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For many years, Germany is one of the most favorite countries to study abroad for international students worldwide. However, many students are asking if they can study in Germany without any German skills. Here you will get the answer and the top universities for international students who are going to study in Germany in English.

# Can I study in Germany in English? 

Yes. The German universities currently offer over 1.600 study programs taught in English, both for Master and Bachelor students. Courses in economics and social sciences are offered usually in English, while natural sciences, medicine and agricultural sciences are also increasingly chosen by international students. Find all the course of studies in English [here](https://edubao.org/studyportal/).

# Is the German education in English also for free?

The study fee doesn´t depend on in which language is offered. If you are studying at the public universities, except in the federal state Baden-Württemberg, no tuition fees are required. 

## What are the best German universities for studying in English?
In the following list, we would like to introduce the top 10 German universities that are chosen by most of the international students. One of the most important reasons is that they provide a wide range of study programs in English. Besides, these universities are located in Germany’s biggest and most international cities such as Munich, Hamburg, Berlin etc., which also makes it easier for students to integrate quickly into the new German life. These universities also offer many opportunities for them to accrue more work experience.

## Top universities for students study in Germany in English

![116_Berlin](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/e09ef25b-4f28-44b7-902a-c6d7efa9f876/116-berlin.jpg '116_Berlin')

### 1.	Free University of Berlin

The [Free University of Berlin](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100011/) has won three times in the Excellence Competition of the German federal and state governments. As a comprehensive university, it offers more than 150 degree programmes in a broad range of subjects at eleven departments and four central institutes. 

Every year, around 600 academics from all over the world contribute to the diversity of teaching and research at the Free University Berlin. 

* National Ranking: 4
* Sponsorship: Public Institution
* Founding Year: 1948
* Numbers of Students: 40867
* Share of International Students: 26.2%
* Location: Berlin
* Application Organization: uni-assist

### 2.	Humboldt University of Berlin

The [Humboldt University of Berlin](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100070/) has been one of the Germany’s eleven universities of excellence since 15 June 2012. The highly socially relevant topics and questions of the future are researched, and the results are communicated to the public at Humboldt University.

The Humboldt University gives its efforts to become a place of outstanding research and teaching. It promotes young talents and contributes a positive impact on business and society. 

* National Ranking: 11 
* Sponsorship: Public Institution 
* Founding Year: 1810 
* Number of Students: 38864 
* Share of International Students: 21.3% 
* Location: Berlin
* Application Organization: uni-assist 


### 3. TU Berlin - Technical University of Berlin

The [Technical University Berlin](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100080/) is an active part of the international metropolis and has been the outstanding science location Berlin for many years. However, TU Berlin offers not only technical study programs. There are many international students who also decided to study social programs here at TU Berlin. 

* National Ranking: 12 
* Sponsorship: Public Institution 
* Founding Year: 1879 
* Number of Students: 34708 
* Share of International Students: 6.1% 
* Location: Berlin 
* Application Organization: uni-assist 

### 4. HTW Berlin (University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and Economics)

[HTW Berlin](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100105/) has almost 14,000 students and stands for challenging studies, qualified graduates and practice-oriented research. As Berlin's largest university of applied sciences, it offers  more than 70 degree programs in the fields of technology, information technology, business, law, culture and design. The spectrum of subjects ranges from classic disciplines, such as mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and business administration to currently popular programs, such as health electronics, game design and professional IT business. 

* National Ranking: 72 
* Sponsorship: Public Institution 
* Founding Year: 1994 
* Number of Students: 13628 
* Share of International Students: 40.3% 
* Location: Berlin
* Application Organization: uni-assist

![116_Hamburg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/8c243468-a4bf-47a1-b66b-727270328cd3/116-hamburg.jpg '116_Hamburg')

### 5. Hamburg University (UHH)

The [Hamburg University](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100057/) is the largest university in this hanseatic city. It offers a wide variety of degree programs — from art history and law to physics. There are a lot of international students who choose to study at Hamburg University in English. 

* National Ranking: 6 
* Sponsorship: Public Institution 
* Founding Year: 1919 
* Number of Students: 43509 
* Share of International Students: 5.6% 
* Location: Berlin 
* Application Organization: uni-assist

### 6. HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU)

Founded in 2006, [HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU)](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100266/) is the only university in Europe that focus on architecture and metropolitan development. HCU is located in the city's newest district, the HafenCity Hamburg. With its impressive architecture and design, the university and its surrounding areas are a unique environment for the students to create and develop their architectural ideas. 

* National Ranking:  - 
* Sponsorship: Public Institution 
* Founding Year: 2006 
* Number of Students: 2316 
* Share of International Students: 21.2% 
* Location: Hamburg 
* Application Organization: on the unis webpage

### 7. Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) 

Engineering is the main focus of [TUHH](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100058/), with a diversity of degree programs from more 'traditional' engineering degrees, such as civil and environmental engineering, process and bioprocess engineering, logistics to techno-mathematics. This wide range of degree options with a practice-based focus makes TUHH one of the top technical universities in Germany.

* National Ranking: 59 
* Sponsorship: Public Institution 
* Founding Year: 1978 
* Number of Students: 7615 
* Share of International Students: 14.1% 
* Location: Hamburg 
* Application Organization: on the unis webpage 

### 8. Hamburg University of Applied Science (HAW) 

As the second largest higher education institution in Hamburg and one of the largest universities of applied science in Germany, the [HAW](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100010/) offers practical insights into the subjects of IT, life sciences, design, media, business and social sciences.

