Study in Germany

Affordable education, strong research universities, and clear pathways for international students.

Germany combines tuition-free education at most public universities with Europe's largest economy. Learn about admissions, the blocked account, visas, and living costs for international students.

Why Germany?

Low or No Tuition

Most public universities charge only a semester contribution (€150–€350).

Research Excellence

TU9 universities and Max Planck institutes lead global research.

Industry Powerhouse

Home to automotive, engineering, and manufacturing giants.

English Programs

2,000+ English-taught programs, especially at master's level.

Quality of Life

Efficient public transport, healthcare, and safe student cities.

EU Hub

Central location with strong Erasmus and industry exchange networks.

Quality Education

Germany's dual education tradition blends academic rigor with practical industry experience.

  • Universitäten

    Research universities offering bachelor's through doctorate.

  • TU9 & Excellence

    Technical universities renowned for engineering and IT.

  • Studienkolleg

    Foundation year for students whose qualifications don't directly qualify.

  • Uni-Assist

    Central application service for many German universities.

  • International Offices

    Dedicated support for visa, housing, and enrollment.

  • Praktikum Culture

    Internships deeply integrated into engineering and business programs.

Top German Universities

  • TU Munich
  • LMU Munich
  • Heidelberg University
  • RWTH Aachen
  • Humboldt University Berlin
  • University of Freiburg
  • KIT Karlsruhe
  • University of Mannheim
  • TU Berlin

Admission Procedure & Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements

Requirements

  • Abitur equivalent (often Studienkolleg if needed)
  • TestAS or entrance exam for some programs
  • German B2/C1 or English for international programs
  • Uni-Assist or direct university application

Timeline

  1. 1
    Anabin Check

    Verify your diploma is recognized in Germany.

  2. 2
    Apply (May–Jul / Nov–Jan)

    Winter semester: July 15 deadline; summer: January 15.

  3. 3
    Admission Letter

    Receive Zulassungsbescheid from university.

  4. 4
    Enrollment

    Pay semester fee and complete Immatrikulation.

Uni-Assist & APS

LetsTern helps verify document requirements, APS scheduling, and university shortlisting.

Fee Structure

Public Universities

Semester contribution only

€150 – €350

per semester (incl. transport ticket)

Baden-Württemberg

Non-EU tuition exception

€1,500

per semester

Private Universities

Business & specialized

€10,000 – €20,000

per year

Blocked Account & Semester Fees

Semester Contribution Covers

  • Public transport semester ticket
  • Student union (AStA) fee
  • Administrative costs
  • Sometimes health insurance contribution

Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)

Required for visa - proof of financial means:

  • €11,904/year (2024/25 requirement)
  • Providers: Expatrio, Fintiba, Deutsche Bank
  • Released monthly (~€992) after arrival

Scholarships in Germany

DAAD scholarships and university Stipendium programs for international students.

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Humboldt Research Fellowship

Post-Doctorate Germany EUR 2,600

The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports highly qualified international scientists and scholars who wish to conduct long-term research in Germany. Applicants choose their own research project and host institution, and work in cooperation with a German academic host. The fellowship is open to all disciplines and career stages (postdoctoral and experienced researchers). The program provides a generous monthly stipend, travel and family allowances, language courses, and integration into the global Humboldt Network of over 30,000 alumni, including 60+ Nobel Prize winners. Fellows benefit from professional and personal mentoring and remain connected to the Foundation throughout their careers.

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University of Mannheim Scholarships

Bachelor,Masters,PhD Germany EUR 250

The University of Mannheim offers a variety of scholarships for international students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. These scholarships are primarily designed to support highly talented students with outstanding academic achievements and those facing financial difficulties. Programs include: • Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship): €300/month for high-achieving students. • DAAD Scholarships: For master’s and doctoral students, offering full or partial funding. • Foundation & Private Scholarships: Offered through external donors and organizations for Mannheim students. The scholarships help cover living expenses, study materials, and sometimes tuition (especially for non-EU students in special cases).

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Technical University of Munich (TUM) Scholarships

Masters,Bachelor,PhD Germany EUR 500

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) offers several scholarships to support international students financially during their studies in Germany. These scholarships are designed to assist outstanding and motivated students who demonstrate academic excellence and/or financial need. Since tuition at TUM is mostly free, scholarships primarily cover living expenses in Munich, which is one of Germany’s most expensive cities. Some of the main scholarships include: • TUM Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship): Merit-based, €300/month, co-funded by government and private sponsors. • TUM Scholarship for International Students: Need-based, €500–€1,500/month, awarded by the TUM International Center. • TUM Talent Scholarships & Foundations: Support for highly talented students in research and entrepreneurship. • External Funding: DAAD, Erasmus+, and private German foundations also support TUM students.

