Study in Germany

Most public universities charge no tuition, which makes the total cost of a degree here lower than almost anywhere. The trade is bureaucracy, a blocked account before you arrive, and German becoming necessary the moment you look for work.

Language

German, English on many courses

Currency

EUR (€)

Capital

Berlin

International students

400,000

• Bachelor's: 3 years
• Master's: 2 years
• Grading: 1.0 best to 4.0 pass

Universities of Applied Sciences are more practical and more employable than the name suggests, and often easier to enter. Two exceptions to free tuition: Baden-Württemberg charges students from outside the EU €1,500 a semester, and TUM in Munich has charged its own fees since 2024.

Universities we place students in

What our students study here

Accommodation

€350 to 750

Food and groceries

€200 to 300

Transport

€0 to 60

Insurance, phone, misc

€170 to 260

The blocked account needs roughly €11,900 deposited before the visa, the single largest upfront cost. Most semester fees include a regional transport ticket, so check yours before buying one.

What students usually do

• Working student roles
• Research assistant
• Logistics
• Hospitality

A Werkstudent role in your field pays well and counts as relevant experience. These are the jobs worth chasing over cafe shifts.

Plan your budget as though you will earn nothing in the first two months. Finding a job takes longer than anyone expects, and a visa officer will not accept part-time income as proof of funds either.

When to start

Work backwards from the intake month. Applications close roughly three months before, and the visa takes another six to twelve weeks after that. For a October intake, the sensible starting point is about six months earlier.