Study in Germany: Universities, Courses, Visa & Scholarships

Germany is one of the top study abroad destinations among international students. The high education standards, research and development infrastructure, and wide range of universities make Germany one of the top choices for studying abroad. The country has over 380 top-ranked universities with over 20,000+ study courses and programs. Studying in Germany can give you access to top-grade infrastructure, with plenty of study opportunities for students looking to study in Germany.

International students who want to study in Germany for more than 90 days must apply for a German student visa. The process of obtaining a German student visa is straightforward and has a success rate of 90-95%.

Y-Axis is one of the top study abroad consultants, with 26 years of experience assisting students in their study abroad journey. With the help of expert study consultants at Y-Axis, you can gain admission to some of the best German universities.

Why Study in Germany?

• Over 380 high-ranking university options 
• 350,000+ German student visa applications issued every year
• 20,000+ courses and programs to choose from
• Grants over 1000 scholarships annually for international students
• Earn an average starting salary of €44,000
• Boasts a graduate employment rate of 91.5%

German student visa

International students pursuing their studies in Germany and studying abroad for over 90 days must apply for a German student visa. Getting a German student visa is streamlined and comparatively straightforward if all the requirements are met. The success rate for a German student visa is around 95%, with high approval rates.

Types of Germany Student Visa

The different types of German student visas are as follows:

• Germany Student Visa: The German student visa is for students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Germany. You must have a verified acceptance letter from a recognized German university to be eligible.
• Germany Student Applicant Visa: The German student applicant visa is for international students who want to study in Germany but have not yet received a letter of acceptance. It boosts your chances of arriving in the country on time. 
• German Language Course Visa: This visa is for international students who want to pursue German language courses in the country.

Requirements for Germany Study Visa

You must fulfill the below requirements to apply for a German study visa:

• A valid and original passport
• Student visa application form
• 3 copies of the latest passport-sized photographs
• Letter of Acceptance from a German university
• Proof of English language proficiency score, preferably 6.0 in IELTS and 550 in TOEFL
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of funds worth €11,208 to cover your stay in Germany
• Statement of Purpose stating your purpose of studying in Germany
• Proof of medical insurance worth €30,000
• Fee payment receipt
• Updated CV

Steps to apply for a German Student Visa

You can follow the below steps to apply for a German student visa:

Step 1: Receive a letter of acceptance from a German university

Step 2: Gather the requirements for a German student visa

Step 3: Apply for a German student visa

Step 4: Schedule an interview at the nearest German consulate

Step 5: Attend the visa interview

Step 6: Complete the student visa fee payment

Step 7: Await the visa status

Germany Student Visa Processing Time

The average processing time for a German student visa is around 6-8 weeks. The student is advised to apply in advance, which may take up to a few weeks. You can start the application process immediately after getting your university acceptance letter.

Germany Student Visa Fees

The German student visa fee is around €90 for adults and €45 for students under 18. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable.

Note: Students who acquire a scholarship from a German university are exempt from paying the student visa application fees.

Germany Student Visa Validity

Once issued, a German student visa is valid for up to 3 months, during which the student can enter the country and apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is generally valid for the duration of your study program, typically for 1-2 years, and may be extended if required.

Top Universities in Germany

Germany is known for offering quality education, with 400+ universities offering various study courses and academic programs. Most German universities are ranked highly internationally, attracting more students to study there.  

One advantage of studying in Germany is the low-cost and affordable tuition fees offered by public universities. The affordable living costs and the high standards make Germany a great choice for international students. Those looking to pursue advanced academic programs can enroll in German universities offering high-quality research options.

Most of the study courses in German universities are taught in English, making it more accessible for international students.

