Studying in Germany as a foreigner: How the fees are regulated
Normally, you do not pay tuition fees for your studies in Germany. However, there are a few exceptions that you should be aware of. Whether you have to pay tuition fees depends on your home country and your university.
Tuition fees differ in each federal state
There have been no general tuition fees in Germany since 2014. This means that German students also do not pay any fees for their studies. However, there are exceptions to this depending on the federal state.
If you are a citizen of a European Union (EU) country or a contracting state of the European Economic Area (EEA), you do not pay tuition fees. Your first degree is then always exempt from fees.
If you come from a country that is not a member of the EU or EEA, the situation is different. The federal states and, in some cases, the universities themselves set their own fees. There are big differences.
It is therefore worth choosing your place of study based on the amount of tuition fees. Even if you have to pay fees due to your country of origin, it may be possible to choose a college or university with low fees.
These rules apply to the second degree program
If you have already completed a degree in your home country and want to do a second degree in Germany, different rules apply. Even if you are already working and studying alongside your work, you must observe certain regulations. In these cases, you may have to pay tuition fees.
As with the first degree, the federal states and the universities themselves set the fees for the second degree. There is therefore no uniform regulation. If you are planning to continue your studies in Germany or to study alongside your job, find out exactly what the fees are.
Private universities always charge fees
Of course, you don't necessarily have to study at a state university or a university of applied sciences. You may decide to enroll at a private university because your course is only available there or because you think you have better prospects for your career.
A private university is not supported by the German state. This means that all costs have to be covered by the tuition fees. For you, this means that you will almost always have to pay fees. Your country of origin and nationality are irrelevant.
There is no general information on the amount of fees at a private university. However, you can expect to pay around 500 euros per month for a Bachelor's degree. In addition, there are the costs for your living expenses, rent and much more.
Some universities offer the option of not paying the fees until you are in employment and earning money. If you choose a university with tuition fees, please ask when you have to pay the money.
