Study In Germany
Germany is one of the best countries to study abroad: It offers a unique combination of great universities and high quality of life.
Germany is located at the heart of Europe, bordering on nine other countries. Clockwise from the North, those are: Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxemburg, Belgium and Netherlands. That makes Germany an ideal destination if you’re eager to explore other parts of Europe, as well.
Benefits To Study In Germany
- Internationally recognized degree
- Land of Ideas
- Diverse range of study opportunities
- Part time jobs during study process
- Great job opportunities
- Germany has the third largest economy
- A safe country
- Chance to explore all aspects of life in Germany
- Staying in Germany after your studies
Who can study in Germany for free?
Everyone can study in Germany tuition-free! That’s right: Germans, Europeans, and all non-Europeans can study in Germany free of charge – without tuition fees. It does not matter if you are from the EU or EEA.
This applies to almost all study programmes at public universities. There is a tiny catch: If you are from outside the EU, you will need to get a residence permit before you arrive in the country; and you will have to finish your studies in Germany.
At which universities in Germany can I study for free?
In Germany, you can generally study for free at public universities. There are almost 300 public universities in Germany, and there are more than 1,000 study programme.
Universities in Germany
- Aalen University
- Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- Augsburg University of Applied Sciences
- Bard College Berlin, A Liberal Arts University
- Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
- Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
- Berlin School of Economics and Law
- Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin
- Bielefeld University
- Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
- Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg
- Brand University of Applied Sciences
- Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences
- Bucerius Law School
- CIFE
- Clausthal University of Technology
- CODE University of Applied Sciences
- Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences
- Deggendorf Institute of Technology
- Design Akademie Berlin
- Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- Dresden International University (DIU)
- Dresden University of Applied Sciences
- EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht
- ESMT Berlin
- Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
- EU Business School
- Europa-Universität Flensburg
- European University Viadrina
- FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
- FH Aachen - University of Applied Sciences
- Flensburg University of Applied Sciences
- Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- Fulda University of Applied Sciences
- Furtwangen University
- Geisenheim University
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- HafenCity University Hamburg
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
- Hamburg University of Technology
- Hannover Medical School
- hdpk Berlin
- Heidelberg University
- Heilbronn University
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
- Hertie School
- HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
- Hochschule Niederrhein
- Hof University of Applied Sciences
- HS Kaiserslautern - Faculty of Business Administration
- HTW Berlin
- Humboldt University Berlin
- ifs international film school cologne
- Ilmenau University of Technology
- International Graduate Center
- International Psychoanalytic University Berlin
- International School of Management (ISM)
- Jacobs University Bremen
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Justus Liebig University
- Karlshochschule International University
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
- Kempten University
- Kiel University
- Lancaster University Leipzig
- Leibniz Universität Hannover
- Leipzig University
- Leuphana University Lüneburg
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich
- Munich Business School (MBS)
- Munich University of Applied Sciences
- New European College
- Ruhr University Bochum
- RWTH Aachen University
- SRH Dresden
- SRH University Berlin
- Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- Technische Universität Berlin
- TH Rosenheim
- Universität Hamburg
- University of Applied Sciences Bremen
- University of Augsburg
- University of Bremen
- University of Cologne
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- University of Freiburg
- University of Göttingen
- University of Hildesheim
- University of Hohenheim
- University of Münster
- University of Music Karlsruhe
- University of Regensburg
- University of Stuttgart
- University of Tübingen
- University of Würzburg
Why do public universities in Germany not charge any tuition fees?
Almost anywhere in Europe and the world, universities charge tuition fees – if only from foreigners who come to that country for their studies. Germany is one of the few countries in Europe where you can study for free.
Germans generally believe that education should not be treated as a commercial product, and that free access to higher education ensures economic growth and welfare for the greater population. In the recent past, there was legislation allowing public universities to charge very modest tuition fees of 1,000 Euros annually. But after years of public protests, the tuition fees were abolished again in 2014. Today, there are only very few exceptions where public universities can charge tuition fees.
