How to Study in Germany

Germany is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students, with nearly 380,000 international students studying at German universities and business schools—a number that continues to grow every year.

Germany attracts international students because of its low living costs and promising job opportunities, particularly in sectors such as the automotive industry and mechanical engineering. Not to mention, you can study in some of Europe’s greatest cities, including Berlin and Frankfurt.

If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Germany, we’re here to make the process easier. This guide will cover: 

•  The benefits of studying in Germany
•  Where to study business
•  How to apply to international schools
•  How to get a German student visa
•  How much it costs to study in Germany
•  How to finance your studies

What are the Benefits of Studying in Germany?

Germany is an excellent destination for students interested in history and culture. Cities such as Berlin and Munich are renowned throughout the world for the quality of their cultural institutions, and you could be spending your days off exploring the Altes Nationalgalerie or the Deutsches Museum.

Students are also attracted to Germany’s unique culture. Centuries of history have made Germany a diverse nation filled with cultural sights; the country boasts 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s also a multicultural destination, so you can discover more about other European cultures as you study here.

Finally, Germany is a picturesque country with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to take a trip to nearby Switzerland or Austria to ski or try summer hiking in the Black Forest, there are plenty of ways to unwind and travel during your studies in Germany.

Is Germany Good for Business Students?

As the largest economy in the EU, studying business in Germany is your chance to land a role at some of the world’s largest companies. These include Volkswagen, BMW, Allianz, and BASF.

In addition to housing influential multinational companies, Germany is also a growing hub for startups. Berlin ranks 24th globally for the quality of its startup ecosystem, surpassing major cities such as Sydney, Hong Kong, and Zurich. On average, 500 companies are founded in the capital every year, and, last year, Berlin received 89% of Germany’s total investments in Fintech. 

Furthermore, Frankfurt is one of the world’s leading financial centers, with major companies such as PwC, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, and IBM having offices in the city. In the south, Munich is growing its reputation as a tech center: Apple and Google have key hubs in the Bavarian capital.

Not to mention, Germany is home to several top-ranked business schools. Four German business schools appear on the Financial Times Global MBA ranking: ESMT Berlin, Mannheim Business School, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, and
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management.

How Do I Apply to Study in Germany?

To apply to universities in Germany, you’ll need the same documents as other international business schools. This includes a degree diploma, academic transcript, passport photo, and a copy of an English language certificate if English isn’t your native language. There are multiple acceptable tests, but the most popular are the TOEFL, PTE, and IELTS.

Applicants to master’s or MBA programs will also need to provide a GMAT score. You can take the GMAT either online or at a testing center.

While applicants from certain countries do not need a visa to study in Germany, most non-EU citizens will have to apply for a German student visa. To apply, you’ll need:

•  A valid passport
•  Proof of health insurance
•  Proof of sufficient funds (at least €992 per month)
•  Academic transcripts
•  An English language certificate
•  A letter of acceptance from your university or business school

Your student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken) is valid for three months. Upon arrival in Germany, you should head to the Alien Registration Office in your town or city to apply for your extended residence permit. This will allow you to stay in Germany for the duration of your study program. 

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Germany?

Though Germany is a more expensive destination than the UK or Belgium, you’ll find that you can study in a major global city for less in this country. For example, Berlin is much more affordable than other European capitals such as Amsterdam, London, Copenhagen, and Paris. 

International students in Germany should factor in additional costs while in the country, such as health insurance, which costs an average of €110 per month for students. 

To give you an idea of how much you might spend while studying abroad in Germany, here are some approximate monthly costs for items and bills. On average, students in Germany spend a total of €1,150 per month, and that includes rent, food, other bills, and leisure costs.

•  Rent: €400-€900
•  Groceries and food: €198
•  Transport: €89
•  Restaurant meal: €15
•  Gym membership: €30

Data gathered from study-in-germany.com, numbeo.com

What are the Tuition Fees for International Students in Germany?

In addition to having a low cost of living, Germany also offers more affordable tuition fees compared to other European institutions. While most state programs do not charge tuition fees even for non-EU students, private universities and most business schools will. 

For example, bachelor's programs at business schools in Germany can have tuition costs of around €20,000 (US$23,000) per year, while master’s programs rarely exceed €40,000 (US$47,000) per year.

MBA programs are likely to be more expensive, though they are still affordable compared to similar courses in the UK or the US. For example, the top-ranked MBA at WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management costs €49,500 (US$58,000).

Can International Students Apply for Scholarships in Germany?

The DAAD offers a range of scholarships to international students. Other organizations that provide German scholarships to international students include the DeutschlandStipendium and the Heinrich Böll Foundation.

If you don’t manage to receive a German scholarship, there are other options, including student loans. Prodigy Finance is one company that offers loans to international students; however, there are also government-funded student loans available.

TL;DR: How to Study in Germany

•  Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its low living costs, promising job opportunities in major industries, and its diverse cultural landscape. Cities like Berlin and Frankfurt are also growing hubs for startups and finance.

•  To apply, you'll need documents like a degree diploma, academic transcripts, and an English language certificate if you're a non-native speaker. Postgraduate applicants will also need to provide a GMAT score.

•  Most non-EU citizens need to apply for a German student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken), which is valid for three months, after which you must apply for an extended residence permit upon arrival.

•  While some state programs don't charge tuition fees, private universities and most business schools do. The average monthly cost of living in Germany is approximately €1,150, which includes rent, food