Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)

LMU Munich at a glance

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) is a public university located in Munich, the state capital of Bavaria (Bayern). Founded in 1472, it is one of Germany's oldest universities.

Four things Indian applicants should know first:

• No tuition fees. LMU Munich charges no tuition fees for consecutive Master's programs, for both domestic and international students. Enrolled students pay only a basic semester contribution (Grundbeitrag) of €97.00 per semester to the Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern.
• Two-part application procedure. Master's applicants must apply separately and concurrently to two bodies: first to the academic faculty or department for the program-specific aptitude assessment (Eignungsverfahren), and second through the LMU International Office application portal.
• Standard deadlines. The International Office application deadlines are 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester, but individual academic departments often set earlier cutoffs (frequently mid-May for the winter intake).
• Munich housing crunch. Student housing in Munich is competitive. The average rent for a Studierendenwerk dorm room is €400.60 a month, but waiting lists range from one to seven semesters.

What it really costs

Tuition fees. LMU Munich charges no tuition fees for standard undergraduate and consecutive Master's programs.

Semester contribution. In place of tuition, all enrolled students must pay the mandatory basic fee (Grundbeitrag) of the Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern:

The basic fee increased from €85.00 to €97.00 per semester starting summer semester 2026. The previous solidary component for the semester transit ticket remains suspended; students can purchase the discounted Bavarian student Deutschlandticket separately.

Living costs and the blocked account. For the German student visa, international applicants must show €11,904 a year in a blocked account, released at €992 a month. The average rent for a subsidized single living space (Einzelwohnplatz) through the Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern is approximately €400.60 a month, but due to massive demand, waiting lists span between one and seven semesters.See our blocked account guide and total cost breakdown.

Health insurance is compulsory to enrol in Germany. See our health insurance guide.

Can you reduce the cost?

• Part-time work. International students from non-EU countries are legally allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. See our guides to part-time work rules and securing Werkstudent jobs.
• Scholarships. See our DAAD scholarships guide.

Getting in: what LMU Munich looks at

From LMU's International Office and master's application regulations:

1. Undergraduate degree: a recognized first university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Indian applicants must hold an individual APS certificate issued by APS India. See our guides to 3-year degrees in Germany, ECTS credit mapping, and the APS certificate.
2. Two-step application process: international applicants must apply separately to:

- The respective academic department/institute for the program's specific aptitude assessment (Eignungsverfahren). - The LMU International Office application portal for formal credential evaluation and university admission.

1. Language proficiency:

- German-taught Master's: proof of advanced German proficiency (DSH-2, TestDaF 4x4, Goethe C1) is required at enrollment. - English-taught Master's: proof of English as set by each program's regulations; LMU makes an exception from German proof for Master's programs taught in another language. See our English language test guide.

1. APS certificate: applicants with degrees from India, China, or Vietnam must enclose the original certificate from the Akademische Prüfstelle (APS).

Deadlines and application process

1. Departmental aptitude assessment: if your program has one, register with the institute by its own dates, which are often earlier than LMU's central deadlines.
2. International Office deadlines:

- Winter semester: 15 July. - Summer semester: 15 January.

1. Application documents: submit your bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts in the original language and official English or German translation, updated resume, APS certificate for Indian degree holders, departmental letter of acceptance (if already received), and proof of language proficiency.

Popular Master's programs for Indian students

LMU offers several Master's programs taught in English. Check each program's page for its own aptitude assessment, language rules and dates.

Compare LMU Munich with other top German universities in our MS Computer Science in Germany comparison.

Where you'll live

Accommodation in Munich is challenging and requires early planning. The public student service Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern manages over 9,000 housing places. The average monthly rent for a single room in a Studierendenwerk dormitory is €400.60, with rent covering utilities. However, waiting times range from one to seven semesters.Students are strongly advised to begin searching for accommodation as soon as they receive their admission letter.

After you graduate

International graduates of a German university can get a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job, and may take any job during that time. Once you find qualified work you switch to a work permit or EU Blue Card. See our guides to the job seeker permit and the EU Blue Card.

Who LMU Munich is a good fit for

• A strong choice if you want no tuition fees, can meet your department's aptitude assessment, and can plan your housing early.
• Think carefully if you have a limited living budget or cannot secure housing early: Studierendenwerk waiting times run from one to seven semesters.

Sources

Every figure on this page comes from these official pages, checked on 23 October 2026:

• LMU Munich: Fees and tuition fees overview
• LMU Munich: Announcement on basic fee increase to €97.00 from summer semester 2026
• LMU Munich: Guide to applying for a Master's degree program for international applicants
• LMU Munich: Applications for admission and International Office deadlines
• LMU Munich: International degree programs catalog
• Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern: Halls of residence and average rent details
• Make it in Germany: prospects after graduation

Fees and rules change. Always confirm on LMU Munich's own pages before you pay or apply.