Germany: A Great Study Abroad Destination for International Students

Germany is known for its many top-ranked educational institutes and universities. Its cities are also known for their amazing history, happening nightlife, and exquisite art galleries. For these reasons, many international students plan to pursue their studies here. Germany is now among the top five destinations for study abroad.

Why Choose Germany for Studying Abroad?

Germany gives a lot of importance to Research and Development along with technology which gives Germany a big advantage. Along with its quality education with affordable tuition fees also is the reason why Germany attracts a large number of international students. The country is known for its nature of welcoming international students through its student-friendly programs and because English is one of the mediums of education.

1. Outstanding Universities

By opting to study in Germany, you can rest assured that the education here is well above the global average, which becomes handy when looking for a job after completing your education.

According to the 2024 rankings of Times Higher Education World University,8 German universities ranked among the top 100 best universities worldwide, and 21 ranked among the top 200 worldwide.

These statistics are indeed impressive keeping in mind global ranking.

2. Affordable Tuition Fees

Another big advantage of studying in Germany is the low tuition fees for a large number of universities. This is indeed a major advantage compared to many other countries, where tuition fees are high making them a little inaccessible for a large number of International students. Without the pressure of high tuition fees, students can freely choose their programs and universities. High quality of education with great options for courses available, along with the affordable tuition fees, do result in high competition for admission in some of the top universities across Germany.

In Germany, Less than 10% of universities are private, which has fees but is still much less than some of the other study-abroad destinations. The fees range from €2,000 to €20,000 per year. Applied science Courses at universities cost more due to the required equipment for research and development.

Many options can help you to fund your studies in Germany, such as the DAAD and foreign exchange services.

3. Countless Degree Courses and Top Notch study programs

Germany has a plethora of universities that offer a lot of options for degree courses which is for everyone. German universities are known for their unique engineering programs but they also have various programs for subjects like law, medicine, and various other healthcare programs which have been recognized across the globe.

One of the advantages of studying in Germany is the possibility of customizing the study programs. Students can choose from a wide range of programs and specialize according to their interests. The curriculum is updated regularly, so it is in line with the latest happenings in that subject area.

Graduates from German universities are sought after for placements due to their knowledge and updated skills and thus have a better opportunity in all career options.

4. Germany- A Safe Country

Students keep certain criteria in mind while selecting an ideal study-abroad destination. One of the main points of consideration is ‘safety,’ Moving to a safe country gives students and their families back home peace of mind, and can complete their education with full concentration. Germany is one of the safest countries for international students.

5. Amazing Job Opportunities

Germany is one of the strongest economies in Europe and even in the world. The country provides each student with excellent job prospects. Many global companies are there in Germany, as a result, students have great opportunities to take up internships and explore various job opportunities.

Qualifications from a German university are highly respected and valued. These qualifications ensure chances of high employability in the global job market. Graduates from German universities are some of the most well-paid employees in the world.

Germany offers numerous options for jobs to international students. Below are some of the average tentative annual salaries in various job sectors :

6. Benefits of learning a new Language

Germany is known as a major player in the global economy and also has some of the world’s known and leading companies, its native language as well, German, is the most commonly spoken in Europe. Fluency in German gives you a competitive edge in your career roadmap and can give you a chance to play a leadership role in one of the multinational companies.

7. Opportunities for Innovative Research and Development

Germany is known for its innovation and technology in all areas, The students can have the opportunity to be a part of cutting-edge research and development projects across various fields where they can also collaborate with various known corporations which leads to innovation and creativity.

8. Easy access to Europe

In addition to its academic and professional benefits, Germany’s central location in Europe offers an exceptional opportunity for international networking. Situated at the heart of the continent, Germany acts as a hub, providing easy access to major European cities and countries. This central position makes travel incredibly convenient, enabling students and professionals to attend international conferences, engage in cross-border collaborations, and participate in diverse projects with ease.

For international students, studying in Germany is not only an enriching experience in terms of education and career development but also offers the chance to connect with a wide-reaching European network. Germany’s strategic location enhances its appeal as a prime destination for study, allowing students to engage with a variety of cultures and industries, thereby strengthening their global connections and career prospects.

Top Universities in Germany

Public universities in Germany offer free tuition to all students, not just those from the EU! While some specialized programs at public institutions may charge minimal tuition fees, these are the exception rather than the rule. The next section will provide more detailed information about these specific programs. Generally, tuition is free for all students who wish to attend German universities—there are no restrictions. Free tuition truly means free for everyone, allowing anyone the opportunity to study in Germany at no cost!

