Tuition Fees in 2026: Are Germany's Public Universities Still Actually Free?
Here's the reality that many international students are discovering: Germany's long-standing tradition of tuition-free public higher education is undergoing significant shifts in 2026, particularly for non-EU/EEA students in specific regions. While the majority of German public universities remain tuition-free, recent legislative changes have allowed individual states and universities to introduce new fees.
If you're planning to study in Germany, you need to understand exactly what you'll be paying—and where. The answer isn't as simple as "Germany is free" anymore. Let me break down the new financial reality and what it means for your budget.
The Big Picture: What's Changed?
Germany's "free tuition" model remains a national hallmark, but a tiered system is emerging that separates EU students from non-EU students in key economic hubs. Here's what you need to know:
- Most Universities: Still tuition-free for all students (EU and non-EU)
- Bavaria: Major universities like TUM and TH Ingolstadt now charge fees for non-EU students
- Baden-Württemberg: All public universities charge €1,500 per semester for non-EU students
- Other States: Most remain free, but discussions about fees are ongoing
The Trend: The shift is moving from a uniform national policy to a decentralized one where individual federal states (Länder) or even individual universities decide on fees.
The Shift in Bavaria: TUM & TH Ingolstadt
Bavaria has been at the forefront of this change. Following the Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act (BayHIG), some major Bavarian institutions have introduced tuition fees specifically for international students from "third countries" (non-EU/EEA).
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
TUM is one of Germany's most prestigious universities, and it's also one of the first to introduce significant fees for non-EU students.
Tuition Fees (Since Winter 2024/25):
- Bachelor's Programs: €2,000 to €3,000 per semester
- Master's Programs: €4,000 to €6,000 per semester
- Annual Cost: €4,000 to €12,000 per year (depending on program level)
Semester Fees (Starting Summer 2026):
- All students must pay a mandatory semester fee (student union fee)
- Increasing to €97 starting in the summer semester of 2026
- Applies to campuses in Munich, Garching, and Weihenstephan
Total Annual Cost at TUM: €4,097 to €12,097 per year (tuition + semester fees)
Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI)
TH Ingolstadt is another Bavarian institution that has introduced fees for non-EU students.
New Fees for 2026 (Starting Summer Semester):
- Bachelor's Degrees: €800 per semester
- Master's Degrees: €1,200 per semester
- Annual Cost: €1,600 to €2,400 per year
Grandfathering: Students already enrolled at THI before this change or those currently paying the older €500 fee are generally not affected by the new 2026 rates. This means if you're already studying there, your fees won't increase.
Other Bavarian Universities
Other high-ranking Bavarian institutions like LMU Munich are currently closely monitoring the impact on enrollment before deciding to follow suit. This means they could introduce fees in the future, but haven't yet.
Other Regional Exceptions
Bavaria isn't the only state charging fees. Here's the complete picture:
Baden-Württemberg: The First Mover
Baden-Württemberg was the first state to break the tuition-free model, and it continues to charge fees:
- Fee: €1,500 per semester for non-EU students
- Annual Cost: €3,000 per year
- Universities Affected: All public universities (e.g., Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Freiburg, Tübingen)
- Status: Consistently maintained since introduction
Saxony: Limited Implementation
Saxony has recently granted universities the option to charge fees:
- Current Status: Limited to specific arts and music programs
- Future Potential: Legal framework exists for broader implementation
- Watch This Space: Could expand to other programs in the future
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW): Ongoing Discussions
NRW is one to watch:
- Current Status: Most programs remain free for 2026
- Discussions: State government has previously proposed a €1,500 model similar to Baden-Württemberg
- Purpose: To fund university internationalization
- Timeline: No confirmed implementation yet, but discussions resurface periodically
Rest of Germany: Still Free
In most other federal states (such as Berlin, Hesse, Lower Saxony, and most others), public universities still offer tuition-free education for all students. They only require a "semester contribution" of roughly €100–€450 to cover:
- Administrative costs
- Student services
- Public transport (semester ticket)
Critical Financial Requirements for 2026
Even at "free" universities, international students must meet strict financial benchmarks to secure a visa. Here's what you need to budget for:
1. Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
This is mandatory for your student visa:
- Annual Amount (2026): €11,904
- Monthly Withdrawal: €992 per month
- Purpose: Proves you can support yourself during your first year
- Non-Negotiable: Required even if you plan to work part-time
2. Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany:
- Students Under 30: Approximately €120–€130 per month
- Students Over 30: Approximately €185 per month (expected to rise in 2026)
- Annual Cost: €1,440 to €2,220 per year
- Trend: Costs are rising due to healthcare system reforms
3. Semester Fees (Even at "Free" Universities)
Even at tuition-free universities, you'll pay semester fees:
- Range: €150–€450 per semester
- Annual Cost: €300–€900 per year
- Includes: Administrative fees, student services, public transport ticket
- Trend: Increasing due to rising public transit costs
4. Transportation: Deutschland-Semesterticket
The discounted semester ticket is included in your semester fee:
- 2026 Estimate: Approximately €38 per month (as part of semester fee)
- Winter 2026/27: Expected to rise to about €226.80 per semester
- Coverage: Unlimited public transport in your region
Total Cost of Attendance: The Real Numbers
Let's break down what you'll actually pay per year, depending on where you study:
Scenario 1: Tuition-Free University (e.g., Berlin, NRW, Hesse)
| Cost Component |
Annual Cost (2026) |
| Tuition Fees |
€0 |
| Semester Fees |
€300–€900 |
| Health Insurance |
€1,440–€2,220 |
| Living Expenses (Blocked Account) |
€11,904 |
| Total Annual Cost |
€13,644–€15,024 |
Scenario 2: Baden-Württemberg (€1,500/semester)
| Cost Component |
Annual Cost (2026) |
| Tuition Fees |
€3,000 |
| Semester Fees |
€300–€900 |
| Health Insurance |
€1,440–€2,220 |
| Living Expenses (Blocked Account) |
€11,904 |
| Total Annual Cost |
€16,644–€18,024 |
Scenario 3: TUM Munich (€4,000–€12,000/year tuition)
| Cost Component |
Annual Cost (2026) |
| Tuition Fees (Master's) |
€8,000–€12,000 |
| Semester Fees |
€194 |
| Health Insurance |
€1,440–€2,220 |
| Living Expenses (Blocked Account) |
€11,904 |
| Total Annual Cost |
€21,538–€26,318 |
Emerging Trends to Watch (2026–2030)
Understanding these trends can help you plan ahead:
1. "Services for Fees" Model
Universities like TH Ingolstadt explicitly state that their 2026 fees (up to €1,200/semester for Master's) will be reinvested into:
- International Welcome Centers
- Career integration services
- Onboarding support for international students
What This Means: Expect more universities to justify fees by offering "premium" support for international students. This could become a selling point rather than just a cost.