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HAUS Study Scholarship (Heidelberg University Association)

Masters,Bachelor Germany

• Offered by Heidelberg Alumni U.S. (HAUS) through donations by the alumni community • Provides financial support for one semester of study at Heidelberg University for academically strong U.S. students • Acts as a bridge to facilitate international academic exchange and strengthen university-community relations through scholarship alumni acting as ambassadors.

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Deutschland Stipendium

Masters,Bachelor Germany EUR 300

• National scholarship of Germany supporting high-achieving, socially engaged students of any nationality enrolled (or soon to be enrolled) at a German public/state-recognized university. • Co-funded: €150/month from the Federal Government + €150/month from private sponsors (companies, foundations, alumni, individuals). • Selection looks beyond grades to include social engagement, responsibility, and overcoming personal/educational obstacles. • Administered locally by each university (selection, matching with sponsors, and payout).

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Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)

Masters Germany EUR 1,000

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarships (part of the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme) are fully funded opportunities for students worldwide to pursue a Master’s degree in Europe. Each Erasmus Mundus programme is a consortium of at least three higher education institutions (from different European countries, often including non-European partners). Awardees study in at least two countries during their program and receive a joint, double, or multiple degree upon completion. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living costs, travel, and insurance. Each programme is highly competitive and has its own curriculum focus (e.g., agriculture, engineering, political science, data science, environment, food technology, etc.). Many Erasmus Mundus graduates go on to work in international organizations, research, academia, and global industries. Scholarship holders also benefit from cultural exchange, networking opportunities, and exposure to multiple European education systems.

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Visa Process

Non-EU students apply for a national visa (D-Visa) for study purposes at the German embassy.

Student visa steps

  1. 1
    University Admission

    Receive official admission letter (Zulassung).

  2. 2
    Blocked Account

    Open Sperrkonto with required annual amount.

  3. 3
    Health Insurance

    Obtain proof of coverage (public or private for students).

  4. 4
    Embassy Appointment

    Submit visa application with full document package.

  5. 5
    Residence Permit

    Register address and apply for Aufenthaltstitel at local Ausländerbehörde.

Part-time Work

Students may work 120 full days or 240 half days per year (140 days for non-EU with restrictions).

Common student jobs

Role Hourly (€) Notes
HiWi (research assistant) €12 – €15 On-campus, tax-free up to limit
Restaurant / delivery €12 – €14 Mindestlohn applies
Tutoring €15 – €25 English and STEM in demand
Werkstudent (working student) €14 – €18 Up to 20 hrs/week during semester

Inform your Ausländerbehörde if working near the annual day limit.

Monthly Expenditures

Munich and Frankfurt are priciest; eastern cities like Leipzig offer lower rents.

Select a city

Monthly expenses in Munich

Typical student budget (excluding tuition)

  • Student dorm / WG room
    €500 – €750
  • Groceries
    €200 – €260
  • Transport

    Often in semester ticket

    €0 – €40
  • Health insurance
    €120
  • Miscellaneous
    €80 – €120

Estimated total: €950 – €1,250 / month

Stay After Graduation

Germany actively encourages skilled graduates to remain in the workforce.

  • 18-month job-seeker visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche).
  • EU Blue Card for qualified employment (€45,300+ threshold).
  • Permanent residence after 2 years with Blue Card or 4 years with work permit.

Courses in Germany

Find English and German-taught programs across German universities.

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Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Germany

Accounting Concentration

Master Business & Management
Tuition Fees on request
Language English

The Accounting Concentration at Frankfurt School’s Doctoral Programme trains students in financial accounting, managerial accounting and auditing. Working with renowned faculty, you’ll gain interdisciplinary insights and develop the expertise to publish in top journals and join global research communities.Research at Frankfurt SchoolYuping Jia is Associate Professor at the Accounting Department of Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. Her main research interests focus on factors influencing financial reporting quality such as management characteristics, corporate governance elements, ownership structure etc. She applies both experimental and archival data research methods in her work.BrochureWould you like to learn more about the Accounting Doctoral Programme? Simply fill in the form and receive our detailed brochure with all the information about the programme, its structure, and your career opportunities.  

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Germany

Accounting Concentration

Master Business & Management
Tuition Fees on request
Duration Full-time | 5 Years
Language English

The Accounting Concentration at Frankfurt School’s Doctoral Programme trains students in financial accounting, managerial accounting and auditing. Working with renowned faculty, you’ll gain interdisciplinary insights and develop the expertise to publish in top journals and join global research communities. 

Universities in Germany

Browse German institutions on LetsTern.

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