This article was published in 2013 and updated in October 2026.

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. Its public universities charge little or no tuition for most programs, many master’s degrees are taught in English, and German degrees are respected worldwide. But can you study at a top German university online? The short answer: the big research universities are mainly campus-based, but there are good options for online and distance learning too. Here is an overview.

Online study in Germany: what is possible?

Germany’s best-known universities, such as those listed below, teach mostly on campus. Some offer individual online courses, MOOCs or part-time and blended programs, but full online degrees are rare. If you want to earn a German degree from home, distance-learning universities are the better fit:

• FernUniversität in Hagen — Germany’s public distance-learning university and the country’s largest university by number of students. Fees are low, but most programs are taught in German.
• Private online universities such as IU International University of Applied Sciences offer many fully online bachelor’s and master’s programs in English. They are state-recognised but charge tuition fees.

Before enrolling anywhere, check that the institution is state-recognised, for example in the official university database Hochschulkompass.

Top universities in Germany

These universities regularly appear among Germany’s best in international rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education. Rankings change every year, so check the latest edition.

Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin)

Founded in 1948, the Freie Universität is one of Germany’s leading research universities and has a strong international profile, with many students from abroad. It is particularly known for the humanities, social sciences and area studies.

Humboldt University of Berlin

Founded in 1810, Humboldt University is one of Berlin’s oldest universities. Its model of combining research and teaching influenced universities around the world, and many Nobel Prize winners have studied or worked there. It offers a wide range of subjects from law and philosophy to natural sciences.

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

TUM is one of Europe’s leading technical universities, excelling in engineering, computer science, natural sciences, medicine and management. It has a large share of international students. Note that TUM introduced tuition fees for students from outside the EU from the winter semester 2024/25.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

LMU, founded in 1472, is one of Germany’s oldest and largest universities. It offers a very broad range of subjects, including physics, medicine, business, psychology and the humanities, and attracts many international students. Many master’s programs are taught in English, while most bachelor’s programs require German.

Heidelberg University

Founded in 1386, Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university and one of its most prestigious, with particular strength in the natural sciences, medicine and the humanities. A large share of its doctoral students come from abroad. Because it is in Baden-Württemberg, students from outside the EU pay tuition fees of €1,500 per semester.

What does studying in Germany cost?

• Tuition: most public universities charge no tuition fees, even for international students. Exceptions include Baden-Württemberg (€1,500 per semester for non-EU students) and some individual universities such as TUM.
• Semester contribution: every student pays a semester fee, often a few hundred euros, which usually includes a public transport ticket.
• Living costs: non-EU students usually need to prove sufficient funds for their visa, typically via a blocked account. Rent is the biggest expense, especially in Munich and Berlin.

How to apply

1. Find programs in the DAAD international programs database or on Hochschulkompass.
2. Check the language requirements (German or English) and whether your school-leaving certificate is recognised.
3. Apply directly to the university or via uni-assist, depending on the program. Deadlines are often 15 January for the summer semester and 15 July for the winter semester, but they vary.
4. Apply for a student visa early if you come from outside the EU.

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