Top Tuition-Free Universities in Germany

Famous for its art, architecture and classical music, Germany is famously called the land of poets and thinkers. Home to famous composers like Schumann, Beethoven, Brahms and Bach, the country is long associated with great minds. It is a nation that gave birth to some of the greatest minds and has long been nurturing the souls of many brilliant students, helping them unravel their potential. The country’s art, science and technology contributions have left an indelible mark on history.

Germany, located at the heart of Europe and has significantly shaped history for both good and bad. Despite its history, the nation's education system has always been unparalleled. Over time, it has built itself into a perfect study-abroad destination, with scenic beauties, gothic architecture, an abundance of natural resources and one of the best educational systems in the world.

Weaving together a rich tapestry of rich history and long academic history, Germany continuously commits itself to the intellectual growth of its people. From the grand halls of respected universities to the charming classrooms of local schools, every corner exudes an atmosphere of inspiration. The educational landscape of Germany is built in such a way that it propels the learners on a transformative journey of self-discovery, leading to personal and professional growth. Germany stands as a testament to the profound impact that education can have, fostering a society that cherishes knowledge, celebrates diversity, and embraces the wonders of the human intellect.

There are over 240 universities in Germany. Out of this, over 2000 offer English-taught programs at various study levels, along with public universities offering tuition-free education to both domestic and international students.

Founded in 1948, the Free University of Berlin is one of the best public research universities offering free education in Germany. It is ranked 87th in the Best Global Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. It is one of the many free universities in Germany. The university emphasises more on the study areas of humanities and political science. As one of Germany's most prestigious institutes of higher education, it conferred its title of “University of Excellence” under the German Universities Excellence Initiative. It is one of the 13 universities funded by the German government's Excellence Strategy and is part of the Berlin University Alliance. Free University of Berlin acceptance rate is merely 15%, with the admissions being quite competitive.

Some of the famous courses at the university are:

• International Health 

• North American Studies 

• Global History 

• Sociology 

• Political Science 

• Media and Political Communication 

Located in Munich and founded in 1868, the Technical University of Munich is one of the largest and most renowned public research universities in Germany. It is one of the top choices of international students to study in Germany. Technology, Engineering, natural and applied sciences and medicine are the specialisations of the university. The institute follows the motto “The entrepreneurial university”. It is organised into eight schools and departments and is supported by various research centres. Alums of the university include 23 Leibniz Prize winners and 18 Nobel laureates. It is one of the top free universities in Germany.

Some of the famous courses at the university are:

• Computer Science

• Engineering. Health

• Social Science and Humanities

• Subject and Skill Guides.

Established 551 years ago in 1472, the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is a renowned and one of Germany's best public research universities. It is the sixth oldest university in Germany which is in continuous operation. In terms of student population, it is currently the second-largest university in the country. The university is one of the best free universities in Germany while being one of the most selective, with an acceptance rate of just 10%. It holds specialisations in study areas of Data Science, Neuro-Cognitive Psychology, Human Biology, Management, etc. The university offers education for free to both domestic and international students. Students just need to pay a small semester fee to cover the administration charges. It welcomed over 50,000 students in the winter semester of 2022/23. A faculty of over 800 professors research and teach at this institute of higher education.

Some of the famous courses at the university are:

• Ancient History 

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Veterinary Medicine

• Mass Communication & Media

• Business & Management Studies

Founded in the year 1870, RWTH Aachen University is one of the biggest universities in Germany. It offers around 140 programs across a variety of fields. Future planning for the industrialised world takes place at RWTH Aachen University. With growing international acclaim, the university is establishing itself as a hub for creating ground-breaking solutions to societal problems. In order to tackle challenging scientific problems, disseminate cutting-edge information, and promote ground-breaking discoveries that have an impact on global difficulties, RWTH Aachen University takes advantage of its strong research networks and the intellectual curiosity of its staff. It is Europe’s top university for science and technology courses and research, but despite that, it offers several extensive programs in a variety of fields like business, medicine, arts, etc. The university formally removed the tuition cost in 2011 for both domestic and international students. It is ranked 19th overall and 44th in engineering and technology overall in the QS global ranking for mechanical engineering.

Some of the famous courses by the university are:

• Chemistry 

• Cell Biology 

• Chemical Engineering 

• Civil Engineering 

• Computer Science 

• Clinical Medicine 

• Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology

• Biology and Biochemistry

The Humboldt University of Berlin was founded more than 200 years ago, in 1810. It is one of the most esteemed universities in Germany and Europe. The university enjoys a prestigious international reputation in the humanities and arts. It was founded by Wilhelm von Humboldt and is named after him and his brother, the renowned naturalist and an alum of the Humboldt University of Berlin, Alexander von Humboldt. It was formerly known as the University of Berlin and received its current name in 1949.

It is one of Europe's leading institutions of higher learning and one of the most renowned free universities in Germany. It follows a strong connection between teaching and research. Wilhelm von Humboldt universities created this approach, emphasising a close connection between research and instruction, which is still used by higher education institutions worldwide today. The fact that university has educated no less than 29 Nobel laureates, including Max Born, who won the prize for physics in 1954; Theodor Mommsen, who won the prize for literature in 1902; and Wassily Leontief, who won the prize for economics in 1973, demonstrates its intellectual prominence.

German universities that demonstrate they are leaders in science and research are given additional financing through the German Universities Excellence Initiative, which was launched by the federal government in 2006. HU Berlin was one of 11 organisations to obtain this funding in 2012, further solidifying its position as a top university in the nation.

Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Alfred Döblin, Friedrich Schleiermacher, and other well-known alums of HU Berlin include those who founded Marxism. The university is also associated with Albert Einstein, who spent his time as a professor at the university, and the composer Felix Mendelssohn, a Humboldt student. The university offers free education to domestic and international students alike and is home to 17% of international students out of the total enrolment.

Some of the famous courses by the university are:

• Global Change Geography 

• Horticulture Sciences 

• Microbiology 

• Oncology 

• Infectious Diseases

• Cell Biology 

• Clinical Medicine 

• Surgery 

• Immunology
   

To conclude, education is a vessel that plays a significant role in shaping one’s future. While studying abroad offers various opportunities, the cost is a huge matter to consider. That’s why it is helpful to study in Germany. The country is globally known for offering free education at several top public institutes. These institutes charge a minimal or no amount to study in Germany at various programs. If you are looking for quality education with no tuition fee, Germany is your dream place. Research universities thoroughly and select the course that suits you best. We know you can get that dream university of yours. Good luck!

We hope you enjoyed learning about the free universities in Germany. If you would like to get a deeper insight into how to study in Germany, we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad journey. Get help with the application process, SOPs and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.