Ingolstadt and Bavarian Universities Now Charge Non-EU Students Tuition Fees
Starting summer semester 2026, Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (THI) will charge international students from outside the EU/EEA €800 per semester for Bachelor's and €1,200 for Master's degrees, joining other German states in introducing tuition.
Starting in the summer semester of 2026, Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (THI) will charge tuition fees of €800 per semester for Bachelor's students and €1,200 for Master's students from non-EU/EEA countries. Students at THI who currently pay €500 per semester or who continue their studies without changing their programme in the 2026 summer semester are not affected by this change.
Broader Tuition Fee Landscape in Germany
While public universities in Germany don't charge tuition fees for Bachelor's and Master's programmes for most EU/EEA students, non-EU international students face growing costs in select states. Bavaria recently introduced its Higher Education Innovation Act, which allows universities to introduce fees. The Technical University of Munich (TUM) introduced fees for international students from the 2024/25 winter semester. Meanwhile, all public universities in Baden-Württemberg charge fees to non-EU students. Baden-Württemberg state introduced tuition fees of €1,500 per semester (€3,000/year) for non-EU international students at its universities.
Living Costs and Financial Proof
International students must demonstrate financial means of €11,904 per year (approximately €992 per month) in a blocked account to cover living costs while studying in Germany. Germany's statutory minimum wage will rise to €13.90 per hour on January 1st, 2026, up by more than one euro from €12.82.
Practical Implications for Expat Families and Students
If you are an international (non-EU/EEA) student planning to study in Germany, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are no longer tuition-free options. Check the specific university's policy before enrolling. THI's €800–€1,200 per semester is still lower than many Western universities, but significantly above the previous free-tuition model. The €11,904 annual blocked account requirement remains a barrier for many families, so budget carefully and explore scholarships (DAAD, Erasmus+) to offset costs. Students changing programmes mid-study at THI will face the new fees.
Sources
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