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Public universities in Germany allow international students to receive an education free of cost, enabling them to pursue their studies without paying tuition fees.

List of Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany (Updated 2025)

There are many public universities in Germany that allow international students to receive an education free of cost, enabling them to pursue their studies without paying tuition fees. This is the reason why Germany has become a popular destination for international students to pursue their higher education in the particular programs they are interested in. The decision to study abroad often comes with the cost of tuition, but German universities alleviate this financial burden for international students. Indian students choose to study in Germany because public universities allow students to receive an education without paying for the tuition fees, except for a small contribution for administrative costs. 

We will look at the list of public universities in Germany for the students applying for admission in the current academic year. Education Vibes is explaining this further in detail, starting from the truth about tuition-free education in Germany.

The Reality of Tuition-Free Education in Germany for International Students

Many students who are planning to study in Germany are under the misconception that the education is “entirely free of cost.” This is not true at all! The education in Germany is not entirely free, as students have to pay a sustenance fee (in casual terms) to public universities in Germany while managing their expenses on their own. This cost is a small contribution that students pay as an administrative fee that covers the cost for different services provided by the university, including student union membership fees and other facilities. While this fee depends on the university, the general range is €100-350 per semester.

List of Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany for Indian Students 

We will look at some of the top universities in Germany that offer tuition-free education with a particular focus on popular courses and the contribution fees for each university. Here are the public universities in Germany with their location, popular courses, and semester fee.

Eligibility Criteria to Study at Public Universities in Germany for Indian Students

There are eligibility criteria to study in Germany for Indian students. Often, some universities require students with specific requirements; however, the following criteria are generally accepted by public universities in Germany:

• Completed 10+2 with 60-70% scores
• Strong academic performance in technical subjects
• English proficiency for English-taught students
• University Entrance Qualification (HZB)
  • Studienkolleg (a one-year preparatory course)
  • Feststellungsprüfung (university entrance exam)

Conclusion

The option to study abroad in Germany is becoming a popular choice for Indian students since it allows very affordable tuition with a good quality of education and post-study work opportunities. However, students must keep in mind that the tuition fees are waived in exchange for a contribution fee that students pay for the university’s administration and management fees. Public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education to international students while also providing a world-class education, cutting-edge research, and a multicultural environment.

Talk to the experts at Education Vibes to get clarity on how you can pursue your higher education abroad. Register now to get started with a counselling session.