Top 10 Public Universities in Germany for Masters: Eligibility & Fees

Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Dec 9, 2025

Germany is becoming a top choice for students from all over the world, and for good reason. The country is home to some of the world's best universities, offering high-quality education and globally recognized degrees. With a strong economy and a welcoming environment for international students, Germany presents a unique combination of academic excellence and promising career prospects, making it an ideal destination for your advanced studies.

Public Universities in Germany for Masters

Check: Top Universities in Germany for Indian Students

Table of Contents

Top 10 Public Universities in Germany for Masters
1.1 1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

1.2 2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

1.3 3. Heidelberg University

1.4 4. RWTH Aachen University

1.5 5. Humboldt University of Berlin

1.6 6. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

1.7 7. Free University of Berlin

1.8 8. Technical University of Berlin

1.9 9. University of Freiburg

1.10 10. University of Hamburg
Key Eligibility Criteria for Masters at German Public Universities
Frequently Asked Questions

Top 10 Public Universities in Germany for Masters

Choosing the right university is a huge step in your study abroad journey. Germany's public universities are renowned for their research-oriented master’s programs and world-class facilities. The best part? Most of them charge no tuition fees, making your dream of studying in Europe much more affordable. You just need to cover a small semester fee and your living expenses.

This guide will walk you through the top 10 public universities in Germany, detailing their unique programs, specific tuition fees, and what you need for eligibility. We will explore what makes each institution a great choice for Indian students, helping you find the perfect fit for your master's degree.

University	Location	Popular Courses	Tuition Fees for Non-EU Students (per semester)	Semester Fee	Key Advantages	Eligibility
Technical University of Munich	Munich	Data Science, Aerospace Engineering, Informatics, Robotics	€4,000 - €6,000 (INR 4,24,368 - 6,36,552)(introduced winter 2024/25)	~€150 (INR 15,915)	Ranked #1 in Germany; proximity to tech hubs like BMW for job opportunities; English-taught programs.	Relevant bachelor's degree with high academic scores.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich	Munich	Data Science, Physics, Economics, Biology	Free (INR 0)	~€150 (INR 15,915)	Tuition-free; strong research reputation; many English-taught programs in a major European city.	Strong academic background; competitive admission.
Heidelberg University	Heidelberg	Medicine, Molecular Biosciences, Physics	€1,500 (INR 1,59,150)	~€161 (INR 17,088)	Cutting-edge research in life sciences; safe, small city environment; affordable compared to USA/UK.	Strong academic record; specific program prerequisites.
RWTH Aachen University	Aachen	Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Automation	Free (INR 0)	~€300 (INR 31,830)	No tuition; industry connections for internships/jobs; lower cost of living in Aachen.	Relevant bachelor's degree; strong academic performance.
Humboldt University of Berlin	Berlin	Neuroscience, Economics, History	Free (INR 0)	~€300 (INR 31,830)	Tuition-free; English-taught programs; access to companies and culture in Berlin; no mandatory German for many programs.	Strong application; competitive admission.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	Karlsruhe	Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering	€1,500 (INR 1,59,150)	~€154 (INR 16,349)	"MIT of Germany"; advanced research labs; ideal for PhD pathways; high prestige in engineering/IT.	Relevant bachelor's degree; proof of language proficiency.
Free University of Berlin	Berlin	Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences (e.g., Political Science, Bioinformatics, Chemistry)	Free (INR 0)	~€300 (INR 31,830)	Tuition-free; multicultural Berlin with manageable living costs; DAAD scholarships available.	Careful document preparation; strong academic record.
Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)	Berlin	Computer Science, Civil Systems Engineering, Architecture	Free (INR 0)	~€300 (INR 31,830)	Free tuition; many English-taught programs; TU9 alliance member; innovation hub.	Recognized bachelor's degree; proof of English proficiency.
University of Freiburg	Freiburg	Microsystems Engineering, Renewable Energy Management, AI	€1,500 (INR 1,59,150)	~€190 (INR 20,169)	Focus on sustainability; high quality of life in beautiful, safe city; balanced living costs.	Relevant bachelor's degree; program-specific prerequisites.
University of Hamburg	Hamburg	Intelligent Adaptive Systems, Business Administration	Free (INR 0)	~€340 (INR 36,086)	Tuition-free; major business hub with career prospects; various scholarships like DAAD.	Competitive admission; strong academic background.

