Study in Germany

By choosing to study in Germany you can benefit from comparatively low or no tuition fees at many public universities and have the opportunity to learn German, one of Europe's most widely spoken languages.

Often referred to as the 'land of poets and thinkers', Germany is home to many renowned musicians, writers, scientists, and philosophers. If you choose to study here, there is plenty to see and do, with a range of landmarks, museums, and libraries to explore. Main attractions in the country include:

• Cologne Cathedral
• the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
• the Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg
• the Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig.

The country is known for its hospitality, offering visitors the chance to experience Oktoberfest, an annual Bavarian folk festival in Munich, where beer and traditional food such as bratwurst are commonly served.

Alternatively, you can marvel at the light projections and video art of the Festival of Lights in Berlin or be enchanted by a performance at the Black Table Magic Theatre in Aachen. And if you're around for the festive period, you can sample the delights of the Christmas markets in cities such as:

• Cologne
• Frankfurt
• Hamburg.

Featured institutions

Degree courses in Germany

The academic year in Germany is divided into two semesters - summer and winter. The summer semester runs from April to September, while the winter semester runs from October to March. Lectures typically end in late July, and there are breaks for Christmas and other holidays.

Study programmes in Germany are similar to those in the UK. Undergraduate degrees are available as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), and generally require a minimum of three years to complete. You can study full time or part time, and many universities offer online or distance learning options.

While most undergraduate courses are taught in German, there are also plenty of English-speaking options available.

To pursue higher education in Germany, you will generally need:

• A-levels or equivalent qualifications
• proof of language proficiency (if required)
• evidence of financial support throughout your studies
• health insurance.

For specific entry requirements, you can visit the international student office (akademische auslandsamt) at the university you want to apply to or check the database of admissions requirements provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

You can search for a Bachelors course in Germany by using DAAD's international programme database.

Masters degrees

German Masters degrees are similar to those in the UK as they use titles such as Master of Arts (MA), Master of Laws (LLM), and Master of Science (MSc).

Masters courses typically last for one to two years and are delivered through taught modules, including lectures, seminars, and independent research, followed by a final project or dissertation. Afterwards, you will be assessed based on an oral presentation of your thesis.

In contrast to the UK, Germany uses a five-point grading system for awarding Masters degrees, ranging from 1.0 for the best to 4.0 for those who narrowly pass the course. A grade of 5.0 signifies a fail.

Universities now also provide European Credits Transfer System (ECTS) grades alongside the German grade, with a Masters degree usually worth 120 ECTS.

There are two pathways to Masters study:

• Consecutive Masters degrees - These follow on from a closely related undergraduate degree, such as studying for an MSc in biochemistry after completing a BSc in biology.
• Non-consecutive Masters degrees - These involve taking your qualification in another direction, which may require professional work experience and your undergraduate degree to be accepted.

Explore Masters courses in Germany by searching DAAD's international programme database.

German universities

Germany is home to more than 400 higher education institutions, offering more than 20,000 degree programmes. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Germany has 60 universities featured in the rankings, including four in the global top 100:

• Technical University of Munich - 25th
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München - 61st
• Universität Heidelberg - 86th
• Freie Universitaet Berlin - 98th.

Higher education institutions in Germany are generally categorised as:

• Universities - courses are academically focused and offered in a variety of subjects at Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate level. Specialist institutions such as technical universities dedicated to engineering and natural sciences, as well as colleges of education, are also part of this group.
• Universities of Applied Science (UAS) - institutions offer practice-oriented courses in fields such as engineering, business, social work and health sciences, usually up to Masters level. These courses are designed to prepare students for the workplace.
• Colleges of Art, Film, and Music - cater to students of creative disciplines and have varying entry requirements. Candidates may need to demonstrate artistic talent, for example through an entrance examination, audition or portfolio, depending on the institution and course.

Some universities and universities of applied sciences also offer dual study programmeswhere students combine academic study with practical training or work at a partner company. Many dual study programmes require German-language skills, although requirements vary by course and employer.

Degree courses in Germany

Study programmes in Germany and the UK are broadly compatible under the Bologna Process, but programme structures and assessment methods vary by institution and subject.

Undergraduate degrees include titles such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), and typically take at least three years to complete. You can study full time or part time, and many universities offer online or distance learning options.

