Study in Germany
Clarify the programme and application route according to your academic profile.
Plan Bachelor’s and Master’s options in Germany together with the institution type, language requirements, uni-assist process, timeline and cost structure.
Last verified: 11 September 2026Official source links are listed at the end of the page.
- Programs
- Undergraduate · Postgraduate
- Application
- uni-assist or university
- Language of instruction
- German · English
- Information status
- Verified against official sources
Who Germany suits
- Applicants seeking strong academic infrastructure in engineering, natural sciences and applied fields
- Applicants who want to keep tuition low and plan living costs separately
- Those weighing the possibility of staying in the European labour market after their studies
- Those who are willing to plan the application process early
| Language of instruction | German · EnglishEnglish-taught programmes are particularly common at postgraduate level |
|---|---|
| Terms | Winter (October) · Summer (April) |
| Application channel | uni-assist or direct to the universityProgram basis is determined |
| Tuition | No general tuition fee at most state universitiesEUR 1,500 per term for non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg |
| Proof of funds | €11,904Blocked account; the amount is updated periodically |
| Work permission | 140 full / 280 half days or 20 hours per week |
Higher education system
Higher education in Germany consists of three types of institution:
- University — research-oriented, broad theoretical foundation, open way to the doctor.
- Fachhochschule (HAW) — application-oriented, strong, mandatory internship periods of the sector bond.
- Kunst-, Musik- und Filmhochschule — accepted based on talent exam in art, music and movie areas.
The three is in the state university status and diplomas have the same legal value. Selection is made according to your academic approach and after graduation.
Academic calendar
| Term | Start | Common deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter period | October | 15 July | Program diversity |
| Summer period | April | 15 January | Student area program number less |
These are widely used dates; what is binding is the deadline each programme publishes on its own page. For applications through uni-assist, the deadline is the date the application reaches uni-assist.
Cost structure
Total cost in Germany is made up of three items: tuition, the semester administrative contribution and living costs. For most students the third is the largest.
| Tuition | No general tuition fee at most state universitiesExceptions include Baden-Württemberg (€1,500 per semester for non-EU students) and fee-based continuing-education programmes |
|---|---|
| Administrative contribution | Payable every semesterThe amount varies according to university; most universities include public transport tickets |
| Life expenses | Varies significantly by cityRent is usually the largest variable in the total budget |
Visa and study right
Education lasting longer than 90 days requires a national student visa. The offer letter and the proof of funds sit at the centre of the visa application file. According to the German Federal Government's official portal, students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week.
Visa arrangements are coordinated with our sister brand InterPASS . The education plan and visa preparations follow the same timeline.
Program pages
Does Germany fit your profile?
Let us assess your academic background and language level together and draw up a realistic list of programmes.
Assess My ProfileFrequently asked questions
Is education really free in Germany?
Most state universities charge no tuition fee, but that does not mean "no cost". A semester administrative contribution is payable each term, non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg pay EUR 1,500 per term, and living costs are the real item in the budget.
What is conditional acceptance?
For applicants who have not yet completed the language requirement, some institutions grant admission on condition that it is met within a set period. The scope and length of that condition differ from institution to institution; there is no general German rule.
Which intake do studies start in, in Germany?
Winter period October, the summer period starts in April. A part of the programs takes students only during the winter period.
Sources
- Make it in Germany (Germany Federal Government) — Student visa, proof of funds and work right
- Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts — Study fee for non-EU students
- uni-assist e.V. — Application deadlines and evaluation time
- Auswärtiges Amt (German Ministry of Foreign Affairs) — Block account (Sperrkonto) opening and determining the amount