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Study in Germany: Money

Tuition Fees in Germany for 2026-27

In most German states, public universities charge no tuition for a first degree. But every student pays a semester contribution, and some states and universities charge students from outside the EU and EEA (the European Union and a few more European countries). Amounts are in euro (EUR).

Example: University of Mannheim bill

Example: Master's course

Tuition fee for students from outside the EU and EEAEUR 1,500
Semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag)EUR 194
Example bill
Student from outside the EU and EEA

Example only. Both are paid each semester. Each university sends its own bill.

How Tuition Works in Germany

What you pay depends on the state and the university, not only on the course.

Public universities

Most charge only the semester contribution. Baden-Württemberg (a German state with Stuttgart and Mannheim) charges students from outside the EU and EEA EUR 1,500 a semester. The Technical University of Munich (TUM) also charges them: see the amounts below.

Private universities

Each sets its own fee. For the visa, India: the fee invoice and proof that you paid the first year, or a large deposit (a big part paid in advance). Pakistan: proof that you paid tuition fees, if your course has them.

Plan for three costs: the semester contribution, any tuition fee, and your living costs.

Fees by University Type

Examples from universities students from India and Pakistan often choose.

University TypeRangeKey Considerations
University of Stuttgart (public)EUR 1,500 tuition plus EUR 184 a semesterFor students from outside the EU and EEA.
University of Mannheim (public)EUR 1,500 tuition plus EUR 194 a semesterSemester contribution for spring semester 2027 (the summer semester).
TUM (public)Bachelor's EUR 2,000 or 3,000; master's EUR 4,000 or 6,000 a semesterPlus the semester contribution. From the winter semester 2027/28, new master's students pay EUR 4,600 or 6,800.
Public universities
  • Most charge only the semester contribution.
  • Baden-Württemberg charges students from outside the EU and EEA EUR 1,500 a semester.
  • TUM charges students from outside the EU and EEA: see the table below for the amounts.
Private universities
  • Each one sets its own fee.
  • Visa (India): proof that you paid the first year, or a large deposit.

Fees by Degree

Examples from public universities, per semester.

Bachelor's degree
At TUM, students from outside the EU and EEA usually pay EUR 2,000 or 3,000 a semester. In Baden-Württemberg it is EUR 1,500 a semester.

Range

TUM: usually EUR 2,000 or 3,000 a semester

Key Considerations

  • Check the exact fee on your course page.
  • Add the semester contribution.

Other Fees

These fees are paid as well as any tuition.

Common Mandatory Fees
Fees typically charged to all students regardless of program
  • Semester contribution, University of StuttgartEUR 184 a semester

    Office fee EUR 80, student services EUR 96.50 and a student council fee.

  • Semester contribution, University of MannheimEUR 194 a semester (spring semester 2027, the summer semester)

    Includes an office fee of EUR 80.

  • Semester contribution, TUMEUR 97 a semester (summer 2026, Munich)

    The amount depends on the campus.

Special & One-Time Fees
Program-specific and occasional charges
  • Tuition fee for students from outside the EU and EEA, Baden-WürttembergEUR 1,500 a semester

    Charged at Baden-Württemberg universities such as Stuttgart and Mannheim.

  • Second degree, Baden-WürttembergEUR 650 a semester

    For a second bachelor's or master's degree.

Pro Tips for Managing Additional Fees

  • Read your university's fee page for the exact amount.
  • Pay early so you can enrol on time.

When and How to Pay

You pay the semester contribution, and any tuition fee, before you enrol (sign up as a student) and again before each semester.

Payment Methods & Options

Payment Methods

  • Bank transfer

    Transfer the money to your university's bank account. A German bank account makes this easier.

Payment Plans & Options

1Semester contribution

  • Paid every semester.
  • Needed to enrol and to re-register.
  • TUM: paying lets you buy the semester ticket (Deutschlandsemesterticket), which costs 60% of the regular Deutschlandticket price.

2Tuition fee (where charged)

  • Charged each semester.
  • TUM: first enrolment fees are due by 15 September for winter and 15 March for summer.

Quick Facts

Key points about tuition in Germany.

  • 1Baden-Württemberg charges students from outside the EU and EEA EUR 1,500 a semester.
  • 2A second degree in Baden-Württemberg costs EUR 650 a semester.
  • 3TUM, students from outside the EU and EEA: bachelor's usually EUR 2,000 or 3,000, master's usually EUR 4,000 or 6,000 a semester.
  • 4From the winter semester 2027/28, new TUM master's students pay EUR 4,600 or 6,800 a semester.
  • 5Every student pays a semester contribution, for example EUR 184 at the University of Stuttgart.
  • 6India: the first two semesters (one year) of tuition fees must be paid.
Semester contribution or tuition?

The semester contribution is paid by everyone. A tuition fee is extra, and only some universities charge it.

TUM study grant

TUM can give a one-time grant of EUR 500 to 1,800 for one semester. You can apply again each semester.

Late payment

Pay on time. Stuttgart and Mannheim each charge EUR 20 if you pay late.

Related Pages

Plan the rest of your money for Germany.

Living Costs

Learn more

Scholarships

Learn more

Money Proof for the Visa

Learn more

Student Jobs

Learn more
External Financial Aid Resources

Complete Guide to Germany

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