* National Ranking: 80 
* Sponsorship: Public Institution 
* Founding Year: 1970 
* Number of Students: 16934 
* Share of International Students: 17.7% 
* Location: Hamburg 
* Application Organization: uni-assist

![116_München](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/787ab346-bece-4a25-a3d0-942631e6d5eb/116-muenchen.jpg '116_München')

### 9. Technical University of Munich

[Technical University of Munich](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100127/) is one of the most research-intensive and innovative universities in Europe. Currently, the university offers 178 degree programs - and a range of subjects, such as engineering, natural sciences, life sciences, medicine and economics and social sciences.

* National Ranking:  -
* Sponsorship: Public Institution 
* Founding Year: 1868 
* Number of Students: 42202 
* Share of International Students: 34% 
* Locations: München, Garching, Straubing, Heilbronn, Weihenstephan 
* Application Organization: uni-assist

### 10. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

[LMU](https://edubao.org/studyportal/university/100126/) is not only well-positioned professionally. It is also one of the leading universities in Europe. Here, you will study in an environment of top international research and in the heart of a metropolis that offers numerous opportunities to gain practical experience during your studies. 

* National Ranking:  - 
* Sponsorship: Public Institution 
* Founding Year: 1472 
* Number of Students: 52425 
* Share of International Students: 19% 
* Location: München 
* Application Organization: on the unis webpage 

### Conclusion

In short, it is possible to study in Germany in English for free. If you are interested more in studying in Germany and have questions on it, don´t hesitate to contact EDUBAO. We would like to help you!

Is it expensive to study and live in Germany? This article will help you answer this question. 

## 1. Rent: How much rent will I pay for living in Germany? 
Rent makes up nearly a third of students’ living costs. For students, there are several possibilities to rent: 
* student residences (Studentenwohnheim)
* normal apartment  

For each option above, you can live alone or together with others in a shared flat, which is called “WG” (Wohngemeinschaft). Living in a student residence. Typically the "warm rent" (Warmmiete), i.e. the rent including charges for water, heating and common costs ( waste bins etc.), is the rent shown for each flat or shared room. However, the electricity and internet bills and TV & radio fee are not yet included.

Don’t forget to check carefully what the “warm rent” covers and excludes before signing the contract with your landlord. Otherwise, you can risk being overcharged without your awareness. Furthermore, the rental deposit is a security method paid by the tenant to the landlord, which is mentioned in the rental agreement. Rental deposit may not exceed three monthly net rents (Kaltmiete) and will be deposited with the landlord at the beginning of the tenancy to protect them against rental damages. Rental damages are e.g. unpaid rent or damage to the furniture, etc. Therefore, if no rent damage was caused during your tenancy, you will get your rental deposit back in full amount when you move out.
 
