despite the free education, the country’s education level is also one of the best in Europe and the world, making it an ideal destination to pursue your degree. However, if you’re looking to enrol in a professional degree or a postgraduate programme in a different field from your first degree, you must be ready to cover the tuition.
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