Free Tuition Universities in Germany
Germany has been for decades one of the top study destinations in Europe for international students. This is because Germany provides high quality education that is recognized around the world with low tuition fees. The good news for many international students is that as of September 2014, undergraduate tuition fees at all universities in Germany has been discontinued.
Although for many years, the majority of German states had already been offering low-cost tuition fees or completely free tuition, it is only now that the entire nation is truly tuition free with the removal of tuition fees in the state of Lower Saxony.
All German states now in agreement over free tuition fees
Since 2006, Germany has been heading towards free higher education yet conservative-led state governments in the west of the country had so far opposed the progress, picking to charge €1,000 (US$1,261) a year. Under Germany's government arrangement of state-based training policy, these charges were permitted after an established court decided that moderate educational cost expenses combined with grants was not opposing to the country's dedication to universal advanced education.
Since that time, on the other hand, all German states have moved towards the discontinuation of tuition fees, with Lower Saxony the last state to get free tuition, after its Christian Democrat government was vanquished in a year ago's decisions. Conversing with The Hornet, the Green Party pastor for science and culture in Lower Saxony, Gabriele Heinen-Kljajic said: “We got rid of tuition fees because we do not want higher education to depend on the wealth of the parents.”
No Fees for Undergraduate students, but some for postgraduates
Although tuition is now free at all universities in Germany, there is still a small fee that students will be charged. This cost, usually no more than €250 (US$315) is set up to cover administrative, student support services and other unavoidable expenses.
Students at postgraduate level may likewise still be required to pay some tuition fees if they didn't study in Germany for their Bachelor’s certification. These students can expect to pay fees of around €10,000 (US$12,644) per semester. For those students who did study in Germany at undergrad level, and are planning to enlist in a postgraduate program directly, might likewise be qualified for free tuition or partial tuition fees.
If you are interested in studying in Germany, there are important requirements you need to meet. The following article explains the Requirements to Study in Germany.
Germany also provides scholarships to students through government and private organizations. You can find out more in our article about Scholarships in Germany.
