Study and Work in Germany Webinars

There are several ways to apply for scholarships to study in Germany, and Expatrio offers a great starting point. First, check out the Expatrio Scholarship, which awards 10 international students (first prize is €15,000). It’s free to apply and open to students from all study backgrounds, so it’s a great opportunity to start with.

Beyond that, Expatrio also provides a helpful overview of other scholarship opportunities on our Scholarships in Germany page. It lists major scholarship providers like DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service), political foundations, religious organizations, and universities themselves.

To go even further, use search engines like Google to look up terms like “scholarships for international students in Germany” or “DAAD scholarship + [your country],” or check your target university’s website directly. Many have funding opportunities listed under their international office or admissions pages. Combining these resources will give you the best chance at finding funding that fits your profile.

As an international student in Germany, you need valid Health Insurance to enroll at a university. Many students have the option to choose between public and private providers. Expatrio partners with some of the best providers in Germany to provide you with personalized recommendations and affordable coverage. Included in the Value Package, you will also get free Travel Health Insurance which is required for your visa appointment. You can find out more about the Value Package here.

For applying to German universities, you’ll need to provide proof of language proficiency depending on your program’s language of instruction. If your program is taught in German, you’ll need a recognized German language certificate. For English-taught programs, you’ll need to show your English language skills with accepted certificates.

To learn which German language tests are accepted and what scores you need, check out this guide: German Language Proficiency Tests.

For English language requirements and accepted certificates like IELTS or TOEFL, see this article: English Language Proficiency Tests.

No, you don't necessarily need to know German to study in Germany. Many universities offer English-taught programs, especially at the Master's level, and some Bachelor's programs as well. These are designed for international students and usually do not require any German language skills for admission. However, learning some German can still be very helpful for everyday life, internships, part-time jobs, and integrating into the local culture.

If you choose a program taught in German, then you will need to prove your German language skills through a test like TestDaF or DSH. For English-taught programs, you’ll typically need to show proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.

To explore the differences and see what language requirements apply to different programs, check out Expatrio’s StudyBuddy, which also links to useful tools for finding English-speaking degree options.

You don’t always need 13 years of education to apply directly to a German university. What matters most is whether your high school qualification is equivalent to the German Abitur. Some international diplomas are recognized as equivalent, which means you can apply directly to a study program. However, if your qualification doesn't fully match the German standard, you may need to complete a one-year preparatory course in Germany called a Studienkolleg before starting your degree.

To find out whether you're eligible for direct admission or need to take additional steps, you can use Expatrio’s free Study Eligibility Checker. It gives you a personalized result based on your academic background and helps you understand the right path forward for studying in Germany.

Yes, as a non‑EU student in Germany you’re allowed to work part‑time—but within specific limits set by your visa. You can work up to 140 full days (more than 4 hrs/day) or 280 half‑days (up to 4 hrs/day) per calendar year without needing extra permits. Note that student assistant roles at the university or mandatory internships don’t count against those limits. 

For a detailed breakdown of how these rules work in practice like how to count full vs. half days, permissible job types, and what happens once you exceed limits, we have an excellent guide here: Part‑time jobs in Germany for students. It also explains related topics like mini‑jobs (earning under €520/month), taxes, health insurance impact, and tips for balancing work and study.