Top 10 QS Ranking Universities in Germany

The table below has the list of the top 10 high-ranking German universities for international students:

Name of the University	QS Ranking	Administrative Fees for International Students (per semester)
Technical University of Munich	37	€ 129.40
Heidelberg University	87	€ 160
Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich	54	€ 129.40
Freie University of Berlin	98	€ 168
Humboldt University of Berlin	120	€ 312.50
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology	119	€ 168
Technical University of Berlin	154	€ 168
RWTH Aachen University	106	€ 261.50
University of Freiburg	192	€ 168
Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen	213	€ 162.50

 

Public vs. Private Universities in Germany

The table below highlights the key factors between public and private German universities: 

Factor	Public Universities	Private Universities
Funding	Government-funded	Funded by tuition fees and donations
Tuition Fees	Affordable	Comparatively expensive
Admission Requirements	High competition, stringent admission criteria	Easier admissions with lesser restrictions
Examples of universities	Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, University of Bonn	Constructor University, Munich Business School, Hertie School

Top Courses to Study in Germany

German universities, both public and private, offer over 17,432 study courses or programs. Engineering, Humanities and Art, Social Sciences, Business Management, etc., are some of the top courses to study in Germany. The study programs in Germany are curated according to the German job market and international standards.

Name of the Programme	Annual Tuition Fee	Duration	Top Universities
Engineering	€ 10,000	3 - 4 years	University of Munich, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Technical University of Berlin
Business Management	€8,000 - €50,000	1 – 2 years	Mannheim Business School, EBS Business School, TUM Business School
Humanities and Art	€300 – 500 per semester	3 years	University of Berlin, University of Hamburg, University of Cologne, Heidelberg University
Computer Science and IT	€10,000 - €40,000	2 years	Technical University of Munich, Technical University of Berlin
Social Sciences	€10,000 - €20,000	2 – 3 years	Humboldt University of Berlin, Technical University of Berlin
Law	€8,000 - €18,000	1 - 3 years	Wismar University of Applied Sciences, University of Leipzig, Saarland University
Natural Sciences	€5,000 - €20,000	2 – 3 years	University of Düsseldorf, University of Freiburg, University of Münster, Technical University Dresden
MBBS	€100 - €10,000	6 years	Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich, Hannover Medical School, University of Hamburg

Select the Right Course to Study in Germany

It is very important to select the right course before starting your study abroad journey in Germany. The right course can give you the skills and expertise to flourish in your career. While selecting a study course, you must choose a program that aligns with your qualifications, skills, and interests.

Below are some tips you can follow before selecting the right course for studying in Germany:

• Conduct thorough research about the study program, affordability, location, and program offerings.
• German language proficiency is not mandatory but may be helpful while studying in Germany.
• Explore if there are any scholarships or financial support you can get to support your education in Germany.

Tuition Fees at German Universities

The public universities in Germany offer zero tuition fees for international students but charge a nominal enrolment fee for each semester, which may range from €250 to €350.

The table below has details of the annual tuition fees for public and private universities in Germany:

University Name	Annual Tuition Fee
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich	€ 300
Technical University of Munich	€ 258
Humboldt University Berlin	€ 685
Technical University of Berlin	€ 308
Free University of Berlin	€ 311
RWTH Aachen University	€ 1,095
University of Applied Sciences Europe	€ 1,400
GISMA Business School	€ 20,000
SRH Hochschule Berlin	€ 10,000
Code University of Applied Sciences	€ 9,800
Munich Business School	€ 24,000
EBC Hochschule	€ 10,000

What's the Admission Process and Timeline for Germany?

Germany is one of the most preferred study abroad destinations. You must be well aware of the eligibility criteria and requirements to get admitted into German universities. 

Documents Required For Admission

Given below are the admission criteria and documents required for admission to universities in Germany:

• An original and valid passport
• Visa application form
• Educational credentials
• Language proficiency scores (TestDaF and DSH)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Updated CV
• Proof of bank statements

IELTS requirements to study in Germany

Most German universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6 or higher.

The table below has the list of German universities along with the required IELTS scores:

Name of the University	Required IELTS Scores
Technical University of Munich	6.5
University of Cologne	6
University of ULM	6.5
Ludwig Maximilians University	5.5
Heidelberg University	6.5
Humboldt University of Berlin	6.5

Cost of Studying in Germany

Germany is one of the most affordable destinations for international students. The cost of studying in Germany is comparatively lower than in other countries. The cost of living in Germany includes administrative costs, tuition fees, and other living expenses. It is also important to consider the minimum funds required to study in Germany. The cost of studying in German private universities may be high, ranging from €10,000 - €20,000 depending on the type of course and the study program.

