Is college (really) free in Germany? Yes, it is!

Should you have your eyes set on a private institution, just keep in mind that private universities always charge tuition and the fees are to their discretion. Though, these tuition fees are still rather moderate in comparison to other private institutions abroad, averaging 20,000€ for master's programs in English, for example.

Some private institutions may charge tuition only for some programs or charge a different tuition price for Non-EU students. Be sure to keep this in mind if you are searching specifically for a private university. Should you have a private uni in mind, look out for tuition funding as some private institutions may offer reduced tuition or complete tuition waivers through scholarships or for students who qualify should they be from a specific country. For more details, visit the MyGermanUniversity page of your top-choice unis.

If a tuition-free program is important to you, then best keep your eyes on public universities!

If you aren't German, don't speak German, and have never even been to Germany, that doesn't mean that you can't come to study in Germany for free! Germany's tuition-free public universities welcome students of all walks of life from everywhere around the globe!

As mentioned above, public universities in Germany do not charge tuition and do not differentiate between EU and Non-EU students. German public universities are open to all students, not just German citizens or students for other countries of the European Union (EU).

This provides a diverse learning environment in many programs. Furthermore, German is not a language requirement as public universities offer more than 1,00 study programs in English (that's more than 80% of all available programs!). This gives international students the opportunity to study at German universities without the stress and pressure of having to learn a new language before arriving.

While top universities in other countries can charge higher tuition due to their high demand, the top public universities in Germany uphold the same tuition-free principle that all other public unis have. Some of the more well-known unis in Germany, all are public universities and offer tuition-free studying. 

• Munich is famous for being full of German culture and for hosting the well-known Oktoberfest in the fall. Munich is also home to the Technical University of Munich and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, two renowned universities in Germany. You can study at these top-ranked unis in the heart of Bavaria, enjoy winter skiing in the South of Germany, and have a Bier at Oktoberfest, all while paying no tuition!

• Heidelberg is often called the most picturesque city in Germany and is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, nestled along the Neckar river. The famous Heidelberg University can also be found here, its campus blending into the background of beautiful old buildings that make up the city. Heidelberg University is Germany's oldest university and one of the oldest in the world! And yes, you too can study here, tuition FREE. Though, please keep in mind the special circumstance which universities in Baden-Württemberg hold for Non-EU students, explained in depth in the previous section.

• Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the most international cities in the country with a very rich history and culture. From museums and historical sights to foodie hotspots and bars, there is something for everyone in Berlin! In addition to great food and history, Berlin is home to some of Germany's top-ranked universities. The Free University in Berlin has a selection of English programs, some of which even have dual partnerships with other top unis! Humboldt University, located in the heart of Berlin, has some partner programs with the Free University, providing students diversity in their study programs. The University of Potsdam is well-known for its picturesque campus and is located in Potsdam, just outside of Berlin. It's accessible by public transport and also has partner programs with both the Free University and Humboldt University. Oh yes, and these are all available, tuition-free!

German universities have a "semester contribution" which is a small charge used to cover things like

• administrative costs
• counseling and social services for students 
• and public transportation.

This can range from 200€ - 400€ per semester and depends on the university and program. However, none of this money is used to pay for a student's education, rather the contribution is used to cover costs that the university cannot control.

A discounted public transport ticket (the so-called "Semesterticket"), for example, is included in this cost which provides students with unlimited use of the local public transportation system. Other administrative fees are also part of this cost, a sample breakdown that can be observed above.

It's important to note that these costs also exist in all other universities around the globe and are added to the bill in addition to the tuition fees. Additionally, most universities outside of Germany do not provide students with a public transport ticket. The semester contribution actually benefits the student more and does not create profit for the university or even the local public transport since the rate included is highly discounted to provide students with mobility during their studies. Should you see any costs like this on university sites, don't be discouraged, it's only the semester contribution! To play it safe though, it's best to use MyGermanUniversity's StudyFinder which clearly lays out all of these details (in English!) to avoid any confusion for prospective students. There you can also find a breakdown on the program, admissions deadlines, and any fees which may apply to you.