Do universities in Germany charge tuition tees?

German universities do not charge tuition fees; most Master's programs are tuition-free for local and international students. There are some exceptions:

• In 2017 Baden-Württemberg, a state in Germany, introduced tuition fees of €1,500 per semester for Master's degrees. There are roughly 50 universities in Baden-Württemberg, including the prestigious Heidelberg University.
  
• Although most of the universities in Germany are public and thus state-funded, there are many private universities that charge fees. Always bear this in mind when researching universities and Master's degrees in Germany.
  
• Some non-consecutive Master's degrees charge fees. Non-consecutive Master's degrees allow you to specialize in a field unrelated to your undergraduate degree's subject area. This degree typically requires professional experience.

Hidden costs for a Master's degree in Germany

Although universities may not charge tuition fees to study for a Master's degree in Germany, you must pay a Semesterbeitrag - a semester fee between €100 and €350 twice a year.

Your Semesterbeitrag covers the university's student support services (Studentenwerk) and helps pay towards subsidizing student accommodation and canteens and providing access to sports facilities.

The semester fee at many German universities can also include the cost of a Semesterticket which allows unlimited use of public transport in the local area, worth up to €200.

Your Semesterbeitrag may cover membership to the General Students' Committee (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss) or AStA.

You are unlikely to pay more than €700 per year, meaning Germany remains one of the most affordable destinations for international Master's students, although not completely free.

Non-tuition costs for a Master's degree in Germany

There are several non-tuition-related costs to consider when deciding to study for a Master's degree in Germany.

Living costs for a Master's student in Germany

The German government predicts you will spend 867 euros a month on average to cover your living costs as a student in Germany. You can expect to pay the following:

• a Semesterbeitrag (semester fee)
• living costs (rent, food, clothing, books, mobile)
• health insurance

You can reduce their monthly costs of studying depending on where in Germany you go to university and how you live. You can save costs by eating in the university canteen to cut food bills, cycling to campus, or living in shared accommodation.

Student accommodation costs

Your rent will vary according to location, but on average, you will pay between 290 and 560 euros for accommodation. Rents in cities like Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf will be higher.

Conclusion

Germany's relatively affordable living costs and zero tuition fees at public universities make it an appealing destination for Master's studies. Add a lively student scene, beautiful countryside, and thriving cities to the mix, and it becomes obvious why it's the sixth most popular study destination for students.

Read more:

• The Cheapest Countries to Study a Master's in Europe
• The Ultimate Guide to Pursuing a Master's Degree in Germany
• Scholarships for Master's Studies in Germany