While most undergraduate courses are taught in German, there are also plenty of English-speaking options available.

To pursue higher education in Germany, you will generally need:

• A-levels or equivalent qualifications
• evidence of financial support throughout your studies
• health insurance
• proof of language proficiency (if required).

For specific entry requirements, you can visit the international student office (akademische auslandsamt) at the university you want to apply to or check the database of admissions requirements provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

You can search for a Bachelors course in Germany by using DAAD's undergraduate programme database.

The academic year in Germany is divided into two semesters - summer and winter. The summer semester runs from April to September, while the winter semester runs from October to March. Lectures typically end in late July, and there are breaks for Christmas and other holidays

Masters degrees

German Masters degrees are similar to those in the UK and use internationally recognisable titles such as Master of Arts (MA), Master of Laws (LLM), and Master of Science (MSc), but programme structures and entry routes can differ from the UK.

Masters courses typically last for one to two years and are delivered through taught modules, including:

• a final project or dissertation
• lectures
• independent research
• seminars.

Assessment methods vary by programme and may include:

• coursework
• a thesis
• written exams.

In some cases, you may also have to complete an oral defence or presentation.

In contrast to the UK, Germany uses a five-point grading system for awarding Masters degrees, ranging from 1.0 for the best to 4.0 for those who narrowly pass the course. A grade of 5.0 signifies a fail.

Universities award European Credits Transfer System (ECTS) credits alongside German grades, with many Masters degrees worth 120 ECTS credits, although some programmes may carry 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.

There are two pathways to Masters study:

• Consecutive Masters degrees - follow on from a closely related undergraduate degree, such as studying for an MSc in biochemistry after completing a BSc in biology.
• Non-consecutive Masters degrees - involve taking your qualification in another direction, which may require professional work experience and your undergraduate degree to be accepted.

Explore Masters courses in Germany by searching DAAD's postgraduate programme database.

PhDs

Around 30,000 Doctorates are completed in Germany each year, and Doctoral study is commonly pursued through either:

• Individual PhDs - the traditional route, chosen by a large majority of Doctoral candidates in Germany, as you can tailor your research to suit your needs. You can choose to study at a university, research organisation or in industry, and are responsible for identifying and securing a supervisor. Individual Doctorates often take three to five years to complete, with structure, deadlines and attendance expectations depending on the university, supervisor and employment or funding arrangement.
• Structured PhDs - usually follow a defined curriculum and often take around three to five years, depending on the programme. You'll need to get in touch with potential supervisors directly with a research proposal, and contact the institution's registration office and begin the standard application process. Applicants usually need a Masters degree or equivalent qualification, although entry requirements vary by institution and Doctoral route.

To find out more, see the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research's Research in Germany site - info for PhD students.

You can also visit the DAAD PhD database to search for PhD courses in Germany.

Student exchanges

The Turing Scheme provides UK Government funding for thousands of UK students and learners to gain study and work experience abroad. The programme prioritises students from disadvantaged backgrounds and individuals with special needs.

Make sure to verify if your institution participates and offers the Turing Scheme.

The DAAD international programmes database also supports international study and research links between the UK and Germany. It provides information on scholarships, university partnerships and funding opportunities for students wishing to study in Germany.

Course fees

Germany attracts 6% of the world's international students. One of the main reasons is that most public universities in Germany do not charge general tuition fees for many degree programmes, but students usually pay a semester contribution, often around €100 to €350 (£85 to £298), depending on the institution.

However, the state of Baden-Württemberg charges tuition fees of €1,500 (£1,275) per semester for many non-EU international students at public universities. Some universities also charge tuition fees for non-consecutive or continuing-education Masters courses. These fees and any exemptions vary by institution and federal state.

Private universities set their own tuition fees, which vary widely and can range from a few thousand euros to over €30,000 (£25,415) per year at some institutions, depending on the course and provider.

When budgeting for studying in Germany, international students need to consider the cost of living.

To get your student visa or residence permit, you'll usually need a special 'blocked' bank account required by the German government to prove you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.  You'll need at least €11,904 (£10,118), which will be released in monthly payments of €992 (£843).

Living costs may be higher, particularly for accommodation, in large cities such as:

• Berlin
• Frankfurt
• Munich.

Read more about the finances you'll need at Studying in Germany - What does it cost to study in Germany?

