STUDY IN GERMANY WITH LOW OR NO TUITION FEES (2025–26): PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES GUIDE FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

Germany is now one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students who want world-class education with low or zero tuition fees. With high academic standards, a thriving job market, and public universities that charge little to nothing, Germany offers the perfect mix of affordability and quality.
This complete guide covers everything: public universities, eligibility, living costs, courses, scholarships, and visa process, plus how Education MESD helps you secure admission smoothly.
1. Why Study in Germany? (2025–26 Overview)
Choosing Germany means choosing:
- 🌍 Globally ranked public universities
- 💶 Low or no tuition fees
- 💼 Strong job market & PR opportunities
- 🚀 Leading courses in Engineering, AI, Data Science, Management, Robotics
- 🔬 High-end research environment
- 🛫 Affordable lifestyle compared to USA, UK, Canada, Australia
If you’re searching for “Study in Germany for free”, “Germany public universities for international students”, or “Study in Germany without tuition fees”, this is your complete guide.
2. Are Universities in Germany Really Tuition-Free? (Updated 2025)
✔ YES — Most Public Universities Charge ZERO Tuition Fees
Public universities in Germany offer free education to both EU and non-EU students.
You only pay a Semester Contribution (administrative fee):
- €150–€350 per semester
This often includes:
- Student services
- University admin charges
- Public transport subsidy
❗ State Exception:
Baden-Württemberg charges approx. €1,500 per semester for non-EU students.
If you want absolutely zero tuition cost, avoid universities in this state.
3. Cost of Studying in Germany (Low-Budget Estimate 2025–26)
Even if tuition is free, you must plan for living costs.
3.1 Semester Contribution
👉 €150–€350 per semester
3.2 Living Cost (Monthly)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €350–€700 |
| Food | €150–€250 |
| Health Insurance | €80–€120 |
| Transport | €0–€60 (free with semester ticket) |
| Miscellaneous | €50–€100 |
Total Annual Cost:
👉 €10,000–€14,000 per year
3.3 Blocked Account (Mandatory for Visa)
For 2025:
👉 €11,904 per year required
4. Top Public Universities in Germany with Low or No Tuition Fees
Here are top-ranking public universities that typically charge no tuition fees:
1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Top global ranking, strong in Engineering, AI, CS, Management.
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
Excellent for Medicine, Social Sciences, Humanities.
3. RWTH Aachen University
World-famous for Mechanical, Electrical & Industrial Engineering.
4. Humboldt University of Berlin
Prestigious university known for research excellence.
5. Free University of Berlin
Top choice for Social Science, IR, Humanities.
6. University of Stuttgart
Best for Automotive, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering.
7. University of Mannheim
Germany’s No.1 in Business, Economics, and Management.
8. University of Bonn
Strong in Physics, CS, Economics.
9. University of Hamburg
Affordable city + great STEM & Social Sciences.
10. University of Duisburg-Essen
Large, affordable, and STEM-friendly.
5. Best Courses to Study in Germany (High Demand 2025–26)
Germany is strongest in:
🔧 Engineering
Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace.
🧠 Computer Science & IT
AI, Data Science, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering.
💼 Business & Management
International Business, Supply Chain, MiM, MSc Finance.
🔬 Natural Sciences
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences.
👩⚕️ Medical & Healthcare
(Highly competitive but globally respected)
6. Eligibility Requirements for Germany (2025–26)
Bachelor’s Eligibility
- Class 12 (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards)
- English/German language test
- Possible Studienkolleg (foundation year) for some boards
Master’s Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years)
- CGPA 6.5–7+ recommended
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
- SOP, CV, 2–3 LORs
- Portfolio (design/architecture courses)
7. Part-Time Work & Post-Study Work Visa in Germany
Part-Time Work Rules
International students can work:
👉 120 full days OR 240 half days per year
Post-Study Work Visa
After graduation:
👉 18 Months Work Search Visa
👉 Opportunity for EU Blue Card → Permanent Residency (P
8. Tips to Study in Germany on a Low Budget
- Apply early for student dormitories
- Prefer cities like Leipzig, Essen, Magdeburg (cheaper)
- Cook instead of eating out
- Learn basic German (A2–B1)
- Avoid private universities
9. Why Apply Through Education MESD?
Education MESD provides full support from India to Germany:
✔ Course & university selection
✔ SOP/LOR preparation
✔ Complete admission application
✔ Blocked account & insurance guidance
✔ Visa file preparation
✔ Pre-departure training
✔ Part-time job support in Germany
Your entire process becomes smooth, accurate, and stress-free.
📩 Contact Education MESD for a FREE Counselling Session
