By the Portlio studio · Published · 9 min read
Germany is one of the few major study destinations where most public universities charge no tuition, even for students from outside the EU. "Free" doesn't mean costless, though: you must prove you can pay a year of living costs before you get a visa.
Where tuition is free, and where it isn't
Most public universities charge no tuition for bachelor's and most master's degrees. There are exceptions for students from outside the EU:
- Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester at its public universities.
- The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has charged non-EU students tuition since 2024, roughly EUR 2,000 to 6,000 per semester depending on the program.
- Private universities and some executive or continuing-education master's degrees charge fees everywhere.
The real costs
- Blocked account (Sperrkonto): EUR 11,904 for 2026, released at EUR 992 a month after you arrive. It's your own money for living costs, not a fee.
- Semester contribution: usually about EUR 100 to 400 per semester, often including a public transport ticket.
- Health insurance: required for enrollment and the visa, roughly EUR 120 to 140 a month on the statutory student rate.
- Rent: the biggest variable, from about EUR 300 for a student dorm to well over EUR 700 in Munich or Frankfurt.
A scholarship letter that covers your living costs can replace all or part of the blocked account. Check with your German mission.
Language, work and after you graduate
Hundreds of master's programs are taught in English, while most bachelor's programs need German. International students can work 140 full days or 280 half days a year. After graduating you can stay up to 18 months to look for a job in your field.
Funding: DAAD and more
DAAD runs Germany's largest scholarship programs for international students and researchers. See scholarships in Europe for other options.
The visa interview
German missions may interview you about your course, finances and plans. See Germany student visa interview questions.
Practice explaining your study plan and your blocked account out loud with Stamplio before the real appointment. Try a practice interview
Figures, deadlines and eligibility rules were checked in October 2026 and change every year. Confirm everything on the official pages linked here before you apply. Portlio and Stamplio are not affiliated with any scholarship, university, government or embassy.
Frequently asked questions
- Is studying in Germany really free for international students?
- Tuition is free at most public universities, except in Baden-Württemberg (EUR 1,500 per semester for non-EU students) and at TUM. You still pay a semester fee, health insurance and living costs.
- How much is the blocked account for Germany in 2026?
- EUR 11,904 for one year, paid out at EUR 992 a month after you arrive.
- Can I study in Germany in English?
- Yes, especially at master's level, where hundreds of programs are taught in English. Most bachelor's programs are in German.
About this guide. Written by the Portlio studio as general guidance. It isn't any college's requirements and it can't predict an admissions decision, so check each program's current instructions. Last updated .
Not sure if your work is ready?
Send us what you have. We'll review how it's presented and show you what's possible.
A presentation review, not an admissions assessment.