Complete guide to studying in Germany
Everything you need to know about becoming an international student in Germany
Five top reasons to study in Germany
- Large choice of high quality universities
- Study in German or English
- High standards of living with high public spending on public welfare
- Tolerant and multicultural society
- Unique culture and history to explore
A quick introduction to Germany
Located in the west of Europe, sharing borders with 9 other European countries including France, Poland and the Netherlands, Germany is a founding member of the EU and boasts the strongest economy in Europe.
Germany is a very attractive destination for international students. In 2022/23, 93,000 foreign first semester students enrolled at German universities, and there were over 360,000 international students currently studying in the country in the first semester of 2022/23.
As an international student, Germany offers you high standards of education, multicultural environment, with a welcoming attitude to immigration, and a culturally diverse population. There is also considerable state funding towards welfare for its citizens, so you will find that it is a nation with high standards of education and health.
There is a long established tradition of culture in Germany, with fascinating history and beautiful countryside for you to explore, making it an attractive destination for tourists and students alike.
Germany continues to see year-on-year growth of its international student cohort and in the 2022/23 academic year previous records were broken as international students made up 12% of the total student population.
The largest group of international students in Germany come from India (12% of international students) with China a close second (11%) and Syria (4%) and Turkey (4%) . Closer to home, Germany attracts strong interest from students elsewhere in the EU with Austria (4%) being the largest contributor followed by Italy (3% and France and Spain (2% each).
Germany’s higher education system
Germany is a European nation that adheres to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System and the Bologna Process, ensuring your studies in Germany are recognized and transferable to other universities throughout Europe.
The higher education institutions of Germany are classed into the following categories:
Universities (Universität)
Traditional universities in Germany tend to offer a wide range of choice of theory based studies in their course selection. You are almost guaranteed to find a course in the subject you want to study at these universities. These institutions are publicly funded, often with a focus on producing high-quality research output, so they may be classified as public research universities.
Notable examples include The University of Tübingen, University of Bonn and University of Göttingen.
German Universities of Excellence
The Excellence Initiative was devised by the government to elevate the quality and international reputation of a selection of public German universities, leading to a group of 11 universities that can be considered the German equivalent of the Ivy league universities in the United States.
The full list of these universities includes:
- RWTH Aachen University
- Berlin University Alliance
- University of Bonn
- TU Dresden
- University of Hamburg
- Heidelberg University
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- University of Konstanz
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Technical University of Munich
- University of Tübingen
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)
These types of universities focus their studies on practical learning, with a view to preparing their students for specific professional careers, so if you have a specific vocation in mind, consider studying a course at a University of Applied Science in Germany.
Examples of universities of applied sciences in Germany include Deggendorf Institute of Technology, the Technical University Ingolstadt of Applied Sciences and Ulm College of Applied Sciences.
Academies of the arts/Art and design schools
These types of universities focus on the studies of the arts, including art schools, music schools and film schools. If you want to study a degree in the arts in Germany, we advise you look for an Academy of art that offers a course that suits you.
Examples of German art schools include Dresden Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Media Arts Cologne, University of the Arts Bremen and the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich.
University rankings
Germany has over 400 universities to explore, and the high standards of education in Germany are reflected in world university ranking tables, in which German universities feature prominently.
International students should note that getting a degree from a well-ranked university can help to make you more attractive to future employers.
Our table below shows the top 15 universities in Germany, though many more feature in university ranking tables.
| University | Times Higher Education World University Ranking | Best Global Universities | QS World University Ranking |
| Technical University of Munich | 30 | 82 | 28 |
| LMU Munich | 38 | 59 | |
| Universität Heidelberg | 47 | 55 | 84 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 87 | 48 | 126 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 90 | 218 | 99 |
| University of Bonn | 91 | 157 | 227 |
| Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin | 94 | ||
| University of Tübingen | 95 | 197 | 222 |
| Free University of Berlin | 102 | 66 | 97 |
| University of Göttingen | 111 | 172 | 252 |
| University of Freiburg | 128 | 210 | 212 |
| University of Hamburg | 136 | 146 | 191 |
| Technical University of Berlin | 136 | 292 | 147 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 140 | 289 | 102 |
| University of Cologne | 160 | 241 | 285 |
Climate
The weather in Germany varies depending on the region you will live in. Rainfall in Germany tends to be moderate but can be on and off year round.
In the west of the country, towards the cities such as Cologne and Frankfurt, the climate is more temperate, so you will experience milder winters and warmer summers.
You will experience warmer temperatures as you head further south towards cities like Stuttgart and Freiburg.
Munich, the capital of the Bavarian region of Germany, sits in close proximity to the Alps mountain range, giving the city a more continental climate, resulting in colder winters. This will give you the opportunity to take part in winter sports.
Cities in the north east of the country such as Dresden and Berlin will be more overcast and receive colder temperatures in the winter months.
Expect temperatures of anywhere between 14-30 degrees Celsius (57-86 Degrees Fahrenheit) during summers in Germany, which are also quite humid.
