Germany is widely known for affordable public higher education.
For many international students and families, one of the country’s strongest attractions is the possibility of studying at a public university without paying the high tuition fees commonly associated with destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia.
But applicants should understand an increasingly important reality:
A public university in Germany is not automatically tuition-free for every international student.
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, commonly known as FAU, has announced that it will introduce tuition fees from the summer semester of 2027 for certain newly enrolled students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area.
The development does not mean that studying in Germany has suddenly become unaffordable. It means students must check the rules of the individual university and degree programme instead of relying on one general assumption.
Are public universities in Germany still tuition-free?
In most cases, students at German public universities do not pay general tuition fees for standard Bachelor’s programmes and many consecutive Master’s programmes.
However, important exceptions already exist.
Non-EU students may face tuition fees in Baden-Württemberg, at individual universities in Bavaria and in certain specialised or continuing-education programmes. Private universities can also charge substantially higher fees.
The DAAD advises international applicants to research the costs of their specific university and programme. It notes that Bavarian universities can decide independently whether to charge non-EU and non-EEA students and how much to charge.
A more accurate way to describe the German system is therefore:
Many public universities in Germany remain low-cost, but tuition rules can differ by federal state, university, programme, nationality and enrolment status.
What has FAU announced?
On 7 July 2026, FAU announced that tuition fees would be introduced from the summer semester of 2027 for eligible international students enrolling at the university for the first time.
Students already enrolled at FAU before the summer semester of 2027 will generally not be affected. However, a student who changes their subject or degree programme may become liable for tuition fees.
The fees apply mainly to students who simultaneously meet the relevant conditions, including:
- Enrolment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme
- No German, EU or EEA citizenship
- No German university entrance qualification
- No legally recognised established connection to Germany
- First enrolment at FAU from summer semester 2027 or a subsequent subject change
Students should use FAU’s official fee assessment information and their individual profile in the university’s campo application portal to confirm whether they are required to pay.
How much will non-EU students pay at FAU?
The amount depends on the degree programme.
FAU lists the following general fee levels:
- Bachelor’s programmes: €1,000, €2,000 or €3,000 per semester
- Master’s programmes: €2,000, €4,000 or €6,000 per semester
For example, some humanities and social-science Bachelor’s programmes are listed at €1,000 per semester, while selected engineering and medical-science programmes cost more.
At Master’s level, certain programmes in engineering, artificial intelligence, molecular medicine and related fields can reach €6,000 per semester.
Part-time students generally pay half of the applicable full-time tuition fee. The precise amount must be checked against the specific programme.
Who may not have to pay?
Being a non-EU citizen does not automatically mean that a student must pay the new fees.
FAU lists several categories that are excluded or may qualify for an exemption. These include, depending on the circumstances:
- Students enrolled at FAU before summer semester 2027 who do not change subjects
- EU and EEA citizens
- Students holding a German university entrance qualification
- Students with an established domestic connection to Germany
- Doctoral and PhD students
- Exchange and cooperation students, including many Erasmus participants
- Students in State Examination programmes
- Students in approved leave semesters
- Certain students with a disability that significantly affects their studies
- Certain asylum applicants who satisfy the stated conditions
Students completing a Bachelor’s degree at FAU or another German university may also, under specified conditions, remain exempt when progressing to a Master’s programme.
The exact exemption depends on the student’s nationality, educational background, residence history, programme and enrolment timeline.
What do students receive in return?
FAU says the revenue will be used to support study quality, teaching infrastructure and services for international students.
Students who are required to pay tuition fees will receive:
- A guaranteed place in a free German-language course
- Welcome and onboarding support
- Central and faculty-level academic counselling
- Access to psychosocial counselling
- Other international-student support services
These services may make the transition into university life easier, but students should still evaluate whether the overall programme cost is financially realistic.
Tuition fees and semester contributions are different
Students should not confuse Studiengebühren, or tuition fees, with the Semesterbeitrag, or semester contribution.
The semester contribution is generally paid by all students. It supports services such as the student welfare organisation, student representation and, at some universities, local transport arrangements.
FAU currently lists a semester contribution of €82 per semester. Students liable for the new tuition fee will have to pay this contribution in addition to their programme-specific tuition.
What else should students budget for?
Tuition is only one component of the total cost of studying in Germany.
International students should also prepare for:
- Proof of financial resources for the student visa
- Rent and housing deposit
- Health insurance
- Semester contribution
- Food and daily expenses
- Local and intercity transport
- Visa and residence-permit expenses
- Study materials and equipment
- Application or document-evaluation fees
- Initial settlement costs
- An emergency financial buffer
Students should calculate the full cost for the entire expected duration of the degree—not only the first semester.
What should applicants do before applying?
Before submitting an application to a German university:
- Check the official university fee page.
- Search for the exact degree programme.
- Confirm whether the fees apply to your nationality and educational background.
- Check whether your enrolment date affects the fee.
- Review available exemptions and scholarships.
- Separate tuition fees from the semester contribution.
- Calculate living costs for the full study period.
- Keep additional funds for rent deposits and initial settlement expenses.
Do not rely only on information from agents, social-media posts or students who enrolled under older rules.
The university’s current official information should remain the primary source.
The mistake international students should avoid
The mistake is not choosing Germany.
The mistake is assuming that every public university follows the same cost model.
A programme that appears affordable based only on the words “public university” may still carry tuition fees, semester charges and substantial living expenses.
Students should compare the complete financial package across universities before making a final decision.
Final takeaway
Germany remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for international education.
However, “public university” should no longer be treated as another way of saying “completely free”.
FAU’s decision shows why applicants must investigate university-specific rules. For new eligible non-EU students joining from summer semester 2027, tuition could range from €1,000 to €6,000 per semester depending on the degree programme.
The better approach is simple:
Choose Germany for its academic quality and career opportunities—but build your plan using verified, programme-specific costs.
FAQ
Is FAU introducing tuition fees for all international students?
No. The fees mainly affect certain newly enrolled non-EU and non-EEA students in Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes from summer semester 2027. Several exemptions and excluded programme categories apply.
How much are the new FAU tuition fees?
FAU lists Bachelor’s fees of generally €1,000, €2,000 or €3,000 per semester and Master’s fees of €2,000, €4,000 or €6,000 per semester, depending on the programme.
Will students already studying at FAU have to pay?
Students enrolled before summer semester 2027 are generally not affected. However, changing the subject or programme may trigger the new fee rules.
Is the semester contribution included in the tuition fee?
No. The semester contribution is separate. FAU currently lists a semester contribution of €82 per semester.
Are all public universities in Germany free for non-EU students?
No. Most public programmes remain tuition-free or comparatively low-cost, but exceptions exist by federal state, university, programme and student category.
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Written by Admin Team
We help international students understand German university costs, application requirements and the practical realities of studying and living in Germany.
Check the complete cost before applying
A strong study plan should cover tuition, semester charges, visa finances, housing and living costs—not only university admission.