How to study abroad

in Germany
Updated for 2021

Topuniversities.com
Contents
Sponsored by UE Innovation Hub 3

Introduction 4

Higher education in Germany 5

Admission requirements & applications 7

Language requirements 10

Student Visas 11

Student cities 13

Tuition fees, living costs & funding 15

Working in Germany 17

How to study abroad in Germany | 2

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How to study abroad in Germany | 3

Introduction

One of the world’s most popular non- The country’s high quality of living comes with
Anglophone study destinations, Germany is an relatively low living costs (especially in the
increasingly popular choice for international context of other similarly developed nations),
students. In 2017, Germany met, and exceeded, while its resilient economy offers promising
its target of hosting 350,000 international employment prospects, both during studies and
students by 2020 three years early, with 358,900 post-graduation.
foreign students enrolled.
Finally, while tuition fees are increasing in
Germany’s growing popularity is easy to many other parts of the world, the majority of
understand. The German higher education Germany’s public universities continue to offer
system is gaining an increasingly strong profile most courses free of charge, for both domestic
around the world, highly respected for its and international students.
consistently high standards and success in
combining research and practical application Got your sights set on studying abroad in
across a broad range of disciplines. Germany? Read on for an overview of the
German higher education system, answers to
common questions, and practical information
about applications, visas, costs and funding.

Germany’s public universities

continue to offer the vast
majority of courses free of
charge, for both domestic and
international students

How to study abroad in Germany | 4

Higher education
in Germany

In the QS World University Rankings 2022, 46 German German higher

universities are included in total – with three ranked among
the top 100 in the world. The highest-ranked German education may not have
university is the Technical University of Munich, which is joint any global ‘superstars’,
50th and scores particularly well for its reputation among
employers. but its lack of celebrities
is balanced out by
While German universities can’t compete with the likes of
Harvard or Cambridge in terms of global fame, the nation’s consistently high
higher education system as a whole is held in high regard,
and many individual institutions have established strong
standards across the
names within particular fields of study and employment. In sector
short, German higher education may not have any global
‘superstars’, but its lack of celebrities is balanced out by
consistently high standards across the sector.

How to study abroad in Germany | 5

Universities of
Applied Sciences
(Fachhochschulen)
Universities of Applied Sciences, or

Fachhochschulen, focus on providing

practical and professionally oriented
education, awarding bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in fields such as
engineering, computer science, media
and communications, business and
management, and art and design. They
are known for their strong focus on
applied knowledge and close relationships
with businesses; internships, work
placements and practical projects are
often core course components. While
many Fachhochschulen also have a strong
research focus, they can only award
doctorate degrees through partnerships
with universities or research institutes.

How to study abroad in Germany | 6

Admission
requirements &
applications

At many German universities it’s possible to apply for admission At many German
twice a year – to commence studies either in the winter or summer
semester. The summer semester runs from March to August at universities it’s
Fachhochschulen and April to September at universities; the winter possible to apply
semester is from September to February and October to March
respectively. for admission
In general, applications for winter enrolments need to be made
twice a year –
by 15 July, and applications for summer enrolments by 15 January. to commence
However, application deadlines vary between institutions, and the
same institution may set different deadlines for each program – be
studies either
sure to carefully check the specific dates for your chosen course. in the winter or
It’s recommended to submit applications at least six weeks before summer semester
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.

The specific documents required and application process will be set

by each institution, but you’ll typically be asked to submit:

• A certified copy of your high school diploma or previous degrees,

and any other relevant qualifications in the original language
• A translated overview of your course modules and grades
• A passport photo
• A copy of your passport (personal information and
photo ID page)
• Proof of language proficiency (a test certificate or online
equivalent)

How to study abroad in Germany | 7

To ensure the best chances of acceptance, take care to provide all To ensure the
the documentation requested, make sure all your documentation
is certified (copies of documents also need to be certified by best chances of
the awarding school), and check that you’ve filled out all your acceptance, take
information correctly before submitting your application. An
application fee may be charged. care to provide all
the documentation
Applying for requested, make
undergraduate studies sure all your
If you have a European qualification, such as a baccalaureate or documentation
A-levels, then you will only need to prove you can speak German
(unless you’re enrolling on a course taught in English) and you is certified, and
can then apply directly for a university level course. Students check that you’ve
with qualifications from outside Europe may have to sit the
Feststellungsprüfung entrance examination after attending a filled out all your
preparatory Studienkolleg. High-achieving students may be able to
bypass this.
information
correctly before
For most subjects, you can apply directly to the international office
of the university. Alternatively, you can use the website www.uni-
submitting your
assist.de, a centralized admissions portal for international students, application
run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

For some subjects, there is a nationwide cap on the number of

students who can enrol. 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.
Non-EU students should apply as normal.

