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Germany

Germany is the world’s leading non-English-speaking study destination, enrolling over 402,000 international students in Winter Semester 2024/25. Public universities across the country offer tuition-free education in most states, supported by strong federal quality assurance systems. Germany combines globally recognised degrees, high graduate employability, and structured post-study work pathways. With extensive English-taught programs and clear financial requirements, Germany remains a stable, policy-driven education destination for long-term career outcomes.

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Germany

Key insights

402,083

International Students

77-81%

Employment Rate

18 months

Post Study Work Rights

20 hours

Part Time Work

€13-€15/hour

Hourly Wage For Student Level Jobs

N/A

Institutions Are Regulated Under National Education Quality Frameworks (TEQSA & ASQA)

Key Student Cities

German cities offer excellent public infrastructure, affordable living compared to other Western European capitals, and vibrant student communities, though housing availability requires early planning particularly in high-demand university towns with vaca

Cost of Studying in Germany

Bachelor's Degree (Most Public Universities)

€0 (Semester contribution: €200-€800/year)

Bachelor's (Baden-Württemberg, Non-EU)

€3,000

Bachelor's (TU Munich, Non-EU)

€4,000 - €6,000

Master's Degree (Most Public Universities)

€0 (Semester contribution: €200-€800/year)

Master's (Baden-Württemberg, Non-EU)

€3,000

Master's (TU Munich, Non-EU)

€8,000 - €12,000

Executive MBA/Non-consecutive Programs

€5,000 - €65,000 (total program)

Doctorate/PhD

€0 (Semester contribution: €200-€800/year)

Private Universities (All Levels)

€5,000 - €20,000

Cost of Living in Germany

Living costs vary significantly by city with Munich representing highest expenses nationwide and smaller cities offering substantially lower costs
Cost of Living Pie Chart in Germany

Admission Requirements for Studying in Germany

  • Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
     
  • Certified German or English translations of academic documents
     
  • Secondary school certificate or recognised international qualification equivalent to German Abitur
     
  • Academic eligibility verification through anabin database or ZAB where applicable
     
  • Letter of Acceptance (Zulassungsbescheinigung) from a German university
     
  • Statement of Purpose outlining academic background, study motivation, and career goals
     
  • Letters of Recommendation (commonly required for Master’s and PhD programs)
     
  • Curriculum Vitae in standard tabular format
     
  • Valid passport with minimum six months validity beyond intended stay
     
  • Proof of financial resources through:
     
    • Blocked account with €11,904 minimum deposit, or
       
    • Government or EU-recognised scholarship, or
       
    • Declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung)
       
  • Valid health insurance coverage recognised in Germany
     
  • Proof of language proficiency based on program language
     
  • Recognition of foreign qualifications through anabin or ZAB
     
  • APS certificate for applicants from China, Vietnam, and Mongolia

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Language Requirements

German language proficiency required for German-taught programs and English proficiency for English-taught programs
English Language Test Required Score
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">Bachelor&#39;s/Master&#39;s: TDN 4 in all four sections (reading, listening, writing, speaking); PhD: TDN 4-5 depending on program and institution</span></span></span></p>

Bachelor's/Master's: TDN 4 in all four sections (reading, listening, writing, speaking); PhD: TDN 4-5 depending on program and institution

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">Bachelor&#39;s/Master&#39;s: DSH-2 (minimum 67% overall); Advanced programs/PhD: DSH-3 (minimum 82% overall)</span></span></span></p>

Bachelor's/Master's: DSH-2 (minimum 67% overall); Advanced programs/PhD: DSH-3 (minimum 82% overall)

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">Bachelor&#39;s/Master&#39;s: DSH-2 (minimum 67% overall); Advanced programs/PhD: DSH-3 (minimum 82% overall)</span></span></span></p>

Bachelor's/Master's: DSH-2 (minimum 67% overall); Advanced programs/PhD: DSH-3 (minimum 82% overall)

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">Bachelor&#39;s: 5.5-6.5 overall; Master&#39;s: 6.0-7.0 overall; PhD: 6.5-7.5 overall</span></span></span></p>

Bachelor's: 5.5-6.5 overall; Master's: 6.0-7.0 overall; PhD: 6.5-7.5 overall

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">Bachelor&#39;s: 72-90 overall; Master&#39;s: 80-100 overall; PhD: 90-110 overall</span></span></span></p>

Bachelor's: 72-90 overall; Master's: 80-100 overall; PhD: 90-110 overall

Visa Requirements

Germany’s student visa process follows a structured national framework with defined financial, language, and academic conditions