~custom~highlight( 
NOTE 
~~~ 
Serious rental damages can easily exceed your deposit (Kaution). Prepare yourself with a liability insurance (Haftpflichtsversicherung) to get rid of potential financial issues. 
)~custom~ 

The average gross warm rent (Warmmiete) in a student residence is €291 per month, according to the “Studentenwerk”, responsible for students´ dormitory. For an apartment in Germany, people have to pay from €10 to €20 per square meter. However, the rent in big cities is more expensive than in smaller towns. The price of accommodation in the East is also more affordable than that in the West. In big cities, such as in Stuttgart or in Frankfurt, students need to pay around €500 per month, in Munich the the average rent is around €800 per month, while in Leipzig or Bochum, students need just pay around €300 for their monthly rent.   

We strongly recommend you contact with the “Studentenwerk” which is responsible for your city and university to get informed of the actual rent 2022 of the student dormitory.
 
## 2. Semester contribution: an administrative fee of your university  
The average administrative cost falls into the range of €100 and €400 per semester, equal to six months. The cost of the semester contribution varies according to your location. 

In Baden-Wuerttemberg, non-EU students are expected to a tuition fee of €1,500 per semester. 

## 3. Transportation: How much do I need to pay for the transportation? 
Transportation costs are usually covered in the semester contribution. Students just need to show their student ID card while using public transport. However, it still depends on how much you pay for your semester contribution. Some universities charge less, which also means the cost of transportation is not included.  

Even though you don’t need to pay for the transportation, it is still necessary to check to which zone and with which type of train you can travel without buying a ticket. For example, travel by ICE is also not included in a semester ticket; and your semester ticket is only valid in your state where you study. So if you are going to travel around Germany, booking a ticket is necessary.  

A single trip within the city would cost around 2 to 3 euro in Germany. You can also book a day ticket or a group ticket if you are with some friends. 
 
## 4. Health insurance 
The German student health insurance constitutes around €110/month (for statutory health insurance). There are different health insurance providers in Germany. However, Studienkolleg students are paying less due to the private health insurance. If you are interested in which kind of health insurance in Germany is the right choice for you, don’t hesitate to contact EDUBAO.

Learn more about statutory insurance prices [in this article](https://edubao.org/blog/aok-reliable-statutory-health-insurance-provider-in-germany). 

## 5. Food 
In terms of average income, food in Germany is not expensive at all. Many supermarkets here often launch attractive discount programs so that students can benefit from such chances to buy food at lower prices. A student tends to allocate from €150 to €250/ month, which excludes costs for bars, clubs, restaurants, and pubs. 

In some big cities, you can also find some native food shops from your country, such as Asian shop, Mexican shop. The prices will be relatively higher than they are in your country, but still in the acceptable range. 

## 6. Optional expenses inside your living costs 

### 6.1 Study materials 
The expense of buying study materials depends on your reference needs and requirements of your cost. In Germany, most books and stationery cost a bundle, so it’s more economical to borrow books or read in the university’s library. 

### 6.2 Clothes 
Different people have various needs for wearing, so the monthly expense of clothes isn't fixed. You can wait until the two most significant discounts in the year to buy clothing items: on January and July. 

### 6.3 Mobile charge 
The telephone bill of one student in Germany is estimated at €10-40/month, depending on the service you selected. There are a variety of flat rates to choose from. For example, packages for calling are categorized by minutes from 50, 100, to 400. You can purchase internet usage at low costs for 500MB, 1GB, or 3GB etc. Telekom, Vodafone and O2 are the most common providers in Germany.  

### 6.4 Sports 
The cost of playing sports is up to your hobby and financial capacity. 

For example, you have to pay about €130 to register for an 8-session dance course while a month of practicing martial art costs you around €45. Besides, one time of swimming costs between €3 and €10. Gym costs around €35 per month, students will additionally get sometimes a discount as well.  

### 6.5 Travel 
There's no fixed expense of traveling in Germany. For those with low budgets, there are a lot of ways to choose the right one for you. For example, there are various ways to travel around Europe. In case you can book your flight or train one or two months before, it can be cheaper than you think. There are also various options to stay over as a student. Beside hotels, many students choose to stay at a hostel with lower price and they also have the opportunity to know more young persons around the world. 
 
## Conclusion 
According to BaföG (Federal Training Assistance Act for Students) 2022, living cost of students in Germany is around 934 euro per month on average, no matter which country the students come from. Rent is always the largest expense of this amount, while the food costs and health insurance can be the next most expenses per month. For most students, however, this cost 934 euro per month can cover their living and ensure the living quality in Germany.

If you are planning to study in Germany, there’re a variety of factors to take into account, including financing. It's essential to grasp the necessary costs so that you can have a better way of budget management.         In the following, EDUBAO will calculate with you together how much budget you should calculate for your living in German.  

Living Cost in Germany｜Study, Food, Rent, Transport

Would you like to study in Germany in German or in English?

## Which language is better, German or English? 

German usually leaves its non-native speakers the first impression as a complex language which takes forever to master. You might hear of a poetry from Mark Twain which scares a lot of German learners: 

“If he had known what it had cost me to acquire my art, he would also have known that it would break any collector to buy it. [...] A person who has not studied German can form no idea of what a perplexing language it is.” He also made several language examples about “Adjektiv-Deklination”, “Kasus”, “Geschlecht” to explain how awful this language is. “If it is to remain as it is, it ought to be gently and reverently set aside among the dead languages, bgermanecause only the dead have time to learn it.” 

Though it is the case, at least of the language’s grammar, we just want to tell you that there’s nothing you can’t do if you work hard on it! Look at the people around you, your seniors, your German teacher who come from your home countries, they have also gone through these difficulties and mastered this language! Won’t you be one of them later? 

Beside the grammar examples which were referred by Mark Twain in that article, there must be many other reasons why German is always considered as a complicated language. For example, one of them is the pronunciation of this language. Most learners are used to the pronunciation of the “soft” English before. So it is hard for them to change their way to speak another foreign language. But you may notice that after 2 years of using this language, you will reach a certain level and find the way out which is suitable for you to speak this language. Another example should be the “false friends” between German and English, which make you confused, especially at the beginning of learning German. You will know exactly what we mean if you see the following examples: arm, also, art, gift, see, mist, brief etc. 

Of course, these two languages cannot be compared so simply with just several sentences. As an experienced German learner, I can tell you that it is hard to start with German language, but as long as you get accustomed to this pronaunciation and its grammar structure, you will find German easier and easier. Also, it would also help you with German learning if you have a great fundamental in English language, since these 2 languages are very similar. After 1-year German learning, you will be grateful to yourself for your wise decision! 
 
![EDUBAO_1102a](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/d22d522e-738f-4df6-bd8a-2d889f8ef61f/edubao-1102a.jpg 'EDUBAO_1102a')

 ## Can I study in Germany without German language?
 
 ### Study in Germany without German language is possible
 
 Many students pose a question of whether they need to speak German to live and study in Germany. To answer this question, we have checked whether there are any other possibilites to study in Germany in English: 66 specialized fields in 215 German universities, which are distributed in over 154 cities that offer about 2,000 English-language degree programs in Germany. That means, without German language skills, it is still possible to visit your dream universities in Germany.  

Tip: Visit EDUBAO University Portal to check if your dream university offers the study programs in English and which certificates should be submitted for your university application. 

But how about living in Germany? Will there be any difficulty living in Germany without German skills? According to the statistics, the number of Germans who cannot speak English at all increases with age: Only 3.1 percent of 20 – 29-year olds cannot speak an English word, while 39.4 percent of 60- to 69-year-olds said they had no English skills; among the over 70s, the figure is as high as 56.9 percent. So, there is no big problems with language skills, if you are surrounded by younger people in Germany. However, these 2 following things should be also considered: 

Administration process in Germany: an international student should finish some bureaucratic processes after arriving in Germany, such as health insurance company to activate their health insurance, Residence Registration Office for registration of their residental adress, Foreigners´Registration Office for extend their student visa etc. In case some of the employees there cannot speak English, which happened quite often especially in small cities of Germany, your process will be influenced. EDUBAO would suggest you learn some basic daily talks in German in case that these things happen to you.  

