Universities in Germany

Not only in German

Contrary to the stereotype, you do not need German to study in Germany: there are around 1,800 programmes taught in English, in economics, law, linguistics, cultural studies, engineering, medicine and social sciences, as well as art, music, sport, veterinary science, agriculture and computing.

Academic freedom

Students build their own study plan within the programme and can arrange their timetable around part-time work — often in their own field. The most popular subjects are economics, engineering, computer science, natural sciences and law.

Leading universities

LMU Munich, Göttingen, Heidelberg, Humboldt University and the Free University of Berlin, the Technical University of Munich, Tübingen, TU Dresden, RWTH Aachen, Freiburg and Bonn all feature in world rankings.

Fees and costs

Most public universities charge no tuition, for Germans and international students alike — only a semester fee of about €150–350. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester. Some specialist programmes (MBA, executive) and private universities charge several thousand euros per semester. Living costs are moderate by European standards, and many students share flats or live in halls.

Entry requirements

• Graduates of schools in Switzerland, the UK and British schools abroad with the IB or A-levels can apply directly after school
• Applicants with an 11-year certificate usually need a Studienkolleg or one year of relevant university study at home
• Medicine usually requires a medical Studienkolleg (M-Kurs) or one to two years of medical school at home

Timing

Start a year before the planned start. Each programme has its own documents and deadlines. The student visa process begins about three months before term and includes an interview at the German consulate — all original enrolment documents must be ready by then.