Germany boasts high quality universities, affordable tuition fees and a rich cultural landscape. Its efficient public transport systems mean you will be able to explore all corners of the country, and its location in Europe allows you to adventure further afield outside of the classroom.
Bordering with 9 other European countries, Germany is a great location for international students. This is, in part, due to how easy it is to explore Europe from Germany. The country is an incredibly popular destination for both undergraduate and postgraduate level studies, and offers many programmes in a wide variety of fields. As well as this, tuition fees are relatively low or even non-existent at some public universities.
Germany’s higher education institutions are split into three main types; Universität (university), Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) and Kunstschulen, Musikhochschulen, or Filmschulen (colleges of art, music, or film). Universitäts generally focus on research-driven programmes, whereas Fachhochschule offer a more practical approach to subjects.
As it is a European country, Germany follows ECTS and the Bologna Process. This means that the qualifications you gain at a German university will be recognised by universities and future employers throughout Europe. This is useful if you choose to pursue further studies or look for a job in Germany or any other European country.
In the 21st Century, Germany has established itself as a global powerhouse, and has fostered a welcoming and inclusive attitude. It has a strong economy, a universal healthcare system and environmental protection. With a long and established tradition for culture and tourism, Germany has many interesting and historical attractions that are worth paying a visit! Many of the museums and art galleries throughout the country offer reduced prices for students, which is definitely worth taking advantage of.
Germany has many bustling and exciting cities for international students to explore alongside their studies. These are spread throughout the country, and include the capital city Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt. For more information about Germany’s best student cities, take a look at our article about the top 8 German student cities.
Are tuition fees in Germany free?
Many public German universities offer their higher education programmes at a very low price for both domestic and international students. This often means that you do not pay any tuition fees, but pay a very small registration fee each semester. Private universities are allowed to set higher tuition fees, so studying at one of these could cost you a lot more.
Find out more about Public vs Private Universities.
Can I move to Germany as an international student?
Germany is a great place to study as an international student, and is very welcoming of the international community. As an international student, you will likely need to obtain a visa in order enrol at a university in Germany. For more information about this, take a look at our German Student Visas page.
Do I need IELTS to attend university in Germany?
If your first language is not English, or you haven’t previously studied in English, you will need to provide evidence of your language proficiency. Most German universities accept an IELTS or TOEFL certificate.
Unlike some countries that have a central application system, Germany does not have a unified platform for all universities. Instead, most universities manage their application processes individually. However, for some courses and universities, you might have to use the ‘UniAssist’ platform – a centralised system for evaluating international qualifications.
Once you have chosen the universities and programs you want to apply to, you need to check the admission requirements. Each university and programme could have specific entry requirements. Typical requirements include recognised academic qualifications, language proficiency (German or English depending on your course), and possibly entrance exams or interviews.
As part of your application, you will need to provide certain documents. These commonly include:
These documents might need to be translated into German, depending on where you choose to study.
Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you can submit your application and wait for your ‘Zulassungsbescheid’ (admission letter), which is essential for taking the next steps, such as applying for a visa.
When your admission letter has arrived, you can move onto the next step of your journey to studying in Germany, and apply for a student visa.
Germany uses the Euro (€) as its currency.
Public universities in Germany have not charged tuition fees for undergraduate students, including international students, since they were abolished in 2014. Students are required to pay a nominal semester or registration fee, which normally ranges from €150 to €300. This covers student services, public transportation tickets, and other benefits.
Private universities and some specialised courses (such as graduate courses) do charge tuition fees, especially for international students. The fees can range from €3,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the course you choose and university you study at.
There are several aspects of living costs you will need to consider as an international student:
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone in Germany, and is crucial for international students to ensure that they can access required health services. There are two types of health insurance available:
As well as tuition fees, living costs and administration costs, you also need to consider any additional costs that come along with studying abroad in Germany as an international student. These can include:
While the cost of studying in Germany is substantially lower than in many other countries, especially considering the extremely low tuition fees at public universities, living expenses can vary depending on your lifestyle and city of residence. Cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt are generally more expensive than smaller cities such as Hannover, Stuttgart, Bremen or Dortmund.
It’s also worth noting that international students are allowed to work part-time, which can help offset some living expenses. On a student visa, students from the EU/EEA can work unlimited hours, while non EU/EEA students can work 120 full days or 240 half days in a year.
International students who want to study in Germany will need to get a valid student visa or residence permit. If you are from an EU/EEA country (or Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein), you are exempt from this and do not need a visa.
For more information about applying for a student visa or residence permit, see our Germany Student Visa Guide.
The official language of Germany is German.
For many international students, the idea of studying abroad in Germany can be exciting yet daunting, especially considering the language barrier. However, Germany’s dedication to global education and welcoming international students means that there has been an increase in English taught programmes.
Here is what you should know about English taught programs in Germany:
If you choose to study in English, but it isn’t your first language, you will likely be required to prove your language proficiency. There are several tests that are accepted by most German universities, the most common are the IELTS and TOEFL.
If you come from a country where English is the official or national language, or you’ve competed prior education in English, some universities may not require you to prove your language proficiency. However, this isn’t universal, and you should always make sure to check the requirements for each individual programme.
Both IELTS and TOEFL are globally recognised tests with centres around the world, as well as offering online testing:
Whilst it is possible to study in Germany in English, having basic German skills is highly advantageous:
Studying abroad in Germany in English is not only feasible, but is also increasingly common given Germany’s push to attract international talent. However, ensuring you meet the language proficiency requirements is crucial to ensure that you can gain admission to a university. Additionally, even if your programme is taught in English, embracing and immersing yourself in the German language can enrich your experience and open more doors for your future.
Sign up to StudyLink.com, the home of quality study abroad advice.
Sign up now
