Last Updated on January 8, 2026
Germany is known for its world-class education system, comprising the world’s top universities and colleges. The country provides the best research infrastructure, global degrees, and a world of work opportunities after you complete the courses. Additionally, Germany’s universities offer education at affordable rates, making it possible for International students to reside there and study. Like many other countries, Germany supports free education for all. You can choose from the best Public Universities in Germany which sum up to 180 in numbers, for tuition-free courses.
Some of the universities and colleges may just require the student to pay nominal semester fees. So, students from countries across the globe incur just living costs. In this blog, we will unearth the courses, fees, scholarships, admission process and more.
Reasons To Study At Public Universities in Germany
- A decade ago, almost 16 states in Germany made undergraduate courses tuition-free.
- One will be able to study under the tutelage of the best professors armed with world-class degrees.
- The education system in Germany is top-notch and considered at par with the US and Australian ones.
- You will likely gain from the culturally immersive atmosphere and diverse peer group from across the globe.
- Most of the public universities provide diverse courses, with unique specialisations unavailable elsewhere.
- Public universities provide students with a practical-based syllabus, which students can apply at work, as soon as they join work.
List of Top German Public Universities
| University Name | Best Courses | Location | Tuition Fees |
| Technical University of Munich | Computer Science, Business, Natural Sciences, Engineering | Munich | Only Semester Fee |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich | Humanities, Medicine, Law | Munich | Only Semester Fee |
| Heidelberg University | Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Medicine | Heidelberg | Only Semester Fee |
| Freie Universität Berlin | Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences | Berlin | Only Semester Fee |
| RWTH Aachen University | Technology, Engineering, Natural Sciences | Aachen | Only Semester Fee |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | Computer Science, Engineering, Natural Sciences | Karlsruhe | Only Semester Fee |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Arts & Humanities | Berlin | Only Semester Fee |
| Technical University of Berlin | Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences | Berlin | Only Semester Fee |
| University of Hamburg | Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences | Hamburg | Only Semester Fee |
| Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg | Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Medicine | Freiburg | Only Semester Fee |
These are the top 10 public universities in Germany. If you require more in-depth knowledge about the courses and specialisations, you can connect with a study abroad consultant.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Every German university has set guidelines for international students, among which language proficiency is primary.
- If you are seeking undergraduate courses, you must have a minimum proficiency in the language of B2 or C1 level. If you are getting into art or music, C2 may be required. Some well-recognised options include TestDaF (Level 4-5) and DSH (2/3) for language certification in German.
- Most German universities public have English-taught courses as well, to make it easy for international students. For such courses, you need to clear TOEFL (Minimum 90+ IBT) or IELTS (minimum score 6.5-7.0).
Therefore, you must verify the language requirement while applying to public universities in Germany for Indian students.
Academic Requirements for German Public Universities
- For undergraduate courses, students need to have completed 10+2.
- In case you do not fulfil the criteria for direct entry, there are foundational courses of one year’s duration. You must complete the same before applying for the specific courses.
- Those from ICSE or CBSE boards are accepted easily, in comparison to state boards.
- For master’s programs, you need a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a German undergraduate qualification. Most universities look for 4-year courses, but 3-year courses are also accepted. You may need to complete some additionally course work for that.
- Additionally, you must be brilliant academically, with scores of at least 3.5/4 GPA.
If you desire more detailed knowledge specific to the top public universities, then you must get in touch with a study abroad consultant, like Admissify.
Additional Requirements For Admission
- You must clear the GRE/ GMAT for competitive courses like Business Management.
- SOP and LOR.
- Work experience for certain master’s courses.
How To Apply To The Top German Universities?
To study in Germany, and that too at a Public university, can be challenging. The affordability, but high-quality education structure, lures students from across the globe. Thus, the admission scenario can be very competitive. You must be aware that it is a rat race out there. The best institutions, globally-recognised courses and tuition-free courses are a lethal combo.
