Study in Germany

Quick facts

• Population: 82,175,684 (2016)
• Capital: Berlin
• Geographical size: 357,340 km²
• GDP: €3.134 trillion (2016)
• Official EU language(s): German
• Currency: Euro

Higher education in Germany

• Number of higher education institutions: 450
• Number of students in higher education: 2,939,500 (2012, Euromonitor International from national statistics/UNESCO)
• Number of international students in higher education: 190,526 (2012, UNESCO
• Language of instruction: Most higher education programmes in Germany are taught in German language but you will find a broad variety of English taught programmes, too
• Typical tuition fees: Public higher education institutions normally waive tuition fees for most Bachelor´s and many Master´s degree programmes. Fees are charged for certain Master´s degree programmes and private universities also charge tuition fees – but most offer scholarship options too.
• Average length of a full-time higher education programme in Germany:
  • Bachelor’s degree programme: 3 years
  • Master’s degree programme: 2 years
  • Doctorate/PhD: 3 – 5 years

Overview

Why study in Germany? You have a top-class degree recognised around the world!

People everywhere recognise “Made in Germany” as a seal of quality. You can benefit from Germany‘s long and famous university tradition, especially in the fields of engineering and science. A German university degree is highly respected by employers around the world.

You have a diverse range of study opportunities!

There are almost 450 state-accredited universities with some 17,500 degree programmes in Germany. German universities offer degree programmes in every possible subject and academic level – be it Bachelor’s, Master’s, state examinations or doctoral degrees. General universities focus strongly on scientifically-oriented study in a wide range of disciplines. Universities of applied science, on the other hand, are very practice-oriented. If you’re more interested in artistic subjects, you can enrol at a college of art, film or music.

You can study in English!

More and more courses and degree programmes are being offered in English, especially at Master’s degree level. This is good news if you don’t know any German or if your German isn’t good enough yet.

You are not alone!

Around twelve percent of students at German universities come from foreign countries. The universities offer support to make your start in Germany as easy as possible. There are many mentoring programmes available.

You pay very low tuition fees – and sometimes none at all!

Public higher education institutions normally waive tuition fees for most Bachelor´s and many Master´s degree programmes. Fees are charged for certain Master´s degree programmes and private universities also charge tuition fees – but most of them offer scholarship options, too.

You have very affordable living expenses!

Compared with other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is reasonable. The cost of food, rent, clothing and cultural activities are equivalent to the European Union average.

You can benefit from many scholarship programmes!

As an international student with outstanding academic achievement, you have good chances of receiving a scholarship to finance your studies in Germany. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the largest scholarship organisations in the world and offers countless scholarship programmes.

You live in a diverse country in the heart of Europe!

Beaches and mountains, medieval city centres and pulsating metropolises, and above all, lots of nature. Germany is a diverse country with many facets! Within a couple of hours by train or plane, you can experience an entirely different culture and language.