Study abroad
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
Germany is in Central Europe, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with infrastructure, manufacturing and digital technology shaping much of the country’s economy.
Berlin, Munich and Hamburg are among the places students often consider. Teaching is often in German. There is also a growing number of English-taught degrees. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.
There is no single reason to study in Germany. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in Central Europe, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.
Alongside research universities, Germany has universities of applied sciences that focus on practice-oriented study, often with close links to industry.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
These subject areas are a useful starting point for students looking at Germany. They are editorial suggestions based on the country’s wider economy and institutions, not a ranking.
Because infrastructure, manufacturing and digital technology matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Germany on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universität Heidelberg · Undergraduate
Sample data
Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
LMU Munich · Undergraduate
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Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
Technical University of Munich · Undergraduate
Sample data
Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
LMU Munich · Undergraduate
Sample data
Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
LMU Munich · Master's
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Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
LMU Munich · Master's
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Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
Some international students in Germany receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Koramangala, Bengaluru
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Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Germany, USA, Australia and UK.
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Mylapore, Chennai · +1 more office
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8 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Certificate
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to UK, Germany, Sweden and Australia.
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Koramangala, Bengaluru
Sample listingStudy Abroad Consultant
Study destinations: 🇮🇹 Italy · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇳🇱 Netherlands
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7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Foundation
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Italy, Germany and Netherlands.
View Consultant Website Demo Bluepeak Overseas Education (opens in a new tab)
Lajpat Nagar, Delhi · +3 more offices
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Study destinations: 🇳🇱 Netherlands · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇫🇷 France · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇬🇧 UK · +1 more
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7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Netherlands, Canada, France, USA, UK and Germany.
View Consultant Website Demo Campus Bridge Consultants (opens in a new tab)
C-Scheme, Jaipur · +1 more office
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Study destinations: 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇮🇪 Ireland · 🇬🇧 UK
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10 partnered universities (sample data) · Master's, Diploma
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Germany, Ireland and UK.
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Lajpat Nagar, Delhi · +3 more offices
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Study destinations: 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇮🇪 Ireland
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Listings are not rankings or endorsements. Check services and fees directly with each consultant.
The academic year in Germany commonly begins around October. Some institutions also admit students around April, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Tuition in Germany varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Before you travel, check what kind of study permission Germany requires for your nationality and course. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: German Federal Foreign Office (official government website).
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
A realistic budget for life in Germany starts with housing, which is usually the largest single expense. Costs in Berlin can differ noticeably from those in Munich or Hamburg and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
It depends on your goals. Germany offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Central Europe and study in German (with some English-taught options). Students interested in infrastructure, manufacturing and digital technology may find the local context especially relevant.
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Computing & Information Technology, Science and Business & Management. The subjects page for Germany lists every subject available here with its specializations.
Many programmes start around October. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as German Federal Foreign Office.
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Berlin, Munich and Hamburg are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Many courses are taught in German. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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