Applying for
postgraduate studies
At master’s level, you will need to have completed (or be about
to complete) an undergraduate degree. Specific requirements
will vary depending on the course, institution and where you have
previously studied. For some master’s degrees, applicants are
required to have earned a minimum number of credits in specific
fields of study.

How to study abroad in Germany | 8

Applications for master’s programmes are either
submitted directly to the university, or via the
online portal www.uniassist.de. Bear in mind that
not all German universities use this service, and
those that do may require

applicants to complete their own application

process as well. For PhDs, applications may
be made directly to potential supervisors,
by submitting a project proposal, or – for
“structured” PhDs – via the official application
process detailed by the university.

Master’s degrees
in Germany
Master’s degrees in Germany are usually categorised as either “consecutive” or “non-consecutive”.
Those of the first category are designed to build on the academic knowledge gained during a related
bachelor’s degree, while the second tend to have a greater focus on professional development, often
requiring applicants to have both an undergraduate degree and some relevant work experience. Most
master’s degrees take four semesters (two years) to complete, though some are shorter or longer.

PhDs in Germany
PhDs can be completed in one of two pathways. The “traditional” For some master’s
route involves finding a supervisor at a university, and completing
an individually defined research project with support from this
degrees, applicants
supervisor, over a period of around four years. The alternative is are required to
a “structured doctoral program”, which means following a clearly
delineated program of study and research as part of a larger cohort have earned a
of doctoral candidates, under a team of supervisors. This route minimum number
can be followed within universities, graduate schools and research
training groups supported by the German Research Foundation, of credits in
usually taking three years to complete.
specific fields of
study

How to study abroad in Germany | 9

 Language
requirements

Most courses are taught in German, requiring

international applicants to submit proof of
Studying in English
proficiency in the German language. Two While German remains the main language
main tests are available for this purpose: of instruction overall, a large and growing
the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den selection of English-language programmes is
Hochschulzugang (DSH, meaning “German available – particularly at master’s level and for
language examination for university entrance”) students participating in short-term exchange
and the TestDaF (formerly Test Deutsch als programmes. However, there are and only a
Fremdsprache, meaning “Test of German as a limited number of courses taught in English at
foreign language”). bachelor’s level, so some students may need
to either be more flexible about their choice of
The DSH is offered only within Germany, at program, or consider learning German.
various universities, while the TestDaF can be
taken at centers in more than 90 countries A searchable database of English-taught
worldwide. As always, check the test you intend courses is provided by the German Academic
to take is accepted by the universities you want Exchange Service (DAAD) at www.daad.de.
to apply to. Another useful search tool can be found on the
official Study in Germany website: www.study-
If you do decide to study in German, but feel in.de/en/plan-your-studies/find-programme-
you need to brush up on your proficiency, you and-university.
may want to consider a preparatory course.
German universities offer a range of courses
designed to help you prepare for the linguistic
and content-related sides of your degree in German universities offer a
Germany, including the Studienkolleg. Another
option is to enrol in a pre-study German course, range of courses designed
which will generally last for one semester and to help you prepare for the
end with a DSH exam.
linguistic and content-related
sides of your degree in
Germany

How to study abroad in Germany | 10

Student
Visas

Students from countries within the EU, EEA or Switzerland Students from
do not need a visa to study in Germany. These students
simply need to register at the nearest registry office on countries within
arrival, to obtain a residence permit. This also applies to the EU, EEA or
students coming from a number of other countries, including
Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea Switzerland do not
and the US. Students from Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador,
Honduras, Monaco, San Marino or Taiwan can also follow
need a visa to study
this path, as long as they don’t intend to work before or after in Germany
their degree in Germany.