Funding to study in Germany

In Germany, various organisations offer needs and merit-based scholarships and grants, such as:

• federal states
• Foundations
• religious organisations
• the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

To explore funding options and find ideas, visit Study in Germany - Funding.

Additionally, contact the consulate or embassy in your home country for more information about available scholarships and how to apply. You can also search for scholarships using the database at DAAD - Finding scholarships.

Student visas

If you're a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes EU member states plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, you do not need a visa to study in Germany, but you must meet registration, health-insurance and financial requirements where applicable.

For those who require a visa, there are several relevant visa categories; UK citizens generally do not need a visa before entering Germany for study but must apply for the appropriate residence permit after arrival.

For those that require a visa, including those from the UK, there are three types:

• German Student Visa - the German national visa for study purposes is for applicants who need a visa and have been admitted to a German higher-education institution.
• German Student Applicant Visa - if you need to physically be in Germany to apply for university admission, this visa enables you to stay in the country during the application process.
• German Language Course Visa - for those looking to study a German language course in the country.

To discover what you'll need to apply, see Studying in Germany - German student visa.

Students from outside the EEA may need a national visa before entry, but citizens of some countries are generally able to enter Germany visa-free and apply for a residence permit after arrival. These include:

• the UK
• US
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea
• Israel

Where a national visa is required, you'll usually make an application through the German embassy in your home country. For example, UK residents should visit the German Embassy in London.

The standard national visa fee is €75 (£64), although exemptions may apply.

After moving to Germany, you generally must register your address with the local registration office within two weeks. Non-EEA students who need a residence permit must also apply to the local immigration authority within the period allowed by their visa or visa-free stay.

The approval process can be lengthy, so it's best to submit your visa application at least three months in advance.

Read more about German student visa requirements and the application process at SchengenVisaInfo.com - Student visa.

How to apply

There is no centralised application system for all German universities and courses.

Applicants may apply directly to universities, through a service called Uni-Assist depending on the:

• applicant background
• institution
• subject.

You can generally apply to multiple universities at the same time, although application limits, fees and subject-specific restrictions may apply.

To apply, you'll need to fill out an application form, which can be found online or by contacting the university's registration office and submit it along with the required documents. Typically, this includes transcripts of your education and any necessary language certificates. Depending on the course, you may also be asked to:

• attend an interview
• take an aptitude test
• submit additional evidence such as a portfolio.

Deadlines for applications vary between institutions, as each university operates independently. As a general guideline, application deadlines are often around 15 January for summer-semester entry and 15 July for winter-semester entry, but deadlines vary by institution, programme and applicant route.

Language requirements

If you are a native English speaker and want to pursue a Masters degree in Germany, you will find many universities that offer courses taught in English. Even for English-taught programmes, you may need to prove English proficiency unless the university grants an exemption, for example because of your nationality or previous education.

If you apply for a German-taught course, you will usually need recognised proof of German proficiency, such as:

• DSH - administered by German higher-education institutions and assesses whether applicants have sufficient German for university study. Costs vary between institutions.
• Goethe-Zertifikat C2 - demonstrates near-native proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing German and is recognised by universities, employers and institutions in Germany and internationally. The qualification is suitable for those who need advanced language skills for higher education, research or professional careers.
• telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule - designed for students planning to study at a German-speaking university. It assesses reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and is recognised by many higher education institutions in Germany as proof of the language proficiency required for university admission.
• TestDaF - German language proficiency test for international students applying to German-speaking universities. It assesses reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and is recognised by higher education institutions across Germany. The exam is available several times a year and can be taken in digital or paper-based formats.

If you also need to demonstrate English proficiency, TOEFL and IELTS are commonly accepted tests, although accepted tests and minimum scores vary by university.

Comparison to UK qualifications

German and UK higher-education qualifications are broadly comparable within the Bologna framework. This ensures that course standards are equivalent across 49 participating European countries.

You may still need to provide evidence or formal recognition of German or UK qualifications, depending on the university, employer, profession and country.

You should not have any trouble explaining your German or UK qualifications to universities or future employers. For more information on having your qualifications recognised, visit ENIC-NARIC.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to work in Germany.
• Visit the official Study in Germany page.
• Get more information at Erudera and Studying in Germany.