Education in Germany for international students

Climate
Germany has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and comfortable, while winters are cool and sometimes snowy. Spring and fall are especially beautiful, and there is rarely extreme heat or severe cold.
Culture
German culture is a balance of tradition and modernity. People here value classical music, theaters, beer festivals, and design. Germans respect order, but they also enjoy leisure: organizing fairs, bike rides, and cozy gatherings.
Economy
The German economy is one of the leading in the world. Industry, technology, and sustainable business are highly developed here. The high standard of living and career opportunities make the country attractive for professionals from different parts of the world.
84 millionpopulation size
15%share of international students
428number of universities
3 in the worldcountry’s economy
6,3%unemployment rate

Features of higher education

Germany is a federal state made up of autonomous regions. Depending on the region, educational programs, admission requirements, costs, and other features of universities vary.

Education in Germany for Ukrainians is available in both German and English. Bachelor’s programs can be studied in German and English, master’s programs are mainly in English, and preparatory programs (Studienkollegs) are in German.

Duration of study
Bachelor’s degree

6–7 semesters (3–3.5 years)

Master’s degree

3–4 semesters (1.5–2 years)

Doctorate

3–5 years (state exam programs: medicine, pharmacy, law, education — 4–6.5 years)

Preparatory courses

1 year (for applicants with school certificates not equivalent to German ones)

Prospects for International Students

The prospects for international students in Germany are attractive, as the country actively attracts young professionals and offers real opportunities for study, career and life.

Why you should study in Germany:

Germany is a leader in innovation and technology, attracting students interested in engineering, IT and the natural sciences.

The country is safe, with a decent standard of living, developed medicine, infrastructure and transport.

Universities offer special programs and services for foreigners: language courses, assistance with adaptation and integration.

German diplomas are valued and appreciated in the UK, USA and other countries.

Germany is home to 80 of the 500 largest European companies: BMW Group, Volkswagen, Bayer, Adidas, etc. Internships at giants are a great boost for building an international career.

Even during their studies, students are allowed to work part-time for up to 120 working days a year and receive a salary of €850 per month.

By the way! Graduates of German universities receive a visa for 18 months to look for work after completing their studies.

How to apply to Germany

It is not possible to enroll in Germany after completing 11 grades in our school. Here, secondary education lasts 13 years, and foreign students must compensate for the difference by studying for a year in a Studienkolleg (preparatory program) or 1 year in a bachelor’s degree in their home country in a relevant specialty.

Some universities allow foreigners to enroll in a bachelor’s degree after completing 11 grades.

What else is important:

1
Language exams

To prove language proficiency, the TestDaF or DSH exam is taken. For English-language programs, especially at the Master’s level, the IELTS or TOEFL exam is required.

2
University requirements

Germany has a centralized application system for a number of programs, but universities may also have their own admissions systems.

3
Submission deadlines

The admission deadlines are strict: July 15 — winter semester and January 15 — summer semester (varies depending on the university and program).

A number of universities have a limited number of places (Numerus Clausus), quotas usually apply to medical programs.

4
Student visa

Non-EU students must obtain a student visa or residence permit for the purpose of study (proof of enrolment, proof of financial means and health insurance will be required).

Cost of education in Germany

The cost of studying in Germany for foreign students depends on the level of study (bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate), as well as the field, region of location and type of university.

Approximate prices
  • Public universities in German are free for all students, regardless of nationality. Foreigners only pay semester fees, which include administrative costs and a ticket for public transport. These fees are usually in the range of €100-€350 per semester.
  • English-language programs at public universities, especially at the master’s level, are free, but the same semester fees are present. There are also fee-based specialized programs, but there are not many of them.
  • At private universities, both German and English-language programs are fee-based. The cost varies from several thousand to 20 thousand euros per year, depending on the university and the program.

Local and international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, which helps cover part of the cost of semester fees and additional expenses.

 

Scholarships in Germany for Foreigners

There are many scholarships in Germany, and they are available not only to citizens of the country, but also to foreign students, including those from the CIS countries. Scholarships can be academic, social, thematic, and even regional.

Main types:
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Плюсик

Available to students applying for bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and postdoctoral studies. Amount: from 850 to 1,200 euros per month, often plus insurance, travel, German language course. Competition is high, but transparent and fair.

Scholarships of political party foundations (Stiftungen) Плюсик

The foundations do not award scholarships for political views, but for success, leadership, and social activity. Types of scholarships from foundations:

  • Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (CDU)
  • Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (SPD)
  • Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung (Greens)
  • Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (Left)

Amount: about 850–1,200 euros per month + support.

Scholarships for Scientists and Researchers Плюсик
  • Humboldt Foundation – for postdocs and experienced scientists.
  • DFG (German Science Foundation) – funds research projects and dissertations.