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is consistently ranked as the number one university in Germany and is a top choice for international students, especially those from India. Located in Munich, a major technology hub, TUM is perfect if you want to pursue a master’s in engineering or computer science. The proximity to major companies like BMW provides excellent job opportunities after graduation.

TUM has introduced tuition fees for non-EU students. While this is a new development, the quality of education and the value of a TUM degree remain exceptional. The university offers a wide range of highly sought-after master's programs.

Popular Courses: Data Science, Aerospace Engineering, Informatics, Robotics
Tuition Fees: €4,000 - €6,000 (INR 4.1 to 6.2 Lakhs) per semester for international students
Eligibility: A relevant bachelor's degree with high academic scores is a key prerequisite.

Check: TUM Popular Courses for Indian Students

2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is another prestigious institution located in Munich. As one of Germany’s oldest and most famous universities, it has a strong reputation for research and teaching excellence. LMU is an excellent choice for students interested in a master’s degree in fields like Data Science, Physics, and Economics. You will find many English-taught programs designed for international students.

The best news for your budget is that Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich does not charge tuition fees. You are only required to pay a small semester fee, which covers administrative costs and public transportation. An application to LMU is competitive, so a strong academic background is essential.

Popular Courses: Data Science, Physics, Economics, Biology
Tuition Fees: Free (only a semester fee of around €150)
Key Advantage: High-quality, tuition-free education in a major European city.

Check: LUM Popular Courses

3. Heidelberg University

If you are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in medical sciences, Heidelberg University is one of the best public universities in Germany. Located in a small and safe city, it offers a great environment for international students. The university is known for its cutting-edge research and excellent academic programs, particularly in the life sciences.

Unlike many other public universities, institutions in the state of Baden-Württemberg, including Heidelberg, charge tuition fees for non-EU students. The cost is €1,500 per semester. While not entirely free, this is still significantly more affordable than comparable programs in countries like the USA.

Popular Courses: Medicine, Molecular Biosciences, Physics
Tuition Fees: €1,500 per semester for international students
Admission: Requires a strong academic record and meeting specific program prerequisites.

Check: Top Courses at Heidelberg University

4. RWTH Aachen University

For Indian students passionate about engineering, RWTH Aachen University is a top destination. As one of Germany’s leading technical universities, it is particularly famous for its specialized master’s programs in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and automation. The university's strong connections with industry make it easier for you to secure valuable internships and jobs.

RWTH Aachen does not charge tuition fees for its master’s programs. You only need to pay a semester contribution of around €300. This fee often includes a semester ticket for public transport in the region, which is a great value.

Key Programs: Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Automation
Tuition: No tuition fees for international students
Benefit: Located in the smaller city of Aachen, where the cost of living is lower than in Munich or Hamburg.

Check: RWTH Aachen University Courses and Fees

5. Humboldt University of Berlin

Situated in the heart of Germany’s capital, Humboldt University of Berlin has a rich history and a stellar academic reputation. It is a fantastic choice for a master’s in fields like neuroscience, economics, history, and other arts and social sciences. As it is located in a major international city, you will have access to numerous companies and cultural institutions.

Admission to Humboldt University can be quite competitive, so you will need a strong application. The university offers many international master's programs taught in English, so German language skills are not always a mandatory prerequisite for admission. However, learning basic German is always helpful for daily life in Berlin.

Popular Courses: Neuroscience, Economics, History
Tuition: No tuition fees (only a semester fee of about €300)
Language: Many English-taught programs available for international students.

