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Essential Requirements to Study in Germany for International Students

Article • reading time: 12 min. | 20. Jun 2025, written by Margherita Seppi

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Requirements to Study in Germany: At a Glance

  • Germany offers top-quality, affordable education with globally recognised degrees and a welcoming, multicultural environment, ideal for international and Indian students.

  • Admission requirements include proof of language skills, academic certificates, financial resources, and a motivation letter submitted via the university’s portal or uni-assist.

  • Students must apply for a visa, health insurance, and register locally after acceptance.

  • Public universities are typically cheaper, but private universities offer more flexible learning and often teach entirely in English.

Studying in Germany offers a unique and rewarding experience for international students. Are you thinking of kickstarting your career or further education? Germany is the place to be, providing the routes and resources to help you take hold of your future.

The country's university rankings and thriving economy are just two of the many reasons why you should study in Germany. And the good news is that it's easy for international students to study there. Private universities like IU International University of Applied Sciences have less strict entry requirements than their competitive public counterparts, offering a straightforward pathway to Germany as a study abroad destination.

Why Study in Germany?

Two professional-looking students stand in a modern university building

Germany is a popular study destination for international students, thanks to its affordability and access to world-class education. A German higher education qualification makes you more employable and provides an early boost to your career. Here are four reasons why you should study in Germany:

1. Take advantage of a thriving economy

When you study in a German higher education institution, you'll be right in the middle of Europe's biggest economy. Germany is the place to be for careers in all sorts of sectors (finance, tech, IT, AI, engineering, manufacturing). Employment is rising, and your qualifications are in demand.

  • Germany is Europe's largest economy and the third-largest in the world by GDP.

  • The country is home to global enterprises like Siemens and Bosch.

  • Its industries are expanding thanks to new investments - $36.7 billion was invested in Germany by foreign companies in 2024.

2. Become highly employable

Wondering whether moving to a whole new country is worth it for your career? The answer is yes! Career advancement is a lot easier when you study in Germany, as there are hundreds of multinational corporations that require the skills of university graduates. Then there are thousands of innovative startups that offer routes to further your career as soon as you've finished studying.

3. German state-accredited education

Germany is home to many world-leading universities. It currently has five universities ranked inside the top 100 in the world, and many more hold stellar reputations. A university degree from Germany will be recognised by employers.

  • Join students from more than 190 countries.

  • Internationally award-winning universities.

  • IU is Germany's largest state-recognised university.

4. Innovative learning approach

Many universities in Germany offer innovative learning environments. You'll also get access to extracurricular support and career services to help you create the student life you want.

  • At IU, international students can apply their knowledge through internships or student part-time jobs and gain practical experience - backed by a practice-oriented learning approach that 86% of IU students and alumni say they are satisfied with.

  • At IU you'll complement in-person classes with full access to our digital resources.

Discover Our Unique Campus Experience

At IU International University of Applied Sciences, you can attend on campus lectures supplemented by self-study with our digital tools — truly experiencing the best of both worlds.

How to Choose a University and Programme

Selecting your university and programme can be daunting, especially when there are so many high-quality options in Germany. Don't worry - we'll walk you through what to look for and how to search for courses.

Smiling international students sit and learn in a classroom

First, here's what you should consider when choosing a university in Germany:

  • Reputation: What's the institution's national and global ranking? What do their current and former students say?

  • Language: Does the university teach in English, or will you have to learn German?

  • Location: Is the institution in a large city or a small town? What's life like there?

  • Tuition Fees: How much does it cost to study there? And can you pay in instalments?

  • Degree Specialisation: What's the scope for specialisation at the university? Can you study the course you want?

  • Career Services: What career support exists during and after your studies?

  • Support for International Students: Does the university offer visa support or cultural adaptation programmes?

Use the DAAD database (German Academic Exchange Service) to search for courses. Here, you'll find nearly 2,000 programmes and German language classes, including more than 1,300 in English, to help you compile a list of universities that align with your study abroad goals and career aspirations.

Should I Choose a Private or Public University in Germany?

One of the hardest decisions you might face involves choosing between a public and a private university. Both have their merits, but there are fundamental differences that could sway you one way or the other.


Public universities...