Cost of Living for Students

Germany is an increasingly popular destination for international students, not only because of its excellent academic reputation but also due to its affordable cost of living compared to other European countries. However, it’s important to understand how much living in Germany will cost, as various factors such as location, lifestyle, and personal habits can affect your budget.

Living Expenses Breakdown

On average, international students in Germany can expect to spend between €850 and €1,200 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs. The cost of living varies depending on the city, with larger cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg generally being more expensive due to higher housing and service costs. In contrast, smaller cities such as Leipzig, Dresden, and Aachen offer a more budget-friendly lifestyle without compromising on quality.

Accommodation in Germany

This factor is one of the most important expenses for international students while budgeting and planning. Various accommodation options can be considered like Student dormitories which are the most affordable ones. They are usually managed by universities or unions of students, where the monthly rents range between €200 and €400, including utilities. Considering shared apartments as an option is quite popular among international students since they are affordable and give independence. The range would be around €300 to €500 per person.

Transportation Costs in Germany

Germany is known for its highly efficient public transportation network, which is both affordable and well-integrated. Students benefit from discounted semester tickets, typically ranging from €30 to €60 per month, which grant unlimited access to local transportation such as buses, trams, and trains.

For travel between cities, students can purchase a BahnCard, which offers discounts on Deutsche Bahn services, making intercity travel more affordable. While transportation costs are higher in larger cities like Berlin and Munich, smaller cities such as Leipzig offer lower costs.

Food and Grocery Expenses in Germany

Groceries are not expensive. Typically it could cost €150–€300 monthly, depending on the student’s food and shopping habits. Students can opt to eat out in cafes which is much cheaper than dining in restaurants where the cost per meal is between €10–€25 while the cost in cafes could be around €4–€5 per meal.

University Tuition Fees in Germany

Germany is well-known for its affordable education system. Most public universities charge minimal semester fees—usually between €150 and €300. These fees often cover administrative costs and include a public transport pass for local travel, further reducing student expenses.

Private universities in Germany, however, do charge tuition fees for specialized or professional programs. Fees range from €5,000 to €10,000 per semester or €10,000 to €20,000 annually. Additional costs for study materials, exams, and administrative services may add up to €1,000 to €2,000 annually.

Life as an International Student in Germany

The cost of living in Germany is manageable for international students with proper budgeting. By choosing affordable accommodation, taking advantage of public transport discounts, and cooking meals at home, students can significantly reduce their living expenses. With its low-cost or free education, vibrant student life, and high quality of life, Germany offers an excellent balance of affordability and top-tier education.

Process of applying to German Universities

Applying to universities in Germany involves 8 basic steps that international students need to follow.

1. Research Your Program

Winter Intake: January – March
Summer Intake: July – September
Whether you’re applying for the winter or summer intake, finding a program is always the first step.

International students can start their preparation by making a list of their preferred universities based on the university’s programs, ranking in the global list, location of the university, preferred language of instruction, cost of living, etc. You can go through various social media platforms including going through the websites of various universities websites.

Various online databases like DAAD Database are available where you can search for specific courses in Germany.

2. Eligibility & Requirement Check

Winter Intake: January – March
Summer Intake: July – September
Once you find your program, checking requirements and eligibility is the next step. This step is simple where all the details regarding a particular course are available on the university’s website. In case satisfactory information is not available on the website you can email the admission department of the university and get the information through email.

Some International students might need to attend a one-year preparatory program for those whose eligibility does not match with direct entry requirements to any German university. This program is known as Studienkolleg.

3. Language Test Assessment

Winter Intake: April – May
Summer Intake: October – November

The third step is entering language tests. If you have chosen English as the medium of instruction, proof of English language proficiency has to be shown through scores of tests like IELTS or TOEFL. If you have had an education in the English language at your earlier university, you can provide proof of the same. In such cases, test scores are not required to be submitted.

On the other hand, if the program you are interested in is taught entirely in German, you must show proof of German proficiency. Below are the names of certain certificates that are accepted by German universities.

Remember that the proficiency level depends on each institution and program of study, so you will have to confirm this with your chosen university.

4. Application Preparation

Winter Intake: April – May
Summer Intake: October – November
Start collecting all the required data and papers needed to complete your application. Maintain a proper file with all the papers Make sure you have the important documents, including:

Do check with your university if any specific document is required or not.