2. Rise of "Non-Consecutive" Fees
Even in "free" states like Berlin or Hesse, non-consecutive Master's degrees (those that do not directly follow your Bachelor's field) often charge substantial tuition:
- Range: Sometimes exceeding €10,000 per program
- Example: If you have a Bachelor's in Engineering but want a Master's in Business, you may pay fees
- Reality: This is separate from state-level fees and applies regardless of your nationality
3. Work-Study Synergy: Offsetting Costs
To help offset costs, Germany is loosening labor rules:
- Work Limits (2026): International students can work 140 full days (or 280 half days) per year
- Minimum Wage: Set at €13.90/hour in 2026, rising to €14.60 in 2027
- Realistic Earnings: Students can earn €900–€1,100 per month part-time
- Annual Earnings Potential: Up to €13,200 per year (if working full 140 days)
What This Means: Part-time work can significantly offset tuition costs, especially at lower-fee universities.
State-by-State Breakdown: Where to Study for Zero Tuition
If your primary goal is zero tuition, here's where to focus:
Best States for Zero Tuition (2026)
- North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW): Aachen, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf
- Berlin: All public universities (HU Berlin, TU Berlin, Free University)
- Lower Saxony: Hanover, Braunschweig, Göttingen
- Hesse: Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Marburg
- Most Other States: Still tuition-free for all students
States with Fees (2026)
- Bavaria: TUM (€2,000–€6,000/semester), TH Ingolstadt (€800–€1,200/semester)
- Baden-Württemberg: All universities (€1,500/semester)
- Saxony: Limited to arts/music programs
Financial Planning: What You Need to Know
Here's how to plan your finances:
1. Budget for the Worst Case
Even if you're applying to a "free" university, budget as if fees might be introduced:
- Set aside an extra €3,000–€6,000 per year as a buffer
- This covers potential fee increases or if you need to switch universities
2. Understand Grandfathering
If fees are introduced while you're studying:
- You're typically "grandfathered" in at your current rate
- New fees usually only apply to new students
- Check with your university's international office for specific policies
3. Factor in All Costs
Remember, tuition is just one part of the equation:
- Blocked Account: €11,904 (mandatory for visa)
- Health Insurance: €1,440–€2,220 per year
- Semester Fees: €300–€900 per year
- Tuition (if applicable): €0–€12,000 per year
- Total: €13,644–€26,318 per year
Quick Start: Your Action Plan
If you're planning to study in Germany in 2026:
- Research Your Target Universities: Check if they charge fees for non-EU students
- Budget Realistically: Factor in tuition (if applicable), blocked account (€11,904), health insurance (€1,440–€2,220), and semester fees (€300–€900)
- Target Zero-Tuition States: If cost is a priority, focus on NRW, Berlin, Lower Saxony, or Hesse
- Consider Work Opportunities: Plan to work part-time (140 days/year) to offset costs
- Check for Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students facing fees
- Understand Grandfathering: If fees are introduced, existing students are usually protected
- Monitor Policy Changes: Keep an eye on NRW and other states that are discussing fees
- Plan for Increases: Budget for potential fee increases in 2027–2030
Important Notes:
- Most German public universities remain tuition-free for all students in 2026
- Bavaria (TUM, TH Ingolstadt) and Baden-Württemberg charge fees for non-EU students
- Even at "free" universities, you need €11,904 in a blocked account, plus health insurance (€1,440–€2,220/year) and semester fees (€300–€900/year)
- Total annual cost ranges from €13,644 (free university) to €26,318 (TUM Master's)
- Students can work 140 days/year (€900–€1,100/month) to offset costs
- Non-consecutive Master's degrees may charge fees even in "free" states
- NRW, Berlin, Lower Saxony, and Hesse remain the best options for zero tuition
- Monitor policy changes—NRW and other states are discussing fee introduction
