Germany remains one of the most attractive destination for international students who want a recognised university degree, a wide choice of academic programmes, and access to the largest economy in Europe.
So many factors make study in Germany for international students interesting
Many public universities charge no tuition fees for standard bachelor’s degrees and many master’s programmes, and as well offer courses in reputable fields such as engineering, computer science, business, medicine, and social sciences.
However, getting into a German university requires more than finding a tuition-free course. You need to check whether your previous qualifications are recognised, meet the programme’s language requirements, prepare the correct documents, and arrange sufficient funding for your stay.
This guide explains how to study in Germany as an international student in 2027, including how to choose a university, apply for admission, find scholarships, and prepare for your student visa.
Why Study in Germany in 2027?
Germany offers several advantages for students planning an international education.
Affordable public education: Many public universities do not charge tuition for standard bachelor’s programmes and many master’s degrees, although exceptions apply.
A wide range of courses: Students can choose from programmes in engineering, business, technology, natural sciences, humanities, and other fields.
English-taught programmes: Some degrees, particularly at postgraduate level, are taught in English.
Research and industry opportunities: Germany has established research institutions and industries that may offer internships, practical training, or research opportunities.
Scholarship opportunities: Government-funded programmes, foundations, universities, and other organisations provide financial support to eligible applicants.
International experience: Studying in Germany gives students the opportunity to experience a new academic environment and develop cross-cultural skills.
Your experience will depend on your chosen university, course, city, finances, and language skills. Research these factors before committing to a programme.
Step 1: Choose the Right University and Course
Your first task is to identify a degree programme that matches your academic qualifications and career plans. Germany has public and private universities, universities of applied sciences, and specialised institutions.
Start with the subject you want to study, then compare universities that offer relevant courses.
Best universities in Germany
If university reputation and academic opportunities are your priorities, explore our guide to the best universities in Germany. It can help you compare institutions before investigating individual programmes.
Public universities in Germany
If you’re looking to reduce tuition costs, start by exploring public universities in Germany. Remember that public status does not automatically mean every programme is tuition-free.
Universities for specific subjects
Your choice should also reflect your field of study. Explore our guides to the best universities in Germany for engineering and business universities in Germany if you are pursuing either subject.
English-taught programmes
If you are not proficient in German, search for a degree taught in English. Our guide to English-taught universities in Germany provides a starting point.
Before choosing a course, confirm its language of instruction, tuition policy, entry requirements, application deadline, and teaching location on the university’s official website.
You can also use the official DAAD study programme and university search resources to explore available courses.
Step 2: Check Your Admission Requirements
German universities do not use one universal admission standard for all international students. Requirements vary by degree level, previous education, subject, and institution.
Undergraduate admission requirements
For a bachelor’s degree, you generally need a school-leaving qualification recognised as a higher education entrance qualification in Germany.
Depending on your country and educational background, you may qualify for direct admission, need to complete a period of university study in your home country, or have to attend a preparatory programme known as a Studienkolleg.
For example, applicants with secondary school qualifications from some countries may need additional academic preparation before beginning a German bachelor’s degree. Do not assume that a certificate accepted for university admission at home automatically provides direct entry in Germany.
Check your qualifications through the DAAD admission requirements database and confirm the result with your chosen university.
Master’s admission requirements
For a master’s programme, you generally need a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Universities may also require:
- A degree in a related field.
- Specific undergraduate subjects or credit points.
- A minimum academic grade.
- Proof of language proficiency.
- A CV or motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters, work experience, or other programme-specific evidence.
A bachelor’s degree does not automatically qualify you for every master’s programme. Review the entry requirements of each course before applying.
Doctoral admission requirements
Doctoral applicants generally need an appropriate previous degree, a suitable research proposal or research interests, and approval through the university’s doctoral admission process. Some routes require finding a supervisor, while structured doctoral programmes may have their own application procedures.
