Change is coming.

Traditionally, Germany has been a strong option for students from third countries looking to pursue their higher education abroad without the price tag of the USA or Canada. This has attracted students from all around the world to both public and private universities in Germany. According to Statista,

Around 350,000 international students are attending a German higher education institution in winter semester 2021/2022. 

Until now, most public universities in Germany have not charged international students any additional tuition fees. That being said, things are starting to change. Germany is joining other European countries such as Denmark, Finland, France, and the Netherlands and changing their fee structure for international students.

Following the Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act (BayHIG), TUM has introduced tuition fees starting from the winter semester 2024/2025.

As soon as we read this, many questions pop into our heads, Will the students already enrolled be charged tuition fees as well? What about the prospective students joining in the winter semester of 2023/24 and the summer semester of 2024, will they also have to pay tuition fees? Do all students enrolling at the TUM pay this fee?

Let's answer them here!

Following the Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act (BayHIG), the Technical Universität München (TUM) has decided to charge a tuition fee to students from third countries who will be starting their degree program starting the winter semester 2024/25.

But the next question that arises is why now after all these years of free education tuition fees are charged?

As per the latest QS World University ranking Technical Universität München is ranked 37th best university in the world with an overall score of 80. The University aims to provide the best possible facilities to hone their skills. Their commitment is to provide the infrastructure, learning spaces, equipment, and student support of high standards. Apart from these the fees will be used for teaching staff and tutors for the supervision of students, to improvise the teaching format and materials. Students will also have to pay a semester contribution irrespective of their Nationality while studying at TUM, though a lower fee. 

Who are exempted from paying these tuition fees?

• Students from Germany and countries within the European Union, including Norway, Iceland, and  Liechtenstein are exempted from the tuition fees.
• PhD students
• Exchange students
• Students already enrolled in TUM before the winter semester 2024/25 
• Students joining TUM as a Studienkolleg
• Students who have their Bachelor's degree in a German Education system.
• Students acquiring their higher education entrance qualification in Germany.
• Students with disabilities
• Asylum seekers

Why are only students from third countries charged a fee?

The regulations within Germany and the EU, generate the required financing for the studies from the public funds. However, students from third countries are outside this education system, so to ensure that student receives the best academic facilities and benefits all students, tuition fees are charged to international students from third countries.

Lastly, How much are the tuition fees?

The complete tuition fees for the degree program will be purely based on the program the student chooses to study, as of the preliminary decision the tuition fees per semester will be around 2,000€-3,000€ for the study program with a Bachelor's degree and around 4,000€-6000€ for the study program with a Master's degree.  However, the actual tuition fees will be announced in October 2023. It's also important to keep in mind that private universities are becoming increasingly popular for international students, and they also charge semester fees.

If you want to study at TUM but are worried about how to pay the fees, there are always scholarship opportunities where the tuition fees can be waived, and other ways to earn money as a student so keep looking for such opportunities.  We wish you the best on your journey to study in Germany!