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Germany charges no tuition — so what does it actually cost?
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Germany charges no tuition — so what does it actually cost?

Public universities in Germany really are tuition-free for international students. That is not the same as free. Here is the number to budget for.

4 July 2026 6 min read 289 reads

Yes — most German public universities charge international students no tuition. This is genuinely true and not an exception.

What does cost money

  • The blocked account: the biggest figure. You must deposit a year of living costs in a restricted account before you arrive.
  • Semester fee: roughly €150–€350 per semester, usually including a public transport pass.
  • Health insurance: mandatory, around €120 a month.
  • Rent: varies enormously by city. Munich is close to double Leipzig.

Language

English-taught master’s programmes are plentiful, but most bachelor’s programmes are taught in German and require a certificate.

After you graduate

An 18-month job-seeker visa, among the most generous in Europe.

Rules and figures change. This article states the position at the time of writing — always confirm against the official source before you apply.

#Germany #Budget
The Visa2go editorial desk

Advisors and case officers who handle these applications every week. Everything here is checked against the current published rules before it goes out.

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