Global Updates

Studying in popular countries like the USA and the UK can be very expensive. Germany, which ranks third globally for quality of education, offers some of the cheapest higher education options in the world. Many German universities only require a small semester fee. Some do not charge any tuition fee at all. On that basis, here we’re discussing the top five cheapest German universities for 2026. Additionally, cover their tuition fees and eligibility requirements that will help you plan your study abroad journey.

However, these low-cost universities make Germany very competitive for international students. Admission requirements are specific and can be challenging. But if students meet the complete criteria, getting into a top German university is possible and straightforward.

Top 5 Cheapest German Universities

1. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)

Type: Public university

It offers a wide range of programs across sciences, humanities, and social sciences, attracting many international students for its excellent academic quality and research opportunities. LMU consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, emphasizing both teaching and innovative research.

Tuition Fee: Free (a basic semester contribution of €85 applies).

Eligibility:

For Undergraduate 

• Secondary school certificate equivalent to German Abitur.
• Recognized qualifications: IB diploma, A-Levels (min. 3 relevant subjects), or equivalent.
• Non-equivalent qualifications require Studienkolleg and Feststellungsprüfung (preparatory course and exam).
• Most programs taught in German; German proficiency required (e.g., Goethe B2, TestDaF level 4, DSH-2).
• Some programs are offered in English; you need English proficiency (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 80–95).
• Additional requirements for competitive programs like Medicine, Psychology, Law, etc.

For Master’s 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, matching German bachelor’s degree standards.
• Preferred minimum GPA of about 2.5 on the German scale (approx. 70% or B grade).
• Language requirements:

1. German-taught: Goethe C1, TestDaF level 4, or DSH-2.
2. English-taught: IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 80–100.

• Some programs require GRE/GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose.
• Indian students must provide an APS certificate.

2. Humboldt University of Berlin

Type: Public university

Humboldt University in Berlin is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities, celebrated for its strong emphasis on arts, humanities, and sciences. It has a long tradition of integrating research and teaching to foster academic excellence.

Tuition Fee: Free (semester fees required €315)

Eligibility:

Undergraduate 

• You must have a recognized university entrance qualification equivalent to the German Abitur.
• All undergraduate programs are taught exclusively in German.
• You need C1 level German language proficiency (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
• Accepted German language certificates:

1. Goethe-Zertifikat C1
2. telc C1 or telc C1 Hochschule
3. DSH-1
4. TestDaF (minimum score 3 in all sections to be eligible for the DSH exam)

• Certificates of attendance for German courses are not accepted.
• After admission, you must pass the university’s DSH exam unless exempted by a higher equivalent German certificate scores (such as TestDaF score 4 in all sections, Goethe C2, etc.).

Master’s Eligibility at Humboldt University of Berlin

• You must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field from a recognized university.
• Master’s programs may be in German or English; language requirements depend on the program’s language of instruction.
• For German-taught master’s courses, German proficiency is required, similar to undergraduate programs (DSH, TestDaF, Goethe certificates).
• For English-taught master’s courses, you must prove English proficiency, typically with:

1. IELTS score of around 6.0 or higher
2. TOEFL score of around 80 or higher

• Additional application documents usually include academic transcripts, CV, letters of recommendation, and sometimes GRE/GMAT, depending on the program.

3. University of Göttingen

Type: Public university

Founded in 1737, this historic university has earned a reputation for its outstanding contributions to research in both the sciences and humanities. Its faculty and alumni proudly include an impressive list of Nobel laureates.

Tuition Fee: Free (€350 semester fee)

Eligibility:

For Undergraduate 

• You must have a recognized high school leaving certificate equivalent to the German Abitur.
• Proof of German language proficiency is mandatory for German-taught programs:

1. Minimum DSH-2 level or equivalent (e.g., TestDaF level 4).

• For programs taught in English, proof of English proficiency is required:

1. Minimum IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80.

• Applicants need to meet any program-specific academic prerequisites.
• The application includes submission of transcripts, motivation letter, proof of language skills, and payment of evaluation fees.

For Master’s:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university, typically with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on the German grading scale (some programs may require higher).
• Meet language proficiency requirements depending on the language of instruction:

1. German programs: DSH-2 / TestDaF level 4 or equivalent.
2. English programs: IELTS minimum 6.5, TOEFL minimum 95.

• Provide academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and possibly letters of recommendation.
• Some master’s programs may require GRE scores or subject-specific prior knowledge.
• The admission process includes document review and may include an interview.

4. University of Stuttgart

Type: Public university

Known for its excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and architecture, the University of Stuttgart stands out as a leading institution in technical education in Germany.

Tuition Fee: €3,000 – €3,368 per year 

Eligibility:

For Undergraduate 

• Proof of German or English language proficiency, depending on the language of the program.
• Accepted German language tests: TestDaF (level 4), Goethe Certificate (C1 or C2), DSH-2 or equivalent.
• Accepted English language tests: IELTS minimum 6.5, TOEFL iBT minimum 79, or equivalent.
• You may need to provide additional documents such as transcripts, certificates, and sometimes SAT/ACT scores.
• You can complete the application online through the university’s portal, without any application fees.

For Master’s 

• A recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant to the desired master’s program is required.
• Language proficiency matching the instruction language of the program is mandatory:

1. German programs: DSH-2 / TestDaF level 4 or Goethe C1/C2.
2. English programs: IELTS minimum 7.0, TOEFL iBT minimum 95, or equivalent.

• Some programs may request GRE/GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, a CV, and a statement of purpose.
• An online application through the university portal is required with supporting documents.

5. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Type: Public university

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is recognized as one of Germany’s foremost STEM universities, particularly distinguished for its focus on engineering and technical sciences.

Tuition Fee: €1,500 per semester 

Eligibility:

For Undergraduate 

• Applicants must have a recognized high school leaving certificate or equivalent country-specific qualification.
• Proof of German language proficiency is required, ideally at level B1 or higher at the time of application. Enrollment requires DSH-2, TestDaF 4×4, or equivalent German proficiency before the semester starts.
• Some programs require additional entrance tests, interviews, or submission of specific portfolios (e.g., Architecture or Chemistry).
• Applicants from some countries need to submit an APS certificate.
• Preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) and intensive German language courses are available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements.

For Master’s

• A recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant to the master’s program applied for.
• Proof of English language proficiency for English-taught programs, typically IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL ≥ 90.
• For German-taught programs, German language proficiency equivalent to DSH-2 or TestDaF 4×4 is required.
• Additional documents required include academic transcripts, a motivation letter, a CV, recommendation letters, and possibly GRE/GMAT scores, depending on the program.

Conclusion

Germany offers some of the most affordable and high-quality education options globally, making it an attractive destination for international students. With minimal or no tuition fees at top public universities and clear eligibility criteria, students can access world-class programs without financial strain. Planning and meeting admission requirements open doors to excellent academic and career opportunities in 2026.