Check Out: Humboldt University Fees and Programs

6. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is often called the "MIT of Germany" due to its excellence in engineering and IT. It is a premier destination for students aiming for a Master of Science in technical fields. The university boasts advanced research labs and is an ideal place if you are considering a Ph.D. in Germany after your master's.

Since KIT is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, it charges tuition fees for non-EU students. The fee is set at €1,500 per semester. Despite the cost, the high quality of education and the prestige of a degree from KIT make it a worthwhile investment for many international students.

Popular Master of Science (M.Sc.) Courses	Tuition Fees (Non-EU)
Computer Science	€1,500 / semester
Mechanical Engineering	€1,500 / semester
Electrical Engineering	€1,500 / semester

Check Out: KIT Courses & Fees

7. Free University of Berlin

The Free University of Berlin is another top institution located in Germany's vibrant capital. It is especially popular among Indian students because Berlin is a multicultural city where English is widely spoken. The university excels in a broad range of subjects, including political science, bioinformatics, and chemistry. Moreover, the cost of living in Berlin is more manageable compared to other major German cities like Munich.

The application process requires careful preparation of all documents. The great news is that there are no tuition fees; you only pay a semester contribution of around €300. To support your studies, you can explore various funding options, as Germany offers numerous scholarships for international students.

Key Fields: Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
Tuition: Free of charge for international students
Funding Options: Look into DAAD scholarships and other grants to cover living expenses.

Check Out: Free University of Berlin Programs

8. Technical University of Berlin

As a member of the prestigious TU9 alliance of leading German technical universities, the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) is a hub for innovation. It is particularly appealing to international students because it offers a wide variety of master’s programs taught entirely in English. This is a huge advantage if you haven't mastered the German language yet.

To be eligible, you will need a relevant bachelor's degree with a strong academic record. The university is renowned for its master's programs in fields like computer science, civil systems, and architecture. Best of all, education at TU Berlin is free of tuition charges.

Popular English Programs: Computer Science, Civil Systems Engineering, Architecture
Tuition: No tuition fees (only a semester fee of about €300)
Eligibility: A recognized bachelor's degree and proof of English proficiency are required.

Check Out: Technical University Berlin Programs

9. University of Freiburg

The University of Freiburg is a top-ranked public university known for its strong focus on innovative fields. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for a master’s degree with specializations in renewable energy, microsystems engineering, or artificial intelligence. The university is a leader in sustainability research, making it a great place for forward-thinking students.

Because it is in the state of Baden-Württemberg, you need to plan for tuition fees of €1,500 per semester. However, the cost of living in Freiburg is balanced by a very high quality of life, and the city is known for being beautiful and safe for students.

Key Specializations: Microsystems Engineering, Renewable Energy Management, AI
Tuition Fees: €1,500 per semester for non-EU students
Living Costs: Average for a German city, offset by a high standard of living.

Check Out: University of Freiburg Programs

10. University of Hamburg

Located in Germany's second-largest city and major business hub, the University of Hamburg is the largest research and education institution in northern Germany. It offers excellent master's programs in areas like business administration and intelligent adaptive systems. The city of Hamburg is home to many multinational companies, offering great career prospects after your studies.

Admission to the University of Hamburg is competitive, but the education is tuition-free for all international students. You will only be charged a semester contribution of around €340. To help with living expenses, you can explore various scholarships available through the university or external organizations like the DAAD.

Popular Courses: Intelligent Adaptive Systems, Business Administration
Tuition Fees: Free (only a semester contribution is required)
Scholarships: Various institutional and external scholarships are available.

Check: Hamburg University Courses

Key Eligibility Criteria for Masters at German Public Universities

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step to a successful application. For most public universities in Germany, the primary requirement is a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. Your academic performance is crucial, as most universities have a minimum CGPA or percentage they look for. Competition for top universities is high, so a strong academic profile is your biggest asset.