Cost of Studying in Germany: Course, Tuition

Courses like Bachelor’s and Master's degrees are budget-friendly at private universities in Germany, while medical courses and MBAs can be expensive. The exact cost depends on the type of university in Germany.

The table below has the study programs along with the tuition fees:

Course	Annual Tuition Fees
Vocational or Diploma Courses	€ 300
Bachelor’s courses	€ 30,000
Master’s course	€ 40,000
PhD	€ 3,000

Scholarships to Study in Germany

Every year, around 350,000 students fly to Germany to pursue their education. While most students find the tuition fee affordable, they however find the financial costs expensive in Germany, which may go up to €1200 per month.

However, some universities offer scholarships for international students that can help cover their living expenses in the country.

Government scholarships in Germany

The German government offers scholarships to merit students, which can be used to manage living costs and other financial burdens. 

Some of the government-sponsored scholarships to study in Germany are as follows:

Name of the Scholarship	Amount Offered	Eligibility Criteria	Deadline
DAAD Scholarship	€850 - €1200	Must have excellent academic record	July 31, 2024
Deutschland Stipendium	€ 300	National and International students are eligible	June 30, 2025
Erasmus Scholarship Programs	€ 350	All international students are eligible	January 15, 2025 (Tentative)

Non - Government scholarships in Germany

The non-government scholarships are funded by private institutions and are not government-backed.

The table below has the list of non-government scholarships in Germany:

Name of the Scholarship	Amount Offered	Eligibility Criteria	Deadline
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship	€850 - €1200	Must have good academic record	April 30, 2025
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship	€ 300	All PG & PhD students under 30 with excellent academic record are eligible	September 21, 2024
Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship	€10,200 - €12,000 + allowance	All PG & PhD students admitted to a German university	September 2, 2024 – March 1, 2025
Bayer Foundation Awards	€ 30,000	Must have good academic record	May 6, 2024
Mawista Scholarship	€ 500	For applicants planning to study in Germany with a child	January 15, 2024
Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) for developing countries	€ 15,000	International students planning to pursue PhD in Germany	September 11, 2024

Steps to Apply for Scholarships

You can follow the below steps to apply for scholarships in Germany:

Step 1: Find a scholarship that suits your preferences and eligibility

Step 2: Arrange the documents as per the checklist

Step 3: Apply for the scholarship

Step 4: Await the visa status

Intakes in Germany & Academic Calendar

Germany offers top study programs, including engineering, technology, science, STEM, and more, making it one of the top choices among international students looking to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree courses.

German universities generally have two major intakes:

• Summer Intake in Germany (April – September): The summer intakes in Germany start in April and end in July or August. This intake is ideal for those who have missed the winter intake. Fewer students apply to this intake, leading to better interaction between students.
• Winter intake in Germany (October - March): This is considered the primary intake in Germany, with more seats available. It starts in September/October and February/March. The winter intake offers a broader range of degree programs, giving students a wider range of choices. Students who wish to pursue their Master's in Germany can choose to apply for the winter intake.
   

Education Loans for Studying in Germany

Germany is one of the best countries to study overseas, with affordable tuition fees and living costs. However, some students may still find it challenging to manage their living expenses.

Scholarships, student grants, and education loans are ways to manage expenses in Germany easily. An education loan can be a great aid for international students.
 

Eligibility Criteria to Avail an Education Loan

To be eligible for an education loan, you must meet the following criteria:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must receive an acceptance from a recognized and established German universities
• Must be enrolled in a course that is job-oriented as assurance that they can clear their education loan
• Must have funds worth €8,640 per annum credited to your bank account included as an education loan

Documents required for an Education Loan

The list of documents required while applying for an education loan is as follows:

• LOA (Letter of Acceptance) from the German universities
• A filled application form for an education loan
• Academic credentials (mark sheets, certificates, etc.)
• Proof of identity
• Proof of income of the guarantor

Where to Get Education Loans to Study in Germany?

You can obtain an education loan via the Canada student loan program or other private and international loan lenders. As an international student, you can also avail of the BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, or the Federal Training Assistance Act), which offers student education loans at zero interest. You will, however, be required to meet the eligibility criteria to avail yourself of BAföG.

