Study in Germany

Why study in Germany

Germany is a country where education has a strong research focus, clearly imposed high standards, a more traditional and hierarchical approach to lectures and seminars, and a highly competitive application system.

There are over 400 higher education institutions in Germany, of which 59 universities feature in the World University Rankings. In Europe, German universities have always been highly regarded. And ‘always’, in this case, means since 1386 when they opened the first university in Heidelberg. And today, they care about higher education just as much: each year, Germany spends an average of 14,200 USD for each student (an amount higher than the OECD average of 11,800 USD).

Why do international students choose to study in Germany?

1. Free higher education for international students
Most public universities are free for all students, regardless of nationality, so many international students choose to study in Germany. However, getting in is not easy; the number of places is limited, and speaking German is usually necessary. On the other hand, private universities offer English-taught programmes, which are easier to get into, but also have quite expensive fees.

2. Different types of study programmes for different fields of study
In Germany, higher education is structured by fields of study and the specific goals of each degree. This means students benefit from clear career paths due to their specialised training and opportunities for professional development.

3. Perfect place to study if you’re into Tech, Engineering, Arts, or Humanities
German universities have consistently performed well in the field of Engineering & Technology. The country has a strong industrial and technological base which, combined with the strong partnerships between universities and industry, leads to high-performing, innovative study programmes perfect for tech enthusiasts.

At the same time, German universities also excel in fields like philosophy, literature, and history. Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Heidegger are just some German names that changed these fields forever.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees in Germany depend on the type of university you attend – public or private – and on your level of study – undergraduate, postgraduate or doctorate degree.

Public universities are free for all undergraduate students, meaning there are no tuition fees for international students. The only cost is a small administration fee of 265 EUR per year.

For Master’s degrees, the situation is a little different. MAs are free only if you completed your Bachelor’s in Germany and your MA is in the same field of study. PhDs are usually free.

The only exception to this rule is the Baden-Wurttemberg area (which includes the cities of Freiburg and Stuttgart), which has tuition fees for students outside the EU. Even in this area, some universities (e.g. The University of Stuttgart) allow you to apply for a tuition fee waiver if you’re going through financial hardship, or request a tuition fee reimbursement if your financial status changes and you start having difficulties after you’ve already paid.

Private universities are paid. Tuition fees reach up to tens of thousands of euros per year. The average for a Bachelor’s degree is between 10,000 and 15,000 EUR per year, while a Master’s varies between 10,000 and 20,000 EUR per year. However, some universities can have tuition as high as 50-60,000 EUR, like Bard University from Berlin.

>>> Use the ‘Tuition fee’ filter on the left menu of our Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD search pages to find the programme best suited for your budget. You can also sort the list of available programmes by Lowest tuition fee by clicking the top right Sort button.

Job market 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.

Masters in Germany

With all these benefits, getting a Master's degree in Germany is a popular choice. Masters typically last 1.5 to 2 years and are either tuition-free (at public universities) or cost between €8,000 and €20,000 (at private schools).

Documents needed to apply for university

The specific documents required to apply to a German university may vary depending on the program and the university. However, here is a list of common documents that are usually required:

🔶A completed application form: This can be an online application form or a paper-based form.
🔶A copy of your high school diploma or equivalent: This may include a transcript of grades or a certificate of completion.
🔶Proof of language proficiency: This may include a certificate of proficiency in German (such as TestDaF or DSH) or in English (such as TOEFL or IELTS), depending on the language of instruction of the program.
🔶A curriculum vitae (CV): This should include your education, work experience, skills, and achievements.
🔶A letter of motivation: This should explain why you are interested in the program and why you are a suitable candidate for it.
🔶Letters of recommendation: These should be written by teachers, professors, or employers who can attest to your academic or professional abilities.
🔶A valid passport or ID card: This is needed to prove your identity and citizenship.

English language requirements for German universities

If, on the other hand, you apply for an English-taught degree, you’ll have to show proof of English language proficiency, in which case these tests would apply (but check your university’s page to be sure which tests they accept):

🔶IELTS. You’ll get a score of 0 to 9 for each category (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), as well as an overall band score. Generally, German universities ask for a score of 6.0 or 6.5.

🔶TOEFL. The four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) have a score of 0 to 30 points each. You can get a maximum of 120 points. Many universities ask for a score of 90 to be admitted.

🔶PTE Academic. You can obtain a score between 10 and 90 points in the three sections Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. To study for an undergraduate degree, you usually need a score between 51-60 points, and for a postgraduate degree a score of 57-67.

🔶Duolingo English test. The test is gaining more and more popularity and is already accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. You’ll get a score between 10 and 160 points, where 95-100 points is the equivalent of the 6.0 IELTS score.

Work and study in Germany

Are international students allowed to work in Germany?

International students are allowed to work in Germany under certain conditions. If you are a non-EU citizen, you can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. However, during semester breaks, you are allowed to work full-time. You must request permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the Foreigners' Office to work more than that. Also, remember that international students are not allowed to work as self-employed or freelancers.

It's also worth noting that some degree programs may have their own limitations on the working hours for international students in Germany. Therefore, it's important to check with your university's international office or career centre for specific guidelines regarding employment for international students.

On the other hand, if you are an EU citizen or a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you can work in Germany without any restrictions.

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Universities in Germany

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