Types of universities in Germany
Higher education in Germany is offered at three types of higher education institutions:
Research and practice-oriented higher education institutions (Universität and Fachhochschule) offer bachelor's or master's degrees at the end of higher education. Universities offer more theoretical and research-oriented education, while Fachhochschule offer a practice-based education program. For this reason, Fachhochschulen are becoming an important option in practical fields such as engineering and design
In Germany, there are also Schools of Education Science (Pädagogische Hochschule) and Theological Schools (Theologische Hochschuleler).
Duration of university in Germany
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree training programs lay the academic foundations, provide methodological skills and lead to the attainment of professional qualifications. The Bachelor's degree is awarded after 3 to 4 years. The Bachelor's degree program includes a thesis requirement.
In fields such as medicine and law, the duration of study ranges from 3.5 to 12 years.
Master's degree
The master's degree is the second degree obtained after 1.5 or 2 years. Master's degree programs can be differentiated into "practice-oriented" and "research-oriented" profile types. Higher education institutions determine the profile. The master's program usually includes a thesis requirement.
Doctorate - PhD
You can choose between different study paths for your PhD in Germany. Depending on your discipline, research topic, personal circumstances and requirements, there are two different pathways:
Individual doctorate: An individual doctorate is based on independent research carried out alone under the supervision of a professor. The majority of doctoral students in Germany choose this as the traditional method.
Structured PhD program: These programs offer a similar approach to PhD programs in English-speaking countries. You are supervised by an independent team and attend lectures and seminars with other PhD students. Usually, such programs are publicly advertised and include grant or paid PhD positions.
It usually takes five to six years to obtain a PhD, but this can vary.
University Grading System in Germany
The grading system in Germany generally consists of five levels: 1 = Very Good (Sehr Gut); 2 = Good (Gut); 3 = Successful (Befriedigend); 4 = Sufficient (Ausreichend); 5 = Unsatisfactory/Fail (Nicht ausreichend). The minimum passing grade is Ausreichend.
The verbal indication of grades may differ in some cases and for doctoral degrees. In addition, institutions partly use an ECTS grading scheme.
University Tuition Fees in Germany
State universities
While tuition fees are waived for many programs at state universities, you may be required to pay fees for some programs.
There are generally no fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at state universities; only a semester contribution of approximately €100 - €450, known as the semester fee or semester fee, has to be paid. This semester fee covers the cost of the public transportation card (one semester ticket for free use) and the student ID card.
While tuition fees are waived for many programs at state universities, you may have to pay fees for some programs. For example, for joint degree programs with universities in another country or for part-time master's programs for career-oriented professionals. These fees range from €5,500 to €25,000.
Additionally, some public universities in Germany charge tuition fees specifically for non-EU international students. These semester fees typically range between €2,000 and €3,000, but they can be lower or higher depending on the institution and program. In many cases, international students may apply for tuition waivers or scholarships to cover these costs.
Semester fees also apply for doctoral studies and all public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for at least the first 6 semesters.
Private universities
Private universities operate independently and are funded by tuition fees. As such, they are generally more expensive than public universities; you should budget between €10,000 and €20,000 per year for undergraduate and master's programs.
Scholarships for higher education in Germany
International students in Germany can apply for and benefit from different scholarships, including government and privately funded scholarships, private scholarships offered by German universities, state-specific scholarships and various MBA scholarships for international students.
Application requirements for studying in Germany
Applicants to a higher education institution in Germany are expected to have certain qualifications. These include an internationally recognized high school diploma, such as the Abitur in Germany, and a German or English language proficiency certificate. Some degree programs have minimum grades and quota restrictions.
Requirements for Applying to Bachelor’s Programs in Germany
Students who are eligible to study in a formal undergraduate program in their home country can apply to a department of their choice in Germany. There is no limit to the number of courses you can apply for.
You have studied or are studying at a university outside Germany:
Requirements for Applying to Master's Programs in Germany
Students who have completed a bachelor's degree program in their home country can apply to a program of their choice in Germany. There is no limit to the number of courses you can apply for. Your bachelor's degree will need to be equivalent to a German bachelor's degree of 3, 3.5 or 4 years. Some degree programs have minimum grades and quota restrictions.
