Why Study in Germany?
Germany is one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe, known for high academic standards, strong engineering and technology programs, and relatively low tuition fees at many public universities.
German universities and universities of applied sciences offer internationally recognized degrees and excellent research opportunities. Many programs are taught in English, especially at master’s level, while others are offered in German with strong academic and industry links.
Cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, and Stuttgart offer vibrant student life, modern campuses, and strong job markets in technology, engineering, business, and creative industries.
German universities and universities of applied sciences offer internationally recognized degrees and excellent research opportunities. Many programs are taught in English, especially at master’s level, while others are offered in German with strong academic and industry links.
Cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, and Stuttgart offer vibrant student life, modern campuses, and strong job markets in technology, engineering, business, and creative industries.
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Low or No Tuition at Public Universities
Many public universities charge little to no tuition for international students, with only a semester contribution to student services and transport.
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Strong in Engineering & Technology
Germany is a global leader in engineering, automotive, manufacturing, and applied sciences with close ties between universities and industry.
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Safe, Modern & Located in the EU
Germany offers a high standard of living, strong public transport, and easy travel across Europe for study, work, and leisure.
Popular Fields & Career Paths in Germany
• Engineering & Technology: Mechanical, automotive, electrical, mechatronics, renewable energy, robotics, industrial engineering.
• Computer Science & IT: Software engineering, data science, AI, cybersecurity, information systems.
• Business & Management: International business, finance, logistics, supply chain management, MBA programs.
• Natural & Life Sciences: Physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, biotechnology.
• Design, Architecture & Creative Fields: Architecture, product design, media, film, communication design.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: Economics, international relations, psychology, education, linguistics.
• Computer Science & IT: Software engineering, data science, AI, cybersecurity, information systems.
• Business & Management: International business, finance, logistics, supply chain management, MBA programs.
• Natural & Life Sciences: Physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, biotechnology.
• Design, Architecture & Creative Fields: Architecture, product design, media, film, communication design.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: Economics, international relations, psychology, education, linguistics.
Note: Many master’s programs are offered in English, while bachelor’s programs are often in German. GAC helps you check the teaching language and entry requirements for each course.
Education System & Types of Institutions in Germany
- Public Universities (Universitäten): Research-focused institutions offering bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. Most programs are tuition-free, with only semester fees.
- Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen / HAW): Practice-oriented institutions that emphasize industry projects, internships, and applied learning.
- Studienkolleg / Preparatory Colleges: Foundation programs for international students whose qualifications are not equivalent to German Abitur.
- Private Universities: Charge full tuition fees but offer smaller class sizes and specialized programs (e.g., business, applied technology, digital innovation).
Tuition Fees & Study Costs Overview
Tuition and fees depend on the state (Bundesland), institution type, and program level. Typical ranges:
GAC helps you compare your options based on budget, career goals, and preferred study paths.
Studienkolleg / Preparatory School
• Public: €0 – €400 per semester
• Private: €2,500 – €7,000 per year
• Public: €0 – €400 per semester
• Private: €2,500 – €7,000 per year
Public Universities
• No tuition fees for most bachelor's & master's programs
• Semester contribution: €250 – €400 per semester
• Includes admin fees & public transport (in many regions)
• No tuition fees for most bachelor's & master's programs
• Semester contribution: €250 – €400 per semester
• Includes admin fees & public transport (in many regions)
Private Universities
• Bachelor’s: €7,000 – €15,000 per year
• Master’s: €8,000 – €20,000 per year
• Premium schools (business/tech): €20,000 – €30,000+
• Bachelor’s: €7,000 – €15,000 per year
• Master’s: €8,000 – €20,000 per year
• Premium schools (business/tech): €20,000 – €30,000+
GAC helps you compare your options based on budget, career goals, and preferred study paths.
Living Costs in Germany
Actual expenses depend on the city (for example, Munich and Frankfurt are usually more expensive than smaller towns), your housing type, and lifestyle.
Typical monthly ranges are:
Average total monthly cost is usually in the range of €900 – €1,200+, but this can be higher in big cities. GAC helps students plan a realistic budget based on their chosen city and lifestyle.
