🇩🇪 Studying in Germany for international applicants

Higher education in Germany at a glance

Germany is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe: at most public universities, tuition is free or nearly free even for international students, while the quality of education remains very high - especially in engineering and the exact and natural sciences.

Degrees follow the Bologna system: bachelor's (3-4 years), master's (1-2 years) and doctorate. Many programs, especially master's, are taught in English, so German is not always required.

Advantages of studying in Germany

• Many public programmes have no tuition, but semester contributions apply. Some universities and fee categories charge tuition.
• A world-leading school of engineering and science.
• Many master's programs are taught in English.
• Part-time work during studies and employment after graduation are possible.
• Degrees are recognized worldwide.

Germany: budgeting for a public programme without tuition

Programmes without tuition exist, but that depends on the chosen option. Compare semester contributions, living costs and any tuition charged to non-EU students separately.

Scenario	Approximate USD
Mandatory contributions: two semesters using DAAD guidance	$200–$1,000
Living for 12 months using DAAD guidance	$12,500–$16,600
Example additional tuition: Baden-Württemberg, two semesters for the relevant non-EU category	$3,500

The DAAD guide includes housing, food, everyday expenses and health insurance. Munich and other expensive cities may require more; do not add included insurance twice.

For a programme without tuition, living plus two contributions gives an arithmetic guide of about $12,600–$17,600 a year. This is not a visa minimum or an amount sufficient for every city.

Calculate TUM and other institutions charging some international students from the specific programme fee. Preparation and fee-paying master’s courses require their own budgets.

If your budget is limited

Compare public programmes in cities with lower rents, alongside tuition. German proficiency, recognition of qualifications and subject requirements can limit suitable options.

What to prepare next

Name the programme, teaching language and country that issued your qualification. These details make the initial discussion of goals, timing and budget more specific.

Rounded amounts are shown in US dollars for comparison, using ECB reference rates from 2026. The programme and its provider’s terms determine the final fee. Totals are calculated before individual rows are rounded. Count housing and other categories once. Check what the university calculation includes; add only missing expenses and StudyU fees separately. A deposit can require funds before studies start. Do not add proof of funds again to expenses those same funds cover.

DAAD

Institutions featured on this page

Institution	What to compare
TUM	Some new non-EU students pay tuition; check the programme and exemptions.
LMU Munich	Many regular programmes have no tuition; mandatory contributions and Munich living costs remain.
RWTH Aachen	Check the semester contribution and distinguish a regular degree from a fee-paying RWTH Academy programme.

The way in

Admission depends on your school diploma: in some cases CIS school graduates need a preparatory year (Studienkolleg) or one year of university at home. A proven level of German (TestDaF/DSH) or English (for English-taught programs) is required.

Deadlines and requirements vary by state and university. It's best to start the German application early - we'll help with documents, language and the application.

Step by step:

1. Eligibility. An 11-year certificate alone doesn't qualify: first a Studienkolleg year with the Feststellungsprüfung exam, or 1-2 years of university at home.
2. Language. German B2-C1 (TestDaF/DSH) for most programs; English-taught bachelor's are rare, master's options are plentiful.
3. Apply. Via uni-assist or directly; deadlines July 15 (winter) and January 15 (summer).
4. Financial evidence. Check the current official requirement and accepted evidence for your circumstances. These funds cover living expenses and are not an extra duplicate expense.
5. Student visa. Interview, insurance, admission or Studienkolleg confirmation.

Applying straight after 11th grade

Germany requires 12-13 years of schooling, so the certificate alone doesn't open bachelor's doors. Two routes: Studienkolleg - a free or low-cost preparatory year with subject tracks (T for tech, W for economics, M for medicine) ending in the Feststellungsprüfung - or 1-2 university years at home. Most students take the Studienkolleg: it's also the best way to push German to academic level. Comparisons - in our study-abroad guide.

Master's degrees in Germany

For a master’s, the university checks the subject content of your bachelor’s degree and your language evidence. English-taught options and tuition conditions vary by programme. Scholarships have separate selection processes and should enter the budget only after an award.

How to check the final budget

Compare the same academic year, fee status and programme duration. Check the tenancy period, compulsory charges and pre-arrival payments. Financial evidence and the living expenses it covers are counted once.

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