PhD Admission Requirements in Germany
The regulations and requirements for doctoral studies are set by the relevant university departments. In Germany, you need to select a potential supervisor and apply directly to the professor in question.
Once you have found a professor in Germany as your supervisor, the responsible department or doctoral committee at your university must approve your eligibility as a PhD candidate. At some universities, candidates have to apply for admission to the doctoral examination at this stage.
For your application to be successful, your planned doctoral thesis must be in line with the main emphases of the program and you must have a good or very good degree recognized in Germany.
Application periods for universities in Germany
In most higher education institutions, winter semester study starts in September/October and summer semester study starts in March/April.
If the program you are applying for starts in the winter semester, the application deadline is usually July 15; if the program starts in the summer semester, the application deadline is usually January 15. However, each university or undergraduate program can accept applications within the application deadlines they set, for example, April 1-30 or May 15-July 15
In addition, some universities allow applications throughout the year.
Restrictions
Numerus Clausus (limited number): At universities, the demand for some departments exceeds the number of students those departments can accept. For this reason, quota restrictions, known as NC (Numerus Clausus), are applied.
örtliches NC (local NC): Some universities may restrict the number of applicants for some of their programs; this is called a örtliches NC
bundesweites NC (nationwide NC): Some university courses (e.g. medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and dentistry) are subject to admission restrictions at all universities in Germany because they are very popular.
Mindestnote (minimum grade): A minimum grade is required for some bachelor's and master's programs. In addition to the GPA, universities may set other criteria that play a role in the selection process, such as tests, selection interviews or motivation letters. The criteria vary depending on the university and degree program.
Conditional acceptance at German universities
Conditional admission is a preparatory program for prospective international students who have the university entrance qualification (not all admission requirements have been met) but have not yet reached the German C1 language proficiency level. Enrolling in this preparatory program allows you to stay in Germany with a student residence permit.
The purpose of conditional admission is to enable prospective students to reach German C1 level in order to apply for the degree program. This period is a maximum of 4 semesters.
Please note that expired admissions and language course registrations will not be accepted and may lead to rejection of your application.
Higher education in Germany is offered at three types of higher education institutions:
Research and practice-oriented higher education institutions (Universität and Fachhochschule) offer bachelor's or master's degrees at the end of higher education. Universities offer more theoretical and research-oriented education, while Fachhochschule offer a practice-based education program. For this reason, Fachhochschulen are becoming an important option in practical fields such as engineering and design
In Germany, there are also Schools of Education Science (Pädagogische Hochschule) and Theological Schools (Theologische Hochschuleler).
Bachelor's degree training programs lay the academic foundations, provide methodological skills and lead to the attainment of professional qualifications. The Bachelor's degree is awarded after 3 to 4 years. The Bachelor's degree program includes a thesis requirement.
In fields such as medicine and law, the duration of study ranges from 3.5 to 12 years.
The master's degree is the second degree obtained after 1.5 or 2 years. Master's degree programs can be differentiated into "practice-oriented" and "research-oriented" profile types. Higher education institutions determine the profile. The master's program usually includes a thesis requirement.
You can choose between different study paths for your PhD in Germany. Depending on your discipline, research topic, personal circumstances and requirements, there are two different pathways:
Individual doctorate: An individual doctorate is based on independent research carried out alone under the supervision of a professor. The majority of doctoral students in Germany choose this as the traditional method.
Structured PhD program: These programs offer a similar approach to PhD programs in English-speaking countries. You are supervised by an independent team and attend lectures and seminars with other PhD students. Usually, such programs are publicly advertised and include grant or paid PhD positions.
It usually takes five to six years to obtain a PhD, but this can vary.
The grading system in Germany generally consists of five levels: 1 = Very Good (Sehr Gut); 2 = Good (Gut); 3 = Successful (Befriedigend); 4 = Sufficient (Ausreichend); 5 = Unsatisfactory/Fail (Nicht ausreichend). The minimum passing grade is Ausreichend.
The verbal indication of grades may differ in some cases and for doctoral degrees. In addition, institutions partly use an ECTS grading scheme.
State universities
While tuition fees are waived for many programs at state universities, you may be required to pay fees for some programs.
