In Germany, education is serious business. German universities rate high in worldwide rankings, and thousands of international students come to study in Germany every year. They enjoy high-quality education, great public transportation, and a rich culture and history.
With this comprehensive guide from Remitly, you too can start reaching your academic goal of studying in Germany for free.
Understanding Germany’s free education system
Education in Germany is compulsory for all school-aged learners. From Munich to Berlin, Hamburg, and across the nation, children aged six to 15 must attend school full-time throughout the academic year.
German and international students who join public universities, such as the Technical University of Munich, the University of Cologne, and Heidelberg University, can access tuition-free higher education. You’ll pay heavily subsidized nominal fees instead, ranging from 100 EUR to 300 EUR every semester.
Some states have begun reintroducing tuition fees for non-EU students in public higher education institutions, so inquire about the costs and explore financial aid options. Organizations like the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provide funding for international students and researchers.
Meanwhile, private German universities charge thousands in tuition fees annually.
Who can study for free in Germany?
Anyone—from any nationality—can join one of Germany’s world-class public universities without paying tuition fees.
Whether you’re a German citizen, reside in another European state, or come from a home country outside Europe, you’re allowed to study nearly any program tuition-free. Coupled with a competitive cost of living across cities, it’s no wonder Germany is one of the most popular destinations for workers and international students.
What do you need to enroll in German universities?
Due to freedom of movement, studying in Germany is pretty straightforward for EU citizens. There are a few more considerations for non-EU students who want to study in Germany. First, you must complete your entire academic program in Germany to keep enjoying the country’s tuition-free benefits.
Second, you’ll need the appropriate German residence permit before making your trip. If you are planning to stay for 90 days or less, a Schengen visa may be more suited to your needs—unless you’re from an exempt country or EU/EEA/EFTA state. But for many learners, a student visa is the ideal option.
Requirements to prepare your university application
Private and public universities each follow their own unique admissions criteria and you’ll need to meet these minimum standards to guarantee a successful application. That said, here are some general points that cover most German higher education institutions:
- Contact your chosen university and check if you meet their admissions requirements.
- Present the university with your higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). If you’re coming from abroad, you’ll need to find out if your equivalent qualification is recognized.
- Some foreign school certificates aren’t recognized in Germany. Non-EU international students may need to take a qualification assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung) after completing a preparatory course (Studienkolleg).
- Provide proof of language proficiency. Standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS show your English fluency adequately. But if your chosen program is offered in the German language, B2- to C1-level proficiency may be required.
- Some German universities request additional aptitude tests such as TestAS to show you can handle the requirements of your chosen program. This clears significant hurdles to studying for free in Germany.
Depending on the university and program of study, you may also need the following documents:
- A certified copy of your high school diploma or a previously completed degree
- An accurate translation of the course modules and grades
- A copy of your valid passport
- Recent passport photos
- A letter of motivation and possibly a letter of recommendation
- The requisite application fee
You may also need to submit proof of German health insurance (Krankenversicherung), accommodation details, and a student visa valid throughout your academic program.
Also Learn: Getting a Volunteer Visa in Germany: Your Step-by-step Guide
Do you need a German student visa to study for free?
Germany’s student visa officially permits international students to enter and spend a specific period in the country for learning purposes. Visa holders can:
- apply for and extend student residence permits for a reasonable length of time;
- have up to 120 working days per year in a part-time job; and
- obtain a residence permit specific to job seekers up to six months after graduation.
However, this visa doesn’t allow you to hold a full-time position—up to 240 working days a year—as an employee or digital nomad, or to stop participating in your studies.
Requirements of Germany’s student visa
The German student visa is open to non-EU learners who fit into any of the following situations:
- have received an acceptance letter to a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree program from a German university;
- have submitted their university application and expect to receive a positive response;
- have proof of enrolment in a Studienkolleg to prepare for the Feststellungsprüfung before applying to a German university;
- need to complete a postgraduate doctoral degree; or
- want to engage in a research project in Germany.
However, you should only apply for a German student visa if you’re studying in certain higher education institutions, including:
- a recognized German university
- a university of Applied Sciences
- a college of arts, music, and the humanities
Which student visa should you apply for?
