The high standard of education and lack of tuition fees at most universities makes studying in Germany a particularly attractive option for expats. In 2023, over 450.000 foreign students were enrolled at higher education institutions in Germany, comprising some 16% of the total student population. As German universities seek to attract more foreign students, an increasing number are offering international courses taught in English.
German higher education explained
Just like the primary and secondary school system, higher education in Germany is split into three streams:
- Universities (Universitäten) specialise in research and in-depth, theoretical teaching.
- Universities of applied science (Hochschulen) focus primarily on the application of learning and practical work experience.
- Colleges of art and music (Musik- und Kunsthochschulen) train budding artists, designers, musicians and actors.
More detailed information on the system is contained in our section on higher education in Germany.
Universities in Germany
Unless you already have a specific institution in mind, if you're planning to come and study in Germany your first step should be to do some research on universities in Germany and choose a study programme that suits your interests.
Perusing a list of universities in Germany is a good place to start - you then need to narrow down your options to create a shortlist. You can decide whether you want to focus on just one university or apply to several to increase your chances of getting a place.
Tuition fees in Germany
Since 2013, tuition fees have been abolished in (almost) all German federal states. Only the states of Baden-Württemberg, Saxony and Bavaria currently allow universities to charge tuition fees to non-EU students - and many institutions have not opted to do so. This makes the cost of higher education in Germany one of the most affordable worldwide.
Student loans and scholarships in Germany
Tthere are also a few different scholarships open to international students, which can help to cover some of the costs of studying in Germany.
The German federal government also provides financial support for individuals wishing to pursue higher education in the form of the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG). The assistance is given in the form of a grant and/or an interest-free loan. You can find out more information on both of these options on our student loans and scholarships for international students page.
Applying to university in Germany
There is no centralised application process for universities in Germany. In the past, you were expected to submit your application directly with your university or universities of choice.
However, most German universities (180 as of 2025) are nowadays part of the national university online application platform UniAssist. Using the platform, you can browse suitable universities and study programmes, check the admissions requirements, use application checklists, and then create and submit your application online, together with all your supporting documents (note that some documents might still need to be sent in the post).
Entry requirements for universities in Germany
Possessing a university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) entitles you to a place at a German higher education institution (although there may be minimum grade requirements for courses like law and medicine).
If you went to a German school, this qualification is your Abitur. If you went to a foreign school, you will need a recognised equivalent. The DAAD database on admission requirements can tell you whether your leaving certificate is recognised in Germany. If it is not recognised, you may be asked to take an entrance exam or foundation course.
Application documents
As well as this qualification, you may need some or all of the following, depending on the university and course you are applying to:
- Proof of German language ability
- Proof of English skills (if applying to an international programme of study)
- Proof of artistic aptitude (if applying to an art or music college)
- Letter of motivation
Student visas for Germany
If your application to study at a German university is successful, they will contact you either by email or post to inform you that you have been awarded a place. You will receive a letter of admission. At this stage, you should start thinking about moving to Germany. If you are coming to Germany from outside the EU or EEA, you will need a student visa, which you will then convert into a residence permit after arriving in Germany. Citizens of certain countries can enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a residence permit. You can find out more about this in our guide to visas in Germany.
Generally speaking, in order to successfully apply for a visa and residence permit to study in Germany, you will need:
- Proof of financial resources to support yourself (see below)
- Proof that you are coming to study in Germany (for instance your admissions letter)
- Evidence of your qualifications (you might need to get them translated or certified)
- Health insurance (see below)
- Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction for your chosen study programme (usually either German or English)
If you are a national of an EU/EEA country, you do not need a visa to study in Germany, but you do need to register within 14 days of arriving.
Blocked account for students in Germany
Students coming to Germany from outside the EU will have to prove that they can cover their living expenses. While there are a number of ways of showing that you can finance your studies, including having your parents submit an income declaration or presenting a bank guarantee, the most common method chosen by most students is to open a blocked account (Sperrkonto). This is a special type of bank account that requires the holder to annually deposit a lump sum (10.236 euros in 2020), which can then be withdrawn in smaller monthly pay-outs.
