10 Cheapest Universities in Germany for International Students

Germany has become an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education at an affordable price. With its world-renowned universities and a strong emphasis on research and innovation, Germany offers a diverse range of programs that cater to the needs of students from all over the world. However, with the rising costs of tuition and living expenses, finding a budget-friendly option can be a challenge.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 cheapest universities in Germany for international students. From the bustling cities of Berlin and Munich to the picturesque towns of Heidelberg and Tübingen, these universities offer a unique opportunity to study in a vibrant academic community without breaking the bank. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in engineering, business, or the humanities, these universities provide world-class education at an affordable price.

So if you’re looking to pursue your academic dreams in Germany without sacrificing your budget, read on to discover the top 10 cheapest universities in Germany for international students. If you’re interested in affordable higher education options abroad, you may also want to consider checking out the cheapest universities in Australia, Russia, and Canada for international students.

3 Reasons to study in Germany

• No tuition fees

The absence of tuition fees is a significant advantage, as funding a degree can be a significant issue in numerous other nations. Costly fees in countries like the UK and US, which are among the highest in the world, prevent many individuals from applying to university or put students into debt for years to come.

In light of the lack of high fees, students have the liberty to choose their university and courses more freely. As a result of the excellent quality of education, diverse range of available courses, and absence of tuition fees, there is usually a high number of applicants for every course. Competition and entry requirements can be very rigorous in top universities.

Nonetheless, students will still be required to pay semester fees.

• English-taught Programs

Studying in Germany is an excellent choice for international students, particularly due to the English-taught programs offered by German universities. In recent years, there has been a growing number of English-taught programs, which means that students can pursue their studies in English without requiring a high level of German proficiency.

The presence of English-taught programs has made Germany a desirable study destination for students from diverse countries around the world.

• Part-time Job Opportunities

Although education in Germany is free of tuition fees, international students still need to cover other expenses. Fortunately, they can work while studying to help fund their education.

However, international students from non-EU or non-EEA countries must obtain a work permit before applying for any job. Their working hours are limited to 190 full days or 240 half days per year.

In contrast, students from EU and EEA countries can work without requiring a work permit, and their working hours are not restricted.

Overview of Cheapest Universities in Germany for International Students

1. University of Applied Sciences Leipzig 

The University of Applied Sciences Leipzig  is a higher education institution located in Leipzig, Germany. It was founded in 1992.

The University offers degree programs in engineering, business, social sciences, and cultural studies.

The university has seven faculties: Architecture and Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Business and Social Sciences, Mechanical, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Media, and Applied Linguistics and Cultural Studies.

The university has a diverse student body, with around 7,500 students from over 100 countries. 

Tuition fee: €1500 per semester

2. University of Applied Sciences Stralsund 

Founded in 1991, Hochschule Stralsund (Stralsund University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the medium city of Stralsund.

It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as engineering, computer science, business administration, tourism, and social work.

As of 2021, the University of Applied Sciences Stralsund has a total student population of approximately 7,000 students, including both full-time and part-time students. 

Tuition fee: €750 per semester

3. University of Potsdam 

The University of Potsdam is a public research university located in Potsdam, Germany. It was founded in 1991 after the reunification of Germany and is one of the youngest universities in the country. 

University of Potsdam offers a wide range of academic programs, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, law, and economics.

The University of Potsdam has a diverse student body with over 20,000 students and approximately 1,500 academic staff members.

Tuition fee: €300 per semester

4. University of Augsburg 

The University of Augsburg is a public research university located in Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. It was founded in 1970 and is one of the newest universities in Bavaria. 

The University of Augsburg offers a broad spectrum of almost 90 degree programmes in humanities and social sciences, business and law, natural and engineering sciences, medicine and computer science.

The University of Augsburg has a diverse student body with over 20,000 students and approximately 2,000 academic staff members.

Tuition fee: €500 per semester

5. University of Bamberg 

The University of Bamberg is a public university located in the city of Bamberg, Upper Franconia, Germany. It was originally founded in 1647 and then re-established in 1972.

University of Bamberg Germany, specializes in the humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, economics, and applied computer science.

The University of Bamberg has a diverse student body with over 13,000 students and approximately 1,200 academic staff members. 

Tuition fee: €580 per semester

6. University of Duisburg-Essen 

University of Duisburg-Essen is a public research university in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It was originally founded in 1654 and re-established on 1 January 2003, as a merger of the Gerhard Mercator University of Duisburg and the university of Essen.

The courses range from the humanities and social sciences over economics and business studies all the way to the engineering sciences and natural sciences (including medicine)

The UDE has a diverse student body with over 43,000 students and approximately 4,000 academic staff members. 

Tuition fee: €276.60 per semester

7. University of Kassel 

The University of Kassel was founded back in the year 1971 in Germany. Being among the youngest university, the facilities used are technologically advanced giving students the advantage of enjoying provision of quality studies.

A range of degrees can be obtained, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the Artistic Examination, or a Doctorate: Natural Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Planning, International Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Social Sciences, Humanities, Fine Arts.

As of February 2022 it had about 25,000 students and about 3300 staff, including more than 300 professors.

Tuition fee: €560 per semester

8. University of Koblenz-Landau 

University of Koblenz-Landau is a public university located in Koblenz and Landau, Germany, founded in 1990.

The university offers future specialists and executives a diverse range of Bachelor and Master programmes in education, social sciences, cultural studies, the humanities and life sciences as well as psychology and computer science.

The University of Koblenz-Landau has a diverse student body with over 17,000 students and approximately 1,200 academic staff members. 

Tuition fee: €500 per semester

9. Technical University of Dortmund 

Technical University of Dortmund is a technical university in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1968.

TU Dortmund University has a strong focus on research. The university’s disciplines, e.g. mechanical engineering with its emphasis on production and logistics, physics, biochemical- and chemical engineering, statistics and computer science, as well as education research, are well known for their outstanding research achievements both nationally and internationally.

The university has about 34,500 students and 6,300 employees, including 300 professors.

Tuition fee: €300 per semester

10. University of Hildesheim

The University of Hildesheim is a public research university located in Hildesheim, a city in Lower Saxony, Germany. It was founded in 1978.

It is known for its strong programs in the fields of cultural studies, education, communication, and information sciences. 

The University of Hildesheim has a diverse student body with over 8,000 students and approximately 500 academic staff members. 

Tuition fee: €50 per semester