Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany for 2026 Admissions
Public Universities
A hallmark of TU9 Universities is their cosmopolitan outlook, providing an inspirational work environment, fostering strategic alliances with leading institutions worldwide and promoting the global reach of the label German Engineering.
TU9 internationalization activities range from expanding institutional networks to research collaborations and recruiting outstanding talents at all career levels. TU9 Alumni have the knowledge and skills sought after nationally and internationally to meet the social challenges faced today and shape tomorrow’s world.
International Student
24%
(71,777)
of all International Student in Germany
International Graduates
29%
(12,142)
of all International University Graduates in Germany
International Co operations
2,747
in 94 Countries
Top Universities
Leading Technical Universities as Drivers of Societal Transformation
As an Alliance of Leading Technical Universities, we take special responsibility for the productive and innovative strength of our society and economy. We help shape the future by contributing to digitization and the energy and sustainability transition, to name a few. To this end, we combine our specific expertise in basic research, especially in the natural sciences and engineering, with applied research and innovation.
Based on our broad canon of disciplines, which besides engineering and natural sciences, includes humanities, social sciences and medicine, we develop creative solutions for the complex global challenges of today and tomorrow. Our inter- and transdisciplinary research brings together diverse expertise based on strong disciplines. It is our hallmark and success factor. Naturally, we think in multiple perspectives and solve problems holistically.
Our students acquire these competencies from the very beginning. Our teaching and learning settings combine subject matter focus with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary breadth. Successful teaching and learning take place in living labs on real life projects and in diverse teams. We act as a talent magnet and attract an above-average number of international students. We regard studying as a lifelong process. Further scientific training and qualification is naturallypart of our portfolio. This makes us a key player in securing skilled workers, especially in the STEM sector, which is an essential prerequisite for our country's economic performance.
In research and teaching, we also cooperate with the business community. We encourage all members of our universities to start up their own businesses and support them on the path from idea to company. Thus, our universities are hubs and drivers of vibrant innovation ecosystems.Excellent basic research is the foundation of disruptive innovations.
Multiple perspectives are a prerequisite for finding forward-looking answers to the major challenges we face. We are committed to the principles of equality, diversity and anti-discrimination and integrate scientists and employees from all over the world into our institutions. As Technical Universities, we seek in-depth exchange and an open multilogue in networks with our partners in science, business, society, and politics on a regional, national, European and global level. We are convinced that cooperative connections lead to transformative solutions.
A great curiosity, the courage to shape change, a pronounced focus on solutions, the conviction of the added value of intensive cooperation and the appreciation of diverse perspectives are part of our self-conception. They are the key to the urgent transformation processes in our society.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Higher education in Germany is state-subsidised because the German government views higher education as a public good that attracts top international talent to fuel its economy. Public universities across 14 out of 16 federal states charge €0 tuition fees for both domestic and international non-EU students for Bachelor's and consecutive Master's programs.
Yes, there are a few specific state and institutional exceptions:
• State of Baden-Württemberg: All public universities in this state (e.g., University of Heidelberg, University of Stuttgart, KIT, University of Freiburg) charge non-EU international students €1,500 per semester.
• Bavarian Institutional Fees: In Bavaria, individual universities hold the autonomy to set fees. For instance, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) charges non-EU international students €2,000–€3,000 per semester for Bachelor's programs and €4,000–€6,000 per semester for Master's programs.
• Non-Consecutive / Executive Degrees: Specialised executive Master's and MBA programs across public universities may charge program tuition.
Every enrolled student at a public university pays a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) ranging from €150 to €400 per semester. This is not a tuition fee; it covers campus administrative services, student union support (Studierendenwerk), cafeterias, and usually includes a regional public transportation ticket (Semesterticket or discounted Deutschlandsemesterticket).
Public universities represent the core of the German higher education system, accounting for over 90% of student enrolments. They carry immense global prestige, dominate international university rankings (such as the TU9 alliance), and hold top research facilities funded by the state. While accredited private universities offer valuable advantages like smaller class sizes and flexible admissions, public universities remain the gold standard for engineering, natural sciences, and academic research.
Public university admissions are non-holistic and strictly rule-based. Key criteria include:
• Academic Qualification: A recognised Class 12 diploma (with Studienkolleg/FSP or 1 year of Indian university) for Bachelor's, or a recognised Bachelor's degree (H+ status on Anabin) for Master's.
• ECTS Credit Alignment: Direct subject-by-subject prerequisite module matching.
• Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic (6.5+) or TOEFL iBT (80–90+) for English programs; Goethe C1 / TestDaF (4x4) for German programs.
• Official Verification: Mandatory APS Certificate (and dMAT exam score for select Master's fields).
NC (Numerus Clausus / Restricted Admissions): Programs with a fixed number of seats where candidates are ranked competitively based primarily on their converted GPA (Bavarian Formula).
Non-NC (NC-frei / Unrestricted Admissions): Programs with no seat limits where any applicant who fulfils all academic prerequisites, credit requirements, and language requirements is guaranteed an admission offer.
It varies by institution:
• Uni-Assist: Over 180 public universities use Uni-Assist as a centralised evaluation portal to verify foreign documents, convert grades, and process applications.
• Direct Portals: Other prominent public universities (e.g., TU Munich, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, RWTH Aachen) manage international applications through their own internal university portals.
• VPD (Preliminary Documentation): Some public universities require you to obtain a VPD certificate from Uni-Assist first and then submit your application directly on the university's portal.
The TU9 Alliance is an association of Germany's nine premier Technical Universities, globally renowned for engineering, technology, and natural sciences:
1. RWTH Aachen University
2. Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
3. Technische Universität Braunschweig
4. Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)
5. Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden)
6. Leibniz University Hannover
7. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
8. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
9. University of Stuttgart
Yes, but they are limited and highly competitive. While there are over 2,000 English-taught Master's programs at public universities, English-taught Bachelor's degrees at public institutions are fewer (around 200–300 nationwide) and generally require a Class 12 score of 80% to 85%+ alongside an IELTS score of 6.5+.
Generally, no public university Master's programs in Germany are strictly consecutive, meaning your prospective Master's field must align directly with your Bachelor's degree coursework. If your undergraduate transcript lacks required prerequisite ECTS credits in core subjects, your application will be automatically rejected.
EduOptions Germany ensures error-free applications to public universities by:
• Performing transcript and ECTS credit module mapping to prevent credit-mismatch rejections.
• Guiding you through APS certificate filing and dMAT exam registration.
• Drafting university-specific Statements of Purpose (SOP) and CVs.
• Managing Uni-Assist and direct portal application submissions.
• Assisting with Blocked Account setup, public health insurance, and VFS student visa filing.
• Providing pre-departure briefings and post-arrival settlement support in Germany.
