Why Free Education for International Students Makes Sense – The German Model

The article « Why Germany Educates International Students for Free » Times Higher Education, April 2017, by David Matthews

Germany is famous for ‘tuition free’ higher education for its citizens. This article explains why free education is also extended to incoming international students. The author explores the reasons behind this policy and has identified three: to fill a demographic hole, to create goodwill globally, and because of it is importance politically on the local level.

The author points out that there are some cracks in the nationwide consensus with this policy given that one State recently instituted a ‘fee’ for international students, and because of the pressure to have a balance budget as of 2020. Yet, most expect the consensus to hold.

Link to article: Why Germany Educates International Students for Free