Requirements to Study in Germany for International Students

Finding the Right Study Programme in Germany

Choosing the right study programme is the first and most important step in your journey to Germany. With over 400 universities and more than 20,000 study programmes available, Germany offers exceptional variety across almost every field of study.

Taking the time to research and select a programme that aligns with your academic interests, career goals, and personal circumstances will set the foundation for your success.

Types of Universities in Germany

Germany offers 3 main types of higher education institutions, each with different academic approaches:

• Universities (Universitäten): Research-oriented institutions with a focus on theoretical studies.‍
• Universities of Applied Sciences (Hochschulen): More practice-oriented, with strong links to industry and a focus on employability.
• Colleges of Art, Film, and Music: Specialised institutions requiring talent-based admission and portfolio assessments.

Understanding these differences helps you choose a programme that matches your academic style and career ambitions.

How to Choose the Right Programme

When comparing study options, consider factors such as:

• Language of instruction: Do you prefer a German-taught programme or an English-taught degree?
• Admission requirements: Some programmes have specific criteria, such as portfolios or aptitude tests.
• Career goals: Universities of Applied Sciences are ideal for practical experience, while research universities suit academic paths.
• Location and cost of living: Cities vary significantly in affordability and lifestyle.

Evaluating these criteria makes it easier to shortlist programmes that genuinely suit your needs.

General Eligibility to Study in Germany

In general, Germany welcomes students from all over the world, provided they meet certain academic requirements.

International students typically enjoy the same privileges as German nationals and EU students - this means that once they prove their previous education matches the German standard, they can study at public universities without paying tuition fees.

Required University Admission Qualifications

Eligibility to study in Germany as an international student depends on the programme you choose. Each university sets its own requirements independently from others. However, despite these differences, there are some general criteria that are consistent across most institutions.

For admission to a bachelor’s programme in Germany, you typically need a school-leaving certificate that is considered equivalent to the German Abitur. If your qualification is not equivalent to the Abitur, you will first need to complete a Studienkolleg (foundation course) before you can enroll in a degree programme.

For a master’s programme, you must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related field.

To check if your qualifications are recognised, you can use the Anabin database, Germany’s official tool for verifying whether a foreign diploma or degree is equivalent to a German qualification. Universities use this resource during admissions, and it is free for you to access and check your credentials as well.

Recognition of Foreign Diplomas in Germany

Your school or university qualifications must be officially recognised in Germany for you to apply and be accepted into a German university. This recognition process ensures that your academic background meets the entry criteria and that you are eligible to pursue studies in Germany.

If your qualifications are not recognised as equivalent, as mentioned earlier, you will need to complete a Studienkolleg before beginning your degree programme.

After completing the courses at the Studienkolleg, you must take a final assessment exam called the Feststellungsprüfung. The certificate you receive upon passing this exam is state-recognised and allows you to apply to German universities.

Language Requirements for Studying in Germany

Language skills are a key part of your university application. Whether you need German or English depends on the language of instruction for your chosen programme, something you can confirm on the university’s official website.

However, keep in mind you are expected to arrive with the necessary language proficiency for your course so you can follow lectures, complete assignments, and participate in class discussions from day one.

Required German Proficiency for International Students

If your degree programme is taught in German, you will need to prove your language proficiency before admission. The required level depends on the university, but most institutions expect at least a B2 or C1 level for a bachelor’s programme.

You will need to show proof of German skills through one of the following recognised exams:

• TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)
• DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)
• Goethe-Zertifikat

English-Taught Programmes and IELTS/TOEFL Requirements

Germany offers a large number of bachelor’s and master’s programmes taught entirely in English. If you choose one of these, you will need to prove your English proficiency, and no German is required.

The most common options for proving English skills include:

• Cambridge English Qualification, a C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
• IELTS, typically a minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, depending on the programme
• TOEFL, usually between 80 and 100 points, depending on the programme

It is important to confirm the exact requirements with your university or admissions office before applying, as minimum scores may vary.

Entrance Exams and Standardised Tests

Depending on your programme or university, you may sometimes need to pass an entrance exam or provide scores from a standardised test as part of your application, although this is relatively rare.