Students from elsewhere will need to apply for a visa before

arrival in Germany, via the nearest German embassy. Those
already accepted onto a program can apply for a student
visa, while those awaiting confirmation or sitting entrance
exams will need an applicant visa. The fee for your visa is
€75 (£64). It can take several months for visas to be issued,
so apply as early as possible. Visa applicants will be asked to
submit the following:

• Completed application form

• Valid passport
• Two photographs
• Letter showing you’ve been accepted by a German university
• Transcript of academic record
• Certificate of German language proficiency or proof that you intend on attending a language course
in Germany (if studying in German)
• Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Germany
• Certificate showing you’ve purchased health insurance
• Declaration of authenticity of documents submitted

How to study abroad in Germany | 11

Once in the country, you need to
apply for a residence permit. You
should do this by registering with
the local Alien Registration Office
within two weeks of arrival and
after finding accommodation

Applying for a Applying for

residence permit health insurance
Once in the country, you need to apply for You must take out health insurance before
a residence permit. You should do this by arriving in Germany, as you can’t be enrolled
registering with the local Alien Registration without it. Germany has social security
Office (Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt) agreements with all EU nations, and also
within two weeks of arrival and after finding with non-EU countries such as Israel and
accommodation (so that you can register your Switzerland, which means that as long as you
address). You’ll be asked to submit a set of have public health insurance in your home
documents similar to those required for a visa, country, you can get this insurance coverage
and will need to pay €110 (~US$125) for the approved by a public health insurance company
initial residence permit (valid for two years) and in Germany. You’ll generally need a European
will need to pay between €60 and €110 (£50- Health Insurance Card (EHIC), however. Private
94) for the initial residence permit depending domestic and foreign health insurance policies
upon your situation. from other countries may also be recognized
in Germany.

How to study abroad in Germany | 12

Student
cities

Find out more about the cities you but it won’t cost you anything to enjoy the
could call home during your studies… beautiful Bavarian countryside which surrounds
it. There’s plenty of history to enjoy too, and no

Berlin visit would be complete without a visit to King

Ludwig’s palaces and grottos.
Cities don’t get much trendier than Berlin,
which easily competes with the likes of London
and New York in terms of the cool factor. It goes
Heidelberg
without saying that this tolerant, multicultural Despite being part of one of Germany’s most
and creative city is known for being a great densely populated areas, Heidelberg manages
place for students – and it helps that it’s also to retain a certain quaint rustic charm. It’s
a relatively inexpensive place to live. Top popular with tourists, who come to see its
universities in Berlin include three ranked within ancient castle and red-roofed town center. Top
the world’s top 150 in the QS World University universities in Heidelberg include the famous
Rankings® 2019; these are Humboldt- Ruprecht-Karls- Universität Heidelberg, which
Universität zu Berlin (ranked 121st), Freie is Germany’s oldest and third-highest ranked
Universität Berlin (130th) and Technische university (ranked 64th in the world). It boasts
Universität Berlin (147th). Berlin itself is connections with more than 50 Nobel Prize
currently ranked within the top 10 in the world in winners, of whom 10 were (or are) professors at
the QS Best Student Cities index. the university.

Munich Cologne
Thanks to its world-famous Oktoberfest (a Cologne is known for its dramatic cathedral,
huge annual beer festival), Munich will forever Kölner Dom, its pleasant riverside, and its liberal
be associated with Germany’s beer-brewing and tolerant nature. It has a vibrant student
tradition. But there’s more to this southern community, is peppered with museums and
German city, which is often voted one of the art galleries, and does a good line in beer halls
world’s most livable cities. For one thing, Munich and independent stores, particularly in the
is home to the two highest-ranked universities Agnesviertel district. Direct trains run to Paris,
in Germany: Technische Universität München Brussels and Amsterdam, and Luxembourg
– ranked 61st in the world, and Ludwig- isn’t too far away either, so Cologne could
Maximilians-Universität München, ranked be a good choice for those keen to explore
62nd in the world. A sleek modern financial hub, Western Europe. Universities in Cologne include
Munich can be a little on the pricey side the flagship Universität Köln (University of
Cologne), ranked joint 306th in the world, which
is one of Germany’s largest universities.

How to study abroad in Germany | 13

 Frankfurt am Main
The beating heart of Germany’s financial and
business sectors, Frankfurt is also the home of
the European Central Bank. Accordingly, its city
center is a mass of gleaming skyscrapers, and
its airport is the busiest in continental Europe.
However, it’s not all work and no play. Frankfurt
is known for offering some of the best nightlife
in Germany and hosts a number of colorful
festivals throughout the year. As for universities
in Frankfurt, the most prestigious is Universität
Frankfurt am Main, ranked joint 279th in the
world, which is particularly strong in social
science subjects.