Accommodation
Approx. €350 – €700+ per month (student dorms are usually cheaper, private rooms/studios higher).
Approx. €350 – €700+ per month (student dorms are usually cheaper, private rooms/studios higher).
Food & Groceries
Around €200 – €300 per month, depending on how often you cook or eat out.
Around €200 – €300 per month, depending on how often you cook or eat out.
Health Insurance (Monthly)
Typically around €90 – €130 per month for student statutory health insurance or equivalent coverage.
Typically around €90 – €130 per month for student statutory health insurance or equivalent coverage.
Transport & Personal Expenses
Around €100 – €250 per month for local transport, phone, clothes, and other personal costs.
Around €100 – €250 per month for local transport, phone, clothes, and other personal costs.
Average total monthly cost is usually in the range of €900 – €1,200+, but this can be higher in big cities. GAC helps students plan a realistic budget based on their chosen city and lifestyle.
Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) for Germany
To study in Germany, many international students must open a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) as part of the student visa requirement.
This account shows that you have enough funds for your first year of living expenses in Germany.
Required Blocked Amount (2025)
Many students use around €11,208 – €12,000 as a reference for one year of living costs. The exact amount is set by German authorities and can change every year based on cost-of-living updates.
Many students use around €11,208 – €12,000 as a reference for one year of living costs. The exact amount is set by German authorities and can change every year based on cost-of-living updates.
Monthly Allowance
You cannot withdraw the full amount at once. Usually, students receive about €934 – €1,000 per month from the blocked account to cover living expenses.
You cannot withdraw the full amount at once. Usually, students receive about €934 – €1,000 per month from the blocked account to cover living expenses.
Approved Blocked Account Providers
Commonly used providers include:
• Expatrio – popular and easy online setup
• Fintiba – widely used by students
• Coracle
Commonly used providers include:
• Expatrio – popular and easy online setup
• Fintiba – widely used by students
• Coracle
How GAC Helps: GAC and its partner agencies guide you on choosing a suitable blocked account provider, understanding the latest required amount, and preparing the documents needed for your visa application.
Health Insurance for Students in Germany
Health insurance is compulsory for students in Germany and is checked during enrolment and for your residence permit.
Statutory Student Health Insurance
Most students under 30 join a public health insurance company (e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer). This offers full coverage and a student tariff, usually around the cost mentioned above per month.
Most students under 30 join a public health insurance company (e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer). This offers full coverage and a student tariff, usually around the cost mentioned above per month.
Private / Incoming Insurance
Some students use private insurance temporarily (for visa) or if they are older than 30. The insurance must meet German requirements and be accepted by the university.
Some students use private insurance temporarily (for visa) or if they are older than 30. The insurance must meet German requirements and be accepted by the university.
How GAC Supports You
GAC helps you understand which type of health insurance fits your profile, and how to arrange your coverage in time for visa, enrolment and arrival in Germany.
GAC helps you understand which type of health insurance fits your profile, and how to arrange your coverage in time for visa, enrolment and arrival in Germany.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Requirements vary by university, state, and language of instruction, but generally include:
Some students from certain countries may also require an APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) certificate before applying. GAC helps you check whether APS is required for your profile.
Foundation / Studienkolleg
• Completion of secondary school (Grade 11/12 depending on home system).
• Sometimes entrance test and/or interview.
• German or English language test depending on program.
• Motivation letter and CV (for some Studienkollegs).
• Completion of secondary school (Grade 11/12 depending on home system).
• Sometimes entrance test and/or interview.
• German or English language test depending on program.
• Motivation letter and CV (for some Studienkollegs).
Public Universities (Bachelor’s)
• Completed high school + Studienkolleg or equivalent that qualifies for German universities.
• Minimum grades required by the institution.
• German language proof for German-taught courses (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, telc C1 Hochschule) or English test for English-taught programs.
• Sometimes entrance exams / aptitude tests (art, design, music, etc.).
