Low Tuition Universities in Germany, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

Germany is a Western European country with a landscape of forests, rivers, mountain ranges and North Sea beaches. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated between the Baltic and North seas to the north, and the Alps to the south; it covers an area of 357,022 square kilometres , with a population of almost 84 million within its 16 constituent states. Germany borders Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west.

The nation’s capital and largest city by population is Berlin and its financial centre is Frankfurt; the largest urban area is the Ruhr. German is the official and predominant spoken language in Germany. The currency in Germany is the euro

Most of Germany has a temperate climate, ranging from oceanic in the north to continental in the east and southeast. Winters range from the cold in the Southern Alps to cool and are generally overcast with limited precipitation, while summers can vary from hot and dry to cool and rainy.

Today, we will focus on the Higher Education System in Germany, living costs, Tuition Fees, Admission Requirements, and the lists of low tuition Universities in Germany

Higher Education System in Germany

Higher education in Germany recently converted to the three-tier degree system of the European Higher Education Area established under the Bologna System. Rather than the old one-tier ‘long’ programs, Germany now offers undergraduate courses which result in a Bachelor’s degree, and postgraduate courses which result in a Master’s or PhD (Doctorate).

Bachelor’s Degree:

Bachelor’s degree is the first higher education qualification in Germany. The standard period of study in a Bachelor’s program in Germany is 6 semesters or 3 full academic years. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, students can start their professional work or apply for a master’s degree.

Master’s Degree:

The second higher education qualification in Germany is the Master’s degree. It takes 2 – 4 semesters to complete studies in a German Master’s degree program, which will take about 2 years.

PhD Degree:

The third higher education qualification in Germany is the PhD degree. There is no standardized period for completing doctoral studies in Germany, as this is a more in-depth and individual specialization. The most important requirement for admission to the doctoral program is the presentation of a master’s degree. Doctoral studies in Germany are free and you do not have to pay tuition.

Living Costs:

There are many accommodation options to choose from as an international student in Germany. You can choose between German halls of residence, private apartments, as well as shared flats. You can also rent a one-room apartment (also called a studio). Below you will find the average accommodation costs for a student in Germany:

Living alone in a studio: 390 EUR/month
Sharing a privately rented flat: 365 EUR/month
Living in a student residence: 250 EUR/month

Rooms in student residence halls are one of the most popular housing options. According to the DAAD, over 40% of international students live in a student residence. The second most popular option is sharing a flat, with 30% of students choosing this type of accommodation.

Food costs:

As a student in Germany, you will pay about 170 EUR/month on food. If you’re looking for lower prices, try cheaper supermarkets like Netto, Aldi, and Lidi

If you wish to have dinner in a restaurant once in a while you will pay 10 EUR for food in a cheap one. A three-course meal for two in an average restaurant costs 45 EUR and an additional light drink will be 3 EUR.

Transportation costs:

Public transport pass for students is between 25 and 200 EUR/month. However, at many universities, the cost of the monthly transport pass is included in the administration fee that you need to pay every semester.

You can easily get around with a bicycle throughout any city in Germany. Rates for renting a bicycle are around 15-20 EUR/day

To check out other prices and costs in Germany, visit numbeo

Tuition Fees

The cost of studying in Germany is free in Public Universities. However, students would be required to pay an administration fee at the start of every year/ semester. This is a negligible amount. The Germans take their education system very seriously and have everything calculated to the last cent. Every year, according to the prevailing economic conditions as well as the relevant fees structure, every university would request that a monthly sum be provided for the student to facilitate their living expenses in the country as well as for completing his education, this money is deposited in a Blocked Account. This usually varies from state to state and is about €853 a month, which would roughly amount to €10,236 for an entire academic session. This would include their accommodation, living expenses, and even travel pass costs.

Admission Requirements

A duly completed application form.
Certified copy of high school diploma.
Relevant recognized academic certificates.
Translated overview of your modules and grades.
Copy of your passport and a passport photo.
Proof of language proficiency.
Application Fee
Your passport with visa or residence permit
Completed registration form
Proof of higher education entrance qualification, either original certificates or officially certified copies and translations
Notice of admission
Evidence of adequate knowledge of German (or English)
Evidence of statutory health insurance in Germany
Payment receipt for the semester fee