UNI STUDENT
Studying in Germany is a popular choice for international students seeking high-quality education, internationally oriented degree programs and opportunities to gain practical experience. Germany has research universities, universities of applied sciences and specialised colleges for art, music and design.
Students can choose from programs in engineering, medicine, computer science, artificial intelligence, business, natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities. Many public universities do not charge general tuition fees for most bachelor’s degrees and consecutive master’s programs. However, exceptions apply depending on the state, institution, program and student’s nationality.
Germany also offers a growing selection of English-taught degrees, particularly at master’s and doctoral levels. German remains the main language of instruction for many undergraduate and medical programs.
Germany offers several potential benefits for international students:
Respected universities and research institutions.
A wide selection of academic and practical programs.
No general tuition fees at many public universities, subject to exceptions.
English-taught international programs, especially at postgraduate level.
Strong links between universities, research centres and industry.
Opportunities to work part-time during studies under the applicable rules.
Scholarships from DAAD, universities and other organisations.
The possibility for eligible non-EU graduates to remain for up to 18 months to seek qualified employment.
Germany has several types of higher education institutions:
Traditional universities focus on academic study and research. They offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and are suitable for students interested in academic or research-based careers.
Universities of Applied Sciences, also known as Fachhochschulen, focus on practical learning, industry projects and career preparation. They commonly offer programs in engineering, technology, business, design and social sciences.
These institutions specialise in fine art, music, theatre, film, media and design. Applicants may need to submit a portfolio or complete an aptitude test, audition or interview.
Program length depends on the university and subject, but the typical structure is:
six to eight semesters, or approximately three to four years.
two to four semesters, or approximately one to two years.
duration varies according to the research field and project.
International students can find degrees taught entirely in English, particularly at master’s and doctoral levels. English-taught bachelor’s programs are also available, but the selection is more limited.
Applicants to English-taught programs may need to provide:
Each university and program determines its own minimum score. Students should therefore check the official program page rather than relying on general language requirements.
Learning German remains valuable even when the course is taught in English. German-language skills can make it easier to find accommodation, handle administrative procedures, obtain part-time work and pursue employment after graduation.
Most degree programs in Germany are taught in German. According to DAAD, many higher education institutions require at least B2-level German, although certain programs may require C1 or specific examination scores.
Universities may accept qualifications such as:
The university decides which language certificates and scores it recognises.
Admission requirements depend on the university, subject, qualification level and country where the applicant completed their previous education. Common requirements may include:
A recognised school-leaving certificate for bachelor’s admission.
Academic transcripts with certified translations.
A relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s admission.
A relevant postgraduate qualification for doctoral admission.
Proof of German or English proficiency.
A CV and motivation letter.
Recommendation letters for selected programs.
Relevant work experience for certain master’s degrees.
A portfolio for art, design or architecture courses.
An aptitude test, interview or entrance examination where required.
A passport copy and passport photograph.
Not every international secondary school certificate provides direct entry to a German university. Eligibility depends on the country, certificate type, subjects studied and academic results.
Applicants can obtain an initial assessment through:
If the certificate does not provide direct university admission, the applicant may need to complete previous university studies in their home country or attend a Studienkolleg in Germany.
A Studienkolleg is a preparatory course for international applicants whose school qualifications do not provide direct access to German higher education.
Most Studienkolleg courses are taught in German. Applicants generally need German proficiency around B1 or B2 and may have to pass an entrance examination.
The course usually lasts two semesters and concludes with the Feststellungsprüfung assessment examination. Students select a pathway related to their intended degree, such as:
Passing the Studienkolleg assessment does not automatically guarantee admission to every university or program. Admission restrictions and competition may still apply.
International students can choose from thousands of degree programs, including:
Germany is well known for engineering education and for cooperation between universities, research institutions and industry.
Students can study engineering at research universities or universities of applied sciences. Some courses include compulsory internships, practical projects or periods of study within a company.
Many engineering bachelor’s programs are taught in German, while a wider selection of English-taught options is available at master’s level.
Admission to medicine in Germany is highly competitive. Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine are subject to nationwide admission restrictions.
Most medical programs are taught in German and require advanced language proficiency. Admission requirements may include:
Many public universities do not charge general tuition fees for most bachelor’s degrees and consecutive master’s programs. However, this does not mean that every program is free or that students have no education-related expenses.
Possible exceptions include:
Students must check the official fee schedule for their chosen program before applying.
Most students pay a semester contribution even when the university does not charge tuition fees. According to the official Make it in Germany portal, the average contribution is approximately €300 per semester, although the amount varies.
The semester contribution may cover:
The semester contribution is different from tuition and may change between academic years.
Living costs vary significantly according to the city, accommodation and lifestyle. Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are generally more expensive than many smaller university cities.
