Study in Germany

Sharing borders with nine other countries, Germany is in the heart of Europe so you'll never be far from all that this culturally rich continent has to offer

The German education system

There are over 400 higher education institutions in Germany with more than 13,500 degrees to choose from. Each of the 16 state universities has its own higher education laws and guidelines and the university system is not centralised.  

In Germany, higher education institutions are referred to as Hochschule. This term covers:

• universities (Universitäten) - where there is a strong research element;
• technical universities - strong focus on engineering and technology courses;
• colleges of art, film and music - these usually require special admission;
• universities of applied sciences - for students who prefer a practical approach to study.

Entry requirements

If you are applying for an undergraduate course in Germany, generally you will need four A-levels, one being a second language and another being either a natural science or mathematics. Admission for postgraduate courses is not centralised so you will have to enquire with individual institutions regarding their requirements.

To study courses in German, you will need to sit an exam to prove you have an adequate grasp of the language. There are two important tests you have to take:

• The Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDAF), which is administered in the UK beforehand.
• The German Language University Entrance Examination (DSH), which is administered only at German universities and will test your proficiency and suitability for university study.

You will have to pay an examination fee when registering for the TestDAF. The fee differs in each country. In Germany, the test costs €175. The cost of the DSH varies with each university. The tests can be taken throughout the year.

International degree courses are taught primarily in English, so you won't need any prior knowledge of the German language.

Course fees

Most universities are public, funded by the government and free to attend. If tuition fees are charged at a particular university, they should be within €500 per semester. Some private higher education institutions will charge considerably higher fees.

Regarding tuition fees, German, European Union (EU) and non-EU nationals all pay the same at each university.

Funding to study in Germany

In Germany, there are substantial funding options available for all students seeking support while they study. The programmes and scholarships are diverse and offered by many institutions. Research all possibilities available and visit your international office for further assistance.

A comprehensive site to begin your research can be found at DAAD - Scholarship Database . This database is not exhaustive, however, and you can obtain other funding and scholarships through individual institutions.

German exchanges and placements

Students attending a UK university can take part in the EU's flagship educational exchange programme Erasmus . This scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year in EU countries.

Financial support is also available to selected Masters and Doctoral students through the Erasmus Mundus  initiative.

Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in another EU country. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers the Erasmus scheme in your subject.

It isn't always necessary to speak the language of your host country, but you can arrange intensive language courses before you go. Speak to the Erasmus coordinator at your university about available opportunities. 

Student visas

As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:

• are studying for more than three months;
• are enrolled at an approved university/other educational institution;
• have sufficient income (from any source) to live without needing income support;
• have comprehensive health insurance cover.

Some countries require you to register with the local authority after three months. Find out how to register at Europa - Rights, Conditions and Formalities and Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany - Study and Scientific Research .