Your guide to studying in Germany

Study in Germany

Can I study in Germany for free? Which is the best uni in Germany? How do I apply for a student visa? How can I study in Germany on a scholarship? In Germany are there uni courses in English? And what requirements do I have to meet? This is where you’ll find the answers to all these questions – and many more besides.

Studying abroad in Germany

Germany is considered an attractive study destination worldwide. On a global comparison the Federal Republic ranks fourth on the list of the most popular countries among international students. Some 13 percent of all students at German universities came from abroad in 2018. And there are plenty of reasons for that. Here are some facts and figures about studying in Germany.

Requirements to study in Germany

So how can I study in Germany? You need to fulfil certain requirements to apply to German universities and to study in Germany on undergraduate or doctoral programmes. What is more, applications differ greatly from those for a job, for instance. Your first port of call is the Akademisches Auslandsamt (AAA) of the university you wish to attend in Germany. At some universities it is called the “International Office” or “International Center” (IC). There advisers are on hand to provide comprehensive information on the application process: admission requirements, deadlines, application requirements, language courses and much more besides. Here you can find guides on studying or doing a doctorate in Germany.

What to study in Germany?

Employers worldwide value German degrees. And there is a huge range of courses on offer: Germany boasts more than 400 higher education institutions with over 19,000 different study programmes. You want to do your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Germany? There is a suitable programme for almost every project. Whether you want to study medicine, environmental engineering, robotics, agricultural sciencesor peace and conflict research, you will find the right course.

Testimonials and helpful links

How well do I have to speak German, how do I find the right university? Here you will find answers, the most important websites and contact persons. In addition, foreign students tell you about their insider tips for studying in Germany.

Applying for a student visa in Germany

Obtaining a visa is one of the most important and first steps for prospective students from abroad. Germany offers various kinds of student visa, for which you can apply from the German Embassy or German Consulate in your home country. Make sure you get one before arriving in Germany.

If you are looking to study in Germany, this checklist will help get you off to a successful start:
 

1. Know your goals
   Which study course or programme do you want to take?
2. Check all requirements
   Among other things, you will need proof of financial resources – you can also find out about a scholarship
3. Apply for a student visa
   Contact the German Embassy or German Consulate in your home country
4. Get health insurance
   Personal health insurance is obligatory in Germany
5. Register your new address
   Within your first two weeks in Germany

Tertiary education institutions in Germany

Germany has a total of 426 institutions of tertiary education, of which 106 are universities, six are teacher-training colleges, 16 theological colleges, 52 art academies, 216 universities of applied sciences, and 30 public administration colleges. Most higher education institutions cooperate with several universities and institutes abroad.

Cost of studying in Germany

Studying at a public tertiary education institution in Germany has been free of charge since 2014. Nonetheless, the costs of rent, food and mobility quickly add up. If you want to save money here it is worth taking costs of living into account when choosing a study location. Click here for a list of the cheapest and most expensive university towns in Germany.

The magazine Times Higher Education (THE) publishes an annual ranking of the top 1,000 universities in the world. Ten German universities are among the top 100. These are the highest-ranking unis:

1. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (32nd place)
2. Technische Universität München (44th place)
3. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (47th place)
4. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (67th place)
5. Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (76th place)