What you need
An appropriate qualification, degree programme, language certificate and funding plan.
EXODEU · CAMPUS
Studying in Germany
Your study pathway starts with the right subject—and a clear understanding of admission, language, applications and funding.
Information checked: 17 October 2026Your overview
Your next steps
Check admission requirements, application procedures and deadlines with your chosen university.
Avoid common mistakes
A VPD does not replace the subsequent university application.
01
From historic universities to research universities
Germany’s university history dates back to the Middle Ages. Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is regarded as Germany’s oldest surviving university. In the 19th century, Wilhelm von Humboldt shaped the idea of closely connecting academic teaching with research.
Today, universities, universities of applied sciences and non-university research institutions complement one another. Scientific enquiry, independent work and exchange across disciplines are part of this approach to education.
Heidelberg University · History ↗Research in Germany · University landscape ↗
02
Which achievements demonstrate scientific strength?
One historic example is Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen: his discovery of X-rays earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing a method for genome editing; Charpentier was then working at a Max Planck research unit in Berlin.
Such achievements show the importance of long-term research and international collaboration. For your studies, the fit between a particular programme and your goals also matters: compare curricula, supervision, laboratories, practical relevance and study conditions individually.
03
An international study destination: understanding the figures
Germany ranks third behind the United States and the United Kingdom for internationally mobile student numbers in the country comparison in Wissenschaft weltoffen 2025. The table uses UNESCO/OECD data for 2022, with country-specific reporting periods. It compares numbers, not educational quality.
For the winter semester 2025/26, DAAD estimated around 420,000 international students and doctoral candidates in Germany. This projection from a university survey must be distinguished from the older international comparison data.
In the THE World University Rankings 2027, 19 German universities are among the top 200; Germany ranks third by that count. The Technical University of Munich is ranked 25th. This is an indicator within a particular ranking, rather than an overall world ranking of teaching quality in Germany. Subject rankings, methodologies and study conditions may present a different picture.
DAAD / DZHW · Wissenschaft weltoffen 2025, p. 16 ↗DAAD · Estimate for winter semester 2025/26 ↗THE · World University Rankings 2027 ↗
04
Study pathways and qualifications
Universities combine academic teaching and research. Universities of applied sciences (HAW/FH) emphasise practice and application. Art and music colleges have their own admissions procedures.
A bachelor’s degree is usually the first university qualification, followed by a master’s degree. Some subjects lead to a state examination. A doctorate is a subsequent research qualification. Dual study programmes alternate between university and a partner employer; only training-integrated models also include a recognised vocational qualification. Check university admission and the company contract separately.
05
Admission: will my qualification be recognised?
You need an appropriate higher education entrance qualification (HZB) for a bachelor’s programme. Depending on your school qualification and previous studies, entry may be direct, limited to particular subjects or require preparation.
DAAD and anabin help with an initial assessment. The university decides on admission. A master’s programme additionally requires an appropriate first degree, subject-specific preparation and potentially particular grades, aptitude tests or professional experience. General recognition alone does not secure a study place.
06
Preparatory courses and Studienkolleg
If your school qualification does not allow direct university entry, a Studienkolleg may be the appropriate route. It usually lasts two semesters and ends with the Feststellungsprüfung assessment examination.
Your preparatory course must match your intended subject. Depending on the provider, B1 or B2 German and an entrance examination may be required. Passing allows you to apply for relevant subjects; it does not guarantee admission. Before choosing a private programme, check whether its qualification is recognised by your target university.
07
What language skills do I need?
For German-taught degree programmes, universities often require evidence of advanced language skills, such as TestDaF, DSH or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule. Check the programme’s accepted examinations and minimum scores.
B1 is not a general university admission qualification. B2 may suffice for preparation or certain programmes; conditional admission depends on the university. Even a C1 certificate is not automatically accepted everywhere. English-taught programmes have their own English requirements. German also helps in everyday life, placements and starting a career.
08
Applications: directly, through uni-assist or with a VPD?
First choose your programme, teaching language and university. Then check whether you must apply directly, through uni-assist or using preliminary review documentation (VPD). After receiving a VPD, you must submit a separate application to the university by its deadline.
Typical documents include school or university certificates, transcripts and a language certificate, plus a CV, motivation letter or portfolio where required. Translation and certification requirements vary. Deadlines are programme-specific; allow time for preliminary review and missing documents. There is no single nationwide application deadline.
09
Costs and funding
Many bachelor’s and master’s programmes at public universities charge no tuition fees. Exceptions apply, particularly at private institutions and for continuing education programmes, as well as under certain state and university fee rules.
Semester contributions are payable separately. Budget for rent, health insurance, food, transport, learning materials, a housing deposit and travel. Major cities can be considerably more expensive. Compare the living-cost estimates in our federal states guide with your university’s actual location. Scholarships are a possibility, rather than guaranteed funding.
10
Visas and settling in
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and residence status. Admission, funding, insurance and other evidence may be required for a study stay. Check the visa portal and the responsible German mission.
For 2026, Make it in Germany specifies a blocked account of at least €11,904 (€992 per month) for a study visa; suitable scholarships or a declaration of commitment may be alternatives. This evidence does not replace a personal budget. Check the current amount before applying. After arrival, steps include enrolment, address registration and, where necessary, a residence permit.
11
Working while studying
A part-time job can provide experience, but should not be your entire funding plan. Your right to work depends on your residence status and the conditions of your permit.
For the relevant study residence permits, official guidance sets out up to 140 full or 280 half working days per year, or 20 hours per week. Check exceptions and how working time is counted before starting a job. This does not provide blanket permission for self-employment.
12
After graduation
After successfully completing a degree in Germany, eligible graduates may qualify for a residence permit of up to 18 months to seek skilled employment.
This is not an automatic right to permanent residence. Plan placements, employer contacts and professional German early. Regulated professions may require additional recognition or professional licensing steps.
Your next steps
- Choose three suitable degree programmes and compare their admission requirements.
- Confirm language certificates, application procedures and deadlines directly with the universities.
- Prepare funding, insurance and any necessary visa in good time.