Individuals who meet these requirements can apply for one of three types of long-stay German student visas:
- The Language Course Visa: Also called the Visa for Language Learning, this visa allows you to spend three months to one year participating in educational activities as part of a short German language course.
- Student Applicant Visa: The Visum Zur Studienbewerbung is for learners who want to study in Germany but are still exploring academic programs, or waiting for their university acceptance letter.
- Student Visa: Meanwhile, the Visum Zu Studienzwecken is ideal for students who have been accepted to their university of choice.
These visa options are great if you’re learning the German language, undertaking an internship, or studying full-time.
Documents required for a long-stay study visa in Germany
So, what do you need to apply for a student visa in Germany for the 2024 academic year?
- Two duly completed visa application forms.
- Valid national passport. Check your passport’s validity here.
- Two recent biometric passport photographs.
- Proof of admission at a German higher education institution.
- Proof of German language proficiency, like TestDaF or DSH certification, to study German and mixed-language programs.
- Proof of English language proficiency for English and mixed-language programs.
- Authenticated certificates showing your education background.
- If you’ve studied in a German education provider abroad, include your Abitur (the general higher education entrance qualification). If not, submit a recognized foreign academic qualification equivalent to the German Abitur, or your academic records or transcript.
- Your CV or resume, accompanied by evidence of previous and current work experiences.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources (Finanzieruungsnachweis) to cover your tuition fees and living costs. This includes statements from a blocked bank account showing a minimum balance of 11,208 EUR, or 934 EUR monthly. Scholarship certificates are also acceptable. Add a letter of declaration from your parents, or a commitment letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a relative or friend with German residency, showing they will cover your accommodation and other living expenses during your studies.
- Student health insurance with at least 30,000 EUR coverage and valid for at least three months.
- A motivational letter.
- A marriage certificate, if applicable, accompanied by birth certificates for any related children.
- Proof of visa application fee payment.
How to apply for Germany’s student visa
The visa application process is quite straightforward and involves the following steps:
- Step 1: Contact your local German embassy for a list of country-specific visa requirements.
- Step 2: Schedule a visa appointment on the next available date online or through your local German embassy.
- Step 3: Prepare and review your documents before the appointment, providing accurate information at every stage
- Step 4: Pay the visa application and processing fee. This is 75 EUR for applicants over 18 and 37.5 EUR for minors.
- Step 5: Prepare for your visa interview.
Depending on the embassy, you may also need to submit proof that you don’t have a criminal record.
Key application deadlines to keep in mind
Submit your visa application at least eight weeks before your travel date to avoid possible delays. It typically takes six to 12 weeks to process a long-stay study visa while short-stay authorizations only require 15 to 30 days.
After arriving in Germany, you’ll have two weeks to register with the local Alien Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde). There, you’ll apply for a residence permit, renewable every two years. The first residence permit costs 100 EUR, with the fee dropping to 96 EUR for every subsequent extension.
Expand your horizons in Germany
A German university education opens the doors to numerous opportunities locally and internationally. Besides receiving rigorous, world-class training, it’s the perfect chance to dive into a new culture, engage with diverse worldviews, and broaden your prospects in professional and personal life.
FAQs
What should I study in Germany?
Germany is famous for its focus on technical training. As a result, you’ll find several world-class STEM programs in public and private universities alike. However, there are plenty of arts, music, and humanities programs suited to varying interests.
Can I study in Germany for free?
In most cases, anyone can access free education in Germany. You may need to pay a heavily subsidized nominal fee. Some states charge tuition fees for non-EU students; contact the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for more information.
How can I get a full scholarship for a postgraduate, master’s, or bachelor’s degree in Germany?
While higher education is nearly free in Germany, there are lots of avenues to receive financial aid. DAAD and similar organizations provide international students with financial support.
How long does it take to get a master’s degree in Germany?
It will take two years, or 24 months, to complete a typical master’s degree program in Germany.
Do I need a student visa for Germany if I’m from the US, Canada, or Australia?
Yes, you will need to apply for a student visa if you plan to study for more than 90 days in Germany.