How to study in Germany – guide for international students

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of international students come to Germany to study at one of more than 400 universities and colleges (Hochschulen).

The reason is simple: Germany offers high-quality education, many English-taught degree programmes, and often no tuition fees at public universities.

For international students, the path to a degree can still look complicated. There are several steps—from choosing a programme to enrolling at the university.

This guide walks you through the entire process, step by step.

Step 1: Choose your degree programme and university

The first step is to find a degree programme that fits your goals.

Germany offers more than 20,000 degree programmes in many subject areas, including:

• engineering
• computer science
• economics and business
• natural sciences
• social sciences
• art and design

When you choose, you should consider:

• language of instruction (German or English)
• course content
• university location
• admission requirements
• cost of living in the city

More on this:

➡️ How to choose a university in Germany

Step 2: Check admission requirements

To study in Germany, you need a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung).

That means your school-leaving certificate or bachelor’s degree must be recognised in Germany.

Typical requirements are:

• school-leaving certificate or bachelor’s degree
• language certificate
• complete application documents

In some cases, international students must first attend a Studienkolleg (preparatory college).

Step 3: Prove your language skills

Many degree programmes are taught in German.

Typical German certificates are:

• TestDaF
• DSH
• telc C1 Hochschule

For English-taught programmes, universities often require:

• IELTS
• TOEFL

More information:

➡️ Language certificates for Germany

Step 4: Apply to universities

Applications are usually submitted online.

There are several application routes:

Directly at the university

Many universities run their own application portals.

Application via uni-assist

uni-assist checks international applications and forwards them to the universities.

More on this:

➡️ uni-assist explained

Step 5: Receive your admission letter

If your application is successful, you receive a letter of admission (Zulassung).

This document confirms that you may study at the university.

You will need the admission letter later for:

• your student visa
• enrollment
• other administrative steps

Step 6: Plan how you will finance your studies

International students must show that they can cover their living costs.

In most cases, you do this with a blocked account (Sperrkonto).

The amount currently required is:

11,208 euros per year

This money is released to you in monthly instalments.

More on this:

➡️ Blocked account in Germany

Step 7: Apply for a student visa

Students from non-EU countries usually need a student visa.

The embassy or consulate typically asks for documents such as:

• admission letter
• blocked account
• health insurance
• passport
• application documents

More on this:

➡️ Student visa for Germany

Step 8: Take out health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany.

Without health insurance, you cannot enroll.

Typical cost:

120 to 150 euros per month

More information:

➡️ Health insurance for students in Germany

Step 9: Find accommodation

Finding a place to live can be difficult, especially in large cities.

Popular options are:

• student halls of residence
• shared flats (Wohngemeinschaft / WG)
• private rented flats

More on this:

➡️ Student accommodation in Germany

Step 10: Enroll at the university

The last step before your studies begin is enrollment (Immatrikulation).

You will normally need:

• admission letter
• health insurance
• passport
• proof of payment of the semester fee

More on this:

➡️ Enrollment at German universities

Cost of living for students

Average living costs for students are roughly:

900 to 1,200 euros per month

The largest expenses are usually:

• accommodation
• health insurance
• food
• transport

More on this:

➡️ Cost of living for students in Germany

Can international students work?

Yes.

International students are usually allowed to work for:

120 full days or 240 half days per year

Many students work as:

• Werkstudenten (working students, often at a company related to their field)
• student assistants at the university
• part-time employees in other roles

That helps cover part of the cost of living.

Typical mistakes international students make

Many students underestimate how much organisation is involved.

Common mistakes are:

• missing application deadlines
• preparing documents too late
• booking visa appointments too late
• starting the housing search too late

Good planning is therefore essential.

Conclusion

Studying in Germany offers international students many advantages:

• high-quality education
• international career opportunities
• often no tuition fees
• a huge choice of degree programmes

The path to a degree involves several steps:

1. choose a degree programme
2. submit your applications
3. receive admission
4. secure your financing
5. apply for a visa
6. take out health insurance
7. find accommodation
8. complete enrollment

If you plan these steps early, you can start your studies in Germany successfully.

Plan your studies in Germany

The path to a degree can be complex.

Germany for Students helps you to:

• understand all requirements
• organise your documents
• plan visa and application timelines
• track every step of your study start

That way you can prepare for studying in Germany in the best possible way.