• Completed high school + Studienkolleg or equivalent that qualifies for German universities.
• Minimum grades required by the institution.
• German language proof for German-taught courses (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, telc C1 Hochschule) or English test for English-taught programs.
• Sometimes entrance exams / aptitude tests (art, design, music, etc.).
Public Universities (Master’s)
• Recognized bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Good GPA as required by the program.
• English and/or German language test scores depending on program language.
• CV, statement of purpose (SOP), and academic references (for many programs).
• Recognized bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Good GPA as required by the program.
• English and/or German language test scores depending on program language.
• CV, statement of purpose (SOP), and academic references (for many programs).
Private Universities
• School or bachelor’s qualifications depending on program level.
• English or German language test scores as required.
• CV, SOP/motivation letter, and recommendation letters (often required).
• Sometimes interviews or additional documents for business/management schools.
• School or bachelor’s qualifications depending on program level.
• English or German language test scores as required.
• CV, SOP/motivation letter, and recommendation letters (often required).
• Sometimes interviews or additional documents for business/management schools.
Some students from certain countries may also require an APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) certificate before applying. GAC helps you check whether APS is required for your profile.
English & German Language Tests
IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo
Common for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Common for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs.
TestDaF / DSH / telc C1 Hochschule
Typical exams for German-taught programs at public universities.
Typical exams for German-taught programs at public universities.
Goethe / Other Certificates
Some institutions accept other recognized German certificates for admission.
Some institutions accept other recognized German certificates for admission.
Exact minimum scores depend on each university and program. GAC helps you confirm the language requirements before you apply.
Main Intakes & Application Timeline
Most German universities follow two major intakes:
GAC helps you plan ahead based on your current studies, language preparation, APS (if needed), and visa timelines.
Winter Semester
Starts around September/October – main intake with most programs open.
Starts around September/October – main intake with most programs open.
Summer Semester
Starts around March/April – some programs available, especially at universities of applied sciences.
Starts around March/April – some programs available, especially at universities of applied sciences.
GAC helps you plan ahead based on your current studies, language preparation, APS (if needed), and visa timelines.
Documents Checklist for Germany Applications
Prepare clear, scanned copies of:
Academic & Identity
• Passport (valid for the duration of studies).
• Academic transcripts and certificates (school &/or bachelor’s).
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed).
• Language test certificates (English and/or German).
• APS certificate (if required for your country).
• Passport (valid for the duration of studies).
• Academic transcripts and certificates (school &/or bachelor’s).
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed).
• Language test certificates (English and/or German).
• APS certificate (if required for your country).
Supporting Documents
• CV / résumé.
• Statement of purpose / motivation letter.
• Recommendation letters (for many master’s programs).
• Portfolio (for art, design, architecture, etc., if required).
• CV / résumé.
• Statement of purpose / motivation letter.
• Recommendation letters (for many master’s programs).
• Portfolio (for art, design, architecture, etc., if required).
Financial & Other
• Blocked account confirmation or sponsorship letter (later for visa).
• Any additional financial or embassy-specific forms (if requested).
• Health insurance arrangements (temporary or student health insurance).
• Blocked account confirmation or sponsorship letter (later for visa).
• Any additional financial or embassy-specific forms (if requested).
• Health insurance arrangements (temporary or student health insurance).
Germany Student Visa (National Visa)
After admission, many non-EU students must apply for a National (D) student visa at the German Embassy or Consulate:
1. Receive your admission letter (or conditional offer / Studienkolleg confirmation).
2. Prepare blocked account confirmation, health insurance, and other required documents.
3. Book a visa appointment and submit your application with forms, biometrics, and all documents.
4. If approved, you receive a visa to enter Germany; your residence permit is then issued by the local Foreigners’ Office after arrival.
GAC and its partner agencies can guide you on the general process and document checklist. Final decisions are always made by German embassies and immigration authorities.
1. Receive your admission letter (or conditional offer / Studienkolleg confirmation).
2. Prepare blocked account confirmation, health insurance, and other required documents.
3. Book a visa appointment and submit your application with forms, biometrics, and all documents.
4. If approved, you receive a visa to enter Germany; your residence permit is then issued by the local Foreigners’ Office after arrival.