Job application: many international students plan to do some part-time jobs during their study in Germany to reduce their parents´ financial burden. Without German skills, it is hard to find some part-time jobs, even some mini jobs like waitress in the restaurants also require German language skills. If you are going to stay in Germany after graduation, German language is also a plus to let you increase the chance to find a job here. Except positions with less communicaton, for example software engineering, or positions in an international company where people communicate in English, German skills are always required for your job application. Even though some positions require only English, you will also see “German language is a plus” in the job description.  

Thus, EDUBAO would suggest you learn German even though you don’t need them for your study. There are more and more interesting ways to learn German, especially when you come to live in Germany and are surrounded by an authentic language environment.  

![EDUBAO_1103_German Language Programmes_H](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/f8d00d20-abab-4a03-94e4-3414ba7aa0d4/edubao-1103-german-language-programmes-h.jpg 'EDUBAO_1103_German Language Programmes_H')

### How good should your German be for daily life and academic life?

For everyday life, you don’t need to speak advanced but basic conversational German is already good enough. Being able to speak German, you can settle down faster, make more friends, or attending more programs, workshops which may only be conducted in German.  You will be able to communicate more effectively and most importantly, have the chance to experience the country from a different perspective compared to when you only speak English. Since speaking the language, you get more involved in the culture, hence eventually establishing a personal connection with the country. 

For academic activities, it depends on whether you are doing an English or German-taught degree. While the former only requires you to be excellent in English, the latter is way more demanding in terms of German language skills. You will need advanced and most of the time, academic German. As a highschool-leaving student, you are expected to take the testAS, after which your German should be certified to be at B1 level at least. However, it is challenging to study in a foreign language, so the more familiar you are with the language, the better you will study. 

Note: German dialects – please no shock after arriving in Germany 

Dialects are a part of every spoken language around the world. Dialects can be reflected in pronunciation, rhythm, or use of words. For example, Bavavian, Hamburg, Rhineland, and Berlin all talk independently from one another. You will get to know the regional variations when you talk to the local. Instead of being afraid that you can’t understand German dialects, be excited because you can learn about interesting aspects of the German language through those different dialects.  

Also, don’t worry that the dialects become a huge barrier in communication at the beginning. Though they may sometimes forget to speak Hochdeutsch (standard German) to you, most German will attempt to since they know you are foreigners. Everything takes time and practice, so just be relaxed and quickly get used to the German language in your region. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or anything as they are a part of any learning process.

## German language Level: German skills and assessment framework (GeR) 

German language can be divided into 6 levels in total according to GeR. GeR is short for “Gemeinsamer europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen”, which can be translated to “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”. This is a common framework used in Europe to define the linguistic levels for European languages including English, German, Italian, Spanish, etc. There are 3 levels: A, B and C – Level is basic and Level C is advanced. Each level is divided into 2 levels: A1, A2; B1, B2; C1, C2. This framework is always used to describe the language skills in many articles about the German language. 

Many a time may you have heard that German B1 is the starting level for you to study in Germany. But what does it mean by B1 and how to know if your German is at this level? The answer lies in the following table, which is a detailed description of CEFR.  

**Note:  As a highschool-leaving student, you are expected to take the testAS, after which your German should be certified to be at B1 level at least. However, it is challenging to study in a foreign language, so the more familiar you are with the language, the better you will study. At this point, more preparation is required so that you can reach B2 level. And to be more practical, then C1 is highly recommended. At C1 level, you can easily get your ideas across in any situation and get engaged in your new learning environment where you are surrounded by native speakers and complex terminologies. For some German universities and study programs (especially study programs of humanities), C1 German language level is a “must” for your university application, if you are about to study in German.**

## Conclusion

So, there is no problem if you decide to study in Germany in English, since there are plenty of study programs offered in English. However, it is better to know German language basics for your daily communication. In the next article, you will know more about German language certificates and some tips for learning German. Stay tuned and have fun learning German!

If you have just decided to study in Germany, but still confused whether you need to speak German to live and study in Germany, then you are right here! In this article, we will tell you some basic aspects about German language for an international student.  

The German Language to Study in Germany

Are you a student planning to study in Germany next year? Are you confused about what to do or how to start? Are you having millions of questions that need answering? 

## Step 1: Choose German university and study program

### 1.1 Do your research on universities and study programs 

You could simply type “German universities” into a search engine like Google and search for the best results on your own. Or you could save yourself from the overwhelming amount of information and start smart with the [EDUBAO Study Portal](https://edubao.org/studyportal/). You can not only see all the information of universities and study programs, but also with the reviews from senior students who come from your country.  

Besides, consulting friends or alumni who already attended the German university or program you’re interested in, might also get you a better insight into the syllabus and academic environment before you make your final decision. 

### 1.2 Choose program based on the language of instructions

Choosing a study program according to the language of instruction is very important because it decides whether you will understand the lessons or not. Most universities in Germany offer the majority of their courses in German, so it is mandatory for you to reach a certain level of proficiency in the German language. So it’s mandatory for you to reach a certain skill level of the German Language. However, there are also plenty of internationally oriented courses taught in English. For more information about German language, you will find the whole information in this article.

### 1.3 Choose a study program based on your ability to meet the requirements 

After making sure in which language you will study, you need to read other entrance criteria of this study program to see whether you are suitable to pursue the course or not. The academic requirements are mostly related to your previous educational qualification, proven by a school-leaving certificate and your level of language proficiency. We have summarized the general requirements for each level of German universities as follows:

#### 1) School leaving certificates and Academic requirements 

* Foundation level (Studienkolleg): **Abitur certificate** or high-school graduation certificate and/or **a university admission (in your home country)** and **a certificate of 1-2 semesters of a higher education course** or college degree in your home country; 
* Undergraduate study: completion of Studienkolleg by passing the assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung) – high-achieving students may be able to bypass this;
* Master study: **Abitur certificate** or high-school graduation certificate, **a suitable Bachelor Degree**, recognized by the German International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) or **finished a propaedeutic course** if your Bachelor degree is not recognized in Germany. In some cases: Interview and additional tests, e.g. GMAT, GRE etc. 

#### 2) Language proficiency

* Foundation level (Studienkolleg): In most cases, **Level B1 of the German language**; **IELTS score of 6.5 overall or equivalent certificate**;
* Undergraduate study: In most cases, **Level DSH-2 (equivalent to C1) of the German Language**. In most cases, **IELTS score of 6.5** or equivalent certificate; 
* Master study: The required level depends on your chosen university and course, usually if you study in German, **Level C1 in German and B2 in English**. If you study in English, **IELTS score of at least 6.5**.

However, the table above only shows basic information. The full requirements that apply to you can vary according to your home country and your school-leaving certificate. You can find your individual requirements and admission possibilities on the individual official website of your universities.  

Most importantly, apart from your academic ability, your chosen study program should align with your interests, budget, and expectations for your future career. So, take your time to make the right decision.

![EDUBAO_3101_overview-guide-for-application-m](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/56225535-ccd5-4613-93aa-a987c5c499ee/edubao-3101-overview-guide-for-application-m.jpg 'EDUBAO_3101_overview-guide-for-application-m')

## Step 2: Entry requirements for your application to German universities 

In order to attend a German university, you must have an educational certification that is an equivalent to the German "Abitur" degree. This can be proven by your school-leaving certificate, proof of admission to, or attendance of a university programme in your home country. 

### 2.1: How do I know if my school leaving certifcate is equivalent to German higher education entry standards?

The answer varies depending on your home country or origin of your school leaving certificate as well as your chosen program. 
But here are the steps how to check:  

#### 1) Your origin/home country where your school leaving certificate was issued. 

Students from EU, Liechtenstein, Iceland or Norway, and students who graduated from a German high school can directly apply for a German higher education institution.  

~custom~highlight(
Note
~~~
Students from China can also apply for German university after finishing their “Gaokao”, as long as the high school diploma was issued after 2019. More information for Chinese candidates are in anabin and uni-assist available.
)~custom~
  

