People everywhere recognise "Made in Germany" as a seal of quality. You can benefit from Germany‘s long and famous university tradition, especially in the fields of engineering and science. A German university degree is highly respected by employers around the world.
Around twelve percent of students at German universities come from foreign countries. The universities offer support to make your start in Germany as easy as possible. There are many mentoring programmes available.
Average length of a full-time higher education programme:
Tuition fee for non EU-students:
There are almost 450 state-accredited universities with some 17,500 degree programmes in Germany. German universities offer degree programmes in every possible subject and academic level – be it Bachelor’s, Master’s, state examinations or doctoral degrees. General universities focus strongly on scientifically-oriented study in a wide range of disciplines. Universities of applied science, on the other hand, are very practice-oriented. If you’re more interested in artistic subjects, you can enrol at a college of art, film or music.
Number of higher education institutions: 450
Number of students in higher education: 2,939,500
Number of international students in higher education: 190,526
Accommodation approx. 350 euros
Unlike in some other countries you won’t automatically be given accommodation when you register at your university or college. Depending on where you’re planning on moving to and how much money you have available, it’s not always easy to find a place to live. You should start looking as soon as you can, ideally before you arrive in Germany.
Food approx. 250 euros
Studies and personal requirements (books, culture, recreation): approx. 200 euros
The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) card is the most advantageous card for all students. It allows cardholders to get student discounts for transport, restaurants, cinemas, museums, exhibitions and concerts.
Total per month approx. 800 Euros
The average monthly living expenses for a student in Germany are approximately 800 euros.
You may apply for the student visa at the competent representative authority at the earliest six months before your planned travel date. You should not apply later than 15 calendar days before your planned stay.
Contact your EUCAS advisor for more details
Students from everywhere else are not allowed to work more than 120 days a year, or 240 half days.
To work more, you need special permission from the Agentur für Arbeit employment agency and the immigration office. Permission depends on the unemployment rate where you are living. You also cannot be self-employed.
You can earn up to 450 euros a month on a student job without paying taxes. But if you regularly earn more than 450 euros, you need a tax number. A certain amount is then deducted from your wages every month, which you get back when you file a German tax return at the end of the year.
