Study in Germany for free: An ultimate guide to studying in Germany for international students

Who can study for free in Germany?

Any student, no matter where they come from, can study for free in Germany. Most German public higher education institutions are tuition-free. Instead of tuition fees, students must pay mandatory semester fees before the start of each semester, typically around €300 per semester, to cover administrative costs and regional public transport so that they can easily get around the federal state.

Although the state of Baden-Württemberg has reimposed fees of €3,000 (~$3,350/year) for non-European students at public universities — which remains relatively cheap compared to the United States (average fees of $26,290) or the United Kingdom (starting at around £10,000 ~$14,130 and going up to £38,000 ~$53,700 or more for medical degrees) — international students can study for free in other federal states.

Moreover, students can benefit from various scholarships offered by German universities, primarily government-funded institutions. They have incredibly favorable programs for foreigners seeking support to finance their studies in Germany.

Can I study in Germany even if I don't speak German?

Yes, of course!

German higher education institutions offer international students a wide range of programs in English. There are approximately 2,000 courses taught in English in 66 specialized fields across 215 German universities. These are spread across more than 154 cities in Germany. So you can study at the German university of your dreams without any knowledge of German.

Lack of German language skills should not be a barrier for international students who wish to study in Germany, as there are more and more German university institutions offering programs in English. Approximately 835 programs are available in English at 58 higher education institutions ranked in the top 1,000, including 726 master's and 109 bachelor's programs. You can still study and take courses in English, which will serve as a foundation for subsequent courses that will be in German. This is why Germany is only surpassed by the Netherlands in terms of the number of programs offered in English, making it an attractive destination for international students. However, it is always better to check if your dream programs are offered in English at the universities that interest you most. Don't hesitate to visit our study portal to verify this.

Should I (still) learn German even if I study in English?

German language proficiency is essential if your study program is in German. You will need to present your German language certificate for your university application. But what if your study program is in English? Should you still learn German? Good question! The answer is: Yes!

It all depends on the level you want to reach. For someone who only speaks German in everyday life situations, you should have at least an A2-B1 language level. This will make a big difference in your daily life and even later when you apply for a job in Germany. For example, not all employees at the foreigners' registration office speak English. So if you have questions regarding your student visa and need to communicate with employees who don't speak English fluently, German will be very useful to you.

There are several opportunities for you to learn German. Once you arrive in Germany, you will have a language environment in which you can progress. You can also study online. Due to Covid-19, some courses are now taught online rather than on campus, making them easy to follow even if you are not yet in Germany. Other online learning resources are also available for learning German. Deutsche Welle, for example, offers free video and audio resources as well as online exercises. If you prefer formal education, you can take courses offered by your university's language centers. The registration fees are lower than at private centers, and you will also have the opportunity to meet other students from different programs at your university. Another option is to find tandem partners through German universities. This is a special offering from the schools that allows international students to make new friends and practice German.

Will I have the opportunity to do an exchange semester as an international student in Germany?

German university institutions have a good network with universities around the world. Through various exchange programs, international students have the opportunity to go to different countries for exchange semesters or internships during their studies in Germany.

German universities have established cooperation with educational institutions in more than 150 countries, representing 5,400 partners, university and non-university. Thanks to this vast network, German students are offered various exchange programs in terms of cultural exchanges, language learning, internships, etc.

The University of Oldenburg, for example, cooperates with the University of New England in the field of libraries and academic conferences with exchange programs for researchers, teaching staff, and students. In Asia, the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences exchanges interns in electrical, industrial, and precision engineering with Nanyang Polytechnic in Singapore. In South America, students from Europa University Flensburg can register for exchange programs with the Universidad Católica del Norte in Chile and many more. During their exchange semesters, potential candidates must not only develop their professional skills but also their general skills, such as intercultural competence.

How much do living and studying costs in Germany?

Living in Germany is affordable compared to other European countries, but if you want to stay focused on your study journey and get the most out of it, you will need an accurate estimate of costs to plan your finances accordingly.

