Overview
Germany has become one of the most practical options for international students, especially those from countries now restricted by US visa policy. Most public universities charge little or no tuition, many master's programmes are taught in English, and the country has a well-organised scholarship system.
But "study in Germany for free" is only partly true in 2026. This guide explains what things actually cost, how the blocked account works, and how DAAD's EPOS scholarship can fund a master's.
Is Tuition Still Free?
Mostly, but it depends on the state. Public university bachelor's degrees remain tuition-free for non-EU students in 14 of Germany's 16 states in 2026. The exceptions are Baden-Württemberg, which charges €1,500 per semester at every public university, and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), which charges €2,000 to €6,000 per semester depending on the programme. Elsewhere, students only pay a semester contribution of about €100 to €350.
The Baden-Württemberg fee applies to well-known universities such as Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Freiburg, Tübingen, Mannheim, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
| Location | Non-EU tuition per semester | Notes |
| Most states (e.g., Berlin, NRW, Hesse) | €0 | Semester contribution about €100 to €350 |
| Baden-Württemberg | €1,500 | All public universities |
| TUM (Bavaria) | €2,000 to €6,000 | Other Bavarian universities currently free |
| Private universities | Set their own fees | Often much higher |
The semester contribution usually includes a public transport ticket, which is good value on its own.
The Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
To get a German student visa, you normally need to prove you can pay your living costs, usually with a blocked account. The required amount for 2026 is unchanged from 2025 at €11,904 per year, or €992 per month. Language course visa and Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) applicants need €13,092 (€1,091 per month).
How it works: you deposit the full year's amount before your visa appointment. After you arrive in Germany and activate the account, you can withdraw up to €992 each month.
Choosing a provider: use a provider your German embassy accepts. One caution: Coracle stopped accepting new blocked account applications in August 2025, and some students reported frozen transfers during the transition. Established providers such as Expatrio and Fintiba are widely used for new applications in 2026.
Working While You Study
Non-EU students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year. This helps with living costs, but it does not replace the blocked account for visa purposes.
Realistic First-Year Budget
| Item | Approximate amount |
| Blocked account (living costs) | €11,904 |
| Semester contributions (2 semesters) | €200 to €700 |
| Tuition (Baden-Württemberg only) | €3,000 |
| Health insurance | Often bundled with blocked account providers |
| Visa and blocked account fees | Varies by provider |
The blocked account amount is a minimum. Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg usually cost more.
DAAD EPOS: The Main Scholarship for Professionals
If you have work experience in a development-related field, DAAD's EPOS programme is one of the best fully funded options in Europe.
What it pays. Depending on academic level, EPOS pays €992 a month for graduates or €1,300 for doctoral candidates (€1,400 from February 2026), plus contributions toward health, accident, and liability insurance, and a travel allowance unless other funding covers it. Scholarship holders do not pay tuition fees, although universities may still charge semester contributions.
Who can apply. Most developing and newly industrialised countries qualify, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, India, and Pakistan, and DAAD publishes the country list each year. EPOS requires at least two years of professional experience after your first degree, and you can apply to up to three courses, provided you have not lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the deadline.
How you apply. This is the part that confuses most people. There is no central DAAD application. You apply directly to one of the approved postgraduate courses and follow that course's published scholarship deadline. Deadlines vary by course and generally fall between August and March.
Fields covered. The 2027/2028 list covers development economics, engineering, public health, renewable energy, environmental sciences, urban planning, agriculture, and international education.
EPOS application checklist
- Confirm your country is on the current eligible list.
- Confirm you have two years of relevant post-degree work experience.
- Choose up to three courses from the official 2027/2028 EPOS list.
- Note each course's deadline separately.
- Prepare the DAAD application form, a Europass CV, a motivation letter, employer certificates, and references.
- Submit directly to each university, following its instructions.
For more funding routes, see our overview of the four main types of scholarships.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming every German university is free. Check the state and the specific university.
- Using an old blocked account figure. The 2026 amount is €11,904.
- Opening a blocked account with a provider your embassy does not accept.
- Applying to DAAD centrally for EPOS instead of to the course.
- Relying on old EPOS course lists or deadlines.
- Paying agents for "guaranteed" German admission or scholarships.
FAQ
Is studying in Germany free for Nigerian students?
At public universities in 14 of 16 states, tuition is generally free, but you pay a semester contribution and must show living funds through a blocked account.
How much is the Germany blocked account in 2026?
€11,904 for a student visa (€992 per month), and €13,092 for language course or Opportunity Card visas.
Do I need German to study in Germany?
Many master's programmes are taught in English. Bachelor's programmes are more often taught in German.
Can I work while studying in Germany?
Yes, up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year for non-EU students.
Can I apply for DAAD EPOS without work experience?
No. EPOS requires at least two years of relevant post-degree professional experience.
Practical Tips
- Search programmes on DAAD's International Programmes database first.
- Check your city's real cost of living, not just the blocked account minimum.
- Book your visa appointment early. German embassy slots in some countries fill months ahead.
- Keep original and certified copies of your academic documents.
- Apply to universities in different states to spread cost risk.
If you were planning on the US, read our US student visa ban guide first.
Fees, blocked account amounts, and scholarship terms change regularly. Confirm current details on daad.de, your university's website, and the German embassy site for your country before applying.