Also, Germany’s governments of recent years have understood the economic and social benefits of immigration. Germany wants to get the smartest minds to study into the country, and ideally to stay and work after graduation. That is why there are no general tuition fees for foreigners, as well.
If tuition is free, does that mean the universities are not very good?
Far from it! German’s universities are among the best in the World, and you can expect to receive a world-class education as a foreign student. Many of the larger institutions regularly rank among the top 100 in international rankings.
Regardless of a university’s ranking, you can always expect high-quality teaching. Germany has very strict standards for accrediting its educational providers.
The fact that higher education at public universities is tuition-free is a purely political decision by the German government. A degree from a German university will be respected around the world and open many doors for your career choices.
Are there any tuition fees in Germany?
Generally, you can study in Germany for free. But there are a few exceptions in which you have to pay tuition fees:
- Only public universities are tuition-free. If you study at one of the roughly 100 private universities, you are expected to pay, and those tuition fees are on par with what you would pay in countries such as the UK or Ireland. However, because of their competition from the cheap public universities, private schools in Germany tend to offer specialized programmes and other benefits so that you get your money’s worth. And of course, you might be eligible for a scholarship.
- German universities distinguish between “consecutive” and “non-consecutive” Master’s programmes. Consecutive programmes are those that you can enroll in immediately after you finish your Bachelor’s degree. Non-consecutive programmes usually require that students have post-Bachelor work experience. Such non-consecutive study programmes usually cost tuition fees, even at public universities. They are relatively rare; typical are e.g. “Executive MBAs”, but also some specialised Master’s programmes.
- Since 2017, public universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg can charge tuition fees from non-EU/EEA students. That includes the universities in Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Freiburg, Heidelberg, and some other cities. The tuition fees are set at 1,500 Euros per semester – which is still much more affordable than in many other countries in Europe.
- Some federal states also expect tuition fees of 500 to 650 EUR per semester if you want to pursue a “secondary degree” (“Zweitstudium”).This does not apply if you enrol in a Bachelor for the first time, or a (consecutive) Master’s programme following your Bachelor’s degree. Instead, “secondary degree” means
- enrolling in a non-consecutive Master’s programme (see above),
- enrolling in a Bachelor’s when you already have a Bachelor’s degree in another subject, or
- enrolling in a Master’s programme when you already have a Master’s degree in another subject.
How to apply to study in Germany
Admissions processes vary between institutions, so make sure you check the information given by your chosen university before applying. If you’re unable to find the entry requirements of a program you want to apply for, or you aren’t sure how to apply, visit the university’s International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) and either read the information provided online or contact the office directly.
There should be staff members available to provide support and advice on any topic relating to international student applications.
Choose a University
So, you’ve decided on Germany as your study abroad destination – now it’s time to choose the right course and university for you. The German Academic Exchange Service has a database of almost 2,000 programs available to search from, including 1,389 programs in English.
Unfortunately opportunities to study in Germany in English at undergraduate level are currently fairly limited, though there are some courses taught in both English and German (typically starting with English for the first two to four semesters and then changing to German). This allows you to study in English while improving your proficiency in German, particularly as your university may offer German language classes.
You may also like to consider the latest rankings of the top universities in Germany while making your decision, or check the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject to find the top German institutions in your field, using the compare tool to help you narrow down universities.
Check the admission requirements
Before applying, check that your current qualifications are recognized by your chosen university. To study in Germany you need to have a recognized Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB), meaning ‘higher education entrance qualification’.
For prospective undergraduate students, a high-school diploma, school-leaving certificate or university entrance exam result is usually sufficient, and the German Academic Exchange Service has a database of information on admission requirements for selected countries. Students with qualifications from outside Europe may have to sit the Feststellungsprüfung entrance examination after attending a preparatory Studienkolleg, although high-achieving students may be able to bypass this.