Whilst winter in the Bavarian Alps lends itself to snow and skiing, winters in Germany tend to be fairly mild, with only occasional very cold spells and periods of heavy snow.
Lifestyle and Welfare
Germany has a very distinctive culture, and a long and rich history that has made it a key player in the past and present of Europe.
Beer, bread and sausages are crucial elements of traditional German cuisine, perhaps best represented in the annual Oktoberfest beer festival. There are many of these food and beer festivals to enjoy throughout Germany, and you’ll find it a great experience for picking up German customs.
Growing cultural diversity means that food imported from other countries such as the döner kebab are also massively popular in Germany.
In general it is fair to say that the German people favor punctuality and efficiency, and tend towards a well ordered and rule following culture, so you will find that most neighbourhoods are very pleasant environments to live in.
Also important in German culture is spending time with family, holiday making and keeping active. During your leisure time away from studies, get the most out of your days by spending time making new friends performing activities such as hiking or participating in sports.
Visitors will find that Germany is a progressive country, with a tolerant attitude towards people’s personal beliefs and lifestyle choices.
All residents of Germany are required by law to have health insurance, either through statutory (gesetzliche Krankenkasse) or private health insurance (private Krankenkasse), with statutory healthcare insurance premiums determined by income.
As an international student, you will also be required to have health insurance, though it is not costly in comparison to other nations and will grant you access to excellent healthcare.
Germany is a peace loving nation, and this is reflected in the Global Peace Index ranking of 20th most peaceful nation in the world.
Germany’s location in central Europe makes it an ideal base for international students to explore the surrounding countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and France. Extensive rail networks and relatively cheap air travel within Europe make it possible to take in many of your surroundings while you study.
You may also be interested in using the Erasmus+ Programme to perform some of your studies in another European country during your degree.
University cities
With an abundance of high quality universities throughout the country, many of the cities of Germany can offer international students a great experience studying abroad.
We recommend exploring as many cities in Germany as you can, but to get you started, some of the most popular cities for international students in Germany include:
Munich
Located in the southern part of the country, Munich is the capital of the south eastern state of Bavaria, the largest state in Germany. Munich is a city that boasts a well maintained historic center and vibrant culture and arts scenes.
Munich boasts a very high quality of living and is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the pretty city squares and the Oktoberfest festival.
With over 60,000 international students based in the state of Bavaria, and the majority of these based in Munich, is it one of the most popular German cities for foreign students.
There are around 20 universities based in Munich, with the top ranked universities including the University of Munich, the Technical University of Munich, Munich Business School and Munich University of Applied Sciences.
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany, and sits to the east of the country in the state of Brandenburg. Historically notable for its location as the border between East and West Germany before Germany’s reunification, it is a modern city boasting both historic and contemporary architecture.
The lifestyle in Berlin can be described as trendy, it is a hotspot of arts and culture, and visitors will enjoy the laid back atmosphere. It is also popular with students, with around 40,000 international students attracted to study at its universities, of which there are over 30.
The top ranked universities in Berlin include Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt University of Berlin, both public research universities, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, which is the largest university hospital in Europe.
Hamburg
A major port city in the north of the country, Hamburg is a great city for students, with around 12 universities and over 10,000 international students studying in the city.
Hamburg is a pretty place to visit, with many canals and bridges throughout the city, along with photo opportunities of the varied stunning architecture.
Well known for its music scene, Hamburg is host to concerts, operas and live bands throughout the year.
Notable universities in Hamburg include the University of Hamburg, a public research university, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences and Hamburg University of Technology.
Bonn & Cologne
The cities of Bonn and Cologne are separated by just over 20 kilometers in the North Rhine-Westphalia state of Germany to the west of the country. Both cities are beautiful places to visit, with their own unique styles.
Cologne has a population of 1 million people, making it the 4th largest city in Germany, whilst Bonn is more compact, with a population of around 300,000 people.
Both Bonn and Cologne span the river Rhine, and boast a mixture of modern and historic architecture.
The North Rhine-Westphalia state is a popular destination for international students, with over 70,000 students traveling from abroad to the region for their studies.
Notable universities from the cities of Bonn and Cologne include the University of Bonn and the University of Cologne, both prestigious and highly ranked public research universities.
Aachen
Located in the west of Germany, in the ‘Border Triangle’ that marks the meeting of Germany, Netherlands and Belgium, Aachen is an excellent choice for international students, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a high quality of life.
Aachen is a spa town, and its visitors will enjoy exploring the pretty old town, with its cathedral which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The most notable university in Aachen is RWTH Aachen University, which is a public research university and is notable for its links to engineering and is highly ranking.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the capital city of the south west state of Baden-Württemberg, and is the sixth largest city in Germany.
Stuttgart is known for its links to the automotive industry, as the home of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. It is a city that contains many parks and green spaces, along with a beautiful historic city center.
There is plenty of culture for international students to enjoy in Stuttgart, including the Cannstatter Volksfest beer festival, museums and art galleries.
