Study in Germany
Everything you need to know about studying in Germany as an international student.
Find programs in GermanyWhy study in Germany?
It is a popular international study destination: Germany’s universities regularly rank among the world’s finest, excelling in a number of fields including engineering and science.
Germany is one of the most inclusive countries in the world for international students: larger cities such as Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Hamburg have thousands of international students, however some smaller cities like Heidelberg do too.
If you are looking for a place to study abroad that will offer you a strong cultural learning experience as well as an academic one, heading to one of Germany’s university cities could be the perfect choice.
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Enrollment & travel advice
Get support all the way to your first day at university
What is the cost of studying in Germany?
Germany tuition for international students can start at around $10,000 per year, but the exact amount will depend on the university and the program.
Living costs in Germany are considered to be quite reasonable, especially when compared to other European countries. On average, you will need to budget about $10,000 to cover your living expenses which includes your accommodation, food, clothing and entertainment costs.
Key facts
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Euro € Currency
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2.9 million Student population
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German Language
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450 Universities
Where can you study in Germany?
Germany is a diverse country with many metropolitan cities you can choose to study in, including Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Dresden. It is widely regarded as a safe destination for international students, whether you’re in one of the cities or out in a more rural area.
Away from the urban centers, Germany boasts mountains, forests and beaches students can visit and explore.
What are the requirements to study in Germany?
Qualifications
In order to study at a university in Germany, you’ll need a university entrance qualification. This is usually a secondary education or school-leaving certificate. If your certificate is considered insufficient, you may have to attend a foundation course before you’ll be accepted. Some universities may ask you to complete a Test for Foreign Students (TestAS), which is an aptitude test that realistically assesses your chances of completing a program successfully. If you’re applying for a course taught in German, you’ll need to prove your knowledge of the language, but this is not required for most international degree programs.English language tests
If you want to study on a program taught in English in Germany, you will probably be required to take a test to prove your English proficiency. Most universities will accept TOEFL or IELTS language tests. The exact scores you need for admission will depend on the university and specific program you choose.
Germany student visa
EU citizens can study for a degree in Germany without a visa, but non-EU students will need to apply for a student visa (studentenvisum), which comes in two stages.
You can obtain the student applicant visa before you have gained admission to a German university. This will allow you to stay in Germany for between three and six months while you apply to German universities, and you can apply for this via the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
Once you’ve been accepted into a German university, your student application visa can be upgraded to a student visa. This visa lasts for three months, during which you will have to apply for an extended residence permit at the Alien Registration Office in your university town.
You’ll also need to show you have adequate study abroad travel insurance, which you must buy before you travel. You will also need to prove that you have the financial resources to support yourself whilst studying in Germany.
How to study in Germany
- Find a university and program you want to study in Germany
- Create an account on the University’s website to apply
- Fill in your personal details
- Submit or upload your supporting documents as requested. This may include translated and notarized transcripts, test scores, your passport, and reference letters
- Pay your application fee and submit the application. Organize a phone or video interview if required
- Submit credential assessment evaluations (if required)
- Receive an offer to study at a German university
- Accept your offer and pay any fees or deposits to secure your place
- Start the process for your German student visa (studentenvisum) and residence permit