5. Submit Application

Winter Intake: May – July (by July 15th)
Summer Intake: November – January (by January 15th)
Make sure you submit all necessary documents. Be ready for application to various shortlisted universities.

Please note that only officially certified copies and translations are accepted for the application process. The German Embassy which is located in your home country can issue Official certifications. Some higher education institutions also accept documents in English and French.

Students have to pay a fee for getting a document certified. Also one has to pay application fees too. The processing fee depends on where you apply. Contact your university to see how you can submit your application. Most German universities are part of the national university online application platform known as UniAssist. Most of the Universities also run their online admission platform on their website.

Please ensure that your application is duly submitted as per the deadlines.

6. Get Admission Results

Winter Intake: July – September
Summer Intake: January – March

The results can be expected after the deadline for applications closes. It can also come in the following month after the closure of the application date, which again depends on the university. Once your admission is confirmed, it would be prudent to start preparing for the next step i.e. to start with the application of a visa.

7. Get Your Student Visa

Winter Intake: July – September
Summer Intake: January – March
If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, a visa to study in Germany will be needed with certain exceptions.
Below are the two main requirements for a student visa in Germany:

  • Proof of financial means
  • Proof of health insurance

Proof of Financial Means

You must have a minimum of €11,904 which is estimated to be enough for you to cover the cost of living for the first year of your studies. This amount needs to be deposited into a German Blocked Bank Account as per the rules.

If you decide to provide your proof of financial resources in the form of a blocked bank account, you have to, first of all, choose one of the worldwide and officially recognized providers. Some of them are Coracle, Expatrio, and Fintiba, while for Indian students it was Cox and Kings Financial Service Ltd. & Kotak Mahindra, Deutsche Bank used to provide this service has stopped offering this service from July 1, 2022. Coracle, Fintiba, and Expatrio are online providers of the service. The details regarding the same can be read on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

Following are the Steps to opening a blocked bank account online with Coracle, Fintiba, and Expatrio:

  • Register and fill out a questionnaire.
  • Upload a copy of your passport.
  • Pass an identity check.
  • Receive your account details.
  • Transfer the money.
  • Receive your blocking confirmation.
  • On your arrival in Germany, Get a German bank account to which the blocked sum can be transferred each month, it’s important to update your information & confirm your identity.


Instead of a German-blocked bank account, you can also present a document showing your parent’s income and financial status, a Scholarship Certificate, a Letter of Commitment, or a bank guarantee.

Proof of Health Insurance

The German embassy/consulate in your home country will also require other documents along with a travel health insurance policy before granting a student visa.

Important Tip: To get an approved German student visa, getting the right German Health Insurance is extremely vital. Most international students in Germany prefer DR-WALTER because it’s suitable for:

  • All Foreign exchange students, students who have opted for language programs, students who have enrolled in university preparatory courses (Studienkolleg)
  • University students
  • Participants in exchange programmes (e.g. ERASMUS, DAAD, SOKRATES)
  • Trainees
  • Accompanying family members

8. Plan for Departure & Arrival

Winter Intake: September
Summer Intake: March

This is one of the best parts of the whole process, planning can be a little taxing and eventful.
Secure Accommodation
After getting admission and a student visa, the next important task is to get a good accommodation that suits your requirements as soon as you land in Germany,

Which are the scholarships available for International /students

Many international students think only of the DAAD when it comes to funding their studies in Germany. It is for sure a key organization when searching for scholarships, But international students should also be aware that there are many other funding options available to them. Some of them are as under :

DAAD scholarships in brief

Studienstiftung scholarships in brief

Hans-Böckler-Stiftung in brief

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in brief

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in brief

Opportunity to work Part-time

Students in Germany can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year, enabling them to gain practical experience and support their living expenses.

For example, international students typically secure part-time jobs as research assistants, tutors, or in cafes and retail, earning approximately €12–€15 per hour.

This option also helps students to ease their financial burden.

International Student Life in Germany

Conclusion

Germany offers a unique blend of timeless tradition and cutting-edge modernity, where the past and the future seamlessly coexist. Its people, culture, and way of life provide an intriguing contrast, making life in Germany an enriching experience for international students. As you begin your academic journey, keep in mind that embracing new experiences and respecting local customs will enhance your time in the country.

Seize the opportunity, create lasting memories, and remember—your time in Germany is not just about studying, but also about learning, growing, and exploring.

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