Study in Germany

When it comes to univeristies, Germany has a wealth of study options, from world-renowned technical universities to vibrant cultural hubs, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Its 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 dozens 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 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.

What are the best universities in Germany?

Known for their high academic standards, strong focus on research, and emphasis on theoretical education, 59 universities in Germany feature in the most important World Rankings. Here are the top 5 universities in Germany:

• Technical University of Munich. Known for its strength in engineering and technology, the university also strongly focuses on interdisciplinary research and international collaborations. It is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Germany and Europe.
• Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich. As one of the oldest universities in Germany, LMU has a strong reputation for research in a wide range of fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It is located in the heart of Munich, known for its vibrant cultural scene and high quality of life.
• Heidelberg University. Located in the charming university town of Heidelberg, this university has a long history of academic excellence and research innovation. It is particularly known for its research in medicine, natural sciences, and humanities.
• Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin. This university is a medical school, one of the largest and most prestigious medical institutions in Europe. It strongly focuses on research and innovation in healthcare and is located in the vibrant city of Berlin.
• Humboldt University Berlin. Founded in 1810, Humboldt University has a long tradition of academic excellence and research innovation. It is particularly known for its strengths in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and is located in the heart of Berlin.

What are the top student hubs in Germany?

When you think of studying in Germany, the first place that comes to mind might be the dynamic and rapidly evolving Berlin, and it sure is a worthy destination. But Germany has quite a variety of student hubs that you should absolutely consider.

• Berlin. The German capital is cosmopolitan, welcoming to international students and ex-pats, and more affordable than other capitals in central and western Europe. It is also home to several prestigious universities, including Humboldt University, the Technical University of Berlin, and the Free University of Berlin.
• Munchen. Munchen, the third largest city in Germany, hosts the famous Oktoberfest celebration and is considered a hub of technology, art, culture, and business. On top of that, you will have a lot of opportunities to do awesome outdoor activities. It is also home to the top two universities in the country, as per the latest rankings: the Technical University of Munchen and Ludwig Maximilian University.
• Heidelberg. In Heidelberg, you can find the oldest university in Germany, dating from the 14th century: Heidelberg University. The city sits between a river and a forest, with its own castle ruins, old bridge, Gothic churches, and funicular railroads. The historic city is one of the most beautiful in Germany.
• Rhine - Ruhr region. This region is the largest metropolitan area in Germany and is an international, industrial, and educational hub. The area sits in the country's West and includes large cities like Dusseldorf, Koln, and Dortmund. In the Ruhr area alone, there are 22 universities, which makes it the area with the largest number of higher education institutions in Germany.

Overall, each of these student hubs in Germany offers a unique and distinct experience for students, with different cultural, historical, and natural attractions to explore.

How much money is required to study in Germany?

Education in most of the world is expensive, and Germany is no exception. Fees vary between universities and courses.

Tuition Fees in Germany

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.

Language requirements

To study in Germany, you need to speak German or English. Most programmes of study require German, especially those at public universities.

German Language requirements

If you apply at a public university in Germany, chances are the main language of instruction will be German, so you will need to show proof of your German language skills by taking one of these tests:

• DSH (Deutsche Sprachprufung fur den Hochschulzugang) - the German language exam for university entrance

The test is organised and hosted by the university at which you apply, but keep in mind that not all universities offer this test. Check which institution offers DSH.

• TestDaF (Deutsche Sprachprufung fur den Hochschulzugang)

The test can be taken both on paper and digitally at one of the registered test centres worldwide. Find the available centres to take TestDaF.

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.

Cost of living in Germany

Overall, Germany is a more affordable place to live compared to other countries in Western Europe. You can make do with less than 1000 EUR per month. And if you combine this with free tuition fees, you've got a very budget-friendly study destination.

Accommodation is likely to be your biggest expense. The cost of rent varies depending on the location and size of the apartment or room. In bigger cities like Berlin, Munchen, or Hamburg, the average rent for a single room in a shared apartment ranges from EUR300 to EUR600 per month, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from EUR600 to EUR1000 euros per month. A monthly pass for public transportation can cost around EUR70 to EUR100 per month.

