What's it Like for International Students in Germany?

Germany is a multicultural student hub for a reason, offering numerous programmes for international students looking to study abroad. Its rich and historic culture and cutting-edge innovation make it an ideal country for international students. Major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne are accessible to English speakers and are filled with diverse people and friendly locals to help make settling in easier.

Many German universities are ranked among the best in the world, giving students a top-tier education and setting them up for success after graduation. IU International University of Applied Sciences is among them, and its admission requirements are more transparent and accessible than those of public universities, making it a fantastic option for international students wishing to study in Germany.

Here, we'll cover some things you should know about being an international student in Germany, such as your right to work, costs, and what it's like to be a student here.

• 2.8 million students in higher education institutions in Germany.

• The unemployment rate is 3.1% for adults over 25.

• 69.2% of international students in Germany say they plan on staying in the country after they finish their studies.

• The average cost of living is €992 per month.

• Berlin is more than 50% more affordable rent-wise compared to London.

International students have a dizzying choice from over 400 institutions, including technical universities, vocational education, and universities of applied sciences, so it can be an intimidating prospect when you first start researching Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Germany.

International students must meet specific admission requirements, including language proficiency, residence permits, and academic qualifications. You'll need a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (or HZB for short), which certifies that you can study in Germany by converting your qualifications to the German equivalent. If your secondary-school degree isn't recognised, you'll have to attend a preparatory college first, known as a Studienkolleg.

To obtain a residence permit, students must provide proof of financial support (Finanzierungsnachweis), such as a blocked account or a scholarship. As of 2025, the minimum for this is €11,904 per year. If your course is taught through German, you'll need to pass a language proficiency test or provide proof of your language skills. Otherwise, you'll need to show your confidence in speaking English for courses taught in that language.

International students should research the specific admission requirements for their chosen university and study programme. The German embassy or consulate where you're based can help provide information about your visa requirements and proof of financial resources.

Many international students work part-time while studying in Germany to earn extra income and gain practical experience. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period and full-time during semester breaks.

Student jobs can be found in various fields, including research, hospitality, retail, and many companies offer job opportunities specifically for students. International students can also consider internships or self-employed activities, but must obtain approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency).

A popular option is working as a wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft or HiWi, a type of student assistant position. You can apply for this research assistant position after completing at least six semesters. While it can take some time to qualify for one of these jobs, they're not subject to the same rules about maximum working hours per week, so they can be a better option depending on your free time.

Germany offers many career opportunities for international students after graduation, with many companies seeking highly qualified employees. During their stay, international students can switch to a residence permit for qualified employment, allowing them to work full-time.

Students can also consider starting their own business or pursuing further education, such as a master’s university degree or a PhD. Many universities, including IU, offer career services and support to help students find job opportunities and achieve their academic goals as they start their careers.

If you're from outside the EU, you'll have a maximum of 18 months (with an extended residence permit) to find employment after finishing your degree in Germany. While this sounds like a lot of time, the hiring process in the country can be slow, so experts like Maria-Theresia Jansen from the Federal Employment Agency recommend looking at least four months before the end of your course.

Many universities in Germany offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and campus life options, including sports clubs, cultural events, and student organisations. International students can participate in these activities to meet new people and get involved in campus life.

Many universities also offer support services, such as academic advising and counselling, to help students succeed. Students can also consider participating in volunteer work or community service to support the local community.

If you're interested in learning how campus life is at IU, check out our guide to student life in Germany.

International students must have health insurance to study in Germany. Some top affordable public statutory health insurance providers include TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) or DAK-Gesundheit, but plans are also available through DAAD. On average, student health insurance costs around €130-150 a month, depending on the insurance type.

Students should also consider opening a German bank account and obtaining a tax number to manage their finances. Digital banks, like N26 or C24, can make the process a little smoother and provide convenient English-friendly setups. This will be important if you take a part-time job to receive your pay.

Many universities offer financial support and advice to help students manage their finances and make the most of their time in Germany. Student loans can be taken out at many banking institutions, and you can apply for scholarships from the DAAD.

Finding accommodation in Germany can be challenging, especially in larger cities, but many universities offer housing options for both international and German students. Students can consider sharing an apartment or living in a student dormitory, and many universities provide advice and support to help students find accommodation.

Shared apartments are known as Wohngemeinschaft, or WG for short. In these, everyone has a private bedroom but shared access to other areas.

International students should research and apply for accommodation well in advance to ensure they have a place to live. The International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) can help you navigate dormitories, as sometimes they allocate some rooms specifically for international students.

Many universities also offer temporary accommodation options for students still looking for a permanent place to live. Whether you find somewhere right away or move around a bit, you must register at the Residents' Registration Office. This typically needs to be done within a week after you arrive, and they can provide you with confirmation of Registration (Meldebestätigung) so you can apply for your residence permit.

Many universities in Germany offer support services specifically for international students, including language classes, cultural adaptation programs, and academic advising. International students can also consider seeking support from student organisations or mentors.

Many universities offer 24/7 support services, including emergency assistance and counselling. Students can also consider seeking support from the Federal Employment Agency or other government agencies. Learn more about what it's like for our students at IU.

he number of Indian students choosing to study in Germany is rising every year. So much so that the Embassy of India in Berlin has set up the Indian Students in Germany (ISG) initiative to help give students information about education and employment here. It doesn't just benefit Berlin, though, with links to Indian Student Associations nationwide.

According to the Times of India, student enrolment in Germany is expected to quadruple from 2021 to 2030, with a predicted 114,499 Indian students. The rise in Indian student numbers can be linked to many turning away from the US and UK for higher education, and high proficiency in English can be used in Germany at many universities.

Getting your initial student visa from the Federal Foreign Office usually takes 2 to 10 weeks, depending on individual cases. Thanks to an arrangement with the German Embassy in New Delhi, the required "blocked accounts" can now be set up with Kotak Mahindra Bank, which should speed up the approval process.