These scholarships are very prestigious and well paid.

University scholarships Плюсик

Many universities have their own programs: Deutschlandstipendium, International Student Grants, internal competitions. The amount of such scholarships is from 300 to 1,000 euros per month.

EU and International Scholarships Плюсик

These are Erasmus+ (if you are studying on an exchange program in the EU), as well as UNESCO, NATO, Fulbright, etc. programs (in the context of international studies).

The competition for the scholarship is high, it is important to carefully prepare the application, emphasizing your strengths and compliance with the scholarship criteria.

Our unique algorithm of work is aimed at obtaining funding that covers from 50 to 100% of the costs of education. To enroll in Germany with us, it is important to take the first step – sign up for a free consultation.

Where do students live in Germany

International students in Germany live in different types of housing, depending on their budget, city and personal preferences.

Main types of housing:

Student dormitories (Studentenwohnheim)

  • The most popular and affordable option.
  • Organized through student unions (Studierendenwerk).
  • There are different formats: from a single room to mini-studios.
  • Price: from 200 to 400 euros/month, including utilities.
  • Cons: limited number of places, especially in large cities – it is better to apply immediately after admission.

WG (Wohngemeinschaft) — renting an apartment with roommates

  • A very common format: several students share an apartment.
  • A private room, shared kitchen and bathroom.
  • Price: depending on the city, from 300 to 600 euros/month.
  • A great way to save money, find friends and immerse yourself in the language environment.
  • Search on sites like WG-Gesucht.de, ImmoScout24, Facebook groups.

Private apartments (Einzelwohnung)

  • Complete independence and comfort, but more expensive.
  • Suitable for those who value silence, work or study remotely.
  • Price: from 600 to 1,200 euros/month and up (depending on the city).

Interim housing (temporary)

  • Hostels, Airbnb, short-term subletting – while looking for a permanent place.
  • Often used in the first weeks after moving.

Want to get a German education and build an international career? Come to a consultation to assess your chances, we will tell you where to start.

Our services

    Admission Stories

    Master's degree, finance (USA)
    Egor

    He entered a master’s program in the USA at two universities at once – Brandeis University and Washington University in St. Louis, receiving scholarships totaling $80,000. He chose Brandeis University and went to study on the first try.

    Graphic Design (Europe)
    Camilla

    She enrolled in graphic design at universities in France, Italy and Hungary. She received scholarships at all of them and chose the university with the maximum funding — $135,000 for the entire period of study.

    Theatre and music
    Leonid

    He entered Siena Heights University (USA) for the Theater and Music program with a full scholarship of $170,000. Preparation took less than a year.

    Fashion PR (bachelor's degree, USA)
    Anastasia

    I got accepted to a Fashion PR bachelor’s degree in the USA on my first attempt, having received offers from 5 universities.

    Nutritionology
    Diera

    She was admitted to three American universities at once: Augustana College, Widener University, and the University of South Dakota. She chose Augustana College, where she received a scholarship of $45,000 per year.

    PhD in Earth and Environmental Science (USA)
    Zhanna

    I was accepted to the PhD program at Columbia University on my first try, having strengthened my profile and compiled my achievements into a strong application.

    Master's degree and economics (USA)
    Leila

    She entered graduate school at Kent State University and Ohio University. At Ohio University, she won a Graduate Teaching Assistantship with full funding of $37,774, covering tuition, insurance, and living expenses.

    Business Management (BSc, NYU Abu Dhabi)
    Ruslan

    Got accepted to NYU Abu Dhabi on the first try (acceptance rate 4%) with a scholarship of $217,000. Also received offers from Lynn and Drexel University.

    What students say about working with us

    АнастасияUSAAdmission to the USA with a 100% scholarship! One of the top universities, majoring in international relations.
    Anastasia's review
    АнастасияUSAI entered the USA for international relations with a scholarship. The secret is in the Personal Brand!
    Review by Anastasia
    КсенияGermanyShe entered Macromedia University for a bachelor's degree in acting.
    Feedback from Ksenia
    КамиллаЕвропаEnrolled in one of the best applied arts schools in France - LISAA. Bachelor's degree, graphic design.
    Review by Camilla
    КсенияUSAI entered the USA with full funding, majoring in applied mathematics. The annual tuition will be only $81!
    Feedback from Ksenia
    РусланUAEAdmission to Business and Management at NYU ABU DHABI with a $217,000 scholarship!
    Review by Ruslan
    ЭлинаUSAAdmission to the USA with 100% scholarship after 2 unsuccessful independent attempts!
    Elina's review
    ЛеонидUSAAdmission to the USA for a master's degree in theater and music with a scholarship of $170,000.
    Review by Leonid

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