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Meta title: Studying in Germany for international applicants | StudyU
Meta description: 🇩🇪 Higher education in Germany for international students: 3 universities, tuition, requirements and deadlines. University selection and admission help.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-04

# 🇩🇪 Studying in Germany for international applicants

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Contents

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## Higher education in Germany at a glance {#c1}

Technical University of Munich (TUM) - Munich

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 {#c2}

- Public universities are often tuition-free - you pay only a semester fee (€150-350).
- 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.

## Study budget {#c3}

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) - Munich

At most public universities you pay only a semester fee (€150-350), which includes a student travel pass and administrative costs - tuition itself is free. The exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students pay around €1,500 per semester. Private universities charge tuition.

The main expense in Germany is accommodation. In a consultation we'll help you plan your budget and choose a university for your field.

## The way in {#c4}

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. Blocked account. For the visa you deposit roughly €11-12k for a year of living costs.
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](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-where-is-it-easiest-to-study-abroad).

## Master's degrees in Germany

The smoothest German track: bachelor diplomas are accepted directly, English-taught programs abound, and public tuition stays near zero - just the €150-400 semester fee, transit pass usually included. The DAAD scholarship genuinely covers living costs, paid monthly.

## What studying in Germany costs

| Expense | Budget for |
| --- | --- |
| Public universities | €0 tuition + €150-400 semester fee |
| Studienkolleg | free or moderate, by state |
| Blocked account (visa) | about €11-12k per year |
| Living | €850-1,200 / month; Munich higher, the east cheaper |

## FAQ {#c-faq}

### Is it true you can study for free in Germany?

At most public universities, tuition itself is free - you pay only a semester fee of €150-350. The exception is Baden-Württemberg, which charges non-EU students. Private universities charge tuition.

### Do you need to know German?

For German-taught programs - yes (TestDaF/DSH). But many master's and some bachelor's programs are in English, in which case IELTS/TOEFL is required.

### Is a preparatory year required?

Often yes - CIS school graduates may need a Studienkolleg or one year of university at home for their diploma to be recognized. We'll advise on your case.

### Can you work while studying?

Yes, students are allowed to work part-time, and after graduation you get time to look for a job in Germany.

### Is German university education really free?

At public universities yes - only a €150-400 semester fee, usually with a transit pass. Private universities charge tuition.

### What is a blocked account?

The visa's financial guarantee: roughly €11-12k deposited for a year of living, released in monthly portions.

### Do I need German?

For bachelor's almost always (B2-C1, TestDaF or DSH). Master's programs offer plenty of English-taught options with IELTS/TOEFL.

Thinking about studying in Germany?

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## Universities in Germany we help you get into

Each comes with a full guide - faculties, prices and requirements. The list will keep growing.

### Technical University of Munich (TUM)

### Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

### RWTH Aachen University

## Get a free consultation

Talk to a real consultant - we'll explain admission to Germany and match a program to you.

- Program selection and admission preparation
- Help with scholarships and university discounts
- Documents, translations and student visa
- A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment

Write to us

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