There are generally no fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at state universities; only a semester contribution of approximately €100 - €450, known as the semester fee or semester fee, has to be paid. This semester fee covers the cost of the public transportation card (one semester ticket for free use) and the student ID card.
While tuition fees are waived for many programs at state universities, you may have to pay fees for some programs. For example, for joint degree programs with universities in another country or for part-time master's programs for career-oriented professionals. These fees range from €5,500 to €25,000.
Semester fees also apply for doctoral studies and all public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for at least the first 6 semesters.
Private universities
Private universities operate independently and are funded by tuition fees. As such, they are generally more expensive than public universities; you should budget between €10,000 and €20,000 per year for undergraduate and master's programs.
Applicants to a higher education institution in Germany are expected to have certain qualifications. These include an internationally recognized high school diploma, such as the Abitur in Germany, and a German or English language proficiency certificate. Some degree programs have minimum grades and quota restrictions.
Requirements for Applying to Bachelor’s Programs in Germany
Students who are eligible to study in a formal undergraduate program in their home country can apply to a department of their choice in Germany. There is no limit to the number of courses you can apply for.
You have studied or are studying at a university outside Germany:
Students who have completed a bachelor's degree program in their home country can apply to a program of their choice in Germany. There is no limit to the number of courses you can apply for. Your bachelor's degree will need to be equivalent to a German bachelor's degree of 3, 3.5 or 4 years. Some degree programs have minimum grades and quota restrictions.
The regulations and requirements for doctoral studies are set by the relevant university departments. In Germany, you need to select a potential supervisor and apply directly to the professor in question.
Once you have found a professor in Germany as your supervisor, the responsible department or doctoral committee at your university must approve your eligibility as a PhD candidate. At some universities, candidates have to apply for admission to the doctoral examination at this stage.
For your application to be successful, your planned doctoral thesis must be in line with the main emphases of the program and you must have a good or very good degree recognized in Germany.
In most higher education institutions, winter semester study starts in September/October and summer semester study starts in March/April.
If the program you are applying for starts in the winter semester, the application deadline is usually July 15; if the program starts in the summer semester, the application deadline is usually January 15. However, each university or undergraduate program can accept applications within the application deadlines they set, for example, April 1-30 or May 15-July 15
In addition, some universities allow applications throughout the year.
Numerus Clausus (limited number): At universities, the demand for some departments exceeds the number of students those departments can accept. For this reason, quota restrictions, known as NC (Numerus Clausus), are applied.
örtliches NC (local NC): Some universities may restrict the number of applicants for some of their programs; this is called a örtliches NC
bundesweites NC (nationwide NC): Some university courses (e.g. medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and dentistry) are subject to admission restrictions at all universities in Germany because they are very popular.
Mindestnote (minimum grade): A minimum grade is required for some bachelor's and master's programs. In addition to the GPA, universities may set other criteria that play a role in the selection process, such as tests, selection interviews or motivation letters. The criteria vary depending on the university and degree program.
Conditional admission is a preparatory program for prospective international students who have the university entrance qualification (not all admission requirements have been met) but have not yet reached the German C1 language proficiency level. Enrolling in this preparatory program allows you to stay in Germany with a student residence permit.
The purpose of conditional admission is to enable prospective students to reach German C1 level in order to apply for the degree program. This period is a maximum of 4 semesters.
Please note that expired admissions and language course registrations will not be accepted and may lead to rejection of your application.
A comprehensive education for all! This is the basic idea behind the concept of Studium Generale.
Studium generale means leaving your own subject area and learning to engage with other disciplines, broadening your horizons, getting to know new perspectives and looking at and working on topics from an interdisciplinary perspective.
It is a program now offered by many universities and, depending on the course, is open not only to students but also to the general public and guest students. Specifically, courses are offered in specific subject areas or on specific topics, but no specific degree program is covered. Students can attend these courses independently of their actual studies, but do not receive any credit points or other credit for their actual studies. However, a certificate of attendance can be issued.
Studying in Germany with a foreign university entrance qualification often requires additional preparation. Studienkollegs provide preparatory courses that equip students with the general, specialized, and language skills needed for successful university studies in Germany.
Who must attend a Studienkolleg?