#### 2) You need to understand if your chosen course has admission restrictions.  

Admission restrictions are called “Zulassungsbeschränkung” in German. It comes from the fact that, for some courses, the number of candidates always surpasses the spots German universities can offer. Therefore, the number of applicants that are admitted to these courses is regulated by a system called “Numerus clausus” (NC).  

Germany limits the number of admissions nationwide for popular subjects, such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry, which is known as a “nationwide NC”. Additionally, some universities and higher education institutions also restrict the number of admissions for their study programs and call it a “local NC”. 

Your home country or origin of your school-leaving qualification as well as the type of admission restriction (nationwide or local NC) decide which portal you should send your application to. In the following table, international students can get to know where you should submit your university application to, if you are going to apply for a study program with admission restrictions: 

Students from an EU country, Liechtenstein, Iceland, or Norway and students with a German school-leaving certificate:
* **Nationwide NC subjects:** Admission submitted to Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung
* **Local NC subjects:** Case 1: Application submitted to Uni- assist if your university collaborates with Uni-assist; Case 2: Application submitted directly to your university 

Other students who do not fall under group (1) and (2) 
* **Nationwide NC subjects:**: Case 1: Application submitted to Uni- assist if your university collaborates with Uni-assist; Case 2: Application submitted directly to your university 

Note: Enrollment in a non-admission (“zulassungsfrei” in German) study program normally can take place without prior application within the prescribed period, and is only possible before the set deadlines. Master programs may require an advanced application process to check admission requirements. Please inquire at the respective faculty in case your chosen university is responsible for evaluating your documents or uni-assist (if the university collaborates with it). 

### What could the result of evaluation of entry requirements be like?

#### There are 3 possibilities students who apply for bachelor´s degree: 

1) Your evaluation results are positive and you are qualified for direct application at the university 

2) You are not qualified for direct application at the university but you are still qualified for a university preparation course (Studienkolleg), which will last 2 semesters. After passing the final exams at Studienkolleg, you could be qualified for university entrance. 