If you are looking for funding for doctoral study, explore our guide to PhD scholarships in Germany for international students.
For a more detailed checklist, read our guide to German university admission requirements.
Step 3: Meet the Language Requirements
Your language requirements depend on the programme’s teaching language.
- German-taught programmes: Many courses require proof of German proficiency. The required level and accepted certificates vary by university and programme.
- English-taught programmes: These may require an accepted English-language test or other evidence of proficiency. Some universities permit exemptions under specified conditions.
- Programmes with different requirements: Certain courses use a combination of languages or impose additional requirements, so check the official course page.
If you want to study in English but do not have an IELTS result, our guide to studying in Germany without IELTS explains why some universities may accept alternative evidence.
Keep in mind that without IELTS does not necessarily mean without an English-language requirement. Do not book a test or assume you are exempt until you have confirmed the programme’s rules.
Even if your degree is taught in English, learning some German can help with daily life, accommodation, part-time work where permitted, and social integration.
Step 4: Understand Tuition Fees and Living Costs
Germany is known for its comparatively affordable public higher education, but international students still need a realistic financial plan.
Tuition fees
Many public universities charge no tuition for standard bachelor’s programmes and many consecutive master’s programmes. However, fees may apply in particular states, institutions, and degree programmes.
For example, Baden-Württemberg generally charges many non-EU/EEA international students tuition fees of €1,500 per semester for eligible degree programmes. Some public universities in Bavaria also charge tuition fees to certain international students.
Private universities typically charge tuition. Some specialised or continuing-education master’s programmes at public institutions may also have fees.
Read our guide to the cheapest universities in Germany and confirm fees for your specific course.
Semester contributions
Even when tuition is €0, students generally pay a semester contribution. This helps cover student services and other university-related costs; the exact amount depends on the institution and may include a transport component.
Living expenses
Budget for accommodation, food, health insurance, transport, study materials, telephone, and other personal expenses. DAAD guidance indicates that students may need approximately €900–€1,200 per month, depending on location and lifestyle. Use current local estimates rather than assuming the same budget applies to every city.
Proof of financial resources
Students who require a visa generally need to demonstrate that they can finance their stay. Depending on the applicable rules, evidence may include a blocked account, recognised scholarship, or another accepted form of financial support.
The amount and accepted evidence can change. Check the current guidance from the German mission responsible for your application and read our guide to the blocked account for Germany.
For official information, consult the DAAD guide to education and living costs.
Step 5: Find Scholarships to Finance Your Studies
Scholarships can help cover living costs and, in some cases, tuition fees, travel, insurance, or other education expenses. The support offered depends on the award.
DAAD scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service offers a range of funding opportunities for eligible international students, graduates, and researchers. Each programme has its own eligibility conditions, funding period, and application deadline.
Search the official DAAD scholarship database to identify awards relevant to your nationality, subject, and intended degree level.
Scholarships for undergraduate students
Bachelor’s applicants should research awards that explicitly support undergraduate study. Some scholarships are limited to specific nationalities, subjects, or institutions.
See our guide to undergraduate scholarships in Germany for opportunities to investigate.
Scholarships for master’s students
Funding for master’s students may come from DAAD programmes, foundations, universities, and other organisations. Some awards cover a monthly stipend, while others offer a broader funding package.
Explore our guide to master’s scholarships in Germany to begin your search.
Fully funded scholarships
If you need support for several major study expenses, look for awards that clearly specify what they cover. Our guide to fully funded scholarships in Germany explains funding opportunities to investigate.
Read each award’s official terms carefully. A scholarship described as fully funded may still have exclusions, conditions, or a limited funding period.
Deutschlandstipendium
The Deutschlandstipendium provides eligible students with financial support through participating universities and sponsors. Its standard monthly award is €300, but the application procedure and availability depend on the university.
Read our guide to the Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship 2027 for more information.
Do not wait for a scholarship result before checking university deadlines. Admission and scholarship applications may have separate procedures and closing dates.