Foreign school-leaving certificates are not always recognized as university entrance qualifications (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung - HZB) for studying in Germany because of differences between education systems. If you don’t have the HZB, direct entry to the German university system isn’t possible. If your certificate does not allow direct university admission, you can apply to a Studienkolleg, which involves taking and passing the Feststellungsprüfung final assessment test.
Key considerations when choosing a Studienkolleg
When selecting a Studienkolleg, it’s crucial to consider the course focus and the type of higher education institution it prepares students for. Some Studienkollegs prepare students exclusively for universities, while others prepare for both universities and universities of applied sciences. The subject focus is another key factor, as Studienkollegs offer various programs:
For universities:
For universities of applied sciences:
At the end of a Studienkolleg, students must pass the Feststellungsprüfung to access universities or universities of applied sciences across Germany.
Differences between public and private Studienkollegs
One key distinction in the Studienkolleg system is whether the institution is public or private. Public Studienkollegs offer state-recognized assessment tests, while only a limited number of private ones have this same accreditation. As a result, students should research carefully before applying. It’s also possible to prepare at a private Studienkolleg and then take the final exam — the Feststellungsprüfung — externally. This external exam is accepted by all German universities and qualifies students to apply for higher education according to their academic track and institution type.
Duration and content of Studienkolleg courses
Studienkolleg programmes generally last two semesters, though high-performing students may complete them in one. These courses provide the linguistic, academic, and methodological preparation needed for university studies in Germany. Alongside academic instruction, students also develop cultural and social skills to ease their integration into the academic environment. Most Studienkollegs offer German language courses, and they teach language skills up to the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Costs and student benefits at Studienkollegs
Public Studienkollegs are generally tuition-free, aside from a small semester fee. In contrast, private Studienkollegs usually charge tuition. Students enrolled in these programmes can enjoy various student benefits, such as affordable meals in university cafeterias, access to sports programmes, free use of university libraries, and in some cities, free or discounted public transportation.
| CEFR* level | A2 |
| Scale score | 120–139 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 3 |
| Test length | About 2 hours |
| CEFR* level | B1 |
| Scale score | 140–159 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 3 |
| Test length | About 2 hours 20 minutes |
| CEFR* level | B1 |
| Scale score | 140–159 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 4 |
| Test length | About 2 hours 20 minutes |
| CEFR* level | B2 |
| Scale score | 160–179 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 4 |
| Test length | About 2 hours 40 minutes |
| CEFR* level | B2 |
| Scale score | 160–179 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 4 |
| Test length | About 3.5 hours |
| CEFR* level | B2 |
| Scale score | 160–179 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 4 |
| Test length | About 3.5 hours |
| CEFR* level | A1 |
| Test format | Paper-based |
| No. of papers | 3 |
| Test length | About 1 hour |
| CEFR* level | A2 |
| Test format | Paper-based |
| No. of papers | 3 |
| Test length | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| CEFR* level | A2 |
| Scale score | 120-139 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 3 |
| Test length | About 2 hours |
| CEFR* level | B1 |
| Scale score | 140–159 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 3 |
| Test length | About 2 hours 20 minutes |
| CEFR* level | Pre-level A1 |
| Test format | Paper-based |
| No. of papers | 3 |
| Test length | About 45 minutes |
| CEFR* level | C1 |
| Scale score | 180–199 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 4 |
| Test length | About 4 hours |
| CEFR* level | C1 |
| Scale score | 180–199 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 4 |
| Test length | About 3 hours |
| CEFR* level | C2 |
| Scale score | 200–230 |
| Test format | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers | 4 |
| Test length | About 4 hours |
The DSH (Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) examination is a university language test that checks whether applicants have the necessary German language skills (C1 level) to study at a German-speaking university. The DSH tests the sub-skills of reading (including academic language structures), listening, writing and speaking. The oral examination is held after the results of the written part have been announced.
What is recommendation letter?
Most universities require applicants to provide a recommendation letter (for a master’s degree or a PhD), from the students’ counsellor, from different subject teachers or employer. It is a letter which supports the student’s application to study in a programme. They have to talk about your academic or professional achievements which make you a great fit for that programme.
A strong recommendation letter can make a student stand out from the other applicants, and ultimately tip the needle in their favor.