3) You are neither qualified for university study nor for Studienkolleg. 

#### These are 2 possibilities for students who apply for a master´s degree:

1) Your evaluation results are positive and you are qualified for a master´s degree 

2) You are not qualified for a master's degree 

![EDUBAO_3101a](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/0d517668-20a4-4d2e-b704-ca61177091a2/edubao-3101a.jpg 'EDUBAO_3101a')

## Step 3: Documents preparation for your German university application

### 3.1 Language certificates: what should I submit tto prove my language skills?

Language requirements and preferred language certificates differ between universities and study programmes. For courses in German language, Studienkollegs usually require at least level B1 of the German language while most universities require level C1. In the following, there is a list of German language certifications that are normally acknowledged by German universities:
* DSH-2 (German Language University Entrance Examination for Foreign Applicants) 
* TestDaF 4 (Test of German as Foreign Language) 
* C2 Goethe Institute’s certificate 
* ZOP (Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung = Central Advanced Language Test) issued by the Goethe Institute 
* KDS (Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom = the Small German Language Diploma) 
* GSD (Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom = the Major German Language Diploma) 
* DSD II (Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz = German language diploma of the Conference of German Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs) 
* Telc Deutsch C1 
* Assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung) of a German preparatory college (Studienkolleg)  

For courses in English, most of the universities will require at least an IELTS score of 6.5 or an  equivalent level of other certificates if accepted by the university (TOEFL, Cambridge Language Certificates, proof of English as an instruction language in previous education) 

You should plan to prepare for these language tests well in advance so that you receive the test results 6 to 9 months before your application deadline.  

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The requirements of language certificates can vary from universities to universities. Pleasee check out which language certificates are recognized. Generally, TestDaF and DSH are always recognized in each university.
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### 3.2 Special documents: TestAS and APS certificate

Some study programs only accept applicants with a TestAS certificate. Also, students from China, Vietnam and Mongolia must go through the APS examination to be admitted to a German university. You will have to figure out in advance if you need these documents or not. 

**TestAS (Test für Ausländische Studierende = Test for Academic Studies)** is “a central standardized scholastic aptitude test”, supported by DAAD, which measures student’s intellectual abilities for university studies. 

It includes two parts:
* Core test - examining general knowledge  
* Subject-specific test – measuring the abilities in particular fields of study.  

**APS examination, implemented by the Akademische Prüfstelle (Academic Evaluation Center)** at German Embassies, is specifically required for students from China, Mongolia, and Vietnam. The Akademische Prüfstelle will endorse academic documents and interview candidates, if needed, to affirm their qualifications for the studies. After this examination, the Akademische Prüfstelle will issue the APS certificate that you can use for your application at the university and your visa application. 

### 3.3 General documents for application to German universities

Different universities and programs as well as different institutions (uni-assist or Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung) will ask for different documents from applicants. You will find information on the documents and application process that are relevant to you on the websites of the universities, study programmes and institutions you’re applying to. 

Required documents are included but not limited to these following: 

* a certified copy of your higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) 
* an overview of your subjects and grades (certified and including an official translation) 
* certified/notarized copies of your previous higher education certificates, if applicable 
* a recent passport photograph 
* a notarized copy of your passport  
* notarized copies of your language certificates 

If your documents are not in German, officially certified and translated versions must be presented. Documents in French or English might be accepted as well if applicable.

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How much budget should I plan for my study in Germany? 
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You can divide all the money into 2 parts:  

1) administration money: such as for your translation, language tests application fee, the cost for certifying and translating your documents, German student visa application fee etc.   

2) Financial proof for your student visa application: The biggest amount for your study in Germany is to open a blocked account of €11.208/year (€934/month) to provide financial proof to study in Germany. This new legislation applies to all visa applications submitted from 1. January 2023. This amount must exclude other bank charges. 

However, there are also other posibilities, such as scholarship, parents, a bank guarantee, friends in Germany etc.  

## Step 4: Submitting your German university application

Now that you have chosen a study program for which you are qualified and have prepared all necessary documents and budget, let’s get started with the application as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline. 

The application period varies for different universities and degrees but usually centers around these enrolment sessions: 

* Winter enrolment: mid-April to mid-July. Admission letters will be sent in August or September. Applications for study courses that don't require an admission fee (depending on the university) are possible from mid-August to mid-October.
* Summer enrolment: beginning of December to mid-January. Admission letters will be sent in February or March. 

However, watch out because many universities only recruit once a year. It is highly recommended that you check your individual application deadlines on your university and degree-specific websites and to submit your application well in advance, around 2 to 3 weeks before the deadline. Please note that it is crucial to send your application to the correct receiver: Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung, uni-assist, or your university.

![EDUBAO_3101b](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/a3a97774-1178-4a7d-9083-db923d65b5eb/edubao-3101b.jpg 'EDUBAO_3101b')

## Step 5: How to apply for a German student visa?  

Students from certain countries do not need a visa to study in Germany. You can check whether you need a student visa for Germany here: [auswaertiges-amt.de](http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/einreiseundaufenthalt/staatenlistevisumpflicht/207820).