For Indian students, it is also important to check if a three-year bachelor's degree is accepted or if a four-year degree is a prerequisite. Now, let’s look at the specific academic qualifications and documents you will need to prepare for your application.

Academic Qualifications

To apply for a master's in Germany, you need to meet certain academic and language requirements. Most public universities ask for a bachelor's degree that is equivalent to a German undergraduate degree. For many technical and science programs, a four-year bachelor's degree (like a B.Tech) is preferred. Students with a three-year degree (like a B.Sc. or B.Com) may need to check specific university requirements or complete a preparatory course.

Your language skills are also a critical part of your application. If your chosen master's program is taught in English, you will need to provide proof of proficiency. For programs taught in German, you must demonstrate sufficient German language skills.

Academic Score: Most universities require a CGPA of at least 7.0 out of 10, with top universities often looking for 7.5 or higher.
English Language: An IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL equivalent is usually the minimum.
German Language: For German-taught courses, certificates from institutes like Goethe are required.
Entrance Exams: Some programs, particularly in business or economics, may ask for a GRE or GMAT score.

Documents Checklist and Application Timeline for Indian Students

Preparing your documents well in advance is key to a smooth application process. Starting early ensures you have enough time to gather everything and meet the deadlines, which are typically in the winter for the following summer semester and in summer for the winter semester. For Indian students, the timeline must also account for getting the mandatory APS certificate.

Your application package should be complete and well-organized to make a strong impression. Each document plays an important role in showcasing your academic background, motivation, and suitability for the master’s program you are applying to.

APS Certificate: This is a mandatory document for all Indian students applying to German universities.
Updated CV/Resume: Preferably in the standard German format.
Letter of Motivation (LOM/SOP): A personal statement explaining why you chose the course and university.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Usually two letters from your undergraduate professors.
Academic Transcripts: Marksheets from all semesters of your bachelor’s degree.
Language Proficiency Certificate: IELTS/TOEFL for English programs or a German language certificate.

Why is Germany such an attractive destination for a master's degree? The most significant reason is the opportunity for free education. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for international students, which dramatically reduces the financial burden of studying abroad. You only need to manage your living expenses, which are quite reasonable in most German cities. You can even work part-time for up to 20 hours a week to support yourself.

Beyond affordability, a German degree is highly respected by employers worldwide. The universities maintain strong industry connections, providing you with practical experience and excellent career opportunities. After completing your master's, you are eligible for an 18-month job seeker visa, giving you ample time to find a full-time job. With high demand for skilled professionals in fields like IT, engineering, and data science, Germany offers a clear path to a successful international career.

Pursuing a master's degree in Germany offers numerous opportunities at some of the world's top public universities. With their diverse programs, affordable tuition fees, and high academic standards, these institutions are an excellent choice for Indian students looking to advance their education. As you explore your options, remember to consider each university's unique offerings and eligibility requirements. Whether you seek specialized knowledge or a challenging academic environment, there's a place for you in Germany's vibrant educational landscape. If you're ready to take the next step in your academic journey, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information or assistance with your application process!

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. Can I study for a master’s degree for free at German public universities?

Ans. Yes, most public universities in Germany offer tuition-free master’s degrees to international students. You are typically only required to pay a semester contribution fee of a few hundred euros. However, universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg and some specific institutions like TUM now charge tuition fees for non-EU students.

Ques. Do I need to know German to apply for an English-taught master’s program?

Ans. No, you do not need to be proficient in German to apply for a master’s program taught in English. You will, however, need to submit proof of your English language skills, such as an IELTS or TOEFL score. While not required for admission, learning basic German is highly recommended for daily life.

Ques. How do I choose the best public university in Germany for my master’s subject?

Ans. To choose the best university, you should research which institutions are strong in your field of interest. For engineering, consider universities like RWTH Aachen or KIT. For natural sciences or humanities, LMU Munich or Heidelberg might be better. Review the specific degree programs, faculty research, and university rankings to find your perfect match.