Studying in Germany

Facts and figures on Germany’s higher education system

How is studying in Germany?

The higher education system in Germany offers excellent opportunities and globally recognized qualifications. For German people and international students alike, the majority of courses are free of charge at public universities in Germany. It is even possible to study at home for some courses.

More than 13% of all students in Germany come from other countries to attend courses at universities and colleges. This makes Germany the fourth most popular country for international students in the world. There are around 400 higher education institutes in 180 locations around the country.

In 2018, Germany had 10 universities in the top 100 ranking in the world and has several featured in the top 20 of Europe. There are over 1,500 university courses available that are taught in English, including bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, PhDs and doctorates. There are also short courses and language courses on offer.

The grading system in German universities works on a scale of 1.0 - 5.0, with 1 being the highest or sehr gut. Visit our page on the German University System for more information on the education system.

Fees and affordability for studying in Germany

What are the costs of studying in Germany?

Thanks to the wide availability of free education in Germany, studying can be very affordable for international students. While there are a few fees associated with studying, such as university registration fees that are due every semester, there are usually no tuition fees charged. 

The cost of living in Germany as a student is considered affordable compared to other countries in Europe. As of August, 2020, the estimated monthly cost of living for students is set at €861. Students must deposit twelve times this amount in their blocked bank account each year to prove that they can cover their costs while in Germany.

Students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week, as per visa regulations. Many students work in bars or cafes, babysit or tutor. Online part-time jobs for students are another option to earn extra money while studying.

Visit our Cost of Living in Germany page for more information on the average costs associated with living and studying in Germany.

Get your German student visa

In general, if you are from a non-EU or non-EEA country you will need a student visa to enter Germany if you plan to attend a university or college

For the most up-to-date information on student visa requirements contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

It is very important that you apply for the correct type of student visa in enough time before you plan on arriving in Germany. It can take months for a visa application to be processed. Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Germany otherwise you may need to return home to apply for a new one.

While exceptions can apply, student visas usually last for three months. Before this time period ends you will need to apply for a residence permit from the local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners Office). The permit usually lasts for two years and can be extended as long as you have proof that you have continued your studies appropriately.

The paperwork required for a visa application depends on whether you have been accepted into a university or not, and can include academic qualifications, proof of financial resources in a Blocked Account and Health Insurance coverage. Please visit our Student Visa page for more information on visas for studying in Germany.

Expatrio can help you to open a Blocked Account and get the right Health Insurance coverage for your visa application.

Requirements for studying in Germany

There are various support and education websites that cover all of the general requirements needed to study in Germany, including visas, financing, translations and accommodation. In addition, each course will have certain academic qualification requirements and you may need to take an aptitude or language test.

International students from non-EU or non-EEA countries must apply for a student visa, open a Blocked Account and have suitable Health Insurance.

As with everything else to do with preparing to attend university in Germany, be sure to check all of the specific requirements for your course at least a few months before you plan to start your studies. This will give you enough time to get everything in order, so that the whole process goes smoothly.

Financial Resources

In order to be issued with a student visa, you must be able to prove that you are able to support yourself financially while you are in Germany

Thanks to the widely available free education in Germany, international students need only show proof of enough money to cover their living costs.

The average cost of living in Germany is calculated for the year and international students must deposit this amount into a special type of bank account called a blocked bank account. A maximum of one-twelfth of this amount can be withdrawn each month.

See our Blocked Account page to learn how Expatrio can help you to open one with the lowest fees currently available.

Job market for graduates in Germany

Thanks to the low cost of studying in Germany, students can graduate without a mountain of debt. This allows you to concentrate on finding a job you will love, rather than one that simply pays well. The job market for recent graduates in Germany has a positive outlook.

There are various sectors with a high demand for qualified candidates, including health care, engineering and IT. If you have been studying in Germany on a student visa or residence permit you can extend your permission to stay in the country for 18 months. This will give you enough time to find a permanent position and you can also work during this time.

See our page about Your Chances after Graduation in Germany to learn more about the future prospects and your career.