FREE EDUCATION IN GERMANY FOR INDIAN STUDENTS | BCES
At a certain phase in life, we consider pursuing higher education overseas. Nevertheless, as a result of financial limitations, several individuals hesitate to pursue their aspirations. Moreover, as a result of insufficient knowledge, it is imperative that students become better acquainted with various programs, scholarships, and tuition-free institutions that offer financial assistance to individuals aspiring to pursue their desired academic programs.
While other countries provide reasonably priced and high-quality education to students from abroad, Germany was the first to introduce tuition-free education in a wide range of disciplines. In this article, we will examine educational institutions in Germany that offer tuition-free education. However, before delving into that, let us first comprehend the rationale behind pursuing advanced studies in the country.
At some point in life, we consider going abroad for higher studies. However, due to financial constraints, some doubt pursuing their dream. Further, due to a lack of awareness, the students need to be more informed about all the schemes, scholarships, and free educational universities that provide financial support to those willing to complete their dream courses. Though many countries offer affordable and quality education to international students, Germany pioneered free education across various fields. Here, we will explore institutes that provide free education in Germany, but first, let us understand the reason for pursuing higher studies in the country.
Why Study in Germany for Free?
Germany is a potential destination for students worldwide to study various courses in many disciplines. The unique specialization of any field and a healthy educational environment make it a feasible choice for pursuing an abroad education. Students often need clarification about the quality of free education in Germany, but the country’s international educational institutes are constantly ranking worldwide.
Public universities in Germany allow you to take advantage of your educational experience to the next level without paying any fee. You have to pay charges for administration, enrolment, and confirmation fees. And you can cover your accommodation and other expenses with the DAAD Scholarship, which is a feasible option.
Why Germany Provides Free Education?
Germany is one of the most famous nations in Europe, where students may study for free, regardless of their nationality. Germans generally think education should not be viewed as a business. It is instead looked at or viewed as a necessity and a fundamental right of all human beings. They believe free access to higher education boosts economic progress and wellbeing for the country’s whole population.
A law in the past allowed public institutions to charge very cheap tuition fee of 1,000 euros each year. However, in recent years, German governments have identified the economic and social benefits of immigration.
Germany wants to invite the brightest brains to study and, preferably, intelligent students to stay and work after graduation. As a result, there are no tuition costs for international students coming to Germany so as to facilitate free or affordable overseas education. There are like accommodation, travel, and other expenses not free.
Is Education Free in Germany for Indian Students?
Indeed, Indian students are exempt from paying tuition fees for education in Germany. Germany has numerous public universities that provide tuition-free education, with only minor administrative expenses. The criteria set by certain public universities can be rather intricate for Indian students to meet. Admission into public universities requires an annual cost ranging from 200 EUR to 500 EUR for students. Private academic institutions, on the other hand, have relatively inexpensive tuition fees ranging from approximately 3000 EUR to 18000 EUR per year, depending on the specific subject and university. Nevertheless, the expenses associated with pursuing medicine, business, or engineering degrees at private colleges are considerably higher in comparison to social science programs.
Steps to Get Free Education in Germany
If you want to study for free in Germany, you must complete the steps:
- Select your preferred course to study in Germany
- Select a best-fit university/college in Germany
- Check the entry requirements to study in Germany
- Know about the tuition costs (if any)
- Filling out the application forms to apply to German universities
- Apply for a Germany Student Visa
- Fly to Germany and living a student life in the country
What to Study in Germany?
If you want to study in a European country, Germany is the best option because German universities are famous for offering intensive courses in almost every field. About 300 universities offer free education in Germany out of 380 universities, in which more than 17,000 study programs are available. Whether you want to study management courses, Arts or Humanities, and short-term job-oriented courses after graduation, Germany offers it all. The popular courses to study in Germany include MIM, Automobile Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, etc. Further, being hue of the leading automobile companies and tech giants. German universities enjoy close links with top tech companies, allowing students to do internships and gain industry exposure.
Universities Providing Free Education in Germany
Almost 3000+ educational institutions and universities exist in Germany; many give free education to international students or charged cheap fee bare minimum administrative/service.
List of Top Universities in Germany
Here is the list of top universities offer free education in Germany: Click here
Study in Germany for Free in English
You can study in Germany in English or choose courses. Remember that undergraduate degrees in Germany are only provided in the German language. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to find an English-taught degree; Unless you’ve enrolled in a private university, otherwise, you’ll have to learn German.
Here is a list of some colleges that offering free education in Germany and postgraduate courses taught in English:
- Technical University of München
- University of Bonn
- University of Hamburg
- TU Darmstadt
- FAU Erlangen Nurnberg
- University of Munster
- Hamburg University of Technology
- SRH University of Heidelberg
- University of Applied Sciences Wurzburg Schweinfurt
- Leibniz Universität Hannover
Eligibility Criteria for Free Education in Germany
Before studying in Germany, check the eligibility criteria of the specific institute. They required a valid English proficiency test score like that in PTE, IELTS or TOEFL is the foremost prerequisite. You should know that some universities in Germany may hire you without any language test score if you can prove that you have studied the English language in high school. Some institutes require a valid GRE/GMAT score to grant admission. Some other essential documents required to avail of education in a European country include an acceptance letter from the university, LOR, SOP, and a German study visa. If you have been a deserving student, your chances of getting a free education in Germany are maximized.
Cost of Studying in Germany
- The cost of studying in Germany for undergraduate programs is very low. At public German institutions, you have to pay Euro 250 and Euro 500 every semester for confirmation, enrollment, and administration. It varies or depends on the universities.
- Master’s degrees In German institutions, it is customary for “consecutive” master’s degrees to be exempt from tuition fees, provided that they immediately follow a comparable bachelor’s degree obtained in Germany. However, a nominal fee is charged every semester for enrollment, confirmation, and administration, as well as for a Semester ticket. On the other hand, the tuition fees for “non-consecutive” master’s degrees, which are pursued by individuals who have obtained their bachelor’s degree from institutions outside Germany, vary depending on the university and can range from €20,000 to €30,000 per year at public institutions, and up to €30,000 at private German universities.
Other Costs to Consider While Studying in Germany
When enrolled at public universities in Germany, students are obligated to pay a semester fee or administrative fee, with the exception of tuition fees. However, it is important to acknowledge that living expenses are inevitable when taking advantage of free education in Germany. Furthermore, the extent of these costs will greatly vary depending on the city in which one chooses to study. For instance, cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are considerably more expensive than smaller ones. The following figures provide an approximate estimation of the monthly expenses one can anticipate while pursuing higher education in Germany:
- Rent and utilities amount to a range of 300-500 EUR.
- Health insurance costs 100 EUR.
- Phone and internet expenses total 30 EUR.
- The budget for food falls within the range of 200-250 EUR.
- Lastly, leisure and hobbies require a budget of 50-100 EUR.
Scholarships to Study in Germany for Indian Students
In addition to its numerous public universities offering tuition-free courses, Germany also provides a diverse range of scholarships for students from around the world.
Presented below is a compilation of prominent scholarships that can help reduce costs and, to some extent, enable students to obtain free education in Germany:
- DAAD Scholarship Programs (available for master’s and doctorate courses)
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships in Germany for International Students (available for postgraduate, doctorate, and research programs)
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships (available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programs)
- Erasmus Scholarship Programs (available for 1-year exchange programs)
- Humboldt Research Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers 8. Bayer Foundation Scholarships (available for fellowships in Medical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, and Non-academic professions)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
YES, Education is free in Germany. In the year 2014, approximately sixteen state universities in Germany implemented a policy of waiving tuition fees for all undergraduate programmes, as well as certain master’s programmes, for both domestic and international students.
Germany has consistently upheld the principle that education should not be subjected to commercialization. As a result, the nation boasts a plethora of public universities that offer academic programs without charging any tuition fees, albeit requiring only nominal administrative or semester fees.
The public universities in Germany provide all UG courses along with some PG programmes without tuition fees. Here is some of these universities include:
- Albert Ludwig University
- Bundeswehr University Munich
- University of Bonn, amongst others
- University of Hamburg
- Dresden University of Technology
- Karlsruher Institute of Technology.
Yes, It is possible to pursue studies in Germany without prior knowledge of the German language, as numerous universities offer a wide range of English-taught programs across various fields of study. Additionally, English is commonly spoken in the country. Many individuals aspire to receive a free education in Germany and become part of its esteemed universities. If you are considering enrolling in a course within the country’s exceptional educational infrastructure but are uncertain about how to begin the process, the professionals at BCES Admissions Abroad can provide guidance in selecting the most suitable German university that aligns with your career aspirations. Their counselors will support you throughout the admission process, including completing the necessary formalities and preparing for visa interviews.