Do German citizens pay for university?
Public universities are funded by taxes, making them tuition-free for students. On the other hand, private universities can set their tuition fees as they see fit. Public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education.
Germany is well-known for its view on education in that it believes it should not be treated as a commercial product but rather free and accessible to all. In 2014, Germany's 16 states abolished tuition fees for all public universities.
Most German universities are public, so you will only have to pay an administration fee, which usually costs between 100 - 350 EUR/semester. This fee covers the student organisation services and your enrolment. There are exceptions to this tuition-free rule, however.
Germany's public universities are free to students from anywhere in the world — but enrollment and visa requirements take some navigating. Anne Dennon covers higher education trends, policy, and student issues for BestColleges.
Germany's school system
Most German schools are run by the state and there is no charge for your children to attend. In addition, there are private and international schools which charge fees. The individual states are responsible for education policy.
Education in Germany is currently public-funded, and higher education institutions are given a budget each year from the ministry of education. This budget allows colleges and universities to provide free education to both national and international students.
Universities in Germany are publicy funded. That means, taxpayers pay for it. The catch for international students is, that, if you stay in Germany and work here, you will repay that through your taxes. Furthermore, almost all programmes are taught in German.
Is it cheaper to study in USA or Germany? Yes, it is cheaper to study in Germany compared to USA because public universities in USA have no tuition fees and even at private universities the fees are much lower compared to US universities. Moreover, the cost of living in Germany vs USA is also much cheaper.
In Germany, healthcare is partially free due to the social contributions to the public healthcare system. This means that individuals can receive medical services free of charge for the most part. However, some low copayments apply, such as the €10 charge for a visit to the general practitioner (GP) every quarter.
Despite there are no tuition fees you must pay for, universities in Germany charge a small amount of money dedicated to administrative costs, student union and public transport. This payment is known as “semester contribution” and it is paid at the beginning of each semester.
Do EU citizens get free university?
University fees in Europe vary considerably - while in some EU countries admission to higher education is free, in others university can be rather expensive. Financial support in the form of scholarships, grants and loans depends on different criteria.
Tuition Fees in Germany: Private Universities
The tuition fee in private higher education institutions ranges from 10,000 EUR/year to 20,000 EUR/year, depending on the degree level and study programme. Bachelor's degrees at a private university typically require lower tuition fees than master's degree programmes.
Student visa requirements colleges in Germany
Most international students will likely need to get a German student visa at a German consulate in their country before they can come to Germany to study.
At the end of 2017, it decided to introduce tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens. You will also pay tuition at any German public university if you follow a Master's or PhD in a subject that's not related to your previous studies.
In Germany, many public universities lack adequate facilities. For instance, you might not have access to high-tech computer labs or a particularly well-run student centre. Even when they are available, these amenities could be expensive for students.
The German school week runs from Monday to Friday.
- Norway. University of Bergen: Free. ...
- Iceland. University of Iceland: Free. ...
- Germany. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich: Free. ...
- Austria. FH Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences: $25/per semester. ...
- France. Université Paris-Saclay: $206/year. ...
- Poland. ...
- Greece. ...
- Hungary.
In the German education system, students specialise on a field upon entering university. This reduces the interactions between departments as compared to other systems. German universities are primarily funded by taxes not by fees and donations. People do not make donations to their alma mater; they pay taxes.
According to DAAD statistics, the average monthly living expense for a student in Germany is 867 euros (864 USD*). Thus, the annual living expenses can be calculated as 10,368 euros per year or 10,334 USD per year. This is far lower than other European countries, including the UK, Switzerland, Denmark, etc.
The average cost of living in Germany in 2023
As a basic estimate, you can expect your total costs to be between €1200 – €3000 per month as an individual living in Germany. At the cheaper end of this range, you would likely be living in a flatshare outside of the city centre.
What is the cost of living in Germany?
The cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable compared to other European countries. As a single person, you will need a minimum of €934 per month (around $1,018 US dollars) or €11,208 per year (around $12,217 US dollars) to cover your living expenses in Germany as of 2024.
Though it is certainly possible to study in Germany without learning German, speaking a second language is still a fantastic skill that will only enhance your study abroad experience! If you're eager to brush up on your German skills while living abroad, there are many opportunities to do so.
The degree is accepted internationally by many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, etc. German master is sometimes referred to as the mother of ideas. After earning degrees in Germany, some students want to return to their home country.
Cost of living in Germany vs the USA
If you're a US citizen moving to Germany, you'll be pleased to know that the cost of living in Germany is about 35% cheaper than in the USA. This is because the costs of food, rent, utilities and education are significantly lower in Germany than in the USA.
Germany is an excellent option to study if you are looking for affordable and high-quality education. However, if you want to be in an English-speaking environment, then, USA is a better choice.
