Among all the amazing European countries, Germany remains a top choice among international students. The Western European destination has a great quality of life, good job opportunities, and world-class universities. Plus, it’s quite affordable compared to other countries in Europe.
When it comes to figuring out how to study abroad in Germany, you have some options. You can do your entire bachelor’s or master’s degree by directly enrolling at a German university. You can enroll in an exchange program through your university or high school. You can also find a study abroad program through a third party.
Choosing the right program will come down to where you want to study, your budget for studying abroad, and the types of courses you want to take. Here’s how to do it.
Can I study abroad in Germany for free?
First things first: You know Germany is affordable, but can you study abroad in Germany for free? Studying abroad in Germany won’t be completely free, but the fees you’ll pay depend on the program and the state you choose.
There are 16 federal states in Germany and in many states, public universities are free. That said, students have to pay an administration fee each semester. This fee is usually between €100 and €300. Some states, such as Baden-Württemberg, also do charge tuition fees for international students, even in public universities.
You’ll have to pay at private universities and some special exchange programs. The prices always depend on the program.
If you want to participate in a paid program and cannot afford it, don’t worry. There are many scholarship opportunities for students who want to study abroad. Crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel can help with costs your scholarships don’t cover.
Before going to Germany, you’ll want to check your finances. To be able to get a German student visa, you need to deposit money into a blocked account to prove that you are able to support yourself and can afford to live in Germany for a year. As of 2022, this amount is €11,208.
You will be able to open a bank account in your home country and once you’re in Germany, you can withdraw money. Alternatively, you can submit your parents’ income documentation or a scholarship.
Can I study abroad in Germany in English?
Looking for a place where you can take classes toward your major? You can totally study abroad in Germany in English!
Yes! According to DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service), there are over 1,000 programs that enable you to study abroad in Germany in English. These include bachelor's programs, master’s degrees, and short programs.
That said, learning German will make your life in Germany easier, even if you study in English. You can start by downloading some language learning apps to give yourself a head start, then practice as much as you can when you arrive in Germany.
How to study abroad in Germany
1. Decide when to go
Deciding when to study abroad in Germany will help you find the most suitable program. Most students choose to study abroad during their junior year of college. But this is not the only option—you can also study abroad before or after college, not to mention during the fall, spring, summer, or winter of other years during your college career.
2. Choose a program and a destination
There are many things to think about while choosing your study abroad program. Consider narrowing down your search based on your course. For example, if you’re studying the German language, you can look for language, literature, or translation programs. If you’re going before you start your major, you can try to find programs that will help you experience many subjects.
Next, you can check which cities offer programs that match your expectations. You should consider what to expect from your destination as well. Do you want to be in a big city or a quiet town? If you choose a big city, will it be in your budget?
Currently, Munich is considered the most expensive city in Germany. However, it is home to some of the best universities in Germany…and, well, Oktoberfest. Other popular cities for international students in Germany include Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Lüneburg.
3. Make sure you meet the admission requirements
Admission requirements depend on the university or the study program. If you’re applying to study at a German university, you will need a university entrance qualification (known as Hochschulzugangsberechtigung in German).
Don’t snooze on those admissions requirements. You’ll want to make sure you check all the boxes for your dream program in Germany.
For Europeans, a school-leaving certificate is enough. U.S. citizens will need a high school diploma with some specific academic units. Some universities might also ask for an aptitude test or a language proficiency certificate.
Bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, language courses, and exchange programs all have different admission requirements. Take some time to compare the requirements of different study abroad programs and read the reviews to help find the best fit for your academic needs and goals.
4. Apply for your study abroad program
Once you have all the documents, it’s time to apply. In most cases, you will need a transcript, a passport photo, a copy of your passport, and proof of language level. When you’re ready, you can submit your application online. You should try to submit your application well before the deadline as German universities receive many applications from international students every year.
5. Sort out the administrative work
When you get your acceptance, you’ll have some more administrative work to do. Make an appointment with the German embassy in your country if you need a student visa. They will be able to guide you on what type of visa you should get. To get a visa, you also need to have health insurance that is valid in Germany.
Once it’s all done, you can move on to the exciting part—finding out when your program starts and deciding when to go.
6. Find accommodation
If accommodation is not included in your program, you will have to look for it yourself. Finding accommodation in Germany can be tricky for international students.
Just imagine your picturesque daily walk to class at a historic German university.
Make sure to check if there are student halls near your university or organization, and if not, start looking for accommodation online as soon as possible. Rent in Germany usually ranges between €450 and €1,000, depending on the type of accommodation and the city.
7. Note the important dates and enroll
When are you leaving for Germany? When do your classes start? Oh, and you also need to enroll during your first week if you’re going to study at a university.
To do this, you bring the necessary documents (your passport, health insurance, visa, and letter of admission) to the administration office of your university. You will also need to pay the enrollment fee and Semesterticket, which will enable you to use public transport for free.
If you’re doing a specific program through a third-party provider, these costs will most likely be included in the program fee.
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You made it! From climbing gorgeous castles to visiting Christmas markets, there’s a lot to do in Germany.
You can also take advantage of Germany’s perfect location to travel in Europe while you’re studying abroad. The country has borders with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, and Poland. Wow, right?
Currywurst by day, Bier by night—a fantastic experience in Germany is waiting for you.
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