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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.

Economic Research
The Economic Research Master’s programme from University of Cologne includes a two-year-Master 's programme in Economic Research which is part of an integrated graduate programme ("PhD programme in Economics").
Plant Sciences
The Faculty of Biology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich offers a comprehensive two-year-Master’s program in Plant Sciences for graduates with a background in biology (B.Sc. in biology or equivalent).
Geographies of Global Inequalities
Graduates of the Geographies of Global Inequalities program from Freie Universität Berlin are familiar with the topics, debates, and concepts of human geography and critical social sciences for the spatialization and analysis of global inequalities.
Intercultural Communication and European Studies
The Intercultural Communication and European Studies programme from Fulda University of Applied Sciences qualifies students for European, international and intercultural professional fields.
Public Relations and Digital Marketing
The 2-year consecutive Master’s programme M.A. Public Relations and Digital Marketing from Media University of Applied Sciences enables to work professionally in a broad range of new communication fields, which emerge through the digital transformation process of our society and culture.
eXtended Artificial Intelligence
eXtended Artificial Intelligence from University of Würzburg is a new, tuition-free english master's program offered by the Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Germany (JMU) together with its Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (CAIDAS). XtAI aims to train highly qualified specialists in the field of one of the key methodologies of our century, Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Medical Immunosciences and Infection
Immunology as a key to better health−that’s the motto for immune system research, its connections to other systems of the body such as the metabolic system and the nervous system, and its direct bearing on human health and various diseases. The Medical Immunosciences and Infection program at University of Bonn deals with immunological topics from a medical perspective.
Smart Energy Systems
To this end, students in the international and English-language Master's degree programme Smart Energy Systems at Ansbach University of Applied Science learn the different producer and consumer technologies in modern, decentralised energy grids.
Mathematical Physics
This international Mathematical Physics MSc course from University of Hamburg is interdisciplinary, allowing students to expand upon their math skills and work in a research team.
Educational Technology
Saarland University's interdisciplinary English-language master's program "Educational Technology" is the only one of its kind in Germany. It bridges the gap between educational sciences and computer sciences and connects pedagogy, computer science and psychology.
Biology - Molecular Cell Biology
Biology - Molecular Cell Biology from University of Kaiserslautern-Landau provides comprehensive, research-oriented training that employs cutting-edge technologies to address cell-biological questions and their analysis at the molecular level.

Sociology - Social Research
The Sociology - Social Research programme from University of Cologne is a theory-driven, empiracally oriented field of study.
Physical Activity and Health
Physical Activity and Health from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) will provide graduate students with insight, knowledge, and experience in ways of promoting health through physical activity and exercise for the prevention and rehabilitation of diseases.
Mathematics in Business and Economics
Mathematics in Business and Economics is offered by TU Dresden. Mathematics is embedded in the structure of financial markets and the financial sector as a whole.
Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
The aim of the Master's programme Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Hochschule Bremen is to enable you to work independently as an engineer in a prominent position in the maritime industry.

Business Administration - Corporate Development
The Business Administration - Corporate Development Master’s program from University of Cologne is characterized by its strong balance of theoretical rigor and practical relevance. Both aspects are critical. We build on a strong research reputation which consistently excels in various competitive research ratings.
Software Systems Engineering
Graduates of the Software Systems Engineering program at RWTH Aachen University are expected to be technically innovative, to work as system architects, and to manage large projects.
AgriGenomics
The AgriGenomics program at the University of Kiel is about the application of genomics in agriculture to improve the productivity and sustainability in crop and livestock production. Since the beginning of the century, our knowledge of genome composition and gene function has increased tremendously.
Philosophy
This Philosophy degree programme at Ruhr University Bochum is unique, because it offers an insight into 2500 years of European intellectual history and to a systematic investigation of the fundamental issues of thinking.
Public Health, Exercise, and Nutrition
The interdisciplinary, research-oriented master’s degree program in Public Health, Exercise, and Nutrition (PEN) at the University of Potsdam provides students with in-depth specialist and methodology knowledge in the fields of health, exercise and nutrition sciences.
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.