Cost of food in Germany

The cost of food in Germany is relatively affordable, with a basic meal in a restaurant costing between 8 and 15 euros. Grocery shopping can also be affordable at discount stores like Lidl, Aldi, or Netto.

Student accommodation in Germany

Finding suitable and affordable housing can be a challenge, especially in major cities where demand is high. The main options you have in Germany are the following:

• Student dormitories. Many universities have their own dormitories, which can be a good option for international students. These dormitories can be a bit basic, but they are affordable and offer a great opportunity to meet other students.
• Student housing apartments. Many students in Germany live in shared apartments, called "WG" (Wohngemeinschaft). These apartments have shared kitchens and bathrooms, but each person has their own private room.
• Off campus student housing - Private apartments. If you prefer to live alone or with family, you can also look for private apartments. However, these can be more expensive and harder to find, especially in big cities like Berlin, Munchen, or Hamburg.

When to apply for student accommodation

You should start looking for accommodation as soon as possible, ideally several months before your planned move-in date, as long as you have an offer from the university you applied to.

Many universities in Germany have their own housing facilities or partnerships with local accommodation providers, so it's also a good idea to check with your university's international office or student services department for information on available options and application deadlines.

Work and study in Australia

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 freelance.

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.

Residing in Germany after studying?

Germany is a welcoming and multicultural society; you can find many opportunities to connect with others and explore the country's rich culture. However, if you managed through your studies without learning German, now it's time you start language classes. If you want to be successful in the job market, speaking the country's official language is very important in Germany.

Finding apartments is usually not difficult, and if you pick something outside the city centre or choose to share the apartment, you can get by with an affordable rent.

At the same time, remember that health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including expats. Similarly to when you were a student, you can choose between public or private health insurance, depending on your needs and preferences. Public health insurance is generally more affordable, while private health insurance offers more personalized care and additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage.

University application in Germany

You can apply directly at a Germany university and contact their International Office for assistance.

There are also differences between public and private universities. At public universities, admissions are regulated by "numerus clausus," a numbers-based system determining the number of available places on a programme. It doesn't matter how good students are; the set number will be respected. Also, admission is based on high school marks, so again, the numbers will determine whether you get in or not.

However, demand is not as high for private universities because of their tuition fees, so getting in is considerably easier.

The structure of German academic year

The academic year in Germany generally runs from October 1st to September 30th of the following year and is divided into two main semesters:

1. Wintersemester: from October 1st to March 31st

The lecture period typically begins in mid-October and ends in mid-February, while the examination period typically lasts from late February to mid-March

There is also a semester break, usually from mid-February to mid-April

2. Sommersemester: from April 1st to September 30th

The lecture period typically begins in mid-April and ends in late July, with the examination period lasting from late July until mid-August. The semester break takes place from mid-August to mid-October.

There are also three extra short breaks during the academic year:

• Christmas break: around Christmas and New Year time in late December - beginning of January.
• Easter break: it depends on when Easter falls, but it's usually in March or April
• Pentecost break: usually one week in May or June (depending on when Pentecost falls)

Of course, there can be variations to this schedule depending on the individual university, so it's always best to check with your university as well.

When to apply for German universities

Depending on when your course starts, there are also two application deadlines: 15 July if your programme starts in the winter semester and 15 January if your programme starts with the summer semester.

Documents needed to apply for university admission in Germany

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.

Scholarship application in Germany

Once you have identified the scholarships that you are interested in, it's time to complete the applications. Remember that most are competitive, so there's no guarantee that, however good a match you think you are, that you will be successful. It's sensible to apply for more than you need. There is generally no limit to the number of applications you can make.

Student Visa application for Germany

Some international students will need to apply for a visa to study in Germany. The information relating to requirements is sourced from the embassy and consulate.