GAC and its partner agencies can guide you on the general process and document checklist. Final decisions are always made by German embassies and immigration authorities.
Work During and After Studies
• Part-time Work: International students are usually allowed to work up to a limited number of days per year (for example, 120 full days or 240 half days – subject to current rules).
• Internships & Practical Semesters: Many programs include mandatory internships or practical semesters with companies.
• Post-Study Options: After graduation from a recognized German university, students may apply for a residence permit to search for a job in Germany for a limited period (subject to current immigration rules).
These experiences help students build their CV and improve chances in the German and European job market.
• Internships & Practical Semesters: Many programs include mandatory internships or practical semesters with companies.
• Post-Study Options: After graduation from a recognized German university, students may apply for a residence permit to search for a job in Germany for a limited period (subject to current immigration rules).
These experiences help students build their CV and improve chances in the German and European job market.
Benefits of Applying Through Global Admission Connect (GAC)
GAC supports you from the research stage to arrival in Germany:
1. Course & University Matching
Guidance on choosing between Studienkolleg, public universities, universities of applied sciences, and private institutions.
Guidance on choosing between Studienkolleg, public universities, universities of applied sciences, and private institutions.
2. Application & Scholarship Support
Help with forms, Uni-Assist (if applicable), document upload, SOP, and basic scholarship searches.
Help with forms, Uni-Assist (if applicable), document upload, SOP, and basic scholarship searches.
3. Visa & Pre-Departure Guidance
General visa guidance, document checklists, and tips for accommodation, blocked accounts, and arrival in Germany.
General visa guidance, document checklists, and tips for accommodation, blocked accounts, and arrival in Germany.
How to Apply to Study in Germany with GAC
• Register in the GAC Portal – Create your student profile in Global Admission Connect.
• Shortlist Programs & Cities – Select Studienkolleg or direct degree entry, city, and budget.
• Check Academic, Language & APS Requirements – Confirm what is needed for each program.
• Prepare Documents – Use the checklist above to get all documents ready.
• Submit Applications – Apply through GAC to partner institutions and/or via Uni-Assist where required.
• Receive Offers – Accept your offer and follow university instructions for enrolment.
• Arrange Blocked Account & Visa – Prepare your blocked account, health insurance, and apply for your student visa.
• Travel to Germany – Attend orientation, register with authorities, and start your program.
GAC supports you at each step, from course selection to pre-departure preparation.
• Shortlist Programs & Cities – Select Studienkolleg or direct degree entry, city, and budget.
• Check Academic, Language & APS Requirements – Confirm what is needed for each program.
• Prepare Documents – Use the checklist above to get all documents ready.
• Submit Applications – Apply through GAC to partner institutions and/or via Uni-Assist where required.
• Receive Offers – Accept your offer and follow university instructions for enrolment.
• Arrange Blocked Account & Visa – Prepare your blocked account, health insurance, and apply for your student visa.
• Travel to Germany – Attend orientation, register with authorities, and start your program.
GAC supports you at each step, from course selection to pre-departure preparation.
After You Arrive in Germany – First Steps
In your first weeks, you should:
• Register your address at the local registration office (Bürgeramt).
• Visit the university’s international office and complete enrolment.
• Apply for or collect your residence permit at the Foreigners’ Office.
• Finalize your health insurance and bank account (if not already opened).
• Attend orientation, meet your academic advisor, and choose courses.
• Learn basic German phrases and understand student work regulations.
GAC and partner agencies can stay in touch to support your transition to life and study in Germany.
• Register your address at the local registration office (Bürgeramt).
• Visit the university’s international office and complete enrolment.
• Apply for or collect your residence permit at the Foreigners’ Office.
• Finalize your health insurance and bank account (if not already opened).
• Attend orientation, meet your academic advisor, and choose courses.
• Learn basic German phrases and understand student work regulations.
GAC and partner agencies can stay in touch to support your transition to life and study in Germany.