Studying in Germany
Public universities are mostly tuition-free and globally respected. The keys are checking whether your qualification allows direct entry (or a Studienkolleg), preparing the blocked account, and — for some countries — APS. After graduating you get 18 months to find work.
Key facts
Studying in Germany at a glance
Practical guide, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm APS and visa requirements with the German mission and the official portals.
Before you apply
Direct entry, Studienkolleg or APS?
Check direct eligibility
Look up your school-leaving qualification in anabin. If it's accepted for direct entry, you can apply to a bachelor's straight away.
Studienkolleg if needed
If it isn't directly accepted, do a one-year foundation course (Studienkolleg) and pass the Feststellungsprüfung exam.
APS for some countries
If your schooling or degree is from China, India or Vietnam, you'll usually need an APS certificate first — start it early, it takes time.
Requirements
What you usually need
- APS certificate (for applicable countries)
- Diploma + transcripts (certified/legalised where required)
- Language proof — TestDaF/DSH for German-taught, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught
- University admission letter (Zulassung)
- Blocked account (Sperrkonto) or other proof of funds
- Student visa (residence for study purposes)
- Health insurance
- Work rights while studying: ≈ 140 full / 280 half days a year
What's next
After you graduate
18 months to find work
Apply for an 18-month residence permit to find a job matching your degree, then switch to a work permit or EU Blue Card.
Toward Blue Card & PR
A German degree plus a qualifying salary opens the EU Blue Card, with a fast track to permanent residence (as quick as ~21 months with B1 German).
Regulated field?
Studying toward a regulated profession
If your target career is a regulated profession (medicine, nursing, teaching…), you'll also need your professional qualification recognised once you graduate. See what recognition looks like for your occupation.
FAQ
Common questions about studying in Germany
Are German public universities really tuition-free?
Mostly yes. Most public universities charge no tuition for degree programmes, only a semester fee (Semesterbeitrag, often including a transport ticket). A few states or specific programmes (some master's, some non-EU students) charge fees — always check the university.
Do I need APS to study in Germany?
It depends on where you studied. With qualifications from China, India or Vietnam you usually need an APS certificate verifying your education before you can apply for admission and a visa. Start early — verification takes time.
Do I need a Studienkolleg (foundation year)?
Only if your school-leaving qualification isn't accepted for direct entry. If it isn't, you typically do a one-year Studienkolleg and pass the assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung); if it is, you can apply to a bachelor's directly. Check your qualification in the anabin database.
How much money do I need for the blocked account?
For 2026 it's €11,904 a year — €992 a month, released monthly for living costs. Whether that covers you depends on rent in your city. Confirm the figure with the German mission before you transfer anything.
Can I work while studying in Germany?
Yes. Non-EU students can generally work about 140 full days or 280 half days per year. On-campus research/teaching assistant roles often have their own rules.
Can I stay and work in Germany after graduating?
Yes. After graduating you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to find a job matching your degree, then switch to a work permit or EU Blue Card.
Application
How to apply: the short version
- Get your university admission, through uni-assist or directly as the programme says, with APS first if your country requires it.
- Set up the blocked account and health insurance.
- Apply for the student visa at the German mission responsible for your country.
Official requirements (Make it in Germany)
Many countries now start the application online via the official Consular Services Portal ↗. The exact documents for your nationality are on the responsible mission's checklist, and your free plan puts them in order, step by step.
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