Study in Germany: A Complete Guide

Germany offers a roller-coaster ride of surprises. From its timeless tradition to feats of treats, spectacular landscapes, idyllic half-timbered villages, and fairytale palaces, the country has become a favourite home for international students. 

A step away from its architectural masterpieces and charming Alpine peaks, Germany has renowned world-class universities. Studying in Germany is tuition-free at most public universities, regardless of nationality.

When to apply for German universities 

There are also two application deadlines: 

1. 15 July (the winter semester )

2. 15 January (the summer semester)

Intakes & Admission Process

• Winter Semester (October - March) – Main intake

• Summer Semester (April - September) – Limited programs

Requirement for Undergraduate Application 

• International Passport 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• High school transcript (must be equivalent to a German Abitur)

• High school scratch card to check results

• SS1 – SS3 Transcript

• Academic Reference Letter from a high school principal

• Personal Statement (1 page A4 Essay).

• Any other relevant document 

• SELT (Secured English Language Test - optional)

• Uni-Assist application for some universities

Requirement for Masters/Post Graduate Application 

• High school transcript (must be equivalent to a German Abitur)

• Degree Transcript

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Academic Reference Letter / Work-based Reference Letter on Letterhead

• Personal Statement (1 page A4 Essay).

• International Passport 

• Any other Relevant Document 

• SELT (Secured English Language Test - optional)

• Uni-Assist application for some universities

Tuition Fees & Cost of Living

• Tuition: Free (public universities). The only cost is a small administration fee of 265 EUR per year. MAs are gratis only if you have completed your bachelor's in Germany and your MA is in the same field of study. PhDs are usually free. However, the Baden-Wurttemberg area (Freiburg and Stuttgart) has tuition fees for students outside the EU.  

• Private universities charge €10,000 – €20,000 per year

Living Costs: €900 – €1,500 per month

Work & Post-Study Opportunities

1. International students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year

2. Graduates can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa

Student Germany Visa Requirements

1. University admission letter

2. Blocked account with €11,208

3. Health insurance (minimum  €110 to €1,500 per month)

4. Proof of accommodation

5. Completed visa application form (available from the German consulate or embassy).

6. Valid international passport 

7. Recent passport-sized photographs.

8. Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.).

9. Proof of language proficiency (if required by the institution).

10. Any additional documents requested by the consulate. 

How to Open a Blocked Account in Germany for International Students

A Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) is a bank account that international students studying in Germany must open to prove they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their studies.  

The account proves that students can cover their living expenses for at least 12 months without financial support from the German government. In addition, the Blocked Account is required from people in these categories:

• Apprenticeship

• Job-seeking

• Au Pair

• Language studies

• Working

To sum up:

1. The  set amount of money flows from your German Blocked Account to your German current bank account every month,

2. After the money is received in the regular bank account, you can withdraw it.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to open a Blocked Account:

• Select a reliable bank like Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, Expatrio, or the KfW Bank

• Visit the website of the provider and fill out the application form;

• Transfer the requested amount of money to open a Blocked Account. The total sum requested will  include at least one of the following:

1. Set up fee

2. Service fee

3. Buffer deposit (covers any unexpected extra transfer fees and will be returned to you with the first payout if not used).

• Receive the blocking confirmation letter: You use this letter for your German student visa application.

Scholarships for international students in Germany

• DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers various scholarships to international students and researchers.

• Deutschlandstipendium: This merit-based scholarship provides financial support to talented students. 

• Foundations and organizations: They offer scholarships to students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. 

• StipendiumPlus: Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), it offers financial support to talented and committed students who face challenging social or personal circumstances. 

How to apply to university in Germany

International students can apply through Uni-Assist, which evaluates their certificates and sends their applications to choice universities. 

Can International students travel with dependents?

International students can bring their dependents to Germany if they apply for a family reunification visa.

Requirements

• The student must have a valid residence permit 

• The student's stay in Germany must be longer than one year 

• The student must be able to support themselves and their family without public funds 

• The visa requirements vary depending on the family member joining the student 

Can you apply directly to a university?

Yes. You can apply directly at the university and contact their International Office for assistance. At public universities, admissions are regulated by “numerus clausus,”  a numbers-based system determining the number of available places on a programme. 

What are the language requirements for studying in Germany?

German Language requirements 

Applying to study at a public university in Germany has a high chance of using German as a language.

International students can take any of these tests to show proof of their German language skills: 

1. DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang): The German language exam for university entrance 

2. TestDaF (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang): The test can be taken on paper and digitally at one of the registered test centers worldwide.  

English language requirements 

• IELTS

• TOEFL 

• PTE Academic

• Duolingo English test

Work and study in Germany

Are international students allowed to work in Germany?

Yes. International students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. However, during semester breaks, you are allowed to work full-time. 

With Pay4Me, you can pay your application, tuition, and other fees to German schools in your local currencies within ten minutes.