Is studying in Germany really free?

Tuition is free at most public universities, but not everything is. You pay a semester contribution, health insurance of roughly €120 a month, and you must show around €11,900 in a blocked account for the visa. Budget €850–€1,200 a month for living costs depending on the city.

Do I need to speak German?

Not for an English-taught program, and there are several hundred of them at master level. You will need German for most bachelor programs, for part-time work outside international companies, and for daily administration.

Can I work while studying?

Yes — 20 hours a week during term for non-EU students, with more permitted during semester breaks. Working-student roles in engineering and IT are common and reasonably paid.

What happens after I graduate?

You can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for work related to your degree, and switch to an EU Blue Card once you have a qualifying job offer.

Study in Germany

Most German public universities charge no tuition to international students at master level — only a semester contribution of roughly €150–€400 that also covers local transport. The exception is Baden-Württemberg, which charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester. The real cost of studying in Germany is living expenses, and the visa requires you to prove them in a blocked account before you arrive.

Typical tuition: €0–€15,000 / year
Living cost: €850–€1,200 / month
Work while studying: 20 hrs / week
Post-study stay: 18 months
Main intakes: October, April
Teaching language: English, German

Indicative figures for the country — not yet checked against official sources. Confirm with the university and the immigration authority before relying on them.

Popular universities

Munich, Germany

Public

Technical University of Munich

Programs: 3
World ranking: #28

Heidelberg, Germany

Public

Heidelberg University

Programs: 1
World ranking: #87

Aachen, Germany

Public

RWTH Aachen University

Programs: 2
World ranking: #99

Berlin, Germany

Public

Technische Universität Berlin

Programs: 2
World ranking: #154

Frankfurt, Germany

Public

Goethe University Frankfurt

Programs: 1
World ranking: #268

Stuttgart, Germany

Public

University of Stuttgart

Programs: 1
World ranking: #312

Popular programs

Technical University of MunichMunich, Germany

MSc Informatics

Master'sEnglish24 monthsScholarships

See how you match

Tuition: €6,000 / semester
Deadline: May 31, 2027
Requirements: Relevant bachelor degree in computer science or a closely related field
Academic transcript with at least 60% of credits in computing subjects

View details

RWTH Aachen UniversityAachen, Germany

MSc Computer Science

Master'sEnglish24 monthsScholarships

See how you match

Tuition: No tuition fee
Deadline: Mar 1, 2027
Requirements: Bachelor in computer science or an equivalent qualification
Minimum 80 ECTS in computer science subjects

View details

Technical University of MunichMunich, Germany

MSc Data Engineering and Analytics

Master'sEnglish24 months

See how you match

Tuition: €6,000 / semester
Deadline: May 31, 2027
Requirements: Bachelor degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics or engineering
Demonstrated coursework in linear algebra, probability and programming

View details

Technical University of MunichMunich, Germany

MSc Management and Technology

Master'sEnglish24 months

See how you match

Tuition: €6,000 / semester
Deadline: May 31, 2027
Requirements: Bachelor degree with at least 60 ECTS in management or economics
GMAT or GRE recommended but not mandatory

View details

Computer Science Data Science & AI Business & Management Engineering Environment & Sustainability Economics & Finance Medicine & Health

Admission requirements

A recognised bachelor degree, usually assessed through uni-assist before the university sees your file
Subject-specific credit requirements — German programs check the content of your degree, not only its title
IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90 for English-taught programs; TestDaF 4 or DSH-2 for German-taught ones
A blocked account holding the annual living-cost minimum set by the Federal Foreign Office

English-taught programs

10 of the 10 programs listed here for Germany are taught in English.

Find programs

Application process

1Check on the program page whether you apply through uni-assist or directly to the university.
2Get your degree documents certified and, where required, translated into German or English.
3Submit before the deadline — 15 July for most winter intakes, 15 January for summer.
4On admission, open a blocked account, buy health insurance and book a visa appointment early: slots in high-demand consulates fill months ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Official resources

Universities change fees and deadlines without notice. Use the official source link on every fact before making a decision.

Study in GermanyFind programs

Study in Germany

Popular universities

Technical University of Munich

Heidelberg University

RWTH Aachen University

Technische Universität Berlin

Goethe University Frankfurt

University of Stuttgart

Popular programs

MSc Informatics

MSc Computer Science

MSc Data Engineering and Analytics

MSc Management and Technology

Admission requirements

English-taught programs

Popular cities

Application process

Frequently asked questions

Official resources

Study in Germany

Popular universities

Technical University of Munich

Heidelberg University

RWTH Aachen University

Technische Universität Berlin

Goethe University Frankfurt

University of Stuttgart

Popular programs

MSc Informatics

MSc Computer Science

MSc Data Engineering and Analytics

MSc Management and Technology

Admission requirements

English-taught programs

Popular cities

Application process

Frequently asked questions

Official resources