Step 6: Prepare Your Application Documents
Once you have shortlisted suitable programmes, create a document checklist for each one. Requirements differ, so the following list is a starting point rather than a universal rule.
Document |
Why it may be required |
|---|---|
Academic certificates |
To verify your previous qualifications |
Academic transcripts |
To assess subjects studied and grades achieved |
Passport or identity document |
To verify your identity |
Language certificate |
To confirm proficiency in the teaching language |
CV or résumé |
To summarise your education and relevant experience |
Motivation letter |
To explain your academic interests and reasons for applying |
Recommendation letters |
Required by some programmes or scholarships |
Portfolio or research proposal |
Required for selected subjects and research routes |
Certified translations |
Needed when documents are not accepted in their original language |
Some applicants may also need an APS certificate or another form of academic-document verification. This depends on their educational background and the procedures applicable to their application.
If relevant to you, consult our APS certificate for Germany guide.
Start preparing early, especially if you need official transcripts, certified copies, translations, or language-test results.
Step 7: Apply to German Universities
There is no single application portal used by every German university. Some institutions accept applications directly, while others use uni-assist or another designated route.
Follow this process:
- Shortlist programmes: Identify courses that match your qualifications and career goals.
- Check eligibility: Confirm that your previous education and language skills meet the entry requirements.
- Identify the application route: Follow the university’s instructions to determine whether you should apply directly or through an external service.
- Prepare the documents: Follow the exact requirements for file formats, translations, certification, and supporting materials.
- Submit before the deadline: Do not assume every programme follows the same deadline.
- Monitor your application: Check the application portal and email for requests, decisions, or additional steps.
- Respond to an offer: Follow the university’s instructions for accepting admission and completing enrolment.
Some programmes have restricted admission or additional selection procedures. Others may allow eligible applicants to enrol directly. Requirements can also differ between winter and summer intakes.
For a more detailed walkthrough, read our guide on how to apply to German universities.
Step 8: Complete Any Required Academic Verification
Some international applicants need additional checks before they can proceed with university admission or a visa application.
The APS certificate is one example of an academic verification procedure used for applicants with certain educational backgrounds. Other applicants may need to provide additional documents or undergo different checks.
Use the relevant official procedure for your country and university. Do not assume that an APS certificate is required for every international student, or that obtaining one automatically guarantees university admission.
Check your specific circumstances before paying fees or booking appointments.
Step 9: Apply for a German Student Visa
If your nationality and circumstances require a visa, you will generally need to apply through the appropriate German embassy or consulate or the designated official application process.
The required documents depend on your circumstances, but may include:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of university admission or other eligible study-related status.
- Evidence of sufficient financial resources.
- Proof of health insurance, where required.
- Academic documents.
- Visa application forms and photographs.
- Other documents specified by the responsible German mission.
Students who have not yet received final admission may have other study-related visa options in eligible circumstances. Check the official rules before deciding which application route applies to you.
Do not rely on an old financial-proof amount. The required amount and accepted forms of evidence can change. Confirm the current requirements for your intended application date.
For the detailed checklist, visit our guide to Germany student visa requirements.
Step 10: Arrange Accommodation and Prepare for Arrival
After receiving an admission offer, start planning where you will live and how you will cover your initial expenses.
Consider the following:
- Apply for student accommodation as early as possible.
- Compare shared housing, university residences, and private rentals.
- Budget for deposits and initial living costs.
- Confirm your health-insurance arrangements.
- Follow the university’s enrolment instructions.
- Check what you need to do after arrival, including local registration and residence-permit procedures where applicable.
- Keep copies of your passport, admission documents, insurance information, and other important records.
Do not assume that receiving admission automatically secures accommodation. Housing availability varies by city, and students may need temporary accommodation while searching for a longer-term option.
A Practical Timeline for the 2027 Intake
Your ideal application timeline depends on your course, intake, country of residence, and document requirements. Use this as a planning framework and adjust it to the official deadlines.