Am I allowed to work while studying in Germany?
If you are studying in Germany on a residence permit, you are still permitted to work alongside your studies - within limits. Usually, you are permitted to work up to 140 days per year (or 280 days, if you work less than four hours per working day). If you are unsure, check with your local Immigration Office.
Student health insurance in Germany
Everyone, including students, must have health insurance in Germany. Indeed, you may need to take out health insurance before coming to Germany to fulfil the requirements of your visa application - and you will certainly need proof of insurance before you are allowed to enrol at your university. Both public and private companies offer student health insurance in Germany at affordable rates. You can find out more on our student health insurance in Germany page.
Moving to Germany
With your university application, visa and health insurance sorted, you can start thinking about moving to Germany. If you are coming from abroad, you may want to engage the services of a moving company specialised in international moves. They can help you with the paperwork to ensure your belongings don't get held up at customs.
Student housing in Germany
Demand for student housing in Germany is high - so high that you'll want to start thinking about where you're going to live well in advance of coming to Germany. Some German universities - and a growing number of private companies - offer halls of residence for students, but places are limited, so it's essential that you apply early.
Alternatively, you can choose to rent a room or apartment privately. You can find out more about finding accommodation in Germany on our student housing page. If you are ever struggling with finding somewhere to live, be sure to talk to the admissions team at your university, as they will be able to offer advice.
Enrolling at your university
After you have arrived in Germany, you will have to complete two more administrative steps: you'll need to register your address in order to get a registration certificate, which you will need for things like opening a bank account.
You also need to enrol at your university. This makes you a registered student in Germany. To enrol, you'll need to present yourself in person at your university's administration office and submit some documents, including:
- Form of ID like a passport
- Passport photo
- Visa/residence permit (if applicable)
- Qualification certificates
- Letter of admission
- Proof of health insurance
As part of enrolling, you'll be required to pay your semester fees. These vary from university to university but are usually no more than 300 euros per semester. This grants you a Semester-Ticket, which lets you use public transport for free in the federal state where your university is located.
Cost of studying in Germany
German universities may not charge tuition fees, but that doesn't mean that studying in Germany is completely free. Apart from tuition fees and semester fees, there are some other expenses that you need to take into consideration, including:
- Fees for visa and residence permit
- Travel costs to come to Germany
- Accommodation
- German health insurance
- Study materials, including a laptop computer, textbooks and other equipment
- German language course
- Daily living costs for things like shopping, public transport and leisure activities
If you are applying for a residence permit, you will be expected to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover these costs. The required amount is usually around 10.000 euros per year.
It is worth remembering that students are often eligible for discounts at shops, restaurants, museums and cinemas. As a student, you may also be exempt from paying fees on your German bank account.
Academic calendar for German universities
The academic year for German universities starts in October and ends in September. It is divided into two terms: the winter semester (Wintersemester), which usually runs from October to March, and the summer semester (Sommersemester), from April to September. There are holidays over the Christmas and Easter periods.
Between the semesters there are also semester breaks (Semesterferien) of approximately six to eight weeks. This time is usually used for writing assignments and studying for exams, although some students also choose to find a job or internship.
German credit system (ECTS scheme)
As with most universities in Europe, higher education institutions in Germany adhere to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which was developed to allow students to transfer credits from one university to another. It further enables the comparison of different universities, programmes of study, and even qualifications.
ECT credits represent the workload of a given course and the time an average student needs to achieve the objectives of that programme. 60 credits are equivalent to a full year of study.
German grading system
The German grading system might come as a surprise if you're used to a percentage mark out of 100, or the GPA in the US where a mark of 4 is the highest. In Germany, things are the other way around, and in general, the lower your score is, the better.
Most German universities use a five-point grading system to assess their students. You might come across a six-point system, but the same holds true: a score of 1 is the highest, while a score of 5 or 6 is the lowest possible grade.
Here's how the German grading system at universities breaks down: