Want to study in Germany? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know.

You can earn a world-class degree in the heart of Europe without speaking a word of German on your first day!

Wouldn’t it be nice to graduate from a top-tier university with little to no student debt? For many students, Germany is the ultimate “hidden gem” of international education. While the country is famous for its engineering and precision, it has also become a global hub for English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

At Global College Advisers, we specialize in helping you navigate these international waters. If you’re dreaming of a European adventure but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place!

Here are the 10 essential things you need to know before you pack your bags for Deutschland.

1. Did You Know There Are Over 300 English Bachelor’s Programs at German Universities?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be fluent in German to start your undergraduate journey. According to the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), their My GUIDE portal, and the Higher Education Compass (Hochschulkompass) – the official German higher education database listing over 20,000 degree programs – there are now hundreds of English-taught Bachelor’s programs available across Germany!

Whether you are interested in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, or Digital Media, you can find a program that fits your goals. This makes Germany one of the most accessible non-English speaking countries for international students.

2. Can You Really Study for Free in Germany?

Yes, it’s true! Most public universities in Germany are tuition-free. You only pay a small “semester fee” (Semesterbeitrag) of roughly €100 to €400, which often covers a public transit pass for the entire region.

But, pay close attention to the exceptions:

• Baden-Württemberg: This state (home to cities like Stuttgart and Heidelberg) charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester.
• Bavaria: Some universities recently started introducing various tuition fees. The well-known Technical University of Munich (TUM), for example, now charges tuition fees of €2,000 to €6,000 per semester for non-EU/EEA international students. 

Even with these fees, the cost remains a fraction of what you would pay for a similar degree in the USA or UK!

3. When Are the Application Deadlines for German Universities?

Timing is everything! Unlike US colleges, where you apply almost a year in advance, German public universities open their applications much later — typically around May or June for the winter (fall) semester that starts in October. The general deadline is July 15 for the winter semester and January 15 for the summer semester (see DAAD.)

Important: Winter semester (starting October) is the main intake. Most Bachelor’s programs begin in the winter semester, so don’t count on the summer semester as a backup strategy — many programs simply don’t offer summer entry.

What about Numerus Clausus (NC)?

NC simply means a program has more applicants than places — and it’s not just for medicine! Many popular subjects like Business, Economics, Computer Science, and Data Science have NC restrictions at certain universities, especially in big cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. In terms of deadlines, you will need to check your prorgam. Nationwide NC’s have earlier deadlines, however for local NC programs check your program at the respective university.

There are two types of NC:

• Nationwide NC: Only applies to Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine — these go through a centralized process via Hochschulstart.de. But here’s the key: you can’t study these subjects in English at a German public university anyway.
• Local NC (Örtlicher NC): Set by individual universities, often for specific programs like Business, Economics, CS, and other popular fields. Depending on the university, you’ll apply through uni-assist or directly to the university, or may also apply through Hochschulstart.

About 30% of bachelor’s programs in Germany have some form of NC (source: CHE Hochschulkompass), so do your research!

Before applying, do your homework! Check if your high school diploma qualifies you for German university admission. Use the DAAD’s My GUIDE portal or the Higher Education Compass (Hochschulkompass) to research programs and run an eligibility check, and consult the anabin database (German only, but worth checking) to see if your qualifications are recognized. German universities are very specific about entry requirements, so plan ahead!

4. How Do You Actually Apply to a German University?

There isn’t a single “Common App” for Germany, but there is something close: uni-assist. Many universities use this centralized portal to evaluate international certificates.

• Step 1: Check if your university requires uni-assist.
• Step 2: If not, you will apply directly to the university through their own portal.
• Step 3: Ensure your high school diploma is recognized as an Abitur equivalent.

If your diploma isn’t recognized, don’t worry! You may attend a Studienkolleg (preparatory course) for one year to get up to speed. (Learn more about Studienkolleg with our YouTube Shorts)

5. What English Scores Do You Need?

Since your classes will be in English, you must prove your proficiency. Most universities follow these standards:

• IELTS Academic: A score of 6.0 to 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT: A score of 79 to 90.

Make sure you take your test early so your results are ready by application time! You can find more details on current requirements through the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).

6. Can You Stay and Work After Graduation from a German University?

Germany wants you to stay! After you finish your degree, you can apply for an 18-month post-study work visa (often called a job seeker residence permit).

This gives you a year and a half to find a job that matches your qualification. Once you find a role, you can transition into a work permit or the EU Blue Card. Visit Make it in Germany for the official legal guidelines.

7. How Much Money Do You Need to Show as an International Student?

To get your student visa, the German government requires you to prove you can support yourself. You usually do this through a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto).

For 2026, the required amount is ~€11,904 per year. This money is “blocked” in an account, and the bank releases a set amount to you each month (about €992) for your living expenses.

8. Are There Scholarships for Undergrads?

While tuition is free at most public universities, scholarships can help with living costs!

• DAAD Scholarships: These are incredible but are primarily targeted at Master’s and PhD students.
• Deutschlandstipendium: This is a great option for high-achieving undergraduates. It provides €300 per month and is awarded based on merit and social commitment.

Apply for these as soon as you receive your admission letter!

9. Can You Work While You Study in Germany?

You can absolutely work to help cover your costs! International students are permitted to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year.

Many students find “Working Student” (Werkstudent) positions in their field of study, which looks great on a resume and pays better than typical retail jobs. It’s a fantastic way to gain professional experience while you learn!

10. Do You Need to Speak German?

Wait: I thought the program was in English? It is! But while your textbooks are in English, your grocery store and neighbors will speak German.

Learning basic German (A1-A2 level) is highly recommended for daily life and making local friends. Many universities offer free German courses for international students. Take advantage of these! It will make your experience much richer and help you land those competitive local internships.

Ready to Start Your German Journey?

Navigating international applications can feel like a puzzle, but you don’t have to do it alone! Whether you’re building your college list or tackling the complexities of uni-assist, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Watch our Study in Germany short video series to get answers to many more questions.

Schedule a consultation with us today, and let’s turn your dream of studying in Germany into a reality! Click here to Contact Global College Advisers.

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