Studying in Germany: Technical University of Munich to charge tuition fees from international students

Studying in Germany may no longer be affordable for international students. The Technical University of Munich (TUM) will charge tuition fees for international students from outside the EU/EEA, from the winter semester 2024-2025. The fees will be 2,000 or 3,000 euros per semester for Bachelor’s degree programmes and 4,000 or 6,000 euros for Master’s degree programmes.

Currently, the majority of higher education institutions in Germany are financed by the state. There are generally no tuition fees for Bachelor’s courses or most Master’s courses at state higher education institutions. However, in Germany, all students at all higher education institutions must pay a semester contribution. This payment has nothing to do with tuition fees, rather, it covers your contributions to student services and the student government.

Tuition fees may have to be paid for certain continuing education Master’s programmes, but they are not particularly high compared to other countries. However, private higher education institutions may require substantial fees for their degree programmes.

The Federal State of Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU citizens tuition fees of EUR 1,500 per semester for (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diplom and state examination) degree programmes. These fees do not apply to doctoral students.

At many higher education institutions it also includes a semester ticket that allows you to use public transport in the region. The semester contribution varies between higher education institutions and comes to between 100 and 350 EUR. It has to be paid when you enrol and before the start of every new semester. Whether you incur further costs relating to your studies, for example for materials such as specialist books and copies, depends on your subject.

In Germany, the language of instruction for most programmes and subjects at higher education institutions is German. Therefore, most higher education institutions require German language skills of at least B2 level of the CEFR. International degree programmes or postgraduate programmes taught in English are exempt from these requirements.

Germany is a popular study location on an international scale. The many excellent universities and research institutions provide a diverse choice of studies and courses in all subject areas. International students are particularly interested in English-language study packages with specialized support services.