Germany, or Deutschland, is known for its historic landmarks like the Berlin Wall, cultural festivals such as Oktoberfest, and the homes of amazing car manufacturing companies such as Mercedes, BMW, and Volkswagen, among many more things. Still, apart from the popular things, Germany is also known for one amazing fact, i.e., free education. Yeah, Germany has an amazing badge for studying for free. Every year, not only a large chunk of European students but also international students opt to study in Germany because of its free education policy, but is it really possible for not only domestic students but also for international students from any country to just select the university and decide to come to Germany and pursue further education for free?

Germany is a developed country and is widely recognized for its extraordinary education system. There are many reasons international students open their optimistic eyes and peek at Germany when it comes to quality education. Let’s try to figure out some of the main factors that influence international students to opt for Germany over other countries:

• Top-notch Universities 
• Proper focus on research and innovation
• Robust Economy and Infrastructure
• Strong engineering and technical programs 
• Home of some of the amazing companies
• Recognition and accreditation of the degree at the global level
• The exceptional quality of life

Top-notch universities: Germany is home to some of the top-notch universities, such as the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Heidelberg University, the Free University of Berlin, and RWTH Aachen University. These universities always rank among the top 100 in the world for quality education and extraordinary curriculum. They also have a very strong connection to the industry and give proper emphasis on practical learning, critical thinking, and skill development.

Proper focus on research and innovation—Germany belongs to that group of countries that give proper emphasis to research and innovation. We are pretty much aware that Germany is a leader in some fields like mechanical engineering, technology, natural science, etc. Germany invests around 3% of its GDP in research and development, which is around 100 billion euros annually. The country’s goal is to increase this investment to 3.5% by 2025. Till now, Germany has around 400,000 researchers. As far as innovation is concerned, it is also the fifth-largest submitter of international patents. 

Robust Economy and Infrastructure – Germany has a very solid and stable economy, not only in Europe but also in the world. The stable economy assists significant investments in infrastructure, which benefits international students through cutting-edge labs, a vast network of public transport, access to well-maintained libraries, technology, and housing. A robust economy also helps students to get well-deserved jobs and proper exposure to the industry. 

Strong engineering and technical programs – Germany is known for its technical and engineering programs. Just like other developed nations, the USA, Australia, and the UK. Germany also has the TU9 Alliance. TU9 is an alliance of nine leading universities of technology in Germany. These universities are highly ranked globally for their technical disciplines and research opportunities. Germany has a unique system of Fachhochschulen, a German tertiary education institution that offers professional education in applied science and applied arts. 

Home of some of the amazing companies – The students who pursue their education in Germany get an amazing chance to work and do internships at top-notch firms such as Bosch, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Siemens, SAP, and many more. These companies help students to gain practical experience along with their studies. 

Recognition and accreditation of the degree at the global level – An education from German soil symbolises quality and innovation and makes it highly regarded on the planet. Thanks to the Bologna process, ensuring compatibility and recognition all over Europe and beyond. The Bologna Process goal helps to establish internationally recognized degrees, improving the quality of courses of study. 

The exceptional quality of life—Germany has a very low unemployment rate and a stable economy, plus it provides competitive wages. Germany’s transportation is well-developed and structured. The buses, trams, and trains are convenient and eco-friendly. The healthcare system is also very extraordinary in Germany. These factors make Germany an exceptional country for quality of life. 

Though there are so many other reasons why the number of international students keeps growing in Germany, the one point that enlightens the students to win the race of studying in Germany is free education. 

Is it really possible to study for free in Germany as an international student?

The simple answer to the given question is yes. The majority of the public universities in Germany do not ask for tuition fees, though a nominal fee is required for administration. As per the German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD, there are 422 higher education bodies in Germany, and almost 90% of the study programs in the country are provided at public universities. Most of the public education providers do not ask for tuition fees, which means you do not have to pay any fee to the institutions for studying. You might be wondering why Germany is so flexible in providing free education, so there are many reasons that Germany does follow when it comes to free education. Let’s get deep into it. 

Factors why Germany provides free education:?

For the world it is free education, but there are some factors that indirectly benefit Germany in the long run. Let’s try to understand those factors.

1) Social and logical commitment to education 

Since the philosophy of Germany is quite different, here in Germany, education is considered a fundamental right, not a privilege. Regardless of nationality, the government encourages equal access to education by maintaining free or low tuition at public universities. In German society, education is highly regarded, and the government views funding it as an investment in the future.

2) Invitation to the smartest minds in the world 

Germany is the hub of some of the best research institutions in the world. By attracting foreign students, especially in STEM subjects, the nation increases its ability for innovation and research production. This is the reason Germany is in third place in the tally of the highest Nobel Prize winners in the world. 

3) Expanding Global Recognition

Germany also improves its learning environment by welcoming students from different backgrounds. By providing free education, it also enhances its standing as a world leader in education and research. 

4) Demographic and Economic Factors 

Germany’s population is aging, and there is a continuous decline in birth rates; this is why Germany is struggling with workforce shortages in key industries. By welcoming international students, Germany wants to keep highly qualified people who can support its economy. The majority of the population decides to stay in Germany after the completion of their studies which helps Germany to fill vacancies in engineering, information technology, and healthcare. 

5) Win-win strategy 

Although there is no tuition fee required to study in Germany, international students help the local economy in indirect ways such as living costs, travel costs, campus service, and sometimes part-time jobs. Free education also helps the local students to learn about different cultures, networks, and viewpoints. 

By providing free education to international students, Germany not only upholds its moral commitment to education but also establishes its repo as a world leader in both economic growth and education. 

Exceptions

• There are some regions or states that charge a tuition fee, such as Baden-Württemberg, which charges a minimal tuition fee for non-European Union international students; the fee is around €1,500 per semester. 
• Some programs also demand tuition fees, such as Master of Business Administration or Executive MBA. 
• Most private universities are not free and demand tuition fees in Germany. The tuition fee in these institutions depends on the program and location. The average range of fees would be from €10,000-20,000 per year or more. 

Curious to know more about how Germany is winning the race to attract Indian students in 2025. Follow the link given.

Will Germany win the race to attract Indian students in 2025?