You’ll also need to check the language requirements. Most courses are taught in German, requiring international applicants to submit proof of proficiency in the German language. Two main tests are available for this purpose: the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH, meaning “German language examination for university entrance”) and the TestDaF.
Likewise, if your course is taught in English, unless you are a native speaker or have previously studied in English, you will need to prove your knowledge of the language with a test such as IELTS or TOEFL. Universities will usually state the score/s they require on their websites.
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Apply
For most subjects, you can apply directly to the international office of the university. Alternatively, you can use the website www.uni-assist.de, a centralized admissions portal for international students, run by the German Academic Exchange Service, although not all universities use this. You may wish to apply for numerous courses and universities separately to increase your chances of being admitted.
Intake
At many German universities it’s possible to apply for admission twice a year – to commence studies either in the winter or summer semester. In general, applications for winter enrolments need to be made by 15 July, and applications for summer enrolments by 15 January. However, application deadlines vary between institutions, and the same institution may set different deadlines for each program – be sure to carefully check the specific dates for your chosen course.
It’s recommended to submit applications at least six weeks before the deadline, to ensure time for corrections or additions if any information is missing. You should expect to receive a formal acceptance or rejection approximately one to two months after the deadline has passed.
Foundatation Program
UNIERSITY PATHWAY PROGRAM:
Enrol in the pathway program that offers levels from A1 to C1** Tests: + DHS/TELC/TestDaF Preparation and select a degree program from the offered list to receive a conditional acceptance.
Studies at studienkolleg generally lasts for 2 semesters, if required based on candidates’ qualifications. State Studienkollegs are tuition-free,
Checklist of the documents needed to apply for the C (LOA):
Copies of all the certificates ATTESTED/NOTARIZED: translated in English
(Official translation of student’s high school & (if applicable) university diploma (all pages, including the transcript of records)
DO NOT send any original certificates
Certificates of language exams & internships (if applicable)
Copy of the first and the last page of student’s passport
Passport size photo
German Language Certificate (attested) (if any)
Application form of the University: properly filled with the computer & with the signature of the student
Application form/ Cover letter of Sprachcaffe: properly filled with the computer & with the signature of the student.
Documents required to apply for a German language course visa are:
Two duly completed visa application forms
A valid passport (with minimum 3 months validity period following your planned date of return and not older than 10 years, containing at least two empty visa pages)
Confirmed registration in the language course, or, certificate of enrollment (the course must contain at least 18 hours/week of classes)
Proof of financial means “Finanzierungsnachweis” – €10,236 per year (Submit any of the following documents):
Personal financial statements of the last three months,
Scholarship award certificate,
A fixed deposit statement “Sperrkonto”- Blocked account. One of the easiest and the fastest way to open a German Blocked Account, is through Fintiba/Sutor Bank. The blocked account provided by Fintiba is accepted by German embassies/consulates all around the world.
A letter of commitment “Verpflichtungserklärung” by someone hosting you and they live in Germany
A letter of declaration from parents – declaring their will to financially support their child for the period of their stay in Germany, as well as their salary slips or their bank account transactions over the past 6 months.
A covered Health Insurance – for the entire period of stay in Germany
Two recently taken portrait photographs
Three photocopies of the passport ID pages
Copies of the earlier Schengen visas (if applicable)
A motivational letter for attending the language course
Proof of accommodation – for the complete stay
An official letter of leave from the employer (signed and stamped)- for employees
Proof of a paid visa fee
*Note: Each original document must have 2 (two) photocopies attached.
For Foundation Program Cost contact our counsellor.
Degree Programs at Public Universities- Tuition-Free
The duration of the language foundation is 1 Year.
The duration of the Bachelor’s Degree Program 3.5-4 Years.
The duration of the Master’s Degree Program for 1-2 Years.
Documents Required for English Taught Bachelor’s & Master Courses
10th & 12th Marksheet & School Leaving Certificate.