Administrative costs

To apply to the university, you must submit a certified translation in English or German of your diplomas/certificates. Language certificates are also required for the application. The costs necessary at this stage are the fees for certified translation, German/English courses (if you haven't mastered the language yet), and language tests.

Blocked account amount

To obtain a German student visa, you must present proof of your financial means. This is a guarantee that you can cover the cost of your studies in Germany; from January 1, 2023, proof of financial means amounting to €11,208 is required. Recognized proofs include, for example, proof of parental income, an amount deposited in a blocked account or "Sperrkonto" in German, or a recognized scholarship.

Note: After your arrival in Germany and enrollment at the university, you can convert this blocked account into a current account. The amount of €11,208 will be unlocked to fund your studies and life in Germany.

Cost of living

€11,208, or an average of €934 per month, is enough to live and study in Germany for one year. In some large German cities, such as Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin, the cost of living may be higher. But €934 can cover the needs of most students.

On average, a student pays €30 per month for their mobile phone, €168 for food, and €42 for new clothes, not counting rent, insurance, books, transportation, and leisure expenses.

For more detailed information about the cost of living and studying in Germany, don't hesitate to read this article.

Can I apply for a scholarship while studying in Germany?

Many scholarships are available for international undergraduate and graduate students, such as: DAAD, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, Erasmus Mundus, HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, etc.

Holders of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung scholarship, for example, can receive up to €850 in addition to a monthly sum of €320 to cover study costs. The scholarship even includes health and nursing care insurance up to a maximum of €105. In case of a request to extend your studies, your scholarship remains valid.

Undergraduate students, graduates, and doctoral students who wish to apply to universities of applied sciences or arts may find the Heinrich Böll Foundation interesting. The basic requirements for applicants are excellent academic results, active social and political engagement, and an interest in the foundation's core values, which promote sustainability, ecology, human rights, democracy, justice, and self-determination.

Aware of the financial burden on students during their studies abroad, the Erasmus program offers EU students a coverage of 15 billion euros over seven years. Erasmus is one of the most popular exchange programs offered with scholarships. Many international students choose to seize this chance to study in Europe, in Austria or Italy, for example.

In any case, stay informed about possible scholarships at your university. There are also scholarships between Germany and your home country, so you should check those out.

What type of visa will I get to study in Germany?

You will get a Schengen visa. As an international student holding a Schengen visa, you are allowed to travel to 25 other Schengen area countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) and a few other areas (Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City).

Nineteen other non-Schengen countries allow foreign citizens of Schengen countries to enter and stay in their territory, solely upon presentation of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa (Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Gibraltar, Kosovo, Macedonia, Mexico, Montenegro, Romania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Serbia, Turkey). This is why so many international students love to travel in Europe during their studies in Germany.

Dual studies in Germany: is it for me?

The practical part of studies plays an essential role in German university institutions. Universities and the degrees they award are renowned worldwide for in-company training and the deepening of knowledge.

For example, dual studies, called "Duales Studium" in German, combines study and work, allowing students to put theoretical knowledge into practice. This saves time and money while offering a possibility of early independence. A dual degree program combines studies at a university, university of applied sciences, or professional academy with an apprenticeship or internship phase at a company. This is why dual studies are becoming increasingly popular with international applicants.

In most dual study programs, theoretical and practical phases alternate in blocks of several weeks or months. For example, students spend the semester at university and the semester holidays at the company. In other programs, the switch takes place every week, or even every day. Throughout their studies in Germany, students work at the company from Monday to Wednesday and attend university on Thursday and Friday. The third type is upstream training. Here, students only begin their vocational training and start their studies only after the first year of apprenticeship. Finally, the fourth type is distance or online learning, where students spend most of their study time at home.

Can I work in Germany after graduation?

Yes, you can stay in Germany to find a job after graduation. This is one of the best advantages that studying in Germany offers.