How to write a Letter of Recommendation?
Greeting: Dear Sir/Madam …
Introductory paragraph: Your referee will present themselves and their relationship with you, as well as their general impression of you and the time they have known you for.
Body paragraphs: Your referee will argue why they think you are the best candidate for that programme, mentioning your educational background, activities, and relevant personality traits.
Closing: Your referee needs to add a strong closing statement.
Sign-off: A standard closing phrase and, his name, contact details, and signature.
Test für Ausländische Studierende (TestAs)
TestAS, which stands for Test for Foreign Students, is a central standardised scholastic aptitude test which measures intellectual abilities particularly important for university studies.
TestAS is intended for international study applicants planning to do undergraduate studies at German universities.
The exams are held several times a year at licensed test centers around the world. The exam consists of a core test and a test in one of four subject areas:
You can take the test in German or English.
For more information click here.
| Skill | Level |
| Reading | Advanced (24–30) High-Intermediate (18–23) Low-Intermediate (4–17) Below Low-Intermediate (0–3) |
| Listening | Advanced (22–30) High-Intermediate (17–21) Low-Intermediate (9–16) Below Low-Intermediate (0–8) |
| Speaking | Advanced (25–30) High-Intermediate (20–24) Low-Intermediate (16–19) Basic (10–15) Below Basic (0–9) |
| Writing | Advanced (24–30) High-Intermediate (17–23) Low-Intermediate (13–16) Basic (7–12) Below Basic (0–6) |
| Questions | Task | Description |
| 1–2 | Read a text aloud | 45 seconds to prepare. 45 seconds to read the text out loud. |
| 3–4 | Describe a picture | Describe the picture on screen in as much detail as possible. 45 seconds to prepare a response. 30 seconds to speak about the picture. |
| 5–7 | Respond to questions | 3 seconds per question to prepare a response. 15 seconds to respond to questions 5 and 6. 30 seconds to respond to question 7. |
| 8–10 | Respond to questions using information provided | 45 seconds to read the information before the questions begin. 3 seconds per question to prepare their response. 15 seconds to respond to questions 8 and 9. Question 10 will be asked two times. 30 seconds to respond to question 10. |
| 11 | Express an opinion | 45 seconds to prepare a response. 60 seconds to speak. |
Your student visa will allow you to work in Germany and Turkey.
In Germany:
Anyone from a country outside the EU can work 120 full days or 240 half-days without the consent of the Federal Employment Agency. Students from EU/EEA countries are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester, just like German students are. There is no limit to how much they can earn during semester breaks.
In Turkey:
In Turkey, you need an official work permit to work.
Students at the undergraduate level can only get a work permit (part-time jobs) after they complete their first year at the university.
Students at the graduate level can get a work permit (both full-time and part-time jobs) starting from their first year at the university.
The Work & Travel programme offers the opportunity to spend between one month and a year exploring new countries while gaining valuable work experience. The available opportunities vary by country, with roles including work in cafes, hotels, and administrative positions. These positions are typically temporary, making the programme ideal for students seeking to maximise their break.
To participate in the Work & Travel programme, applicants must be at least 18 years old. For EU citizens, there is more flexibility in terms of travelling and working within the European Union, but outside of Europe, the typical age limit is 30, with Canada allowing applicants up to 35. The exact requirements depend on the country's visa rules.
The program length varies depending on the country of application and the country of citizenship of the participant: for example, in Canada it is usually 12 or 24 months, in the US it is usually around 3 months, but a 30-day travel period is allowed after the end of the study period.
What you will typically need:
The Work and Study Program lets you study and work legally, giving you the chance to gain international work experience, improve your English, and beef up your resume. To take part in the Work and Study Program, you've got to be enrolled in a language school or certificate/diploma program for at least 13 weeks.
After 90 days in Malta, for instance, you'll be eligible for a work permit that's as long as your visa. With this permit, you can work up to 20 hours a week, but you have to attend classes at least 75% of the time to keep your work permit active. That means you can earn enough money to cover your living expenses while you work. To participate in the Work and Study Program in Dubai, you have to enroll for at least 12 weeks of language study, 24 weeks in Ireland, and 14 weeks in Australia.