A certified copy of your higher education entrance qualification (e.g. a High-School Diploma or previous degrees) and any other relevant qualifications in the original language.
A translated overview of the subjects and grades of your qualifications.
Transcript from University
A passport photo
A copy of your passport (personal information and photo ID)
Motivation Letter
Recommendation Letter
German Language certificate (B1 Level)
IELTS certificate (6- 6.5 Band)
You may also need to pay an application fee.
Checklist of the required documents to apply for a German student visa:
Two duly completed National Visa application forms
Valid national passport
Previous passports (If applicable)
Two recently taken Biometric portrait photographs
Proof of Admission into a study program- (Send any of the following):
University admission letter “Zulassungsbescheinigung”.
Letter of admission in foundation course. Issued by a Studienkolleg.
Letter of admission in propaedeutic course.
Letter of admission in a preparatory German language course.
Authenticated certificates of earlier education:
German university entrance qualification “Abitur”. If you’ve studied in a German education provider abroad. (If not, send the following documents).
Recognized foreign academic qualification. It must show you have a qualification equally recognized as the German Abitur.
Academic records or transcript.
Curriculum vitae: It has to be accompanied with evidences previous and current internship and work experiences, if any.
Means of subsistence “Finanzieruungsnachweis”. The evidences you provide must show you have enough money to cover living, accommodation and study costs. (Send any of the following).
Blocked Bank Account: Proof of financial means “Finanzierungsnachweis” – €10,236 per year
One of the easiest and the fastest ways to open a German Blocked Account, is through Fintiba/Sutor Bank. The blocked account provided by Fintiba is accepted by German embassies/consulates all around the world
Letter of commitment by a local resident “Verpflichtungserklärung“. A person living in Germany, showing they’ll be covering your accommodation and/or other living costs while you’ll be here.
Letter of declaration by a parent. It has to show their commitment to support you financially during your stay here. It must be supplemented by their bank statements of the latest 6 months.
Scholarship awarding certificate. It must show you as a receiver and the amount of financial coverage granted to you by this scholarship.
Covered Health Insurance: It must have coverage of at least 30,000 EUR and it must be valid for at least 3 months. The tariff EDUCARE24 by DR-WALTER meets all the requirements and is accepted by all German consulates worldwide.
Motivational letter: You’ll have to express the reason for choosing the specific university, study program. Mention also your study and future plans and how these studies will be improving your career and life.
Marriage Certificate: (Send this if you’re married). Support that with a birth certificate of any child (If related).
Proof of having paid the visa application fee.
Proof of German Language Proficiency: (For German-only and mixed-language study programs).
German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants (DSH).
Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF).
Goethe Institute German Language Diploma (GDS).
German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD).
Proof of English language proficiency: (For English and mixed-language study programs).
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Accepted results are PbT (paper-based test) 550 Points, CbT (computer-based test) 213 Points and IbT (internet-based test) 79-80 Points.
The International English Language testing system (IELTS). Accepted scores by German universities are 5 – 6.5.
To ensure the best chances of acceptance, take care to provide all the documentation asked for, make sure all your documentation is certified (copies of documents also need to be certified by the awarding school) and check that you’ve filled out all your information correctly before submitting your application.
For some subjects, there is a nationwide cap on the number of students who can enroll. For these subjects (mostly life sciences), students from the EU (plus Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) need to apply through the Foundation of Higher Education Admission. Students from outside the EU should apply as normal.
What other costs do I have to consider when studying in Germany?
While there usually aren’t any tuition fees at public universities, you normally have to pay something called a “semester fee” (“Semesterbeitrag”) or “administrative fee”. But that’s a small amount: often around 300 or 400 Euros for the whole semester. This then also covers a public transport ticket for your city and sometimes even the surrounding areas, at a fraction of what you would normally pay for such a ticket.