International students who have graduated from a German higher education institution are allowed to stay in Germany with a job-seeking visa for an additional period of 18 months. During this period, you can focus on finding a job that suits you in Germany. You can also find an internship, a student job, or a mini-job to gain practical experience. As soon as you find a full-time job, you can apply for a work visa from the foreigners' registration office, "Ausländerbehörde" in German.

In 2018, there were approximately 185,000 unemployed people despite holding university degrees. This number decreased by 4% (-8,000) compared to the previous year. It is easy for graduates of German universities to find a job given the strong education system that equips students with essential skills.

Can I take a part-time job while studying in Germany as an international student?

Yes. International students are allowed to work or take a part-time job during their studies. You can fund your cost of living in Germany by taking various part-time jobs, such as a private tutor, a waiter or waitress in a restaurant, etc. Even though there is a wide choice of jobs, it would be wise to choose one directly related to your studies. Try also to improve your German language skills, as a good command of German is always a major advantage. But before you start looking for a part-time job, take the time to research where to find a job, the expected income, and above all, the legal provisions applicable in Germany to students who take part-time jobs during their studies.

For example, from August 2012, international students are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year and a maximum of 20 hours per week (compared to 10 hours per week in the Netherlands or Austria). The minimum wage in Germany is €12 per hour (since October 1, 2022), which allows many students to support themselves and study without asking for help from their families.

The top 5 reasons to study in Germany:

If you are still wondering whether you want to study in Germany, the following reasons may help you make your decision:

• A country combining modernity and history: Germany is a country in central-western Europe with stunning landscapes of incredible variety and great cultural diversity. Moreover, the country is also famous for its long history of innovation and scientific research. During your studies in Germany, you will be able to discover German culture. With an estimated population of 84 million inhabitants, 13% of whom come from other countries, Germany has made great efforts to ensure a high quality of life for its residents as a founding member of the European Union and a devoted member of the United Nations.
• Geographic landscape and climate: Geographically located in the center of Europe, Germany borders Denmark to the north, Switzerland and Austria to the south, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands to the west, the Czech Republic and Poland to the east. Studying in Germany will give you the opportunity to visit natural landscapes such as island groups in the north and the Baltic Sea, forests in the center, and the Alpine mountain range in the south. You can travel across Germany to visit all the picturesque landscapes that you could otherwise only see online. Many international students choose to travel to enjoy the beauty of these landscapes during their studies in Germany.
• Economy and politics: The effective management of the German economy has always been on the right track, making Germany the largest economy in Europe and the fourth largest in the world. German companies firmly hold their market leader position in various sectors. Among the most famous are Bosch (engineering and electronics company), DHL Express (express logistics), Adidas (clothing and accessories), etc. And of course, it would be a mistake not to mention the world-famous German automotive industry brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc. For all these reasons, the "Made in Germany" label has long been a symbol of quality worldwide.
• Discovering cultural diversity during your studies and life in Germany: As of June 30, 2022, the total number of people living in Germany was 84.08 million. About one in eight residents in Germany is a foreigner, which means that Germany is a tolerant country and is becoming increasingly international. No matter which region of Germany you study in, you will always find many intercultural workshops where you can communicate with students from all over the world and learn more about their culture. At German universities, you will find information about different events, workshops, and cultural training everywhere: blackboard (schwarzes Brett), cafeterias, cafeterias, etc. There, you will meet new friends and improve your general skills. You will not feel alone during your studies in Germany.
• Research and innovation: Germany has also been famous for its inventions since the last century: the automobile, the airbag, X-ray technology, aspirin, the computer, the SIM card, and the MP3 data compression format. Some inventions have had such an impact on our daily lives, making them easier and significantly advancing them. Every year, nearly 30,000 students earn their doctorate in Germany — far more than in any other European country. Among them, more than 5,000 international students are pursuing their doctorate in Germany.

Conclusion

All in all, if you are looking for a country with beautiful landscapes, cultural diversity, and economic stability, so that you can confidently begin your journey of self-discovery or develop in the direction you see fit, Germany is the right destination for you.