Affordable University in Germany for International Students

September 2nd, 2022 by Sagnik Santra

Germany is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, along with excellent business schools. Students from all over the globe come to Germany for higher education at its renowned institutions of learning. If you are an international student looking for an excellent university education, Germany should be at the top of your list as the country ranks very highly for its higher education system.

From the German academic exchange service to scholarships in Germany, there are many opportunities for international students to study in Germany. Here is a comprehensive guide on affordable universities in Germany for international students.

In this article we’ll talk about Germany university fees for international students, scholarship for international students in germany, MBA programs and more.

Why Study in Germany?

Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its excellent education at reasonable costs and abundant research opportunities. The country boasts globally ranked universities that attract students from around the world, especially for master’s studies. With over 400 universities to choose from, Germany offers a wide range of study programs, including many English-taught options. Additionally, the cost of living in Germany is relatively low compared to other European countries, making it an attractive option for students on a budget. The diverse learning environment and the chance to experience a rich cultural heritage further enhance the appeal of studying in Germany.

Top German Universities

Germany is home to some of the world’s top universities, with many institutions ranking highly in international rankings. Some of the top German universities for international students include the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Heidelberg University, and RWTH Aachen University. These universities offer a range of study programs, including engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Many of these universities also offer English-taught programs, making it easier for international students to study in Germany. The strong emphasis on research and innovation at these institutions ensures that students receive a world-class education.

How much does it cost to study in Germany for international students?

One of the best parts about studying in Germany is that the fees and cost of living are relatively affordable when compared to other study destinations like the UK and the US.

In fact, most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programmes, even for international students. However, students are required to pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), which usually covers administrative costs, public transport, and student services. This fee is typically around €150–€350 per semester.

The exception to this is in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Here international students from non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay tuition fees of €1,500 per semester for bachelor’s and consecutive master’s degrees at public universities in this state.

If you want to attend a private university in Germany, the tuition fees can be higher. Some private institutions do charge tuition fees, and you can expect to pay around €25,000 to €40,000 per year in tuition fees at a private university.

What is the cheapest university in Germany for international students?

There are a few universities in Germany that offer the same quality of education as the more expensive and renowned universities, without charging high tuition fees. The Free University of Berlin is one such institution that offers high-quality education without charging high tuition fees. Here are some of the cheapest universities in Germany for international students:

Cheapest public German universities (€150 to €400 per semester)

  • Humboldt University of Berlin
  • University of Bremen
  • University of Cologne
  • Heidelberg University
  • Ludwig Maximilians University
  • University of Gottingen
  • Technical University of Berlin
  • Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)

These universities offer a variety of graduate programs that cater to international students in fields such as engineering, natural sciences, and humanities.

Cheapest private German universities (€22,000 to €40,000 per academic year)

  • New European College
  • Berlin School of Business and Innovation
  • GISMA – Business School
  • Arden University Berlin
  • IU – International University of Applied Sciences

How much does a master’s degree cost in Germany?

Again the fees for master’s degree programs in Germany differ depending on the type of university. At a public university, you can expect to pay between €150 and €400 per semester in tuition fees. If you want to study at a private university, the tuition fees can be significantly higher with some universities charging up to €40,000 per academic year.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the tuition fees are only a part of the overall cost of studying in Germany. You also have to factor in the cost of living, which can be anywhere between €600 and €1,000 per month.

Cost of Living in Germany

The cost of living in Germany is relatively low compared to other European countries. The average cost of living for a student in Germany is around €800-€1,000 per month, which includes accommodation, food, and other living expenses. This affordability, combined with the high quality of education, makes Germany an attractive destination for international students.

Studying in Germany in English

While German is the official language of Germany, many universities offer English-taught programs, making it easier for international students to study in Germany. There are over 100 English-taught bachelor’s programs and over 1,000 English-taught master’s programs available in Germany. Additionally, many universities offer language support services to help international students improve their German language skills. Some popular universities for international students in Germany include the University of Freiburg, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, and ESCP Europe. These institutions provide a welcoming environment for international students, ensuring they can pursue their dream study program without language barriers.

How can an international student get a full scholarship in Germany?

There are a number of scholarships and financial aid programs available for international students who are interested in studying abroad in Germany.

To get qualified for a scholarship in Germany, you have to meet certain criteria such as having an excellent academic record, being enrolled in a full-time degree program, and demonstrating financial need.

There are also a number of scholarships that are specifically for international students. For example, the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD offers scholarships for international students who want to study in Germany.

To find out more about scholarships and financial aid opportunities, you should contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country or get in touch with the university that you’re interested in studying at.

Who is eligible for the DAAD scholarship?

Here are the eligibility criteria for the DAAD scholarship:

1. Language Skills: You must have excellent English language proficiency, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Although it is not required, knowing German would be highly advantageous.

2. Academic Grades: You will need a minimum of 8.5 CGPA or 85% (depending on your degree) in order to be eligible for our exchange or short-term research program. If you are interested in either of these programs, you have to obtain a NOC from your home institution.

3. Work Experience: You must have a minimum of 2 years of working experience, research work, and teaching/graduate assistantship. Along with your 500-1000 word research proposal/SOP, submit your CV.

So these are the top 3 criteria for the DAAD scholarship. If you meet all of these requirements, you have a good chance of getting the scholarship.

To apply for the DAAD scholarship, you will need to fill out an online application form and submit it along with your CV, academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, and a research proposal.

Conclusion

So if you are an international student who is looking for cheap yet high-quality education, Germany is definitely the place to be. With a wide range of universities and scholarships available, you are sure to find a program that suits your needs and budget at a college in Germany. Make sure to do your research into higher education institutions and apply early to increase your chances of getting accepted into a top university.

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21 Comments

  1. Amarachi says:

    Please will there be any intake for January 2024 for international students.

    • Charmone Wallace says:

      Hi there.

      Congratulations on your admission!

      To browse the scholarships available, please visit our website. There, you can view scholarships that you might be eligible for by browsing our awards or using our quick search tool, which will narrow down the scholarships based on what you are studying, where you are studying, or where you are from. https://www.iefa.org/scholarships

      Once you find a scholarship you are eligible for or interested in, you must contact the institution responsible for the scholarship directly. They can assist you with the application process and any questions.

      Best of luck with your application
      – The IEFA Team

  2. Muhamad umar says:

    I have talent and I want to learn better, so how can I apply, please tell me

    • Charmone Wallace says:

      There are a number of scholarships and financial aid programs available for international students who want to study in Germany.

      To get qualified for a scholarship in Germany, you have to meet certain criteria such as having an excellent academic record, being enrolled in a full-time degree program, and demonstrating financial need.

      There are also a number of scholarships that are specifically for international students. For example, the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD offers scholarships for international students who want to study in Germany.

      To find out more about scholarships and financial aid opportunities, you should contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country or get in touch with the university that you’re interested in studying at.

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