If you are a student from Vietnam, China or Mongolia, you have to pass the APS examination as a prerequisite to obtain a student visa in Germany. 

There are 2 types of visa, depending on the status of your admission: 

* **Prospective student visa (Visum zur Studienbewerbung)** is meant for students who haven’t received their admission from universities yet and are waiting for their final application results. With this visa, you can enter Germany for 3 months and later extend your stay up to 6 months in order to fulfill all requirements needed for your school’s admission (e.g. an entrance examination). Once you obtain an admission, you can convert it into a student residence permit. 
* **Student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken)** is meant for students who already got admitted to a school in Germany. This visa is valid for 3 months. During this 3-month period, you have to apply for your residence permit at the Foreigners´ Registration Office in your city.  

Below we’ve assembled a list of common documents you might need. However, we recommend you check the details on required documents with the German Embassy in your home country. 

* A valid passport
* Health insurance coverage: If you already have health insurance, please make sure it is also valid in Germany.  Otherwise, you should get German Health Insurance coverage. 
* Proof of financial resources 
* Certificates of past academic work and achievements 
* Certificate of language proficiency  
* For a prospective student visa: university entrance qualification recognized in Germany 
* For a student visa: letter of acceptance from your German university  
* A health certificate 

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EDUBAO provide students with the right [blocked account](https://edubao.org/blocked-account) and insurance you need for your visa application. 

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The final documents you should submit for your student visa application are listed on the website of German Embassy. We recommend you check the document list there first and submit your visa application as soon as possible as it might take months to process. 

## Step 6: Entering Germany: What should I do as soon as you arrive in Germany successfully? 

If you enter Germany with a prospective student visa, you should obtain admission as soon as possible, for example, by finishing your entrance exam or language course.

But in case you enter with a student visa, you also cannot rest yet. You need to finish the following things one by one:  

1)  Register your adresse at the Residents' office 

2) Enroll at your university 

3) Open a current bank account (Girokonto) 

4) Activate your blocked account and health insurance  

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Now you can open your [blocked account](https://edubao.org/blocked-account) directly with EDUBAO, the most simple and practical way! 
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5) Apply for your residence permit 

The student visa you got from the Embassy is only valid for 3 months. In order to extend your student visa, international students are going to make an appointment at Foreigner´ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) first and submit the application with required documents, including health insurance certificate, an enrolment certificate, certificate of adresse registration etc. That´s why we suggested you follow these steps in order.  

Last but not least: We know, applying to study abroad can be a long journey that requires your patience, care and determination. Just know, that while you make it through the process, you’re setting yourself up for a great future and an amazing adventure in Germany that you’ll soon be able to enjoy! We wish you the best for your studies and have our fingers crossed for your application.

Are you a student planning to study in Germany next year? Are you confused about what to do or how to start? Are you having millions of questions that need answering?   Then, you came to the right place. We are going to give you a complete guideline for your application to German Universities. Here we go: six brief but not-so-simple steps you can follow right now.  

Study in Germany: A Step-by-step Guide for Your Application to German Universities

It is compulsory to have health insurance as students in Germany. Check out our ultimate guide for you!

# 1. German health insurance for my visa application

## 1.1 Do I have to buy health insurance, and if yes, what kind for my German student visa? 

Health insurance in Germany is compulsory for everyone entering the country and not having a tourist visa or nationals from certain countries.  

Most permanent visa types will require some (incoming) travel health or health insurance. So it is mandatory for everyone residing in Germany, including international students, to be medically insured.  

The German health insurance system consists of public and private providers. There are various options for international students to comply with mandated health insurance, depending on the length and purpose.  

However, based on the courses and majors, the German regulations allow students to opt for different health insurance kinds. But only specific residence status will let you enter the public system.  

In this article, we will cover all groups of international students who plan to study in Germany. We give you the most practical tips for choosing proper health insurance for your studies in Germany: 

* Health insurance for international students (full-time bachelor and master)  
* Health insurance for language courses' students  
* Health insurance for preparatory courses' students (Studienkolleg)  
* Health insurance for exchange students

## 1.2 Which insurance type is essential for my German visa application? 

There are two types of health insurance for international students in Germany:  

1) Public/statutory health insurance = gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV in short (German)  
2) Private health insurance = private Krankenversicherung - PKV in short (German)

In the following, EDUBAO will introduce you to these two types of health insurance for your visa application journey to give you a useful guide. 

### (Incoming) Travel health insurance for your entry visa

Usually, international students must submit a health insurance certificate covering the travel period and up to 6 months of their German stay.   

So, a private insurance provider for the incoming travel coverage is always the right choice to ensure you in this first period because:  

It is easy to obtain you are right now in another country;  

No additional steps or documents are needed.  

Not offered by public insurance 

Suppose you have decided to apply for a German university and a German student visa. You are still in your home country. In that case, you need first (incoming) travel health insurance for the traveling period and early days or even the first months until your enrolment at your university. After enrolment, you may enter the public system since it is open to bachelor and master students or opt for private health insurance. 

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EDUBAO provides travel health insurance for international students through just a few clicks in the application. This health insurance can cover all you need for your visa application | Click here: [**Travel Health Insurance for your Visa**](https://edubao.org/travel-health-insurance/). 
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### Public or private health insurance for your visa extension in Germany?

