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Germany is one of the top study destinations for students who are aspiring to study abroad. There are the cheapest universities in Germany that attract students from across the world. Apart from this, Germany is famous for having free or low tuition fee study opportunities. In 2024, 458,210 foreign students study in Germany at different universities and 45,000 to 50,000 are Indian students. Read on to learn about the cheapest universities in Germany when it comes to public and private institutions.
| Total Public Universities | 400+ |
| Total Private Universities | 100+ |
| Average Living Cost | EURO 934 per month |
| Average Tuition Fee | EURO 350 to EURO 30,000 |
| International Students in Germany | 4,50,000+ |
This Blog Includes:
Cheapest Universities in Germany for International Students
There are two types of universities in Germany, Public universities and Private universities. Did you know that in the year 2014, the German government removed international tuition fees from Public universities in Germany? This resulted in a big drop in tuition fees for these universities. However, undergraduate courses have international tuition fees but they are still available on a low budget. The Technical University of Munich, a leading university in Germany, charges international students approximately EURO 1,500 (INR 1.3 Lakh) per semester. Moreover, it also holds a prestigious rank of 28 in the QS World University Rankings for 2025.
Also Read: Free Universities in Germany For International Students
Top 5 Cheapest Public Universities in Germany
Public universities in Germany are government-funded so the fee of these institutions is low compared to private universities. In some cases, universities offer free education to students whether the student is domestic or international. Furthermore, universities also have scholarships as well.
Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin was founded in 1801 and Its ranking comes under the top 150 in the world. It ranks 3rd in the list of most famous universities in Berlin and has more than 180 courses available.
| Location | Berlin |
| Acceptance Rate | 92% |
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | =126 |
University of Bremen
The University of Bremen was established in the year 1971. More than 19,000 Students are enrolled in several UG, PG, and Doctoral programs offered by the university.
| Location | Bremen |
| Acceptance Rate | 16.2% |
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | =592 |
University of Cologne
More than 50,000 students are enrolled in different study programs at the University of Cologne. This number includes 5000 international students as well!
| Location | Cologne |
| Acceptance Rate | 20% |
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | =285 |
Heidelberg University
One of the 14th century’s prestigious universities, Heidelberg University offers various courses to choose from. Approximately 30,000 students attend the university, of which over 20% are from overseas.
| Location | Heidelberg |
| Acceptance Rate | 17% |
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | =84 |
Ludwig Maximilian University Of Munich
Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) is also known as the University of Munich. With a total enrollment of 51,606 students, LMU has a diverse student body with more than 9,300 international students.
| Location | Munich |
| Acceptance Rate | 10% to 12% |
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 59 |
Top 5 Cheapest Private Universities in Germany
Studying in Public universities is indeed good but Private universities in Germany offer different perks to students. Unlike, other countries that welcome international students, private universities in Germany are rather affordable. Here is a list of private German universities and brief information about each of them.
Berlin School of Business and Innovation
Berlin School of Business and Innovation is located in the middle of Berlin City and offers a wide range of UG and PG courses to study.
| Location | Berlin |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% to 85% |
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | NA |
GISMA Business School
GISMA Business School is one of the best MBA colleges in Germany that develops the business skills of students, so they can be ready for the growing industry.
| Location | Berlin |
| Acceptance Rate | 80% |
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | NA |
Bard College of Berlin
Bard College of Berlin is famous for offering quality studies of Social sciences and developing creative skills. A good number of international students are studying here.
| Location | Berlin |
| Acceptance Rate | 33% |
| Founded in | 1999 |
Hertie School of Governance
Hertie School of Governance has recognition from the Berlin Senate Department. The institute offers Postgraduate programs, where students can get enrolled. Moreover, there are more than 800+ international students.
| Location | Berlin |
| Acceptance Rate | 52% |
| Founded in | 2003 |
Munich Business School
Munich Business School is one of those private business schools of Munich that was founded in the 90’s era and offers education at low tuition fees.
| Location | Munich |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% |
| Founded in | 1991 |
Cheapest Universities in Germany: Average Cost of Studying
Any place outside your native country is considered to be costly. Since education in Germany is either free or has a low-cost tuition fee, you will need to pay for rent and other daily utility expenses. The cost of food and other activities is not very expensive. The cherry on the cake is if you are doing a part-time job or have a scholarship. Here is an overview of the average Cost of Studying in Germany.
| University Type | Tuition Fee (INR) |
| Public University | EURO 150 to EURO 350 |
| Private University | EURO 5,000 to EURO 32,000 |
Accommodation Costs in Germany
Apart from tuition fees, living cost is something that needs to be considered. In case you are studying in a German university for free then only the living cost is payable. Accommodation expenses, travelling, food, and other expenses need to be managed by you. Naturally, the living expenses of city areas will be more than those outside them. EURO 934 monthly is enough to live in Germany and EURO 11,208 per year. The table given below will give you a fair idea about the expenses you need to be ready for.
| Types of Expenses | Cost |
| 1 Bedroom (Monthly) | EURO 707 |
| Food (1 Month) | EURO 15 to EURO 25 |
| Public Transport (One Way Ticket) | EURO 2.40 |
| Other Expenses | EURO 230 to EURO 250 |
FAQs
Most German Universities offer low tuition fees or free study opportunities. When it comes to choosing affordable universities then below we have mentioned some public universities in Germany.
Humboldt University of Berlin
University of Bremen
University of Cologne
Heidelberg University
Ludwig Maximilians University
You can separate the expense into two parts which are tuition fees and living costs. On average tuition fees can vary for public and private universities, While, the living cost in Germany is EURO 934 monthly.
There is no separate eligibility to get admission to free universities in Germany. However, you must have a good academic record for getting shortlisted for admission.
Yes. A student can apply for PR in Germany after they have been employed in Germany. The applicant must have been employed for a duration of 2 to 5 years.
This was all about the Cheapest Universities in Germany. Evaluate all study abroad options with Leverage Edu. Stay tuned with Leverage Live classes and get 30-minute free counselling by calling our toll-free number 1800 572 000 and realise your dream of studying in Germany.
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