Study in Germany in English: Free/Low-Tuition Public Universities & Visa Guide
Germany's tuition-free public universities are opening in English-taught programmes for international students. Here's how to apply, visa requirements and top programmes.
▶ Free College Predictor & study-abroad toolsGerman public universities are free or near-free
Most German public universities charge only small semester fees (€150–350/semester) regardless of citizenship. Even for new English-taught master's programmes, tuition is minimal or zero. Private universities do charge tuition, so focus on public options.
English-taught master's programmes
Hundreds of master's programmes are now taught entirely in English, especially in engineering, data science, business and environmental science. TU Munich, TU Berlin, KIT, University of Bonn and many others offer strong English-taught MS programmes. Check DAAD's database for a full list filtered by field.
Language and test requirements
Most programmes want IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 100 for English-taught degrees. You don't need German for English-taught programmes, though learning basics (A1 level) makes daily life easier. Some programmes request the GRE or GMAT for competitive fields like Data Science.
Blocked account (GIC equivalent)
Germany's financial requirement is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) with about €11,904/year for living costs. You deposit this in a designated German bank account and can withdraw monthly — no need to show savings in your home account.
Student visa and work rights
Apply for a German Student Residence Permit (D-Visa) with an offer letter, proof of funds and health insurance. You can work up to 120 days/year while studying. After graduating, you get an 18-month job-seeker visa to find work related to your field.
PR pathway via Blue Card
Land a qualifying job and you become eligible for the EU Blue Card with a faster PR timeline (21 months with B1 German, 33 months otherwise). Germany's public-university + low-cost + PR pathway combination is why it's booming for Indian students. Practise IELTS free on LandingPrep.