Eligibility Criteria for BAföG

To be eligible to avail of BAföG, international students must at least meet one of the below criteria:

• Resided in Germany for a minimum of two years
• Have at least one of the parents with EU or German nationality.
• Have a spouse with EU or German nationality.
• Have at least one of the parents residing in Germany for a minimum of 6 years and have been employed in Germany for a minimum of 3 years.
• Have sufficient funds to manage your stay in Germany.
   

Work Opportunities after Graduation

Germany has a low unemployment rate, competitive salaries, employee-friendly policies, and other benefits. It is much easier to secure a job in Germany as an international student if you have completed your education there. After graduation, international students can get up to 18 months to look for a job in Germany. However, students wishing to return to their country will be granted 6 months to look for jobs. Germany is also one of the leading European countries for research and development, with plenty of job projects.

The work culture in Germany is healthy, promoting work-life balance and productivity. The standard working hours in Germany are 35 hours per week and 8 hours per day.

The table below lists in-demand jobs in Germany for international workers.

Job Field	Average Salary	Top Hiring Companies
IT	€45,000 - €60,000	Siemens, SAP, BMW
Engineering	€50,000 - €70,000	Bosch, Daimler, VW
Business and Finance	€55,000 - €80,000	Allianz, Deutsche Bank
Healthcare	€45,000 - €65,000	Bayer, Fresenius
Research and Development	€50,000 - €75,000	Max Planck, Fraunhofer
Education	€35,000 - €50,000	Various universities and schools
Arts and Culture	€30,000 - €45,000	Various cultural institutions
Logistics	€40,000 - €55,000	DHL, Deutsche Bahn
Energy	€50,000 - €75,000	E.ON, RWE
Biotechnology	€45,000 - €70,000	Bayer, BASF

 

Post-Study Work Permit in Germany 

A post-study work permit is for international students who have completed their education in Germany. International graduates can apply for an extended 18-month post-study work permit or a temporary residence permit to look for employment opportunities in Germany. The 18 months will be counted starting from the time the student completed his study program in Germany. International student graduates can apply for any type of job and gain quality work experience without any limitations. The average processing time for a German Post Study Work visa may take around 1-3 months.

Eligibility Criteria for a Post-study work permit in Germany

International students must meet the following criteria to get a post-study work permit in Germany:

• Completed a degree study program at a well-repute and recognized German university
• Submit evidence of accommodation in Germany (hotel reservation or rental agreements)
• German language proficiency through tests like TestDaF or DSH.
• Identity proof
• Valid passport
• Medical insurance worth EUR 30,000
• Proof of funds worth a minimum of EUR 934 per month for your stay in Germany

Documents required for a Post-study work permit in Germany

The list of documents required for a post-study work permit in Germany is as follows:

• German Post study work visa application form
• Copies of the latest passport-sized photographs
• An original passport visa with a minimum validity of 6 months  
• Proof of residence in Germany
• Employment contract in Germany
• An updated CV
• Clear criminal record

Steps to Apply for a Post Study Work Visa

You can follow the below steps to apply for a German Post study work visa:

Step 1: Get a job offer from a German employer

Step 2: Arrange the required documents

Step 3: Fill out the visa application form

Step 4: Pay the visa application fee

Step 5: Submit the application with the documents

Step 6: Attend the visa interview

Step 7: Wait for the visa status

Cost of living in Germany

To manage your cost of living in Germany, which generally includes accommodation, transportation, utilities, food, etc., you will require at least EUR 1000 per month.

• Accommodation: The accommodation costs generally depend on the German city and the type of accommodation you are looking for. The lowest housing pricing in Germany for international students may range from €450 - €550, while the expensive ones could cost around €900 - €1200.
• Food: The average monthly expenses for food or groceries in Germany for international students may range from EUR 50 to EUR 75.
• Transportation: Germany's facilities are well-built and have advanced infrastructure and connectivity. International students can take buses, trams, or trains, with transportation costs ranging from EUR 3 to EUR 30.

