Study in Germany for Free: How to Study Abroad in Germany for Free as an Indian Student?

Germany is one of the leading and most coveted destinations for higher education globally, particularly with many Indian students in recent years. Many students flock to Germany for quality education, globally ranked universities, and, most importantly, tuition-free education!

Since the education system is designed to allow foreign students to join and study in Germany, it is also possible for international students, namely students who wish to start their educational journey in Germany, to study in Germany for free as well! 

Why Study in Germany as an International Student?

Did you know that Germany ranks number 3 as the most popular destination for international students in the world, only behind the USA and UK? The sheer opportunity to study in Germany attracts students from across the globe because tuition-free education is available in most public universities! 

That raises the question, Why do students seeking higher education study in Germany? Here are some of the highlights of the German education system for students seeking education:

• World-Class Education: Due to its working model, German universities provide quality and world-class education. Their infrastructures are modern, as well as their educational strategies. All courses are recognized globally, and students receive education comparable to courses in the USA, UK, or Canada.
• Tuition-Free Universities: Public universities do not charge tuition fees, which makes most institutions in Germany tuition-free for international students too!
• Large Variety of Programs in English: Though learning German is a huge plus when living and traveling, a large variety of programs are offered as they are explicitly taught in English for international students.

Do German Universities Offer Free Education in Germany?

Did you know that institutions in Germany do not charge local or international students tuition fees at public universities? That means students can go to Germany to study for free. Germany does have some universities that charge tuition fees, such as private colleges and/or if the student is undertaking a unique program of study. 

Here are some important points to remember: 

• Public-universities in Germany only charge administrative fees and semester contributions.
• Private-universities in Germany do take tuition fees and they can be expensive. 
• Programs exist on English, but some may require the student to complete a German Language course in Germany. 

Here is a comparison table for education in Germany, tuition-free college in Germany vs education in other countries: 

How Many Students Study in Germany for Free?

Interesting fact: There are over 400,000 international aspirants enrolled in institutions in Germany. The great news is that most of those students are getting free tuition since public universities in Germany don’t charge any tuition fees!

Table: Students who Study Tuition-Free in Germany

How Many Students Get Free Education in Germany (For Indian Students)?

Believe it or not, Indian nationals are the second largest group of foreign aspirants in Germany. With German Universities offering tuition-free education at public universities, we can give thousands of Indian students the opportunity to study in Germany tuition-free.

Mapping: Indian Students in Germany

How to Study Abroad in Germany for Free as an Indian Student?

Did you realize that studying in Germany provides world-class education, like studying in 10 other top countries, but can be done with little to no cost? Indian students can go to Germany graduation tuition-free if they plan adequately.

Additional steps Indian aspirants can follow:

• Choose public universities: Public universities in Germany offer programs to domestic and international aspirants at no tuition cost.
• Use care in preparing documents: Skills and other documents such as transcripts, GPA, letter of recommendation, personal statement, statement of purpose, resume, and useful test scores of such as ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT or GMAT.
• Obtain enough funds to study: Even though tuition is free, students must apply for a student visa to study in Germany and prove they have enough funds for living costs.

Can Non-EU Students Apply for a Student Visa and Study at Tuition-Free Universities in Germany?

Here is a surprise for you: everybody can study in Germany, including from another country way out of the EU. Foreign and other country students from outside of the EU looking to stay in Germany must get a student visa to study to remain in Germany with all entry qualifications. 

Some key points are: 

• Students outside the EU must apply for a visa to study in Germany. 
• Foreign students from outside the EU must show sufficient funding, whether sponsorship or personal funds to study. 
• Institutions in Germany do not charge tuition-fees at public institutions – thus non-EU, and other foreign students have the same benefit. 

Comparison Table: Student Visa – Tuition Free Educations

How Difficult is it for International Students in Germany to Study for Free?

Are you aware that Germany has a diverse system of over 300 public universities (and they are tuition-free to international aspirants)? Education in Germany tuition-free can happen, only if students plan very well.

Potential Issues Students May Encounter:

• Admissions competition: University admission in Germany is highly competive, and thus those students wanting to enter the top programs need to have good GPA and documents.
• Language barriers: There are programs that are taken in English, however daily living experience in Germany will mean there is a limit to knowledge of the German language.
• Living costs: Residence in Germany means there has to be enough funds to study there, even without tuition most students will need.

What are the Pros and Cons of Studying in Germany

Fun fact: Germany is one of the few countries where you can study at public universities they are tuition free fees. But like any journey in Germany, education in Germany has its pros and cons too.

Pros and Cons Table

Top Universities in Germany Free for International Students

Did you know that the youngest university in Germany, established in 1972, also offers tuition-free education? Students can choose from many institutions in Germany that don’t charge tuition-fees. Below is a list of the top 10 public universities where tuition is free.

Table: Top 10 Tuition-Free Institutions in Germany

Tuition Fees at Some Public Universities in Germany

Here’s an interesting point: public-universities in Germany don’t charge tuition-fees, but students need to pay small semester contributions. However, private institutions in Germany charge a tuition-fee.

Table: Tuition Fees at Top Universities

Do Indian Students in Germany Need to Learn German to Study in Germany for Free?

Here’s a surprise: while programs are available to international aspirants taught in English, knowledge of the German language makes life in Germany much easier. Although students can study in Germany for free-of-cost in English-taught programs, learning German helps in part-time work and social life.

What are the Other Requirements to Study for Free in Germany at Universities Offering Free Courses?

Are you aware that even though students don’t have to pay tuition fees to come to Germany to study, they still do have to fulfill some requirements? Besides academic requirements, students have to fulfill visa and financial requirements.

Table: Requirements for Students Studying in Germany Tuition-Free

Is it Possible to Live in Germany for Free for Indian Students?

Here is an interesting thought; just because tuition fees are free doesn’t mean free living costs in Germany! Students can help offset living costs, but you will still need to consider living expenses.

Options available for students:

• Students can work part-time while they study.
• Scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). 
• You can share accommodation costs with fellow students.

Comparison Table: Living Costs in Germany

What are Some Benefits Available for International Students in Germany?

In case you are wondering: Free education is not the only thing Germany offers international aspirants in public universities all over, they provide other benefits.

Benefits include:

• Job Prospects: Students can work part-time while they pursue their studies.
• Scholarships: There are available scholarships programs like DAAD and other foundation scholarships supporting both domestic and international students.
• Stay in Germany After Studies to Find Work: Students can extend their living in Germany to find jobs.

Comparison Table: Benefits of International Students

Conclusion

Germany is among the cheapest countries around the world for international students, and most universities may offer free-of-cost tuition, high-quality education, and many exchange student scholarships.

Follow these steps if you want to study in Germany without paying tuition fees: prepare your documentation, find funding, and apply on time. Contact Ambitio today to discuss your study abroad options!

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