Stage |
What to do |
|---|---|
Early research |
Choose your subject, shortlist universities, and check eligibility |
Application preparation |
Arrange transcripts, language tests, translations, and verification if required |
Before the deadline |
Submit university and scholarship applications |
After receiving a decision |
Accept the offer as instructed and prepare financial evidence |
Visa preparation |
Follow the relevant mission’s current procedures and appointment requirements |
Before departure |
Arrange accommodation, insurance, travel, and enrolment documents |
If you are applying late in the year, some deadlines for 2027 entry may already have passed or may be approaching. Always check the exact programme deadline rather than relying on a general calendar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
International applicants can reduce delays and disappointment by avoiding these common mistakes.
Assuming every public university is free: Tuition policies vary by state, institution, and programme.
Ignoring qualification recognition: Your school-leaving certificate or previous degree may not provide direct access to your intended course.
Choosing a course before checking language requirements: A programme may require German proficiency even if you find other courses taught in English.
Missing separate scholarship deadlines: Funding applications may close earlier than university applications.
Using the wrong application route: Applying directly when a programme requires an external portal can cause unnecessary problems.
Underestimating living expenses: Tuition-free education does not eliminate rent, food, insurance, and other daily costs.
Treating admission as a visa guarantee: You must meet the separate immigration and financial requirements that apply to your case.
Relying on outdated information: Tuition rules, deadlines, visa instructions, and funding conditions can change. Confirm important details through official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can international students study in Germany for free in 2027?
Yes. Many public universities offer tuition-free standard bachelor’s programmes and many master’s programmes to international students. Semester contributions and living expenses still apply, and some universities or programmes charge tuition fees.
2. Can I study in Germany in English?
Yes. German universities offer some English-taught programmes, particularly at master’s level, although options vary by subject and degree level. You must meet the language requirements of your chosen programme.
3. Can I study in Germany without IELTS?
Some universities accept alternative evidence of English proficiency or grant exemptions under specified conditions. Check the exact requirements of your programme before assuming IELTS is unnecessary.
4. Do I need a scholarship to study in Germany?
Not necessarily. You can study without a scholarship if you meet admission requirements and can finance your education and living costs. However, applicants who need financial assistance should research scholarships early.
5. Can students from Nigeria apply to German universities?
Yes. Applicants from Nigeria can apply to suitable German programmes if they meet the academic, language, and other admission requirements. The recognition of their qualifications and any additional verification requirements should be checked through official resources and the chosen university.
6. How much money do I need to study in Germany?
Your budget depends on your city, accommodation, insurance, and personal expenses. DAAD guidance has indicated that students may need approximately €900–€1,200 per month for living costs. Visa financial-proof requirements are separate and must be checked against current official rules.
7. When should I apply for the 2027 intake?
Start as early as possible. The deadline depends on the university, programme, and semester. You may need additional time for language tests, academic verification, translations, scholarships, and visa appointments.
Final Checklist Before You Apply
Before submitting an application, make sure you can answer yes to these questions:
- Have I found a programme that matches my academic background?
- Have I checked whether my qualifications are recognised?
- Do I meet the course’s language requirements?
- Have I confirmed the tuition fees and semester contribution?
- Have I prepared the required documents?
- Do I know the correct application route and deadline?
- Have I researched scholarships and other funding?
- Can I meet the applicable financial and visa requirements?
- Have I started planning accommodation and arrival expenses?
You can Study in Germany for International Student
Studying in Germany as an international student in 2027 can be achievable with the right preparation. The key is to choose a suitable programme, verify your qualifications, prepare complete documents, understand the real costs, and follow the official application and visa procedures.
Begin with the university and course that best match your goals, then use the detailed guides linked throughout this article to work through each stage. Most importantly, confirm deadlines, fees, admission rules, and visa requirements directly with the responsible university or official authority before making financial commitments.