For a Western European country, Germany is otherwise very affordable. Here is an overview of typical cost of living as a student in Germany:
Item Average cost per month
Rent and utilities 300 to 500 €
Food and drink 200 to 250 €
Health insurance 100 €
Phone and internet 30 €
Leisure and hobbies 50 to 100 €
You can get by on 600-900 Euros per month, give or take a bit, depending on what city you study in. Larger cities like Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg are known to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Job Opportunities for Graduates
Germany is a large economy with countless opportunities for foreign graduates. Unlike many other European nations, Germany’s economy is not centered around one or two specific locations. Industrial hubs are scattered across the country: Hamburg is home to trade and media companies; Munich and Stuttgart are strong in automotive and manufacturing; Frankfurt is the leading financial capital. Strangely, Berlin does not have strong industrial presence but has developed into Europe’s startup capital over recent years.
Speaking German is almost always a prerequisite especially for entry-level jobs. The common exceptions are jobs in tech/IT, and jobs at internationally oriented startups – particularly in startup hubs like Hamburg or Berlin.
Transportation
Getting in and out of Germany is uncomplicated: Two of its airports, Frankfurt and Munich, are among the world’s largest, together serving several hundred connections in Europe and the world. Within Europe, both train and bus connections are also a viable option due to Germany’s central location and thanks to dense networks of rails and highways.
Within Germany’s cities, you can expect a high standard of public transportation. Most large cities have a subway system, and extensive bus and streetcar line networks are the norm.
Take Out Health Insurance
Before you leave your home country you should ensure you’ve purchased health insurance to cover you during your stay in Germany. This is required both before you enroll and before you get a student visa and/or residence permit. If you’re a resident of a country within the EU or EEA, there should be a social security agreement in place between your country and Germany. This means that if you have public health insurance in your home country, you should be covered in Germany as well. You will generally need to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to take advantage of this (free to obtain).
If your health insurance is not valid in Germany, expect to pay between €80 (US$92) and €160 (US$176) per month to cover this. The cost is higher if you’re over 30, and if you’re over 29 when starting your course you can only obtain private insurance.
Find Accommodation
Once you’ve gained a place on a course and your student visa (if applicable), it’s advisable to start looking for accommodation, as unfortunately most German universities do not offer accommodation to enrolling students. Rent is likely to be your biggest monthly expense, and will vary depending on which part of the country you live in. In big cities within Western Germany (i.e. Dusseldorf, Cologne etc.) and smaller, student-oriented cities such as Heidelberg and Freiburg, you should expect to pay slightly more than if you were living in eastern Germany (i.e. Berlin).
Once you’ve found a place to live, you need to register at the ‘residents’ registration office’ (Einwohnermeldeamt) or the ‘citizens’ bureau’ (Bürgeramt).
Enrolled
You must enroll before you can start your course and use university facilities such as the library. You’ll also need to re-register before the start of every semester. This usually costs between €150 and €250 (~US$170-290), depending on the university. There may be an additional charge of around €180 (~US$205) for a “Semesterticket”, which covers public transport expenses for six months.
The usual documents you need for enrollment are:
*Your passport with visa or residence permit
*Several passport photos
*Completed registration form
*Proof of higher education entrance qualification, either original certificates or officially certified copies and translations
*Notice of admission
*Evidence of adequate knowledge of German (or English)
*Evidence of statutory health insurance in Germany
*Payment receipt for the semester fee
*Once enrolled, you will receive a registration certificate which acts as a provisional student ID, allowing you to apply for your residence permit and register for classes.
Settle into the student life in Germany
Congratulations, you should now be (mostly) all set to begin your studies in Germany! Don’t forget to pack all the essentials, as well as arranging a few more important affairs:
If you haven’t already, once you’ve found accommodation you must register with the local registration office of your city (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). Once registered, you’ll receive a document confirming your registration at that address, which you can then use for the next step…
Get a student bank Account:
Most banks offer these for free, and it will make managing your regular payments (such as accommodation) much easier.