Tuition fees in Germany in 2026 affect only certain students, but the rules differ from state to state. If you start a first degree (Erststudium) at a public university, you usually pay no general tuition fees, but you do pay a semester fee (Semesterbeitrag). This guide explains when fees apply and where to find the rules for your state.
Short answer: A first degree at a public university is usually free of tuition fees, but you pay the semester fee. Fees can apply to a second degree, long study periods, non-EU nationals and some continuing education programmes. The rules are set in state higher education law and in your university’s fee regulations. Last updated: October 2026. Amounts change, so check before you enrol.
The most important points at a glance
- A first degree at a public university is usually free of tuition fees.
- You pay a semester fee almost everywhere, even though it is not a tuition fee in the legal sense.
- Second degrees, long study periods and non-EU nationals are the most common exceptions.
- The rules are in the state higher education act and in your university’s fee regulations.
- Continuing education programmes such as part-time master’s degrees usually charge fees.
- Before you enrol, read the current fee regulations of your university.
Why a first degree is usually free
Over the past years, the German states have abolished general tuition fees for first degrees. Lower Saxony was the last state to do so, from the winter semester 2014/15. Since then, a free first degree at a public university has been the norm. This does not mean studying costs nothing, because the semester fee, rent and living costs remain.
The semester fee is not a tuition fee in the legal sense. It usually covers administrative costs and the student body. It often includes a semester transport ticket. The amount differs between universities. An overview for individual cities is in the German guide Studieren in Deutschland: 30 Hochschulstädte im Vergleich (in German), and a comparison of semester fees is in the English guide Semester Fees by University: Data for 30 Cities.
When do fees still apply?
Fees can apply in several cases. Which ones apply in your state differs, so treat the table as a checklist rather than a fee schedule.
| Case | Typical rule | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Second degree | Fees may apply if you already hold a qualifying degree | State rules and exceptions for certain subjects |
| Long study period | Fees may apply once you exceed the standard period by a set number of semesters | Threshold and semester count in state law |
| Non-EU nationals | Some states charge fees, others do not | Residence status and possible exemptions |
| Guest student status | Fees depend on the university | The fee list of your university |
| Continuing education master’s degrees | Fees are common | The contract and fee regulation of the programme |
For second degrees, funding matters as well. Whether BAföG or loans can help is explained in the English guide Second Degree: Costs, Child Benefit, BAföG and Taxes.
Example: Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg charges tuition fees to international students from countries outside the EU. The state government has explained the introduction and the design of these rules in a press release (in German). Anyone from outside the EU should therefore check the current state rules and possible exemptions. We deliberately do not list the amount here, because it can change and is set in state law.
It is also important to separate first degrees, second degrees and long study periods. A rule for international students does not automatically apply to German students with a second degree, and the other way round. Your check should therefore always start with your own situation.
Where do I find the rules for my state?
Fees and exemptions are set in three places: the state higher education act, the statute or fee regulation of your university, and the enrolment information published by the university. The law sets the framework, and the university fills in the details. For questions about your case, the student advisory service or the student registration office is the right contact.
| Source | What it regulates | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| State higher education act | Basic rules on fees and exemptions | The state legislation portal |
| Fee or contribution regulation | Amount and due dates in detail | Your university website, statutes section |
| Enrolment information | Deadlines, contributions and payment method | Student registration office |
Worked example
Worked example. Assumption: the semester fee is 300 euros per semester. Over six semesters, that makes 1,800 euros. This sum is the cost before rent and living expenses. Your actual figure depends on your university’s fee regulation.
If you also pay a fee for a long study period, plan those costs separately. An overview of funding options is in the English guide Student Loan Comparison 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay tuition fees as a first-year student?
Usually not for a first degree at a public university. You do pay the semester fee. Whether a special rule applies to you, for example because of nationality or your subject, is set out in your university’s fee regulation.
I move from bachelor to master. Does that count as a second degree?
No, a consecutive master’s degree at the same university usually counts as part of your studies. Part-time master’s programmes can charge fees, however. The classification depends on the study regulations and state law, so ask the university.
How do I learn when fees are due?
Due dates are in the fee regulation, the admission notice or the enrolment information. Watch the deadlines, because payment often has to arrive before the semester begins. If something is unclear, the student registration office can help.
Do private universities follow the same rules?
No. Private universities are not bound by the rules for public universities and usually charge their own tuition fees. The amount and payment models are set in the contract and fee regulation of each university. Compare the total costs over the standard study period before you enrol.
Does everyone pay the same semester fee?
No. The amount differs between universities and can include different components. Some semester fees include a transport ticket, others do not. The breakdown is in the fee regulation and on the enrolment page.
Common planning mistakes
Many students plan only for the semester fee and forget extra costs or special cases. Others rely on old forum posts, even though the rules have changed. The points below help you avoid typical errors.
- Using outdated information from forums or old reports instead of the current fee regulation
- Confusing the semester fee with a tuition fee and misjudging the costs
- Not checking nationality and study status with the university
- Missing payment deadlines that can decide your enrolment
- Booking continuing education without first checking the fee and contract terms
If you are unsure, a written enquiry is worth it. It gives you clarity and a record for your planning, especially if your study path changes.
What you should do now
- Check whether your study programme is a first degree and note your nationality and previous degrees.
- Read the fee or contribution regulation of your university for the current year.
- Compare the rules with the higher education act of your state.
- Ask the student registration office or the student advisory service in writing if anything is unclear.
- Plan the semester fee and any possible fees into your budget before you enrol.
Related reading
- Semester Fees by University: Data for 30 Cities
- Second Degree: Costs, Child Benefit, BAföG and Taxes
- Student Loan Comparison 2026
- Paying Voluntary Pension Contributions for Study Periods in Germany
Sources: Baden-Württemberg state government: press release on international tuition fees (German, retrieved October 2026) · Landesrecht Baden-Württemberg, state legislation portal (German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
