University of Freiburg

University of Freiburg at a glance

The University of Freiburg (Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg) is a public university in Freiburg im Breisgau, in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Indian students are particularly drawn to its English-taught Master's degrees in computer science, microsystems engineering, and sustainable systems.

Four things Indian applicants should know first:

• State tuition fee of €1,500 per semester: Because Freiburg is in Baden-Württemberg, non-EU international students pay a state-mandated tuition fee of €1,500 per semester (€3,000 per academic year), alongside a semester contribution of €190.
• Direct application via the university portal: Master's applications are processed directly through Freiburg's own online campus portal (HISinOne), not via uni-assist.
• Strict English and subject prerequisites: For English-taught programs like M.Sc. Computer Science, the university requires English proficiency at CEFR Level C1 (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 95). Medium of instruction letters from India are explicitly not accepted.
• Mandatory APS certificate at application time: Indian degree holders must upload their original APS certificate before the application deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.

What it really costs

Tuition fees for non-EU students. In accordance with Section 3(1) of the Baden-Württemberg State Higher Education Fees Act, international students who are not citizens of an EU or EEA country must pay a tuition fee of €1,500 per semester (€3,000 per academic year) for bachelor's and consecutive master's degree programs.

Semester contribution breakdown. Every student pays a mandatory semester fee of €190.00 per semester upon enrollment and re-registration. The fee consists of:

For non-EU students paying the international tuition fee, the total amount payable directly to the university is €1,690.00 per semester.

Living costs and blocked account. For the German student visa, international students must demonstrate at least €11,904 per year (€992 per month) in a blocked account. The Faculty of Engineering estimates realistic monthly living expenses in Freiburg at €900 to €1,000 per month, including rent, food, health insurance, and personal expenses. See our blocked account guide and total cost guide.

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

Can you reduce the cost?

• Part-time student jobs (HiWi and Werkstudent): Non-EU students in Germany are legally permitted to work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. Research institutes and university departments at the Faculty of Engineering frequently hire student research assistants (HiWis). See our guides on part-time work rules and Werkstudent jobs.
• Education loans: Because living expenses and tuition require upfront capital, many Indian applicants secure education loans covering the €11,904 blocked account and €3,000 annual tuition fee.

Getting in: what University of Freiburg looks at

For the English-taught M.Sc. Computer Science (Faculty of Engineering):

1. Degree & 3-year rule: A Bachelor's degree of at least 3 years (180 ECTS) in computer science, mathematics, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution. See our 3-year degrees in Germany guide.
2. Subject-specific academic credits: Applicants must demonstrate solid background in mathematics and theoretical computer science. The admission regulations require at least 120 ECTS in relevant subjects, including at least 40 ECTS in computer science and at least 40 ECTS in mathematics and theoretical computer science. See our ECTS credit mapping guide.
3. English language test: Proof of English proficiency at CEFR Level C1. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0), TOEFL iBT (minimum 95), or Pearson PTE Academic (minimum 76). Native speakers or graduates from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada are exempt. English-medium instruction letters from Indian universities are not accepted.
4. APS certificate: Mandatory for all applicants with academic qualifications from India. The certificate must be uploaded during the online application; submissions after the deadline are not considered. See our APS certificate guide.
5. Additional documents: A curriculum vitae, motivation letter, module descriptions covering mathematics and theoretical computer science, and optional test scores such as GRE (all sections evaluated) or GATE for Indian students.

How to apply

1. Online registration: Apply directly through the University of Freiburg's online application portal (HISinOne) during the open intake window. You do not apply through uni-assist.
2. Digital upload of documents: Upload certified copies of your Bachelor's degree or provisional certificate, complete transcripts of records, English language score card, module descriptions, and your APS certificate.
3. Merging documents: Additional documents such as CV, motivation letter, module descriptions, and GATE/GRE score cards should be compiled into one PDF document where specified in the portal.
4. Evaluation and admission: The Faculty of Engineering admissions committee reviews applications. Successful candidates receive an electronic letter of admission through the portal.

Deadlines

For non-EU international applicants applying to the English-taught M.Sc. Computer Science:

• Winter semester intake (starts October): 15 April to 31 May
• Summer semester intake (starts April): 1 November to 15 December

EU applicants have later deadlines (15 July for winter, 15 January for summer). Re-registration deadlines for enrolled students are 1 June to 15 August for the winter semester and 15 January to 15 February for the summer semester.

Popular Master's programs for Indian students

• M.Sc. Computer Science: Fully taught in English across 4 semesters (120 ECTS). Students can select an Open Curriculum or specialize in Artificial Intelligence or Cyber-Physical Systems. Compare programs in our MS Computer Science in Germany comparison.
• M.Sc. Sustainable Systems Engineering (SSE): English-taught interdisciplinary program offered by INATECH covering renewable energy, power grids, and sustainable materials.
• M.Sc. Embedded Systems Engineering (ESE): English-taught degree focusing on microelectronics, sensor systems, and smart connected devices.

Where you'll live

Student accommodation in Freiburg is managed by the Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald (SWFR), which oversees over 6,400 student rooms across Freiburg and regional campuses.

• Private housing market: Freiburg is a compact, highly sought-after university city with competitive housing.Students are advised to apply for SWFR dormitories as early as possible.

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 University of Freiburg is a good fit for

• A strong choice if you have a rigorous background in computer science and mathematics (including theoretical computer science, algorithms, and calculus), have an IELTS score of 7.0 or above, and want to study artificial intelligence, embedded systems, or renewable engineering in a research-intensive environment.
• Think carefully if your undergraduate coursework lacks formal theoretical computer science and mathematics credits (below 40 ECTS each), your English score is below IELTS 7.0, or you are seeking tuition-free studies without the Baden-Württemberg €1,500 semester state fee.

Sources

Every figure on this page comes from these official pages, checked on 24 October 2026:

• University of Freiburg: semester fees and tuition
• INATECH: tuition and semester fees
• Department of Computer Science: M.Sc. Computer Science
• Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald: dormitories overview
• Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald: Studentensiedlung am Seepark
• Make it in Germany: seeking employment after graduating

Fees and rules change. Always confirm on University of Freiburg's own pages before you pay or apply.