Many public universities in Germany offer tuition-free master’s degrees, making it possible for students, including Nigerians and other international applicants, to study without paying tuition fees. However, while tuition is free, students must still budget for living expenses, health insurance, and administrative fees.
This blog post explains how to study for a free master’s degree in Germany, including eligibility requirements, the best tuition-free universities, available scholarships, and how to cover living expenses.
1. Is It Really Free to Study a Master’s in Germany?
Yes, most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, including for international students. However, students still need to cover:
- Semester contribution fees (€150 – €350 per semester).
- Living expenses (€850 – €1,500 per month, depending on the city).
- Health insurance (€110 per month, mandatory for all students).
- Student visa and residence permit costs (€75 – €110 one-time fee).
By taking advantage of scholarships, part-time jobs, and financial aid, students can significantly reduce their expenses while studying in Germany.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Studying a Master’s in Germany for Free
Step 1: Choose a Tuition-Free Public University
The first step is to apply to a tuition-free public university in Germany. Unlike private universities that charge fees, public universities receive government funding and waive tuition for both German and international students.
Step 2: Meet the Admission Requirements
To qualify for a master’s degree in Germany, you need:
✔ A Recognized Bachelor’s Degree – Must be equivalent to a German undergraduate degree.
✔ A Minimum CGPA – Most universities require at least Second Class Upper (CGPA 3.0 – 3.5 on a 5.0 scale). Some accept Second Class Lower with work experience.
✔ Proof of English or German Proficiency –
- For English-taught programs: IELTS (6.0 – 7.0), TOEFL (80 – 100).
- For German-taught programs: TestDaF (B2 or C1 level), DSH-2, or Goethe-Zertifikat C1.
✔ Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Letters of Recommendation – Required for most universities.
✔ Work Experience (For Some Programs) – Especially for MBA or specialized fields.
Step 3: Apply for Admission
You can apply directly to universities or through Uni-Assist, a centralized application portal for international students. Each university has its own deadlines, usually:
- Winter Intake: Apply by March – July for programs starting in October.
- Summer Intake: Apply by September – December for programs starting in April.
Step 4: Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid
Even though tuition is free, scholarships can help cover living expenses and other costs.
3. Best Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany
Here are some of the top tuition-free public universities in Germany for master’s programs:
| University | Popular Master’s Programs |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Engineering, Business, Data Science |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) | Medicine, Law, Social Sciences |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Computer Science, Humanities, Economics |
| RWTH Aachen University | Engineering, Technology, Applied Sciences |
| University of Stuttgart | Automotive Engineering, Renewable Energy |
| University of Mannheim | Business, Management, Economics |
| Free University of Berlin | Political Science, Public Administration |
| University of Hamburg | Environmental Science, Social Sciences |
| University of Göttingen | Agricultural Science, Research-Based Programs |
| Dresden University of Technology | Robotics, Artificial Intelligence |
Most of these universities only require a semester contribution fee (€150 – €350 per semester), making them almost completely free to study at.
4. Scholarships to Cover Living Expenses
Since tuition is free, scholarships can help cover your living costs, including accommodation, health insurance, and travel.
4.1 DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)
- Covers: Monthly stipend (€861 per month), travel costs, health insurance.
- Eligibility: Strong academic background and work experience for some programs.
- Fields: All disciplines.
4.2 Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
- Covers: €300 per month.
- Eligibility: High-achieving students with academic excellence.
- Fields: Available in most public universities.
4.3 Erasmus+ Scholarships
- Covers: Living expenses for students studying in multiple European countries.
- Eligibility: Available for EU and non-EU students.
- Fields: Business, Social Sciences, Engineering.
4.4 Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
- Covers: Full living expenses for students committed to social justice.
- Eligibility: Strong academic record and leadership experience.
4.5 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship
- Covers: Monthly stipend (€850), travel costs, health insurance.
- Eligibility: Excellent academic background, leadership qualities.
Many universities also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, so check individual university websites.
5. How to Cover Living Expenses While Studying in Germany
Even if tuition is free, students still need to budget €850 – €1,500 per month for living costs. Here are some ways to fund your stay:
5.1 Work Part-Time Jobs
- International students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
- Common student jobs: Research assistant, tutor, waiter, cashier, customer service.
- Hourly wage: €10 – €15 per hour.
5.2 Apply for Student Housing
- Cheaper housing options:
- Student dormitories (€250 – €400 per month).
- Shared apartments (€400 – €700 per month).
- Apply early, as student accommodation fills up fast.
5.3 Reduce Expenses with Student Discounts
- Free or discounted public transportation with a student ID.
- Student meal plans in university cafeterias (€2 – €5 per meal).
- Free university libraries and learning resources.
6. Student Visa and Residence Permit for Free Study in Germany
6.1 Requirements for a German Student Visa
To study in Germany, Nigerian and other non-EU students need a student visa. Requirements include:
- Admission letter from a German university.
- Proof of financial resources (€11,208 per year) via a Blocked Account.
- Valid passport and visa application fee (€75).
- Health insurance coverage (€110 per month).
6.2 Work Rights with a Student Visa
- Students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
- After graduation, you can apply for a job-seeker visa or an EU Blue Card to stay in Germany.
Is It Possible to Study a Master’s in Germany for Free?
Yes! You can study for a master’s degree in Germany for free if you:
Apply to a tuition-free public university.
Secure a scholarship to cover living expenses.
Work part-time to support yourself.
Apply for a student visa and blocked account to meet financial requirements.
Germany remains one of the best countries for affordable higher education, making it a top choice for Nigerian and international students.