A student budget should include:
Berlin offers numerous universities, research institutions and programs in technology, business, arts and social sciences. It is known for its international and culturally diverse environment.
Munich is home to major universities, technology companies and research centres. However, it is also one of Germany’s more expensive cities, particularly for accommodation.
Hamburg offers programs in business, engineering, sciences and media. Its economy is connected to international trade, logistics and professional services.
Frankfurt is a major financial and commercial centre. It can be attractive to students interested in finance, economics, business and technology.
Aachen is particularly known for engineering, technology and scientific research and has a substantial international student community.
Heidelberg has a long academic history and is associated with research in medicine, sciences and the humanities.
Both cities offer diverse academic programs. Accommodation may be more affordable than in some of Germany’s largest cities, depending on the area and housing type.
The correct application route depends on the university, qualification, nationality and program. Applications may be submitted:
Select a subject, university and language of instruction.
Check whether the previous qualification is recognised.
Review academic and language requirements.
Confirm whether the application is direct or through uni-assist.
Prepare certificates, transcripts and certified translations.
Submit the application before the deadline.
Complete any examinations, interviews or additional document requests.
Receive an official admission letter.
Arrange proof of finance and health insurance.
Apply for the correct visa and prepare for enrolment.
According to information published by DAAD, the standard uni-assist evaluation fee is generally €75 for the first selected program and €30 for every additional application in the same semester.
Fees may change, and some universities cover the cost or use a different process. Applicants should check the current details directly with uni-assist.
The German academic year generally includes:
Deadlines vary between institutions and programs. Some applications close several months before the course begins, particularly when visas, entrance tests or qualification recognition are required.
Visa requirements depend on nationality and the planned duration of study. Many students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area need a national student visa before travelling to Germany.
Common visa documents may include:
A tourist visa cannot generally be converted into a student residence permit after arrival. Applicants should obtain the correct visa before travelling.
A blocked account, known as a Sperrkonto, is one method of demonstrating sufficient financial resources. It is not the only possible option. A recognised scholarship, formal declaration of commitment or other evidence may be accepted depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
The required amount is updated periodically. Official guidance for 2026 may list a monthly financial requirement of €1,091 for relevant study-visa cases, but the applicable amount can depend on the visa purpose and application category.
Students must confirm the exact amount with the responsible German embassy or consulate before opening an account or transferring funds.
After arriving in Germany, international students may need to:
A study residence permit is granted for a defined period and may be extended if the student continues to meet the requirements and demonstrates appropriate academic progress.
Health insurance is generally compulsory for university enrolment and the student residence process.
Public and private insurance options may be available depending on the student’s age, status and type of program. Students should confirm that their policy is accepted by both the university and the relevant immigration authority.
International students from outside the EU may work within the limits attached to their residence status.
Current rules generally permit eligible students to work:
Different arrangements may apply to academic and student-assistant positions. Working additional hours may also affect health insurance, taxation and the student’s residence status.
Eligible graduates from outside the EU may apply for a residence permit lasting up to 18 months to seek qualified employment after successfully completing their degree in Germany.
During this period, graduates may take different types of employment while looking for a qualified position. Once they secure a suitable offer, they may apply for a skilled-worker residence permit or an EU Blue Card if they meet the relevant conditions.
Graduates should apply to change their residence status before their student permit expires.
International students may find scholarships through:
Eligibility and financial coverage vary. Some scholarships are limited to postgraduate applicants or require professional experience, academic excellence or community involvement.
Accommodation options include:
Students should apply for university accommodation as early as possible because demand is high in many cities. They should also be cautious of housing scams and avoid sending deposits before verifying the property and rental agreement.
Applicants should confirm that the institution is officially recognised and that the program leads to the intended academic qualification.
Graduates planning to enter regulated professions, such as medicine, dentistry or pharmacy, may need degree recognition and professional licensing in the country where they intend to work.
Admission to or graduation from a German university does not automatically guarantee professional licensing in every country.
Many public universities do not charge general tuition fees for most bachelor’s and consecutive master’s programs. Exceptions apply, and students must still pay semester contributions and living expenses.
Yes. English-taught programs are available, particularly at master’s and doctoral levels. The selection of English-taught bachelor’s programs is more limited.
Many universities require at least B2, while certain programs require C1 or specific TestDaF or DSH results.
It depends on the country, certificate type, subjects and grades. Applicants may receive direct admission, need previous university study or be required to attend a Studienkolleg.
The average is approximately €300 per semester, but the amount and included services vary between universities.
Eligible non-EU students may generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week under the applicable conditions.
Eligible non-EU graduates may apply for a residence permit lasting up to 18 months to seek qualified employment after completing a German degree.
Most medical degrees are taught in German and require advanced language proficiency. Complete medical programs in English are very limited.
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