The highest ranked universities in Stuttgart include the University of Stuttgart and the University of Hohenheim.
Student visas
International students will require a German Student Visa, which can be obtained from your nearest German consulate or embassy. When you arrive in Germany you will require a residence permit.
Students moving to Germany from EU/EEA nations, or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland do not require a visa to study in Germany.
Costs of studying
Course fees
Part of what makes Germany such an attractive destination to study abroad is the low cost of studying. At most of the public universities in Germany, international students are not charged tuition fees.
Students will have to pay a semester/registration fee, which costs between €150 to €300 and cover general administrative costs.
Private universities in Germany do charge tuition fees, and international students can be expected to pay up to €30,000 per year in tuition fees, depending on the course.
Living costs
Germany is a relatively affordable country to live in as an international student, with accommodation forming the bulk of the costs you will have to cover.
You should budget for up to €1,000 per month to cover costs such as:
- Accommodation
- Food and drink
- Travel
- Health insurance
- Utilities, phone & internet bills
Scholarships
Many scholarship opportunities exist to study in Germany, often listed by individual universities. Make sure to thoroughly read about any scholarships that you find to check whether you meet the application requirements.
There are also scholarships such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which exist for international students who wish to study and carry out research in the country.
What can I study?
With so many universities, the range of subjects that can be studied in Germany is vast, and students will be able to find courses to suit every option at Bachelors and Masters levels.
A bachelor’s degree will take you between 3-4 years to complete when studied full-time. Common types of bachelor degrees in Germany are bachelor of arts (B.A.) and bachelor of science (B.Sc).
Masters degrees in Germany will take you 4 semesters to complete when studied full-time. German academic years are split into two semesters, winter and summer, so this is essentially two years of study. The most common types of master’s degrees in Germany are masters of art (M.A.) and masters of science (M.Sc.).
Germany’s public research universities place a great deal of emphasis on research output, so international students choosing to carry out a research degree are well catered for in Germany. Expect your Ph.D course in Germany to take 6 semesters, or three years, to complete.
Entry requirements
Grades
Foreign students who want to study a bachelors degree in Germany will be expected to provide documentation showing that they meet admission requirements for their chosen degree course.
The DAAD database may be used to check if the grades you have received in your country meet the requirements for your chosen course.
Languages
Germany, regardless of the language of instruction of their course.
Doing so well help in numerous ways:
- Whilst many Germans can speak English, knowing German will help make daily social interactions easier, such as buying groceries, catching a bus or paying your bills.
- You will get more from your experience of studying abroad, through making friends and picking up local customs.
- If you intend to seek part-time employment during your studies, having at least basic proficiency in German will help you to find employment.
Many universities offer free German language courses to help international students settle and prepare for their studies. This may be beneficial for you, even if you are fairly competent with your German language skills.
English
It is possible to study courses taught in English at German universities, and the selection of these courses are increasing significantly. You may find more choice in masters degrees than bachelors degrees taught in English.
If you want to study in Germany in English, the DAAD database is particularly useful for finding courses taught in the English language in Germany.
If you choose to study a degree taught in English, you will be expected to provide evidence of your English proficiency. English language exams widely used by international students include:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System). You will usually be expected to have achieved a score of 6.0/6.5+.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). You will usually be expected to have achieved a score of 80+
- Cambridge Advanced or Pearson Test of English may also be accepted by your chosen university.
German
The official language of Germany is German, which is spoken by the majority of the population.
Many in Germany speak English as a second language, whilst other European languages such as French, Turkish, Russian and Spanish are also spoken.
If you are choosing to enroll in a course which is taught in the German language, you may be expected to provide proof of your language proficiency.
German language exams that are widely used by international students include:
- The TestDaF, which can be taken in over 90 countries around the world.
- The German language test for university entrance (DSH) or Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH
How to apply to university
To apply to university in Germany, most universities manage their applications directly, in which case you will be expected to follow the application method outlined by your chosen university.
Alternatively, your chosen university might require you to use platforms such as Uni-Assist, which is operated by DAAD, or Hochschulstart to manage your application.
The German academic year is divided into two semesters, summer and winter. To ensure that you apply with enough time for your application to be considered for entry in your chosen semester, make sure to make your application as soon as possible, and try to complete your application by at least 1 month before the application deadline.
Job prospects for international graduates
Your future job prospects in Germany as a graduate depend upon your chosen course and your area of work, but there is a demand for skilled workers in Germany.
Germany’s new Skilled Immigration Act makes it easier for international students to find work in Germany.
Under these regulations, after graduation you are permitted to stay in Germany for up to 1.5 years whilst searching for employment. If and when you do find a job, after working for 2 years you may then apply for permanent residence in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to study in Germany?
Most public universities do not charge tuition fees to their students, with only nominal administration fees required every semester. Private universities are permitted to set their own tuition fees, and as such may be more expensive.
Am I allowed to work while I study?
If you are studying in Germany with a student visa, you are permitted to work part-time during term time and full-time during study breaks between semesters.