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1.1k Affordable Master's degrees in Germany
When considering an affordable master's degree, it's essential to understand what qualifies as 'affordable'. In our system, any master’s programme with tuition fees ranging from 0 to 2,500 euros per year is considered affordable. Germany stands out as a prime destination for international students due to its remarkably low tuition fees. In fact, many affordable master's programmes in Germany can start from €0, meaning they are tuition-free. This makes Germany an incredibly appealing option for students searching for budget-friendly master's programmes. Not only does this significantly reduce the financial burden, but it also allows students to focus more on their studies and less on financial stress. Additionally, Germany is home to some of the top universities in Germany, offering high-quality education without the hefty price tag. For international students looking for a cheap master degree in Germany, this combination of affordability and academic excellence is hard to beat.

International Management (CEMS MIM)
The CEMS Master International Management (CEMS MIM) from University of Cologne is a pre-experience postgraduate degree. It is the pioneer in modern international management education and was founded by the University of Cologne (Germany), HEC (France), Bocconi (Italy), and ESADE (Spain) in 1988.
Economics
The master's programme in Economics from Leipzig University offers an excellent method- and theory-based education.
Computer Science
In University of Siegen master's degree program in Computer Science, you'll dive in-depth into the core topics the field, learning how to develop and effectively apply methods and procedures to solve complex computational problems.
Applied Biotechnology
The Master's degree programme in Applied Biotechnology at Ansbach University is broadly based and thus opens up career prospects in diverse areas of biotechnology.
Physics
The Physics program at Bielefeld University is designed to provide students with advanced technical knowledge, skills and methods that are required for scientific work and scientifically oriented professional activity and that enable them to critically classify new scientific findings and use them in professional practice.
English Literature and Culture
This English Literature and Culture course offered by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz offers a program oriented to literature and cultural studies, which teaches advanced knowledge of the diverse manifestations of British society in literary, historical, political and cultural contexts.
Cartography
The international Erasmus Mundus Master program in Cartography is a cooperation between the Technical University of Munich, Vienna University of Technology, TU Dresden and the University of Twente. The program is devoted to a broad education in cartography and geoinformatics.
Physics
Physics is offered by TU Dortmund University. The programme has a standard period of four semesters and can be started in any semester.
Mechanical Engineering
Are you interested in developing, producing or marketing sophisticated technological products, all while greatly improving your job prospects on the global market? Then the Mechanical Engineering master’s programme offered by Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is for you.
Educational Quality in Developing Countries
The University of Bamberg as a professional development program in a blended-learning format offers the international Master’s programme „Educational Quality in Developing Countries“ (IMPEQ).
International Management and Psychology
The International Management and Psychology degree programme offered by Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is a three-semester master´s degree programme. The first two semesters provide you with the theoretical and practical grounding vital to your professional career whereas the third semester is devoted to your master’s thesis and colloquium.
Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources
The University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources study programme is characterized by a strong emphasis on research and practical relevance, as well as a high level of interdisciplinary approaches and projects.
Biology - Variant one year
The Master's programme in Biology - Variant one year at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf builds on a previous successful 4-year Bachelor's programme in Biology and is aimed at students interested in science.
Chinese Studies
Chinese Studies from University of Würzburg has been developed for graduates of B.A. programs in the Chinese Studies field (holding a B.A. in Sinology, Chinese Studies or equivalent qualification). It offers in-depth and small-group instruction in Chinese Studies by recognized experts in various fields.
International Organisations and Crisis Management
The Master´s degree International Organisations and Crisis Management at Friedrich Schiller University Jena is the only programme in Germany and one of very few in Europe that focuses on the following three areas.
Computational Engineering
Computational Engineering from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is an innovative discipline fusing the expertise of established engineering fields, computational sciences, and applied mathematics.
Geodesy and Geoinformatics
Geodesy and Geoinformatics at HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU), as the science of recording, administering, analysing and presenting geospatial data and processes, deals with the structures of our living spaces and economic areas.
Mathematics
The abstract beauty of modern day mathematics is only matched by its remarkable efficiency in applications in nearly every area of nowadays science. The Mathematics MSc course at the University of Potsdam provides the knowledge and skills to apply mathematical models and to expand and develop the underlying theories and concepts.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry from University of Würzburg offers a research-oriented education in one of Germany's top universities for biomedical research. Selected top students will be offered a "fast-track" option to start a PhD thesis after 3 semesters of MSc studies.
Applied Neurosciences in Sports and Exercise
The English-language Applied Neurosciences in Sports and Exercise MSc course offered by the University of Paderborn pursues an application-related neuroscientific specification of sport and physical activity in the main areas of “Therapy of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases” and “Training and performance development”.
Frequently Asked Questions
To qualify for a Masters in Germany, you must first hold a relevant bachelor's degree in a related field. Additionally, you need to provide proof of your academic qualifications, such as transcripts and a degree certificate. Some programmes may require you to have a minimum grade point average (GPA). Furthermore, international students must demonstrate proficiency in either German or English, depending on the language of instruction for the programme. It's also important to check specific entry requirements for each programme, as they can vary. For detailed information on the application process, visit how to apply for a masters in Germany.
Germany is home to several world-renowned universities that offer high-quality education. Some of the top universities include the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, and Heidelberg University. These institutions are recognised globally for their research output and academic excellence. To explore more about these universities and their rankings, you can visit the top universities in Germany on Mastersportal.
Master's degrees in Germany are notably affordable due to substantial government funding and subsidies. The German government believes in making higher education accessible to all, which is why tuition fees are kept low, often under €2,500 per year. This economic model ensures that students, both domestic and international, can pursue their academic goals without incurring significant debt. Additionally, the strong economy and efficient public funding mechanisms contribute to the low-cost structure of these programmes.
Language requirements for cheap master's degrees in Germany depend on the programme's language of instruction. If the programme is taught in English, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency, typically through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. For programmes taught in German, you will need to demonstrate German language skills, usually through tests like TestDaF or DSH. It's essential to check the specific language requirements for your chosen programme to ensure you meet the criteria.
Yes, international students in Germany are allowed to work part-time while studying. You can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without needing additional permission. This flexibility allows you to gain work experience and support your living expenses. However, it's important to balance your work and studies to ensure academic success. For more detailed information on working while studying, you can explore resources on working while studying in Germany.
While tuition fees for master's degrees in Germany are low, there are other costs to consider. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance, can add up. On average, students should budget around €850 to €1,000 per month for these costs. Additionally, there may be fees for semester tickets, which provide unlimited use of public transport, and administrative fees charged by some universities. It's important to plan your finances carefully to cover these additional expenses.