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The Study Shift: What You’ll Pay in 2026

S
Sonali
Author
February 24, 2026
The  Study Shift: What You’ll Pay in 2026

TL;DR: You’ll pay widely different amounts in 2026: TUM charges about €2,000–€6,000 per semester (Bach./Mast.), many universities remain free (e.g., Passau €0 plus ~€124 semester fee), while some apply smaller charges like a Service fee €500 per semester (Deggendorf). Expect semester tickets/union fees ~€97–€198 and continuing-education programs up to €15,000. You should budget accordingly and check each uni's 2026 policy before applying.

The  Study Shift: What You’ll Pay in 2025.

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

TUM was the first to implement the new law. Starting from the 2024/25 winter semester, they introduced specialized tuition fees to fund better infrastructure and student services.

  • Bachelor’s Programs: Typically €2,000 to €3,000 per semester.
  • Master’s Programs: Typically €4,000 to €6,000 per semester.
  • Semester Fee: Roughly €97.00 (this is separate from tuition and covers student union services).

2. Technical University of Applied Sciences Deggendorf (DIT / THD)

Deggendorf has taken a more moderate approach. Rather than full "tuition," they focus on "service fees" for students from third countries (non-EU).

  • Service Fee: €500 per semester (starting for new students in the 2025/26 cycle).
  • Application Fee: A one-time €60 fee to process your international documents.
  • Semester Fee: Standard student union fees still apply on top of the service fee.

3. University of Passau

If you are looking for a top-tier education without the heavy price tag, Passau is currently a "safe haven."

  • Tuition Fees: €0 (None). As of 2026, Passau has maintained its policy of not charging non-EU international students.
  • Semester Fee: You only pay about €124 per semester, which includes a bus pass for the city.

4. University of Regensburg

Regensburg remains one of the most affordable high-ranking German universities in Bavaria for international students.

  • Tuition Fees: €0 (None) for most standard Bachelor and Master programs.
  • Exception: If you take a "Continuing Education" Master (like an MBA or specialized LL.M.), fees can range from €5,000 to €15,000.
  • Semester Fee: Approximately €198 per semester, which includes a "Semester-Ticket" for unlimited local train and bus travel.


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