The table below has complete details of the cost of living in the top 5 cities in Germany:

Category	Erfurt	Hamburg	Munich	Berlin	Leipzig
Accommodation	€300 - €400	€750 - €1000	€450 - €800	€350 - €700	€350 - €500
Food	€150 - €200	€200 - €300	€200 - €400	€150 - €350	€180 - €250
Transportation	€ 49	€ 80	€50 - €120	€60 - €100	€50 - €70
Other expenses	€100 - €200	€200 - €300	€100 - €300	€100 - €300	€150 - €200

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Germany

Germany ranks among the top 10 countries for international students. The average cost of living in Germany for international students ranges from around EUR 800 to EUR 1,200 per month. To manage their living costs, international students can also take up part-time work. Nearly 75% of international students are working part-time in Germany.

Working part-time will benefit the student financially and help them grow in experience, adding credibility to their resumes. The minimum wage in Germany per hour is EUR 12-13.

Rules and Regulations for Part-Time Work for International Students

• International students must only work for 140 full days or 280 half days per annum.
• They must not try out freelancing or be self-employed.
• Students who wish to work for extra hours will require permission from the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ registration office) or the local employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit)
• International students pursuing language courses can only work during recess if they have approval from the immigration office or the Federal Employment Agency.

Tips to Manage Part-Time Work in Germany While Studying

• Plan your studies and work timings accordingly
• Maintain honesty and transparency with your employer
• Select part-time jobs that have less working hours so you can focus more on studying
• Focus on your health and nutrition while allowing yourself to rest well
• Expand your connections and network through part-time work

Job	Expected Salary
Student Assistant	€10 - €17 per hour
Tutor	€12 - €15 per hour
Courier / Delivery Services	€9 - €12 per hour
Waiting Tables	€7 - €10 per hour
Office Assistant	€12 per hour
Industrial Production Assistant	€12 per hour
Salesperson (Shopping Assistance)	€9 - €10 per hour
Babysitting	€10 - €15 per hour
Call Centre Operator	€15 per hour
Field Interviewer	€18 - €20 per hour

How to get Permanent Residency in Germany?

Germany offers many pathways for international students looking to settle permanently there. The permanent residence permit is one of the most important documents for getting permanent residency in Germany. With a permanent residence permit or settlement permit, non-EU nationals can live and work in the country indefinitely. The average cost of applying for permanent residency in Germany may range from EUR 115 to EUR 150.

Eligibility Criteria to get PR in Germany

To be eligible for permanent residency in Germany, you must meet the following criteria:

• Sufficient funds to support yourself and your family
• Must have had statutory pension insurance fund while working in Germany
• The employment in Germany must align with your qualifications
• Must have a B1 level of German language proficiency
   

German Education System

The education system in Germany is particularly distinct compared to other countries.  The country has both public and private universities, while the public universities are government-backed and private universities that are state accredited. The private universities in Germany provide high-quality education, offering plenty of career prospects for international students.

Germany offers over 20,000 study programs and 400 accredited university options. Most German universities teach courses in English, making it easy for international students. Germany is one of the best countries to pursue an overseas education.

Structure of Higher Education in Germany

Below is a detailed breakdown of the higher education structure in Germany:

• Academic Universities (Universitäten): Are mainly focused on research and academic-based training, offering Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees.
• Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen): Mainly focus on practical hands-on training through internships. They offer Bachelor's and Master’s degree courses in Media, engineering, economics, etc.; however, they do not include programs related to law or medicine.
• Universities of Art, Film, and Music: Are mainly focused on artistic filed such as music, art, and designing. You will be required to have a portfolio and give an entrance exam.
• Academic Year Structure: Majorly has two semesters:

1. Winter (October to March)
2. Summer (April to September)
    

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Canada. Our team of visa experts is here to provide you with step-by-step assistance with German immigration and help you make an informed decision. Our impeccable services include:

• Y-Axis Coaching Services to help you ace language proficiency tests
• Free Career counseling to help you choose the best career path
• Y-Axis Job Search Services to find relevant jobs in German
• Campus Ready Program to help you with an ideal course for yourself
• Y-Path will guide you towards a suitable career of your choice.
• Y-Axis Resume Writing Services to help you keep your resume up-to-date
• Personalized assistance with German Immigration