Is an overall CGPA of 8.5 to 9 required to get free education abroad in UK/Germany?

You do not need to hit 8.5 or 9 CGPA to study in Germany or the UK, though it certainly opens more doors if you have it. Germany's public universities are largely tuition-free regardless of your CGPA within a reasonable range, and the UK's realistic minimum for a Master's is lower than most students assume.

Realistic CGPA and Cost by Country

How the Systems Actually Work

• Germany converts your CGPA using the Bavarian Formula, and while elite schools like TU Munich or RWTH Aachen prefer scores around 7.5 to 8.0 plus, many other public universities accept 7.0 or even 6.5, provided you meet the prerequisite subject credits and any Numerus Clausus restriction.
• The UK uses an Honours Classification system instead of a raw GPA scale: a 2:1 equivalent, roughly 6.5 to 7.5 CGPA or 60 to 70 percent, is the standard entry point for most reputable Master's programs, while a 2:2 equivalent of 5.5 to 6.0 is accepted at many solid mid-tier universities.

My Advice

Do not let a CGPA below 8.5 stop you from applying to Germany's public universities or mid-tier UK programs, since your realistic bar is significantly lower than that. Save your energy for meeting subject-specific prerequisites and the Numerus Clausus rules in Germany, or for building a strong personal statement for UK admissions, rather than chasing a CGPA target you do not actually need.