This article will tell you where to apply if you want to study in Germany for free in 2026–2027 and don’t plan to pay for tuition or an admissions application. A verified list of 12 Universities in Germany where there are no tuition or admissions application fees is available here for international students wishing to enroll in Germany for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program. This implies that you can apply to top European universities and yet be admitted without having to pay for application processing.

Higher education in Germany is still generally free at public universities, and at some universities, you can even apply without paying an application fee. This makes Germany one of the very few study abroad countries. These colleges provide a unique chance to begin a completely funded or affordable academic path with no upfront admission expenses for individuals who wish to pursue a top-notch European degree without feeling financially bound.

What Makes Germany the Greatest “Zero Tuition + Zero Application Fee” Study Location?

1. Most public universities don’t charge tuition.

In Germany, international students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and numerous doctoral programs typically pay no tuition at public universities. Students simply pay a semester contribution, which often ranges from €150 to €350 and frequently covers campus services and public transportation.

2. Opportunities for work and housing after study.

Students can apply for an 18-month post-study job seeker visa after working part-time while they are in Germany. Graduates can move toward long-term residency and perhaps permanent settlement if they land qualified work.

3. Certain universities don’t charge an application fee.

Several prestigious German universities accept direct applications from overseas students without charging an application fee; however, some use third-party portals that impose processing costs. This implies that you won’t be under financial pressure to apply to more than one program.

4. Available programs offered in English.

German is not required for many degrees because thousands of master’s degrees and an increasing number of bachelor’s and doctoral programs are taught exclusively in English.

5. Degrees from German universities are recognized worldwide. 

In engineering, computer science, business, social sciences, natural sciences, and research, German institutions consistently rank highly. A degree from Germany offers excellent employment prospects and international recognition.

What Is Available for Study in Germany in 2026–2027?

These 12 Universities in Germany listed above provide a broad selection of programs at all degree levels without requiring applications or tuition fees:
Bachelor’s degree programs
Economics, business administration, computer science, engineering, social sciences, environmental science, and architecture.

Master’s degree programs

in biotechnology, finance, international business, mechanical engineering, public policy, AI and data science, and sustainability.

PhD courses
The majority of PhD jobs are paid research posts with monthly salaries or stipends. Direct PhD applications are accepted by several universities without an application fee.

Who Should Think About Germany in 2026–2027?

Germany is perfect for:

• Students looking for free or inexpensive postsecondary education
• Candidates in the US, UK, or Canada who are unable to pay the high application fees.
• High achievers seeking degrees that are recognized throughout the world.
• Students in Europe who intend to pursue long-term jobs.
• People who want to work in business, IT, engineering, or research.

Germany offers a path that is both intellectually and financially viable, whether you’re planning a PhD, finishing high school, or earning a bachelor’s degree.

For international students, 12 German universities do not require an application or tuition fee (2026 batch).

These Universities in  Germany are recognized for allowing foreign students to apply for admission to their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs without having to pay tuition or an admission application fee for many of their programs (particularly when applying directly). However, opening blocked bank accounts may be necessary for applying for admission.

1. Hamburg University-For International students, there is no application and zero Tuition fee required. Strong programs in data science, law, economics, and social sciences are offered by this large public university in Germany.

2. RWTH Aachen University-There is no application fee and zero tuition fee (public university). With solid industrial contacts and international rankings, this university is among the best in Europe for engineering and technology.

3. Bremen University – To study in this university, there is no application fee and no tuition fee required. This university provides in-demand courses in engineering, digital media, logistics, and the scientific sciences.

4. Humboldt University of Berlin-To study in this university, No Application and zero tuition fee required. This University is known for its distinction in the humanities, commerce, law, and social sciences. It is situated in the capital of Germany.

5. University of Würzburg-This University is famous for its business, health sciences, physics, and global research prospects. To study at this university, there is no application fee and no tuition fee required.

6. University of Stuttgart-This university is a premier location for architecture, technology, automotive engineering, and mechanical engineering. There is no application fee, and a nearly zero tuition fee is required to study at this university.

7. University of Göttingen-This esteemed research institution offers a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in business, humanities, and science. At this university, there is no application fee, and tuition is free.

8. Heidelberg University-No application fee and zero tuition fee is required to study in this university. This university is the oldest and most prominent university in Germany, known across the world for its research, medicine, and life sciences.

9. University of Erlangen-Nuremberg– No application fee and zero tuition fee is required to study in this university. This university has excellent engineering, artificial intelligence, business, and medical research departments at an innovative institution.

10. Kiel University– No application fee and zero tuition fee is required to study in this university. This university is the best option for international studies, marine research, environmental sciences, and sustainability.

11. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich– To study in this university, No Application and zero tuition fee required. This University is a prestigious research institution with highly regarded business, management, scientific, and social science programs.

12. University of Cologne– To study in this university, No Application and zero tuition fee required. one of the biggest universities in Germany, having a robust faculty in social science, business, and economics.

For admissions in 2026–2027, when should I apply?

Two primary intakes are used by the majority of Universities in Germany:

Main intake for winter 2027:

Opening dates for applications: October 2026–May/July 2027

In September or October of 2026, classes start.

Admission for the summer of 2026 (limited programs):

January 2026–February 2026 is when applications are open.

Classes start in March or April of 2026.

Students should start getting their documentation, language tests, and shortlists ready now to apply early for the 2026–2027 batch.

If you want to know about the University of Debrecen Scholarship for International students in 2026 click on this link https://immigrationandstudyabroad.com/university-of-debrecen/