Public health insurance, which can also be called "statutory health insurance", is offered by state-owned providers. Coverage and price are strictly regulated by law and vary from provider and state by a small margin.  

In contrast, private health insurance operates freely. It provides students with various additional services based on their demand and needs, for example, travel, legal, incoming insurance, and more. 

In most cases, international students are free to choose whether they want to be insured statutorily or privately.   

The entry visa you got from German Embassy in your home country is usually valid for six months. That means you have to extend your entry visa after enrolling successfully at your university to a regular permit.  

For this visa extension, you must submit a German health insurance certificate. Foreigners Registration Office, "Ausländerbehörde" in German, which is in charge of your visa extension, will check whether you have full health insurance during your stay studies. However, they have no preferences for which one you choose.  

In the following, we will introduce you more in detail which type of health insurance you can take as  

* A full-time bachelor/master student  
* A language course student  
* A preparatory course student  
* An exchange student 

# 2. German Health insurance for foreign students 

## 2.1 Which types of health insurance are there to choose for an international student?

As we mentioned above, there is public and private health insurance for a student to choose from in Germany.   

Within the first three months after obtaining your student status, you opt for a health insurance. Make sure you make a clever decision because you cannot change afterward. Once you have decided on one system, it will stay for the rest until you finish your studies.  

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Most of the time, international students in Germany decide to go with **statutory health insurance** to avoid the "pre-finance" problem. In other words, when they go to see a doctor, the bills will be paid directly by statutory health insurance.
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**Note:** There isn't a detailed list of the statutory health insurance providers, which also lists all services individually. However, there is a so-called statutory benefits catalog, which consists of relevant guidelines. Under the Social Security Code (SGB = Sozialgesetzbuch), insured persons can claim benefits when sick.  

The guidelines include:   
* The medical, dental and psychotherapeutic treatment of diseases (ärztliche und zahnärztliche Behandlung)  
* Early detection and prevention of disease (Früherkennungsuntersuchungen/Vorsorge)  
* Domestic nursing (Pflegebedürftigkeit)  
* Rehabilitation measures and supply of medicines (Rehabilitation)

## 2.2 How much fee should I pay per month as an international student?

Students have to pay from 115€ to 125€ per month for their public healthcare insurance coverage, depending on the region you're staying in. 

Nursing care ("Pflegeversicherung" in German) and an extra contribution ("Zusatzbeitrag" in German) is included in that.  

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According to law, students over 30 years old (30 years old not included) and PhDs without a work contract must get a **private health insurance**.  
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Since 2020, students can remain insured via public health insurance even if their studies last for more than 14 semesters. The regulation, which states that students in their 15th semester must be privately insured, is no longer in effect.  

# 3. Health insurance for language courses' and preparatory courses students

Health insurance is also mandatory for international students who visit a language course in Germany. Usually, the language or preparatory course (Studienkolleg) lasts one semester up to one year until the students pass the (language) exam and receive admission to German universities.   

International students of these two groups haven't enrolled in any German higher education institution yet. Therefore, students have the only option of **private health insurance** for the language course duration or preparatory course. As soon as a student receives admission, they can switch to a **statutory insurance provider** to be fully insured during their studies and living in Germany.

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Book the right health insurance for Studienkolleg / language course students now with EDUBAO: [private health insurance for students](https://edubao.org/private-health-insurance-students/).
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# 4. Health insurance for exchange students

German universities offer plenty of exchange programs, not only for German students but also international students. These programs involve cultural travel, professional exchanges, or even internship chances in different universities or other countries.   

Also, students coming to Germany can benefit from the German education system, such as attending workshops, experiencing German culture, and more. The duration of exchange programs varies enormously according to the program itself. However, these exchange programs are part of degree studies, and students are still enrolled in their home universities. The health insurance you will have to choose as an exchange students will depend on your enrollment status in Germany or in your home country, please contact [EDUBAO](https://edubao.org/contact) for consulting.    

# 5. What should I do after arriving in Germany?

International students are required to finish the following steps after arriving in Germany: 

* Register your home address in Germany at Registration Office (Bürgeramt) in your city  
* Update your address with blocked account and open your current account (Girokonto) 
* Update your address with your health insurance provider and get another health insurance certificate for your next steps 
* Enrol yourself at the university 
* Extend your student visa up to 2 years at Foreigners´ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) 

So, you will need to give your personal information to your health insurance provider after arriving in Germany to activate your health insurance. After activating your health insurance, you will get health insurance certificates for your university enrolment and your visa extension.  

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Students, who subscribed their health insurance via EDUBAO, can finish activating it in just a few minutes via EDUBAO app. For more information and a step-by-step guide, you are highly recommended to read our other useful articles. 
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## Conclusion

We hope, we could help you with navigating through the health insurance as a foreign student in Germany. With EDUBAO, you don't have to worry about which insurance is needed, because we have already made the right choice for you in each step! Feel free to contact us for more information!

If you are an international student planning to study in Germany, it is compulsory to have health insurance. Check out our ultimate guide to student health insurance in Germany! Also for your visa application you need to provide valid health insurance. One of the most common reasons for visa rejection is a not suitable health insurance. 

Health insurance in Germany: A complete guide for your entry student visa and your stay in Germany 

Germany at a Glance

Can I study in Germany in English? Is the German education in English for free? 