  • Generally don't charge tuition, only a small semester fee.

  • Are a lot more competitive and harder to get into.

  • Provide a more traditional teaching environment, with courses taught in German.

Meanwhile, private universities...

  • Offer flexible payment plans for tuition fees.

  • Have multiple intakes throughout the year (in the summer semester and winter semester).

  • Unique learning environment, with English-taught courses.

International applicants typically find it a lot easier to fulfil student visa requirements and get accepted into private institutions. This is because these universities - like IU International University of Applied Sciences - offer visa support services and multiple intakes.

Should I Pick a Bachelor's, Master's, or MBA?

In Germany, you can study a range of bachelor's and master’s degree programmes, including courses taught in English. Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from German institutions can significantly enhance your career prospects and give you a competitive edge in the job market.


Bachelor's degrees are varied, generally encompassing multiple aspects of a broad subject area such as Business Administration or Computer Science. They provide excellent routes to furthering your knowledge and education in a field without requiring you to pick a specialisation.


Once you've completed your bachelor's, you may want to specialise further with a master's degree. These typically last 1–2 years and cover more focused fields like Cybersecurity and Computer Science. Many German universities offer scholarships and financial assistance to international students pursuing master’s degrees.


Then there are the MBAs (Masters of Business Administration). These cover specialised fields and teach valuable advanced management skills to help you progress further in your career.

Admission Requirements for International Students

So, what are the requirements to study in Germany if you're an international student? Aside from the obvious student visas and academic qualifications, you may also have to prove language proficiency and buy health insurance.


Admission requirements vary between institutions, so make sure you check the specific admission requirements for your chosen programme on the university’s website before you apply, including the required higher education entrance qualification.

A smiling international student holds the keys to his new apartment in Germany

1. Language Proficiency Requirements

Wondering whether IELTS is required? The answer is yes if you're looking to study at a public university. You'll have to prove German proficiency using recognised foreign language certificates like IELTS or TOEFL. If you're studying in English, proof of language proficiency may not be required, although this will depend on your home country and university course.

You can also demonstrate proficiency through uni-assist, a platform designed to help international applicants with the university entrance process. Some unis may require preliminary review documentation (known as a VPD) from uni-assist as part of the application process.

2. Academic Qualifications

You must submit proof of your academic qualifications, including your school leaving certificate and any relevant transcripts. Students from non-EU countries must ensure their secondary school certificate is recognised as an appropriate level of education by German higher education authorities.


Uni-assist can help you again here. Aside from evaluating your language proficiency, it's also an excellent platform for assessing whether your secondary school certificate meets admission requirements for Germany. You can also use the anabin database, although it's only available in German.


Note: If your school-leaving qualification isn't recognised by German authorities, you'll need to enrol in a Studienkolleg. This is a course taught in German that prepares you for your degree programme.

3. Student Visa & Residence Permit

Naturally, all foreign students are required to have a valid student visa to study in Germany, whether at a public institution or a technical university. Applying for a student visa must be done in your home country once you've received a letter of acceptance from a German university.


But do you also need a residence permit? Depending on what country you're a citizen of, you may also need to apply for a residence permit once you've entered the country. You can do this by visiting your local Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office). Spots fill up fast, though, so we recommend making an appointment months in advance!


Tip: Are you applying to IU? Check out our Visa Assistance Services - we help you book visa appointments and navigate the bureaucracy of studying in Germany.

4. Proof of Finances

To apply for your student visa, you'll need to show you can support yourself financially in Germany. This usually means opening a blocked account with at least €11,904 for the year (updated from €11,208, effective 2025) equivalent to €992 per month.


On top of this, embassies are increasingly asking for proof that at least one academic year of tuition has been paid in advance, so we recommend settling this early and keeping your payment confirmation ready for your visa appointment.

5. Health Insurance

Do you need health insurance in Germany? Yes - in fact, it's essential, regardless of where you're from. You have two types of insurance to choose from: statutory (public health insurance) or private insurance.


Private health insurance covers more benefits (such as dental), but it's a lot more expensive. Statutory insurance is cheaper but may not cover all your medical needs. It's up to you which one you get, but you'll need to buy German health insurance as a requirement to study.


