Study in Munich, Germany

About Munich

Munich is the state capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities: according to the city's statistics office, 1,612,429 people had their main residence there on 31 December 2025. It is a major centre for science, technology and business, with two large state universities, several private business schools and a wide choice of German language schools.

Students come to Munich for a full degree, for an exchange semester, for a summer university or to learn German before applying to a German university. German is the language of daily life and of most degree programmes, but English-taught programmes are common at master's level and at the private business schools.

Studying in Munich

Our directory lists 10 schools in Munich: five universities, business schools and university programmes, and four language schools. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) had 52,658 students enrolled in the 2025-26 winter semester and offers orientation for international degree students as well as places for Erasmus+ and exchange students. The International University Club Munich (IUCM), an initiative of LMU alumni since 1995 that works with the LMU International Office, organises the Munich International Summer University at LMU, with summer academies and language courses. The Technische Universität München (TUM) is the city's technical university; unlike most German state universities, it charges tuition fees for students from non-EU countries.

Munich Business School offers bachelor's, master's, MBA and DBA programmes in the city centre and holds AACSB accreditation; its Pre-Bachelor prepares students with courses in business administration, English and mathematics. EU Business School also has a campus in Munich, where it teaches in English.

For German, TANDEM München in Schwabing has taught German since 1989 and also offers English, Spanish and Italian, with preparation courses for TestDaF and telc C1 Hochschule and a course designed for students on a language-course visa. inlingua München, at Sendlinger Tor, has been run by the same owners since 1978 and also offers German courses with a language visa. DeutschAkademie starts new group courses in Munich every month and offers a visa course, a German course for nursing staff and telc and Goethe exam preparation.

Most degree programmes at German universities are taught in German, and most universities require at least level B2. International degree programmes and English-taught postgraduate programmes are exempt from this requirement but ask for proof of English.

Cost of living for students

State universities in Germany generally charge no tuition fees for bachelor's degrees and most master's degrees; every student pays a semester contribution of between €70 and €430. In Munich, check the rules of your university, because TUM charges tuition fees to non-EU students and private business schools set their own fees.

Housing is the largest cost. According to the Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern, a typical room in a shared flat in Munich costs about €700 a month, while its own student residences charged an average of €360.80 in October 2025. Applications for a residence place open on 15 May for the winter semester and on 15 November for the summer semester. The DAAD estimates that students in Germany need between €900 and €1,200 a month depending on the city, and students from outside the EU must prove €992 a month for a student visa (DAAD, 2025 figure).

Getting around and daily life

Munich has U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus networks. The old Munich semester ticket has been replaced by a discounted Deutschlandticket for students in Upper Bavaria, which costs €43 a month instead of the regular €63 (Studierendenwerk, 2026). Like the Deutschlandticket, it is valid on local and regional transport throughout Germany.

Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland only need an ID card. Students from countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil or Japan can enter without a visa but must apply for a residence permit if they stay longer than three months; most other students need a national student visa from a German embassy or consulate. A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa later.

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay tuition fees at universities in Munich?

It depends on the university. Most German state universities charge no tuition fees for bachelor's and most master's degrees, but TUM charges tuition fees to students from non-EU countries, and private business schools set their own fees.

How much does a room in Munich cost for a student?

According to the Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern, a room in a shared flat costs about €700 a month, while its student residences averaged €360.80 in October 2025.

Is Munich a good place to learn German?

Yes. Several language schools offer intensive courses, courses for students on a language-course visa and preparation for TestDaF, telc and Goethe exams.

Can I study in English in Munich?

Yes, in many international master's programmes and at private business schools such as Munich Business School and EU Business School. Most bachelor's degrees at the state universities are taught in German.