Studying in Germany: Application Guide

Germany has emerged as one of the top destinations for international students, providing high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and numerous career opportunities. If you are considering studying abroad, this comprehensive guide, prepared by Globstudy Team, will help you understand the essential aspects of pursuing higher education in Germany.

Why Study in Germany?

Germany is a preferred choice for international students due to the following reasons:

1. World-Class Education: German universities are known for their rigorous academic standards and strong research focus. Many institutions rank among the best globally, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education recognized worldwide.

2. Affordable or Free Tuition Fees: Most public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees, making higher education accessible to international students. Private universities, however, charge tuition fees ranging from €3,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the program and institution. This makes Germany an excellent choice for students who seek quality education at a reasonable cost.

3. Wide Range of Study Programs: Germany offers over 21,000-degree programs in various fields, including science, engineering, business, humanities, and arts. Many of these programs are available in English (usually at Master's level), making it easier for international students to pursue their studies without a strong command of the German language.

4. Strong Career Prospects: Germany has a thriving economy, and international graduates can find job opportunities in various industries. The country also offers post-study work opportunities, allowing students to stay and build their careers.

5. Rich Cultural and Travel Experiences: Being located in the heart of Europe, Germany provides easy access to other European countries. The rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and vibrant student communities make studying in Germany an exciting experience.

Top Universities in Germany

Germany is home to several world-renowned universities that excel in various disciplines. Some of the top institutions include:

• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) – Known for its strong research programs and diverse academic offerings.

• Heidelberg University – Germany’s oldest university, famous for its contributions to science and humanities.

• Humboldt University of Berlin – Recognized for its pioneering educational reforms and innovative research.

• Technical University of Munich (TUM) – A leader in engineering, technology, and applied sciences.

• RWTH Aachen University – One of the best technical universities in Europe, particularly for engineering and technology studies.

Public universities are more competitive and selective, while private universities offer more flexible admissions with merit-based scholarships.

Germany has a dedicated website for browsing a list of international university programs. Using this DAAD link, you can find English or German-taught programs and read about the course description, requirements, cost, and application process.

Application Process for Studying in Germany

It is important to note that application process differs depending on the type of program and universities. Most public universities offer Bachelor's programs in German language, and therefore, only accept a recognized university entrance qualification. However, many English-taught programs are available at Master's and PhD levels.

Bachelor's programs

• German-taught programs (at public universities): Require a recognized university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung or HZB) to be eligible for admission. Usually, it is in a form of 12-year of education. The equivalency of your current academic qualifications can be checked via the Anabin database or the university’s admission office.

  • For students who have certain level of German language, Studienkolleg (pre-Bachelor) program could be a perfect opportunity to gain a university entrance qualification in Germany, and enroll in a university program after completion.

• English-taught programs: Are available at a few public universities and most private universities. If program length is 4 years, they may accept almost all international qualifications.

  • For Uzbekistani students, almost all English-taught programs at public universities require an additional 1-year coursework at a recognized university in addition to a high school qualification.

Master's & PhD programs

• Both German-taught and English-taught graduate programs usually recognize a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a foreign university. Again, you may use Anabin database to check whether your university qualification is recognized in Germany.

Language proficiency

Students must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction of the program. For English-taught programs, usually IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 75. For German-taught programs, TestDaF or DSH certificates must be submitted.

Application process

Most applications are processed through the Uni-Assist portal, which evaluates international student applications. Some universities also accept direct applications through their admission offices.

Cost of Living

Estimated Monthly Living Costs in Germany

While tuition fees are low or nonexistent, students should budget for living expenses, including:

• Rent: €300-€700 (varies by city and type of accommodation)

• Food: €150-€250

• Transportation: €80-€100

• Health Insurance: €100-€120

• Miscellaneous Expenses: €100-€200

Tuition Fees in Germany

• Public Universities: Generally free, except for a few administrative fees (€150-€300 per semester).

• Private Universities: Tuition fees range between €3,000 and €20,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.

• Special Programs at Public Universities: Some specialized Master’s programs, even at public universities, may charge tuition fees ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 per year.

Scholarships for International Students

Several organizations provide scholarships to help students cover their expenses:

• DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): Offers a wide range of scholarships for international students based on merit and financial need.

  • Covers monthly stipend (approximately €934 per month), health insurance, and sometimes travel costs.

• Erasmus+: A European Union program that provides funding for international study opportunities.

• University-Specific Scholarships: Some German universities offer scholarship programs for outstanding international students, based on their academic merit.

• Private University Scholarships: Many private universities offer merit-based scholarships that provide tuition fee discounts (e.g., 10%–50% off tuition). These are based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, or entrance exams.

Student Visa and Work Opportunities

Visa Requirements for International Students

Non-EU students must apply for a student visa before arriving in Germany. The requirements include:

• Proof of admission to a German university.

• Proof of financial resources (approximately €11,208 per year in a blocked bank account).

• Health insurance coverage.

• Academic diploma and transcripts.

• A valid passport and other supporting documents.

Work Regulations for International Students

• International students are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year without requiring a work permit.

• Many students take up part-time jobs or internships in relevant fields to gain work experience.

• After graduation, students can extend their residence permit for 18 months to search for job opportunities.

Student Life and Culture in Germany

1. Vibrant Campus Life: German universities offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, student organizations, and networking events, which help students integrate into university life.

2. Cultural Diversity and Experiences: Germany is home to a diverse population, and students can experience a mix of cultures, festivals, and international communities. The country also offers excellent museums, theaters, and music festivals for cultural enrichment.

3. Travel Opportunities: Being centrally located in Europe, Germany provides students with easy access to neighboring countries such as France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria. Students often take advantage of affordable travel options to explore different cultures and landmarks.

Watch Globstudy YouTube about studying in Germany

Webinar with DAAD Scholarship holder (Goethe University Frankfurt)

Farogat Olimjonova, who is a DAAD scholarship holder, speaks about DAAD program requirements, language certificates, and gives top tips for future applicants. She graduated from Westminster International University in Tashkent. She got a DAAD award to study for a Master's in International Economics program at Goethe University Frankfurt. Watch the full video below.

Webinar with University of Passau student

Watch this recorded workshop about applying to German universities. It is led by Mirodil Kamilov, a graduate student at University of Passau. When applying to German universities, Mirodil gained huge experience in admission process. In this workshop, he will teach you practical tools for searching and applying to universities in Germany. The workshop is intended for prospective graduate students.

Webinar with DAAD Scholarship holder (University of Göttingen)

Another DAAD scholarship holder, Sadokat Alimova, talks about DAAD scholarship program. She studied for a graduate program in Development Economics at the University of Göttingen. Watch the below video to learn more about applying to DAAD scholarships.