Cities don’t get much Stuttgart

trendier than Berlin, which The capital and largest city of the south-
western state of Baden- Württemberg,
easily competes with the Stuttgart (pronounced Schtutt-gart) is known
likes of London and New as the ‘cradle of the automobile’, while the wider
area is one of the country’s strongest industrial
York in terms of the cool regions, making it an attractive choice for
engineering and technology students who may
factor wish to stay in Germany and work after their
studies. However, Stuttgart is far more than just
an industrial city, and, as its tourist slogan says,
‘offers more’. It has a rich cultural heritage, with
concert halls, sports arenas and Broadway-style
musical theaters. It also hosts the world-famous
annual Cannstatter Volksfest, a beer festival
and travelingfunfair, second only in size to
Munich’s Oktoberfest.Stuttgart was a new entry
in the QS Best Student Cities 2018 at 58th,
with its highest-ranked university, Universität
Stuttgart, currently standing at joint 260th in
the world rankings.

How to study abroad in Germany | 14

Tuition
fees, living
costs & funding

While affordability While affordability is by no means the sole factor attracting

international students to Germany, low or non-existent tuition
is by no means fees undoubtedly add to the overall appeal. At public universities
in most of the country, there are no tuition fees for undergraduate
the sole factor programmes or for the majority of postgraduate degrees. Fees are
attracting charged at private universities, and for some master’s programmes
at public universities. PhD study is free for at least the first six
international semesters (i.e. three years).
students to
Tuition fees for non-EU international students were reintroduced in
Germany, low or the south-west state of Baden-Württemberg in August 2017. These
non-existent tuition fees currently stand €1,500 (£1,286) a semester. Refugees and
PhD students are exempt.
fees undoubtedly
Elsewhere in the country, the majority of students at public
add to the overall universities simply pay a small ‘semester fee’. This is typically no
appeal more than €350 (~$300) per semester, covering contributions to
the student union, administration and the cost of a Semester Ticket
– a six-month pass for public transport.

Living costs vary depending on the location; you can use the QS
Best Student Cities ranking to see how different cities compare
for affordability. In general, it’s recommended to budget around
€850 (~US$730) per month to cover accommodation, food and
other living expenses, which works out at €10,200 (~$8,645) a year.
Those applying for a student visa will be required to show they have
access to at least €725 per month (€8,700 for the full year) to
cover living costs.

How to study abroad in Germany | 15

 Study-in.de estimates the following monthly expenses for students,
adding up to just over €800:
Once in Germany,
• Rent and utilities: €323
it’s also possible to • Food and drink: €168
supplement your • Clothing: €42
• Learning materials: €20
income through • Car and/or public transport: €92
• Health insurance and medical costs: €80
parttime work • Phone, internet and television: €31
• Recreation, culture and sports: €61

Once in Germany, it’s also possible to supplement your income

through part-time work. EU/EEA students can work part-time for
up to 20 hours per week, while other international students are
permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year (more if a
work permit is obtained), excluding research assistant work.

Scholarships to study in Germany

Despite the minimal tuition fees, it is possible to obtain scholarships
to study in Germany. The DAAD provides many scholarships for
international students, and lists other opportunities in an online
database, which can be sorted by students’ subject and country
of origin. Individual university websites are also a good source of
information about available scholarships.

Sources of funding for PhD candidates include scholarships,

prizes, research grants and paid positions within universities,
research centers and industry. Notable funding providers include
the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Leibniz Association
and the EU’s Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates program. Current
opportunities are listed on the government-run website www.
research-in-germany.org.

How to study abroad in Germany | 16

Working in
Germany

A final ‘pull’ factor attracting growing numbers of Fluency in German

students to Germany is the prospect of staying on to work
after graduation. Europe’s largest economy and most is a definite asset
industrialised nation, Germany rebounded quickly and when seeking work.
convincingly from the global financial crisis of 2008-9, and
today offers one of the world’s most resilient job markets. However, some roles
are available without
Graduates from EU/EEA countries can stay on to seek work
without any restrictions or permits. International students this requirement,
from elsewhere can extend their residence permits by 18
months in order to seek work, commencing from the date
particularly in
on which final exam results are issued in writing. After two international
years of employment in Germany, it’s possible to apply for
permanent residency status. corporations and
scientific research
Fluency in German is a definite asset when seeking work.
However, some roles are available without this requirement, institutes
particularly in international corporations and scientific
research institutes.

How to study abroad in Germany | 17

More questions
Get answers from the TopUniversities team and from
other international students at
www.TopUniversities.com/Student-Forum.

How to study abroad in Germany | 18