With the out of control cost of college in the United States making a continued education seem unfeasible for many, Germany’s free education for all students, whether they are local citizens or students from abroad, offered some hope to those looking to get an affordable degree. It was a deal that may have looked too good to be true, especially at a time when the cost in the US can easily reach $33,000 per year, but aside from a few cost-of-living expenses, it was indeed a feasible no-strings-attached deal. Though some have wondered how soon the rise in foreign applicants would put financial pressure on German institutions, and now it appears that that time may have come as the southern state of Baden-Wurttemberg approved plans to start charging students who come from outside of the EU.
The new plan, which got its final approval on Wednesday, will go into effect for the winter semester later this year. Students who jumped on the free education bandwagon already will still be allowed to complete their education for no added cost. And for those who missed the college freebie? It will now skyrocket to a staggering 1,500 euros ($1,635) per semester, which really is still an excellent deal.
Three of the more popular institutions gearing up for the new tuition are University of Stuttgart, University of Freiburg and Heidelberg University.