Germany Study Visa requirements:

  • Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay
  • Completed national visa application form for studies with recent biometric photograph
  • Letter of Acceptance (Zulassungsbescheinigung) from German university on official university letterhead
  • Proof of financial resources: Blocked account (Sperrkonto) confirmation showing €11,904 minimum deposit (€992 monthly, effective January 1, 2025), OR scholarship certificate from German or EU public institution covering minimum €992 monthly, OR declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from sponsor in Germany with income verification
  • Proof of health insurance coverage for first 3 months in Germany (travel insurance accepted initially; must obtain German public or private student health insurance after arrival, approximately €110-€120 monthly)
  • Language proficiency certificates (German: TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat; OR English: IELTS, TOEFL depending on program language)
  • Previous educational certificates and academic transcripts with certified German or English translations
  • Motivation letter explaining study plans, reasons for choosing Germany and specific program, career intentions
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) in tabular format (German standard)
  • Passport-sized photographs meeting biometric requirements (35mm x 45mm, white background)
  • APS certificate if from countries requiring Academic Evaluation (China, Vietnam, Mongolia) verifying academic credentials
  • Proof of accommodation in Germany (rental contract, dormitory confirmation, or declaration of intent to seek accommodation)

Intakes in Germany

Intake

Application Timeline

Winter Semester (October) - Main Intake 85% of admissions

Application deadlines typically May 15 - July 15 for winter semester start (varies by university and program); uni-assist deadline July 15 for most programs

Summer Semester (April) - Limited Intake 15% of admissions

Application deadlines typically November 15 - January 15 for summer semester start (varies by university and program); uni-assist deadline January 15 for most programs

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Germany

Germany offers 18-month Job-Seeker Residence Permit (non-renewable) allowing unlimited full-time work rights in any employment sector regardless of relation to degree, with transition to EU Blue Card (minimum salary €48,300 general professions, €43,759.80

Field

Average Salary (EUR/Year)

Employment Rate

Software Engineering

45,000 - 55,000

91%

IT & Computer Science

42,000 - 52,000

90%

Engineering (All)

45,000 - 55,000

89%

Data Science & AI

45,000 - 58,000

92%

Business & Economics

38,000 - 48,000

84%

Natural Sciences

40,000 - 48,000

87%

Healthcare Professions

38,000 - 50,000

94%

Scholarships in Germany

German scholarships predominantly support graduate research and students from developing countries with limited undergraduate funding compared to graduate programs

Scholarship Name

Administered By

Eligibility

Benefits

DAAD Scholarships (Various Programs)

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Varies by program: undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, research, development-related fields; most require excellent academic records and German or English proficiency

Full or partial funding including tuition (if applicable), living stipend €850-€1,200 monthly, health insurance contribution, travel allowance; varies by specific program

Deutschlandstipendium (National Scholarship)

German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Private Sponsors

High-performing students at participating German universities, merit-based selection independent of nationality or financial situation

€300 monthly for minimum 2 semesters, maximum duration of study

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

Heinrich Böll Foundation

Students with excellent academic records and sociopolitical engagement, preference for students aligned with Green Party values and environmental/social justice focus

Undergraduates/Master's: €812-€992 monthly; PhD: up to €1,450 monthly plus €100 monthly research allowance

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

Friedrich Ebert Foundation

Students with excellent academic achievement and social-democratic values, demonstrated sociopolitical engagement and commitment to social justice

Undergraduates: €934 monthly; Graduates: higher rates depending on degree level

Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarships

Konrad Adenauer Foundation

Outstanding students with Christian-democratic values and civic engagement, demonstrated commitment to social and political responsibility

Undergraduates: €735 monthly; Graduates: €850 monthly; additional benefits for families

Erasmus+ Mobility Grants

European Commission

EU/EEA students studying in Germany or German students studying abroad within Europe for 3-12 months

€150-€300 monthly mobility allowance (varies by destination country and living costs)

University-Specific Excellence Scholarships

Individual German Universities

High-achieving international students, varies significantly by institution with competitive selection

€500-€1,500 monthly; some programs cover full tuition at fee-charging institutions (Baden-Württemberg, TU Munich)

Baden-Württemberg Tuition Fee Exemptions

Baden-Württemberg State Universities

Exceptional academic performance with limited quota (maximum 5% of international student enrollment at each institution); competitive selection based on academic merit

€1,500 per semester tuition fee waiver (€3,000 annually) for duration of study

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