Tuition fees in Germany for non-EU students in 2026

Germany is still an affordable study destination compared with many countries, but “no tuition fees” does not mean every programme is free. For students from outside the EU or EEA, the amount depends on the federal state, university, degree programme, and whether you are a new student or already enrolled.

This guide is a planning overview for 2026. Fees and exemptions can change, so confirm the amount shown for your exact programme before you apply or transfer money.

Where can non-EU students expect tuition fees?

The safest way to think about German tuition is by exception. Start with the state and university, not with a country-wide assumption. Public universities in many states remain tuition-free for a first degree, while private universities set their own prices and some public universities have introduced fees for new international students.

Baden-Württemberg: €1,500 per semester

Since winter semester 2017/18, Baden-Württemberg has generally charged international students who come from outside the EU for study. The standard tuition fee is €1,500 per semester. A second degree is generally subject to a €650-per-semester fee. The responsible university decides how exemptions and special cases apply, so read both the state guidance and your university’s own rules.

Bavaria: check each university separately

Bavaria allows universities to set tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA, but the amount and start date are not identical everywhere. TUM currently lists €2,000 or €3,000 per semester for Bachelor’s programmes and €4,000 or €6,000 for Master’s programmes. TH Nürnberg lists €1,000 per semester for new non-EU/EEA students from winter semester 2026/27, while FAU has announced a different fee schedule for new students from summer semester 2027.

Semester contribution is not tuition

Even when tuition is €0, every student normally pays a semester contribution. It helps fund student services and, at some universities, includes a local or regional transport ticket. The contribution varies by university and can change each semester, so treat it as a separate line in your budget rather than calling it tuition.

What should you include in your budget?

• Tuition fees, if your university and programme charge them.
• The semester contribution and any student-service or transport charges.
• Rent, deposit, food, health insurance, transport, study materials, and residence-permit costs.
• Application costs such as uni-assist fees, certified copies, translations, and language tests.
• A contingency reserve for higher rent, delayed work income, or a change in exchange rates.

Use GerAssist to compare programmes and locations before you commit to a fee level or city.

What this means for Palestinian students

Palestinian applicants should not assume that every German university treats their application in the same way. The key question is usually whether the university classifies you as a non-EU/EEA student for tuition purposes and whether a specific exemption applies. Ask the university for a written fee assessment before you make a financial plan or submit proof of funding.

• Compare the same or a similar programme in more than one state; the tuition difference can be substantial.
• Ask about exemptions, scholarships, and whether the rule applies to your degree type and intake.
• Keep tuition separate from the proof-of-funds amount required for your visa; one does not replace the other.
• Get help organizing your profile, programme shortlist, documents, and application timeline through GerAssist when the route is unclear.

Official sources to check

• Baden-Württemberg Ministry: international-student and second-degree fees
• TUM: tuition fees for students from non-EU countries
• TH Nürnberg: international-student tuition fees
• FAU: tuition fees for international students
• TH Ingolstadt: tuition fees
• DAAD: education and living costs in Germany