Studying in Germany as an international student: top universities, tuition, courses and how to apply (2026)
Germany is one of the few major destinations where many public universities charge little or no tuition, even to non-EU students. That makes it a standout for value, but fees have started to appear in some states, so it pays to check exactly where you are applying.
Rankings
In QS 2027, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) ranked 25th, the highest German university and the highest ranked among EU universities along with France's PSL. QS said Germany added 11 new entries, bringing its listed total to 60. LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, RWTH Aachen and the Humboldt University of Berlin are also well known; check their current positions on the QS website.
What you can study
German universities offer engineering, natural sciences, computer science, business, medicine and humanities. Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) focus on practical, career-oriented courses. A large and growing number of master's degrees are taught in English, while undergraduate degrees are often taught in German, so many international students begin with a German course or a preparatory year (Studienkolleg).
What it costs
- Tuition in most states is zero. A 2026 tracker reports that public bachelor's programmes remain tuition-free for non-EU students in 14 of 16 states.
- Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester at public universities.
- Bavaria: most public universities are free, but TUM charges non-EU students roughly EUR 2,000 to 3,000 per semester for bachelor's programmes and EUR 4,000 to 6,000 per semester for master's programmes, depending on the course. The same source mentions that the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg may charge from 2027, so check directly.
- Doctorates are tuition-free everywhere, including at TUM and in Baden-Württemberg.
- Semester contribution: every public university charges a small administrative fee, about EUR 70 to 430 a semester depending on the state, often including a public transport ticket.
- Living costs: health insurance is roughly EUR 130 to 150 a month, and rent depends heavily on the city.
The blocked account and visa
Applicants from outside the EU normally need a student visa. You must show you can support yourself, typically through a blocked account (Sperrkonto). The amount reported for 2026 is EUR 11,904 a year (about EUR 992 a month). This covers living costs only, so tuition at TUM or in Baden-Württemberg needs separate budgeting. You also need health insurance and an admission letter.
Admission process
- Check the entry requirements for your degree, including the language requirement: German (TestDaF, DSH or similar) or English (IELTS, TOEFL), depending on the course.
- Find out whether your qualification is recognised directly or needs a Studienkolleg. Many Indian applicants need extra steps.
- Complete an APS certificate if required. Students from some countries, including India, China and Vietnam, need an Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate before applying for the visa.
- Apply through uni-assist or directly. Many universities use uni-assist, while others, including TUM, have their own portals.
- Meet the deadlines. For winter semester (starting October), the application deadline is often around 15 July, with some universities earlier. For summer semester (starting April), deadlines are often around 15 January.
- Open a blocked account, get health insurance and book a visa appointment.
- Register at your university on arrival.
After graduation
Graduates can stay for 18 months to look for work, and the EU Blue Card route is open to graduates who find a job meeting the salary threshold. See our guide to the German Blue Card for the 2026 figures.
Tips
- Start APS and visa appointments months before your intake.
- Plan for TUM fees if you apply there, even though Germany is mostly free.
- Learn some German even if your course is in English; it makes daily life and job-hunting easier.
Sources: QS World University Rankings 2027 release, German tuition tracker 2026, The Local: international students in Germany 2026.
Rankings, fees and visa rules change every year. Figures here were checked in October 2026 against the sources listed, several of which are third-party summaries, so confirm each number on the university's and the government's own website before you apply. Visa Ray is not an admissions or immigration adviser. You can run a free assessment on Visa Ray to see which study and work pathways fit your profile.