After you have fulfilled the language and academic requirements, there is still a long way to go. One mistake in the application process, and you stand facing rejection. So, let us take you through the same in order.
- Choosing The Right University And Course
This is the very first step, which you must cross. Find out all the information that you can about the institutions and courses. Use platforms like Anabin and specific university sites for research.
- Check All The Admission Criteria
You will be able to check the requirements from the Anabin database. Keep a tab on the cut-off marks.
- Compiling The Documents
You must compile all the documents in time. Most of the universities from the above list of public universities in Germany require the student to submit some common documents. They are the application form, fees, academic records, language proficiency test scores, entrance examination scores, updated resume, a statement of purpose, a letter of recommendation, a passport, photographs, and bank statements.
- Apply through Uni-Assist or the university website
Most German public universities accept applications through Uni Assist. However, a few of them may ask for a separate application through the university website. You have to be informed about this.
- Wait For Approval
The application processing time is 4-8 weeks. So, you have to be patient around that time, and wait until you get the approval mail.
- Apply For Scholarships and a Visa
Once you receive the approval, you must start looking for scholarships and apply for them. Additionally, you must apply for the student visa as well. Admissify can assist you with both.
Read also: Intakes in Germany 2026: Winter and Summer Intakes
Scholarships To Study At The Top Public Universities In Germany
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Coverage |
| DAAD Scholarship | For undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral studies | Tuition fees, travel fare, and monthly stipend |
| Erasmus+ Program | Tuition fees, health insurance, monthly stipend | Tuition fees, living allowance and travel grants |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships | For students of political science, law and environmental studies | Monthly stipend, book and research allowances, family or student travel funds, tuition fees (sometimes), political support |
| Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships | For students of developing countries, like India | Monthly stipends, living costs, study visit costs, etc. |
| University-Specific Scholarships (RWTH Aachen University and Technical University of Munich) | For bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels | Monthly stipends, living costs, study visit costs etc. |
How Admissify Can Help
Admissify has been in the study abroad consultancy business for a long time. Our experts are spread across the globe, at prominent educational hotspots, Germany being one of them. We help each student individually, keeping in mind their aptitude and interests. You will be able to finalise the best Public Universities in Germany, with our valuable advice. Thereafter, we help students navigate the admission process, browse scholarship opportunities and visa processing. You can even bank on us for the statement of purpose. Our experts can assist you 24×7. So, what is holding you back? Connect with us and allow us to take you through the fruitful study abroad in Germany pathway.
Conclusion
If you want to study for free in Germany, and that too at a public university, you need to plan carefully. Apart from meeting the admission criteria, you must write well-crafted SOPs and furnish the best LORs. You will also need to clear several language proficiency tests. The admission process for Public Universities in Germany can be challenging. However, you need two things, proper information and timely guidance, to succeed. Admissify can provide you with the same at affordable prices. In order to chalk out a global career in Germany, connect with Admissify now.
FAQs
Yes, public universities in Germany offer tuition-free courses. Most of them only charge semester fees.
The top ones are Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, University of Bonn, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Freiburg, and Technical University of Munich.
No, students who are pursuing English-taught courses need not know German; however, having basic knowledge is a plus.
The cost of living in Germany, while pursuing courses from Public universities, is around €850 and €1,200 per month.
For English-taught master’s courses, IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 88+ is required, while German-taught courses require a C1 level in German in TestDaF or DSH.
As a dynamic social media content strategist and storyteller, Bhaskarjyoti blends creativity with data-driven precision to turn aspirations into action. With a keen understanding of what today’s students seek, he has redefined how study-abroad dreams are communicated, combining global trends with grounded Indian values. He also works across student guides, scholarship explainers, university deep-dives, and thought pieces, making study-abroad content both insightful and accessible. Always curious, always evolving – he believes that great content is not just about reach, but about impact. And that the right story, told the right way, can change a life.
