How to study at tuition-free universities in Germany?

I've heard that some universities in Germany offer tuition-free education even to international students. I'm curious about how true this is and what scholarships might be available to help with living expenses. Any advice on where to start?

You're right, numerous public universities in Germany offer tuition-free degrees for both domestic and international students. That’s because Germany believes in universal access to high-quality higher education. However, while tuition is largely free, international students are still required to pay for administrative costs every semester, such as student union and membership fees, which are typically a few hundred euros per semester. It’s also important to remember that students will need to cover their own living expenses.

As international students, you typically are allowed to work part-time while studying in Germany. This could help to ease some financial strain related to living expenses. However, non-EU international students are usually limited to working 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

Scholarships are another way that students might offset their living costs while studying in Germany. A variety of organizations—including political parties, business associations, and international organizations—offer scholarships to international students. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one such organization, providing hundreds of scholarships for international students studying at all levels and fields.

To apply to a German university, you first need to check the specific application requirements for your chosen course. These requirements vary quite significantly by university and by program. Bear in mind that although there are many English-taught programs, the majority of undergraduate degrees in Germany are taught in German, meaning that, to apply, you’ll likely need to provide a German language certificate (for example, the TestDaF or DSH).

Start the application process by finding the program you’re interested in and contacting the university's International office or Admissions office. They will provide more details about the admissions process including deadlines, requirements, and other pertinent details.

Once you've applied and been accepted to a German university, you'll need to apply for a German student visa. This requires proof of financial resources, so you’ll need to show you have around €11,904 per year (around $12,966 USD) to cover your living costs (as of Sept. 2024), though the actual amount you'll need can vary somewhat depending on the city where you'll be living.

Hope this clarifies the process for you! It's a lengthy process, but many international students have done it and found their studies in Germany to be a great experience.