Tip: Are you a citizen of an EU country? You are covered for statutory healthcare in Germany with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

6. Entrance Exams & Interviews

Some programmes and universities may require additional entrance exams, aptitude tests, or interviews as part of the application process. This is most commonly found in public universities, where the university entrance qualification is a lot more competitive. Ensure you know what to expect from the application process before you apply to your chosen university.

7. Other Documents

You may also be required to submit other documents, such as personal letters explaining why you want to study in Germany and why you would be an appropriate candidate. These will depend on your university and course.

So, what other documents might you need to study in Germany?

  • Motivation Letter

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Photographs or Personal Identification

  • Bank Statements

Your future in Germany awaits!

Want to study and work in Germany? Get your free IU guide via email.

Requirements to Study in Germany for Indian Students

Germany welcomed 34,702 Indian students in 2024, and this figure is growing annually. The entry requirements are similar to those listed above for students from India coming to study.

A student visa is vital to your entry and costs around €75 (INR 6,987). To be accepted into undergraduate courses like bachelor's degree programmes, you'll typically need a score of 90% or above from your secondary school qualifications. For master's degrees, you'll need at least 70% from a recognised and esteemed Indian university.

In terms of language proficiency, you'll need to show you can speak English by submitting a score of at least 6.0, 6.5 from IELTS or 80-90 from TOEFL, or Cambridge certificate of B2 first with min. score of 169, or 176, depending on whether you are applying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree.


Tip: Want to know what life is like in Germany as an Indian student? Chat with our current students one-on-one using our Unibuddy system!

Cost of Living and Student Life in Germany

Two students play table football in a university common area

Germany is more affordable than other popular study abroad destinations like the UK or the US, but you should still aim to budget between €850-€1200 per month for expenses like:

  • Food and drink (€200)

  • Rent (€300-€800)

  • Health insurance (€80-€160)

  • Transport (€40)

  • Other expenses (such as museums, sports, clubs, and cultural events)

The cost of studying in Germany varies between cities. Bigger cities like Munich and Hamburg are more expensive than if you study in smaller towns.

How Can International Students Finance Studies in Germany?

Want to study in Germany but not sure how to afford it? Don't worry - there are several funding options available for international students looking to progress their education abroad.


For one, Germany offers multiple scholarships for international students. The DAAD website showcases details of numerous funding options, while individual universities have their own scholarships. These are often merit-based, and you'll need to demonstrate why you deserve the grant for your academic achievements.


Or, you could look to Erasmus+ for funding. Their budget has increased for 2025, so there are more funding opportunities and scholarships to take advantage of!


You could also look to your home country. There are education loan options from banks and NBFCs that cover tuition fees and living expenses. For example, Indian students can turn to organisations like the Inlaks Foundation to apply for merit-based funding.


Tip: Why not get a part-time job while you study? International students are eligible to work up to 20 hours a week to support their living expenses while studying in Germany.

Application Process: How to Apply to German Universities

The German education system can seem like a lot to deal with, but it's simple when you have the right support. At IU, we offer visa assistance and guidance for international students applying to German universities.


At a glance, the application process looks like this:

  • Choose the university and course you want to apply to.

  • Gather the required documentation listed above.

  • Submit an online application through uni-assist or through the university's own portal by the required application deadlines.

  • The university will then review your qualifications and documents.

  • Once the application is reviewed, the university will issue an admission letter.

  • Use the admission letter to apply for a German student visa.

Note: Your university admission letter will contain any conditions you must meet before enrolment. Make sure you read these terms carefully, ensuring you understand the requirements and deadlines.

Study in Germany at IU

Germany remains a popular destination for students who want to continue their education at world-leading institutions and give their careers a boost. And Germany's best private university is ready to welcome you - apply to IU International University of Applied Sciences today! Here's why:

  • German-state accredited: We're Germany's largest state-recognised university with numerous international awards.

  • Visa Support: Our visa assistance services make the whole application process easier.

  • English-Taught Courses: No need to learn German here - all our courses are taught entirely in English!

  • International Environment: our international student community has peers from over 190 countries.

Explore our on-campus model to experience what life is like as an IU student in Germany.

A stack of IU course books sits next to a plant on a desk

FAQs on Requirements to Study in Germany

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