These requirements help universities determine if you have the academic skills and subject knowledge needed for success in your chosen course.

Do You Need to Take an Entrance Exam to Study in Germany?

No, not all students need to take an entrance exam, in fact, most don’t. For the majority of programmes, your school-leaving certificate or bachelor’s degree is sufficient for admission.

However, certain courses, particularly those that are more competitive, may require entrance tests. If your qualification does not fully meet the German entry standard, you may also need to pass the assessment test at the end of your Studienkolleg.

What Tests Are Required for Bachelor’s and Master’s Programmes?

For bachelor’s programmes, you may need to attend a subject-specific Studienkolleg, which concludes with a specific entrance exam if your education is not recognised.

For master’s programmes, some universities may request GRE or GMAT scores, although this is not common.

In specialized fields such as art, design, or music, you may be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application.

Required Documents for Your University Application in Germany

After confirming your eligibility and any entrance exams, it’s time to gather the documents needed for your university application. Preparing these early ensures a smoother process and increases your chances of meeting deadlines.

Common Documents Required for University Application

While specific requirements vary by university and programme, most applications require the following core documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates (secondary school, Bachelor’sdegree, or equivalent)
• Proof of language proficiency (German or English, depending onthe programme)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose
• Copy of your passport

Some universities also require certified copies or official translations into German or English.

Additional Programme-Specific Requirements

Depending on your chosen field of study, you may also need:

• A portfolio (for arts, design, architecture, film, or music programmes)
• Aptitude test results
• Letters of recommendation
• Work experience certificates (especially for applied or business programmes)

Always check the programme’s official webpage to ensure you meet every requirement.

Financial Requirements for International Students

Before you can start studying in Germany, you will need to prove that you can cover your living expenses as part of your visa application. Here is everything you need to know about the financial part of moving to Germany for your studies.

Minimum Funds Required to Study in Germany

As of 2025, the German government requires proof of {{price:ba_ammount_mo}} per month, which amounts to {{price:ba_ammount_mo*12}} per year to cover your living costs. This includes rent, food, transportation, study materials, and other daily expenses.

The actual amount you will spend may be higher or lower depending on your city. For example, living in Munich is generally more expensive than living in smaller towns, and you will find the {{price:ba_ammount_mo}} insufficient. However, regardless of the city, the {{price:ba_ammount_mo*12}} per year is still the minimum.

Blocked Account Requirements

The most common way to prove your financial means for a student visa is by opening a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto in German). This is a special bank account where you deposit the required annual amount before arriving in Germany.

Once in the country, you can withdraw the funds via a current bank account, but in fixed monthly amounts only, meaning you will not have access to the full sum all at once.

Scholarships and Other Funding Options

Scholarships can help reduce the financial burden of moving to another country. For example, the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst or German Academic Exchange Service) offers numerous scholarships for students from around the world.

Many universities also provide their own grants, tuition waivers, or merit-based awards based on your academic performance.

However, be aware that some scholarships may not fully cover your living expenses in Germany. If you require additional funding, you can take up part-time work, but international students have certain restrictions and cannot work as freely as German students.

Visa and Residence Permit Requirements

If you’re from outside the EU or EEA, you’ll need a student visa to enter Germany and a residence permit to stay for your studies.

Getting these documents in order is one of the most important steps before starting your academic journey.

Student Visa Requirements for International Students

A German student visa is issued by your local German embassy or consulate and allows you to enter the country for the purpose of studying. To apply, you will need:

• A valid passport
• Your university admission letter
• A language proficiency certificate for the language of the course
• Proof of financial means
• Proof of health insurance
• Completed visa application forms and biometric photos
• APS certificate (for Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese students)

Health Insurance Requirements for Visa Approval

Proof of valid health insurance is mandatory for both your visa application and your residence permit.

Initially, you will need travel health insurance to cover you until your arrival in Germany. After entering the country, you can switch to a public or private health insurance plan.

If you are attending a Studienkolleg (preparatory course), you will usually need private health insurance for this period, and can then change to public insurance once you enrol in a degree programme.

Students under 30 can typically access affordable public health insurance, while those aged 30 or above are generally required to take private coverage.