LMU Munich: Tuition, English Programs & How to Apply (2027/28)

LMU Munich does not charge tuition fees for its regular degree programs. Its official fees page states that no tuition fees have been charged since the winter semester 2013/14. You pay the Student Union (Studierendenwerk) fee each semester, and only a few executive or continuing-education master's programs cost extra.

This matters because Bavaria allows its universities to charge non-EU students tuition, and some do. LMU still lists no tuition for its regular programs. Here is what it costs, which programs are in English, and how its two-step application works.

Why LMU Munich is good value

• No tuition for regular programs, in a state where some universities now charge non-EU students.
• A broad English master's offer across sciences, economics, humanities, public health and law (38 programs in our database).
• 20 doctoral options in English, including structured graduate schools.
• No uni-assist: you apply to LMU directly, so you avoid the uni-assist handling fee.

LMU Munich tuition fees and costs

Living costs are the real expense. The DAAD puts typical student living costs at €900 to €1,200 per month depending on the city. Rents in large cities such as Munich tend to sit at the high end, so plan your budget carefully. Our cost of studying in Germany guide shows how to build one.

English-taught programs at LMU

All LMU bachelor's programs are taught in German, so English-only students should focus on master's and doctoral study. Examples from our database:

• Sciences: Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Geophysics, Geology, Meteorology
• Life sciences and health: Human Biology, Epidemiology, Evolution, Ecology and Systematics
• Economics and business: Economics, Management and Digital Technologies, Financial and Insurance Mathematics
• Social sciences and humanities: Global Public Policy, Journalism, Media and Globalisation, Logic and Philosophy of Science, Digital Cultural Heritage
• Law: European and International Economic Law (LL.M., 1 year)

Compare these with options elsewhere in our guide to English-taught programs in Germany.

Admission requirements

There is no university-wide minimum grade; each program sets its own rules. English-taught master's programs typically expect C1 English. Examples from program pages: Digital Cultural Heritage asks for IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 95 or Duolingo 130; American History, Culture and Society asks for IELTS 7 or TOEFL iBT 100.

• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts as certified copies with certified translations
• CV and proof of language proficiency
• Letter of acceptance from the department, plus the International Office application
• APS certificate only if your degree is from China, India or Vietnam
• Some programs ask for the GRE or an aptitude assessment

For how German universities judge foreign grades, read Germany university admission requirements.

LMU application deadlines

LMU's deadlines refer to the date your application arrives at the International Office:

Doctoral study at LMU in English

LMU is also a strong option for a PhD. Our database lists 20 English-taught doctoral options. There is no central doctoral call: you need acceptance from a supervisor or from a structured program such as a graduate school or an International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS), which run their own calls and deadlines.

There is no university-wide IELTS or TOEFL minimum for doctoral candidates; the supervisor or graduate program sets the language proof. Where the doctoral language is English, you do not need to prove German. You still send a master's degree with transcripts as certified copies, a CV and an International Office application.

Scholarships at LMU

With no tuition, funding is about living costs. LMU has only limited scholarships for international students who are already enrolled; most funding comes from the DAAD and external foundations. Some doctoral programs offer funded positions. The DAAD Study Scholarship for master's pays €992 per month but is highly competitive. See scholarships in Germany for international students.

Working while you study and after graduation

Non-EU students in Germany may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Jobs as a student assistant (HiWi) at the university have no day limit but must be reported to the foreigners' office. The minimum wage since January 2026 is €13.90 per hour. Part-time work helps, but you should not count on it to cover your whole budget, especially in your first semester.

After you graduate, you can apply for a residence permit to look for a qualified job, issued for up to 18 months. Read work and stay in Germany after graduation for the details.

How to apply to LMU step by step

1. 1

   Choose your program

   Open the program page and note its own department deadline, language score and documents.

2. 2

   Apply to the department

   Submit through the program's portal or MoveIN and wait for the department's decision or letter of acceptance.

3. 3

   Apply to the International Office

   Send the International Office application so it arrives by 15 July 2027 for the winter semester 2027/28.

4. 4

   Receive admission

   Once admitted, prepare proof of funds of €11,904 per year, usually a blocked account.

5. 5

   Apply for the student visa

   Book your appointment early; processing can take months. See our Germany student visa guide.

6. 6

   Enrol in Munich

   Pay the Student Union fee, enrol and register your address after arrival.

Keep both LMU deadlines in one place: track deadlines for free on FindUniPath, or browse more universities in Germany.