Bachelor’s Degrees in Germany: Tuition-Free and Taught in English
Tuition-Free Education
When exploring higher education options, many are unaware that most public universities in Germany are tuition-free for international students. This makes pursuing an undergraduate degree at a German public university an attractive and financially viable choice for middle-class families worldwide.
Language Requirements
While it’s common for German public universities to offer undergraduate degrees primarily in German, an increasing number now provide bachelor’s programs in English. According to the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), international students will have access to 117 tuition-free, English-taught undergraduate programs in 2025.
Admission
Unlike many universities in the United States, German public universities operate on a qualifications- and grades-based admissions system. This means that if your qualifications and grades meet the required standards, you will be accepted. Admission criteria for programs are typically divided into two categories: NC (Numerus Clausus) and non-NC programs.
For NC programs, the acceptance threshold is determined by the number of applicants and the number of available placements. The minimum grade required for admission (the "Numerus Clausus") is set based on the grades of the applicants, with the cutoff determined by the lowest grade among those admitted within the program's capacity. For example, if a program has 100 seats, the NC is based on the grade of the 100th highest-ranking applicant.
In contrast, non-NC programs do not have a set grade cutoff. For these programs, all applicants are accepted as long as they hold a high school diploma recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur (the German high school qualification).
For more detailed information about admission procedures, please feel free to contact me directly.
University Types and Rankings
When selecting a university in Germany, the type of university often holds more significance than its rankings. Unlike in the United States, where employers tend to place high value on a university's reputation, German employers focus more on the relevance and quality of the education provided. Research universities (Universitäten) in Germany are generally more prestigious and selective compared to universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), which are more career-oriented and emphasize practical training. Each type of institution serves different academic and professional goals, making it essential to choose based on your field of study and career aspirations.
Map of All Public University Programs Taught in English
Note: For the best experience, we recommend using a computer to view the interactive search engine. You can also access the Shiny app directly at https://abroader.shinyapps.io/germany_map/
Overview of all the English-Taught Tuition-Free Programs
Among the 59 public universities in Germany offering English-taught programs, 23 are research universities, and 36 are universities of applied sciences. Unsurprisingly, the most popular subjects remain business and economics, engineering, and computer science. However, several niche programs stand out for their uniqueness and appeal.
For instance, Leuphana Universität Lüneburg offers an Individual Studies program inspired by the liberal arts education model in the United States. Much like liberal arts colleges, students select their majors and minors after the first semester. However, unlike most liberal arts programs in the U.S., the range of majors in this program is notably limited. Options include Comparative Economic Law, Museum Studies, Popular Music Studies, Psychology and Society, Economics, Philosophy, Political Science, Spatial Sciences, and Sustainability Science.
Another standout program is the International Wine Business degree at Geisenheim University, perhaps the most distinctive among all English-taught programs in Germany. Located along the Rhine River between Koblenz and Mainz, Geisenheim is renowned for its winemaking tradition. Students at Geisenheim University gain firsthand knowledge of the wine business in Europe and beyond. In addition to the International Wine Business program, the university offers a German-Italian double degree in winemaking. However, applicants for this dual degree must demonstrate a B2-level proficiency in German to be eligible.
All Public University Programs Taught in English
Note: For the best experience, we recommend using a computer to view the interactive search engine. You can also access the Shiny app directly at https://abroader.shinyapps.io/germany_panel/
My Personal Take
Affordability:
In most German states (Bundesländern), except for Baden-Württemberg and Bayern, public universities do not charge tuition fees. Instead, a semester fee (ranging from 200 to 400 Euros per semester) is levied to cover administrative and regional transportation costs. Consequently, enrolled students in Germany can access all regional public transportation services, except the ICE high-speed trains.
Unlike many colleges in the United States, living in university-subsidized housing is not obligatory. The average cost of university-subsidized housing ranges from 300 to 500 Euros per month. Nevertheless, many students choose to reside in shared flats, which might entail higher costs depending on the university's location. In cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt, housing expenses are typically elevated.
During my studies in Germany in 2020, my average monthly expenses totaled 1200 Euros, covering all essential needs.
Learning German:
Although many English-taught university programs are available to international students, living in Germany without proficiency in German can pose challenges. Picture yourself at a party or social gathering where everyone converses in German, and you find yourself needing to initiate conversations in English. Yeah, I've been there, and it wasn't enjoyable.
If you're contemplating studying in Germany while simultaneously learning German, it will require time and determination. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it to everyone. Just imagine yourself conversing fluently in German with a bachelor's degree three years after making this significant commitment. Isn't that exciting? Envision the multitude of career opportunities that will become available to you, both domestically and internationally!
Campus Life:
Most universities in Germany do not have traditional, enclosed campuses as seen in many universities in the United States. Instead, they are often seamlessly integrated into the cities where they are located. This urban integration can be surprising for students from the U.S., where universities frequently have self-contained campuses that are separate from surrounding communities.
For example, the main building of the University of Bonn is one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the city of Bonn. Unlike many American university towns where the campus forms a distinct entity separate from the city, Bonn is not just a "university town." The university and its facilities are spread throughout the city, blending academic and urban life.
Quality and Career Perspectives:
Germans are renowned for their efficiency and practicality, traits that are reflected in their academic system. Most university programs in Germany are highly career-oriented. Throughout their studies, students are often required to undertake various internships as part of their academic curriculum. This aspect proves invaluable for their future job searches.
While most undergraduate programs in Germany typically last three years, many students choose to extend their enrollment since there are no tuition fees for such extensions. This provides students from lower-income families and those with special needs greater flexibility to complete their programs. Additionally, students can take multiple semester sabbaticals for reasons such as pregnancy without facing financial consequences.
Challenges:
If I were to summarize college life in Germany in one word, it would be adulthood. Unlike most colleges in the United States, universities in Germany are widely considered an integral part of the public service system. While they do offer non-academic resources such as career services, free sports programs, and funding for student associations, German universities typically do not actively guide students or ensure their success. Instead, the responsibility for managing both academic and social life falls squarely on the students.
Support services, such as those offered by Studierendenwerke (Student Services Organizations), are available to assist students with housing, dining, financial aid, and legal issues. Many universities also provide access to international offices and counseling services to help international students with integration and academic support. However, students are expected to take the initiative to seek out and utilize these resources.
For 18- or 19-year-olds, this self-reliance can be a daunting challenge. Balancing the demands of a new academic environment with the excitement and uncertainty of social adventures—all while adapting to a foreign country—requires a great deal of organization and motivation. The distance from family and friends back home often leaves international students especially vulnerable to feelings of loneliness and self-doubt.
Having experienced this firsthand, I know how valuable it would have been to have someone there to provide mental and emotional support during those tough moments. This understanding inspired me to incorporate the On-Site Service into my college counseling offerings. Through this service, I aim to provide students with the personalized support they need to overcome the challenges of adapting to life and study in Germany, empowering them to thrive both academically and socially.
