Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students (2027)



In 2027, Germany remains one of the only top-tier educational hubs in the world that does not charge tuition fees to international students. Whether you are from Asia, Africa, or the Americas, you can earn a world-class degree essentially for free.

Why is Higher Education Free in Germany?

The German government believes that education should not be commercialized. Public universities are heavily subsidized by the state. Therefore, both domestic and international students only pay a small "semester contribution" (usually between €150 and €350 per semester), which often covers public transportation in the city.

Top Universities Offering English-Taught Programs

You do not need to be fluent in German to study at the Master's level. There are thousands of English-taught programs across the country.

• Technical University of Munich (TUM): Note: As of recently, TUM has introduced fees for non-EU students, but many other Bavarian schools remain free or offer vast waivers.
• RWTH Aachen University: World-renowned for mechanical and automotive engineering. (Free tuition).
• University of Mannheim: Famous for its Business and Economics programs.
• Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität): Excellent for Humanities and Social Sciences.

🔗 Official Resource: DAAD International Programmes Database

The Catch: The Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)

While tuition is free, you must prove to the German government that you can support yourself financially to get a student visa.

For the 2027 academic year, you must deposit a specific amount (currently around €11,208 per year) into a German Blocked Account. This money belongs to you, but you are only allowed to withdraw 1/12th of it each month to cover rent, food, and health insurance.

How to Bypass the Blocked Account

If you cannot afford the Blocked Account, your best option is to secure a fully funded scholarship that covers living expenses.

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers numerous scholarships, such as the EPOS program for development-related postgraduate courses, which completely waives the Blocked Account requirement.