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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.
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies from Freie Universität Berlin will enable graduate students to use academic methodologies and obtain the skills necessary to pursue independent scholarship in Islamic studies.
Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability
To tackle the global climate crisis, we need interdisciplinary approaches. Graduates of the Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability program at the University of Potsdam will be trained to become experts in the field of climate science research in order to address the consequences of global warming in a science-based manner with regard to research, politics, and the public.
Microbiology
Microbiology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is the science and study of microorganisms, i.e. organisms that cannot be examined as individuals with the naked eye. These include bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa and algae, collectively referred to as "microbes".
Global Trade Management
University of Applied Sciences Worms' Master's degree program Global Trade Management (formerly International Business Administration and Foreign Trade (M.A.) at Hochschule Worms is a business administration degree program with a focus on international and especially foreign trade retated aspects.
Biomedical Sciences
This Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences offers a broad scope of in-depth insights in the biomedical field in the Biomedical Sciences program.
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.
Biochemistry
This Biochemistry degree programme from Ruhr University Bochum is unique, because practical courses make up almost fifty per cent of the biochemistry degree and, choosing their own research focus, biochemists carry out up-to-date research projects that prepare them for future careers in life-science research and life-science professions.
English Literatures and Cultures
The English Literatures and Cultures program at University of Bonn covers the literatures and cultures of Great Britain and the post-colonial world.
International Food Business and Consumer Studies
The University of Kassel's MSc International Food Business and Consumer Studies (IFBC) is a joint degree program of two German Universities: The University of Kassel in Witzenhausen (Organic Agricultural Sciences) and the University of Applied Sciences Fulda (Nutritional, Food and Consumer Sciences).
Business Informatics Online
Business Informatics Online program at University of Applied Sciences Emden/leer provides you with the qualifications required to develop solutions from a strategic, entrepreneurial perspective and through the use of scientific findings.
Medical Photonics
Aim of the masters programme in Medical Photonics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena is to prepare students for scientific and research-oriented careers within the field of Medical Optics and Photonics and to provide the foundation for further academic programmes

Impact MBA in Green Marketing and Innovation
The Impact MBA in Green Marketing and Innovation program from Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences merges in-depth know-how in innovation, marketing, and sustainability. This program equips learners to lead market-driven innovations and apply truly green marketing strategies, fostering sustainable brands and consumer behavior change.
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.
Dependency and Slavery Studies
The international and interdisciplinary Dependency and Slavery Studies program at University of Bonn is an international and interdisciplinary master’s degree program designed for a study period of four semesters. It is taught entirely in English and aimed at students with a focus on or interest in the fields of history, material and/or social sciences
Development Economics
Development Economics from University of Göttingen fits you if you want to know what economic and policy instruments can spur growth of a whole country, how to assess the impact of a policy measure.
Mathematics
In the Mathematics program at University of Bonn students can acquire comprehensive scientific knowledge in a main field of mathematics.
Translational Neuroscience
Translational Neuroscience from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is a rapidly developing field with great relevance for society.
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.
Digital Narratives
The Digital Narratives program at TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences) combines academic and practical work in order to provide participants with the necessary tools to pursue careers in a field characterized by ongoing transformations as a result of rapid technological developments.
Polar and Marine Sciences (POMOR)
The Polar and Marine Sciences (POMOR) MSc course from University of Hamburg is a research-oriented interdisciplinary two-year master’s program taught in English.
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.