Cheap Private Universities in Germany

The vast majority of universities in Germany are public universities. Germany boasts of a total of 423 higher education institutions, comprising 309 public and 114 private entities. The advantage of attending a public university is that most students pay nothing or a negligible amount to attend.

Private universities in Germany need to be accredited and approved by the government. In most cases, these universities are for the applied sciences. Students who elect to attend a private college will most likely have to pay considerable tuition fees to attend, especially in comparison to free public universities. Many private universities in Germany cost over $20,000 in tuition alone each year. However, this is worth the extra cost to some students because private universities tend to be more global in scope and have smaller class sizes.

Why are Private Universities so Popular?

Private universities are becoming more popular. In 2015, around 140,000 students were enrolled in private universities in Germany, compared to just 24,000 students a decade earlier. The popularity has been increasing, doubling the numbers in the process. Approximately 10% of all students in Germany were enrolled in private universities during the winter semester of 2021/22, totaling around 343,000 students. Currently, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in private universities in Germany. Again, the appeals are smaller class sizes and more individualized attention.

Affordable and Reputable Private Universities in Germany

The following institutions offer quality education and maintain relatively low tuition fees compared to many private universities in other countries, making them an attractive option for domestic and international students seeking higher education in Germany.

Friedensau Adventist University

The Friedensau Adventist University (Theologische Hochschule Friedensau in German) dates back to 1899. The institution was originally a theological seminary and training center. In the early 1990s, the school opened its School of Social Sciences alongside its School of Theology.

Courses Offered

The university offers ten Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree programs, including part-time options, through the Christian Social Work and Theology departments.

Fees Structure

The tuition fees vary between €2,100 for bachelor's programs and €2,340 for master's programs each semester, depending on the specific program. Additionally, there is a registration fee of €380 per semester.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Programs- The admission criteria for a bachelor's program at FAU include the General Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Abitur). FAU does not impose a numerus clausus. Individuals without the Abitur may still be able to enroll at FAU by completing our assessment test.

Postgraduate Programs- The admission criteria for a master's program at FAU necessitate a university degree with a minimum grade ranging from 2.0 to 2.5, varying by program.

The FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management

FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management (FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie und Management) is a private university in Germany. The university emphasizes practical, application-oriented learning and often collaborates with various industries to ensure that its curriculum meets current market demands. FOM has multiple campuses across Germany, making it accessible to many students.

Courses Offered

The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, including Health and Social Affairs, Engineering, IT Management, Business and Management, Economics and Psychology, and Business and Law.

Fee Structure

The monthly tuition fees for undergraduate programs vary from €354 to €595, while for graduate programs, they range from €410 to €600.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Programs- One of the qualifications recognized as evidence of eligibility for university admission to bachelor's programs includes the school leaving examination, vocational baccalaureate, or completion of vocational training accompanied by a minimum of three years of professional experience. Alternatively, it can include completed vocational advancement training, such as a master craftsman's certificate, a degree in business administration, or a technical school qualification.

Graduate Programs- The primary admission criteria for a Master's degree at FOM University of Applied Sciences include holding a first university degree and being employed. Additionally, most Master's programs require applicants to have demonstrated proficiency in specific subject areas during their prior studies or to provide evidence of at least one and a half years of relevant professional experience. Furthermore, depending on the program, candidates may need to complete a preparatory course before commencing their studies.

SRH Hochschule Berlin

SRH University Berlin, also known as SRH Hochschule Berlin, is a private university in Berlin, Germany. It is part of the SRH Group, which operates several educational institutions across Germany. The university attracts a diverse student body from various countries, promoting a multicultural learning environment. Many programs are offered in English, catering to international students.

Courses Offered

The university offers 48 bachelor's degree programs in various fields, including Business, Business and Hotel Management, Health and psychology, Design, Communication and Media, Film and Photography, Music and sound, Technology, Computer Science, and UX Design. Additionally, 30 master's degree programs are available in areas such as Design, Film and photography, Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, and Computer Science. The institution also offers dual programs in Web Development and Sustainable Battery Production Engineering.

Fee Structure

The cost of tuition for bachelor's programs varies from €3,900 to €4,700 per semester, while for master's programs, it ranges from €4,000 to €7,600. There is an additional enrolment fee of €750 for EU/EEA citizens or €1000 for non-EU/EEA citizens.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Programs- General admission requirements for bachelor's programs include a higher education entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife or Fachhochschulreife) or an equivalent foreign degree, along with a curriculum vitae. Additionally, certain programs may have further requirements, such as text or work samples and a letter of motivation. If the applicant's native language is not the language of instruction, which may be English or German, a language certificate must also be submitted.

Graduate Programs- General admission requirements for master's programs typically include a bachelor's degree, an official transcript, a curriculum vitae, and a letter of motivation. For MBA programs, candidates must have at least two years of relevant work experience, while the Executive MBA (EMBA) program requires at least five years of relevant management experience. Additionally, if the language of instruction is not the applicant's native language, such as English or German, they must submit a language proficiency certificate.

CBS International Business School

CBS International Business School, also known as CBS International Business School GmbH, is a private higher education institution in Germany. It specializes in business education and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of business, management, and international relations. The school is known for its focus on practical experience, international orientation, and close ties with the business community.

Courses Offered

The institution offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs, including Business Administration, Digital Management, Financial Management, International Business, IT Software, Logistics and Trade, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Sports Management, Technology, Tourism, Consulting, Business Psychology, Leadership, and Sustainable Management.

Fee Structure

The tuition fees for students from the European Union are set at €5,600 for bachelor's programs, €6,000 for MBA programs, and €5,700 for master's programs per semester. The tuition fees for candidates outside the EU/EEA are €7,300 for bachelor's programs, €8,900 for MBA programs, and €7,900 for master's programs.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Programs- Bachelor's programs typically require completing secondary education and a university or full entrance qualification for an applied sciences university. Equivalent qualifications from international institutions, such as A-Levels, the General Certificate of Education, or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, are also accepted.

Graduate Programs- General prerequisites for master's programs typically consist of a primary academic qualification, such as a bachelor's degree, which must include a minimum of 180 ECTS credits from an accredited university. Additionally, candidates are required to have achieved a final grade of at least "good." The degree should be relevant to the field of business. Those not meeting this grade requirement must complete a separate entrance examination.

More to know

As mentioned above, private universities are increasingly popular. However, the downside is that their tuition fees are extremely high. The silver lining is that private universities have easy-to-access scholarship programs.

Furthermore, private universities provide better internship opportunities, mostly because they have ties to big companies and industries. The universities mentioned above are cheap, easy to access, and provide the best facilities.

Students must thoroughly understand their needs before deciding between a private and a public university. If financial considerations are a priority, opting for a public university may be more prudent. This approach can be particularly relevant to the student's situation. Therefore, it is advisable to assess personal requirements and make a thoughtful decision regarding university selection.