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Studying in Germany

Tuition, living costs, visas and how to apply, from the European Commission's official profile — with student numbers from Eurostat and the Erasmus Mundus master's you can take here.

🇩🇪 Browse Germany’s universities on CollegeMatcher

At a glance

Tuition · EU/EEA students

No tuition at most state universities for bachelor's and many master's courses

Tuition · non-EU/EEA students

The profile draws no nationality distinction at state universities

Fees — more detail

Some states charge for a second degree or for taking too long to finish. Some master's and online programmes charge high fees, sometimes over €10,000 a semester, as do private universities.

Living costs

€1,150 a month on average

Erasmus Mundus master's

72 joint programmes with a university here

Students in Germany

Tertiary students · 2024

3,272,087

From abroad · 2024

438,26013.4% of all students

Of whom from the EU · 2024

89,25620.4% of students from abroad

Largest countries of origin: India (49,243), China (36,655), Türkiye (19,980), Austria (18,661), Iran (15,174).

“From abroad” means degree-mobile students — enrolled for a whole degree, having gained their previous qualification in another country. Exchange students on Erasmus aren't counted.

Tertiary students by year
2012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
2,939,4632,780,0132,912,2032,977,7813,043,0843,091,6943,127,9273,296,2493,280,0333,351,5733,362,7393,336,1193,272,087

Tuition fees and living costs

Most state universities in Germany don't charge tuition fees for Bachelor's and many Master's courses. Some states charge fees for a second degree or if you take too long to finish your studies.

Some Master's and online programmes in Germany charge high tuition fees, sometimes over €10 000 per semester. Private universities also charge high fees. However, free programmes are also of very good quality.

Students spend an average of €1 150 a month on living costs. For more specific details about what housing, food and transportation costs in Germany, get a breakdown of cost when studying.

Visas and permits

If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you need a visa to study in Germany. You must apply for this before arriving.

There are two main types of visas:

  • Prospective Student Visa for those who have not yet received admission, valid for three months and extendable up to six months
  • Student Visa for those who have received admission

More on visa requirements in Germany

Education system

The German system includes the following different types of higher education institutions:

  • Research universities – focus on academic education and scientific research
  • Universities of applied sciences – emphasise practical training and professional skills
  • Schools of art, film and music – specialised schools that focus on creative subjects

Degree options

  • Bachelor’s degree (3 – 4 years)
  • Master’s degree (1 – 2 years)
  • State Examinations (varies by field, but often takes 4 - 6 years)
  • Doctorate (3 - 5 years)
  • Diplom and Magister Artium (4 - 6 years)

There are also exchange and short-term study opportunities, including Erasmus+ and summer schools.

Get to know the German higher education system

Application procedures

How you apply depend on the institution and programme. Key steps you should prepare for include:

  1. Researching admission requirements
    • Determine if your desired programme has admission restrictions (numerus clausus)
    • Check specific requirements based on your country of origin and the university
  2. Preparing necessary documents Gather certified copies of your university entrance qualification, transcripts, previous university certificates, passport photo, passport copy, and language certificates
  3. Finding out about the application method At the international office of your university or college, you can find out how the application process works. There are three different institutions that are responsible for applications: the University Admissions Foundation , (Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung ), the Work and Service Centre for International Study Applications (Arbeits- und Servicestelle für Internationale Studienbewerbungen (uni-assist) and the higher education institution itself.
  4. Submitting your application Pay any applicable fees (e.g. uni-assist charges €75 for the first application and €15 for each additional application)
  5. Adhere to deadlines
    • Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline
    • Contact the higher education institution’s international office early to handle any missing documents

Scholarship opportunities

There are several ways to pay for your studies in Germany. The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) offers scholarship programmes for German and foreign undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as researchers. Note that the selection process is very strict. It's rare to receive funding for your whole study programme, and most scholarships are not awarded to students who are just starting out.

Search for scholarships on the DAAD database

Student life

Student life in Germany is lively and diverse, with a strong sense of community among international students. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to join in cultural activities, explore Germany’s rich history, and find social events.

Higher education institutions offer extensive support services for students, including help with accommodation and legal matters.

Meet the international student community

Frequently asked questions

Are programmes taught in English?

Yes, many programmes are fully taught in English. Go to a complete overview of the international programmes in Germany.

Can I work while studying in Germany?

Yes, you can work as an international student in Germany. The specifications for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students are as follows.

EU/EEA students can work without special permission. However, if you are an EU/EEA student who wishes to work more than 20 hours per week during the semester, you are required to make insurance contributions.

As a non-EU/EEA student, you can work in Germany with the following conditions: 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week. You need special permission from the employment agency and the immigration office to work more. Self-employment is not allowed.

Is health insurance required?

Yes, health insurance is required for international students in Germany. You must present proof of health insurance when you enrol at a higher education institution and apply for a residence permit. Depending on your home country, your existing health insurance may be valid in Germany, or you may need to obtain German health insurance.

More information on health insurance in Germany

How can I find housing?

Start your search early. Your higher education institution’s international office can help. Consider dormitories for affordable options or private accommodation such as shared flats. Be cautious of scams and avoid paying before seeing the apartment.

More help with finding accommodation in Germany

Source: Study in Germany – higher education, costs and applying, last updated 19 June 2025.

Erasmus Mundus master's with a university in Germany

Joint master's taught by several universities in different countries, open to students from anywhere, with EU-funded scholarships on many of them.

Country guidance adapted from the European Commission’s Study in Europe country profiles, © European Union, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Condensed, restructured and combined with other data by CollegeMatcher.

Student numbers: Eurostat, tables educ_uoe_enrt01 (tertiary enrolment) and educ_uoe_mobs02 (degree-mobile students from abroad).

Programmes: the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA); partner institutions from the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform. © European Union, CC BY 4.0.

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