Guten Tag! Germany is one of the most popular countries in the world for international students. The country offers free education for international students at their public universities, friendly policies for international students, pleasant climate and beautiful history, and unique culture.

Are you curious about studying abroad in Germany? Here is everything you need to know to begin an application to your dream school in Germany!

15 Top Reasons to Study in Germany

1. No tuition at public universities in 11 out of 16 German states!
2. Hundreds of high-quality schools known around Europe and the world
3. Stable and safe country–students will enjoy peaceful and harmonious studying experience
4. Work while you study–International students can work and earn money in Germany
5. Diverse and open-minded culture
6. Wide range of study programs, from Bachelor to PhD
7. Study in English
8. Learn German as another language–will open doors to work and live across Europe
9. Centrally located in Europe
10. Easy travel around the continent to other places like Greece, Italy, or France
11. Lively and youthful city life–full of festivals, nightlife, holidays, restaurants, and student organization
12. Opportunities to stay in Germany after graduation and look for jobs
13. Historic and charming city landscapes
14. Incredible forests and nature for exploration
15. Four seasons with beautiful natural diversity

Find a program to study in Germany here:

Requirements to study in Germany

English language requirements

If you want to study in Germany in English, you will need to meet these minimum score requirements for English language exams:

	TOEFL (internet based)	IELTS	Duolingo English Test	Cambridge C1/C2
English Undergrad, non-STEM	80+	6+	Not accepted	B2 in English
English Undergrad, STEM	80+	6+	Not accepted	B2 in English
Business schools	85+	6.5+	Not accepted	B2 in English
English Masters, non-STEM	80+	6.5+	Not accepted	B2 in English
English Masters, STEM	80+	6.5+	Not accepted	B2 in English
English PhD	90+	6.5+	Not accepted	C1 in English

 

STEM stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.” These programs usually require higher scores in math, physics, chemistry, and biology to apply.

German language requirements

If you will study in English, you do not need to take a German language test to apply. (But if might be a good idea to study some basic German so you can demonstrate your interest in the country!)

If you want to study in German, you may need to take one of the following German-language certification exams:

• Test of German as a Foreign Language or TestDaF
• Goethe-Zertifikat
• Test for Foreign Students or TestAS
• Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)

GRE/GMAT requirements

Usually you will not need to take the GRE or GMAT to study in Germany.

You may need to take these exams if you want to study business or STEM at the Masters or PhD level. You should aim for a score above 315 on the GRE, and above 550 on the GMAT.

 

The HZB Certification for Higher Education

If you want to study in Germany, you will need to obtain the Higher education entrance eligibility (HZB-Note, or Hochschulzugangsberechtigung)

This is the proof that you are eligible to study in Germany and that you are qualified enough to meet the entrance requirements. The certification will require you to submit the following documents:

• Graduate diploma/school leaving certificate
• Transcript/record of your grades
• Overall average score from your previous education

You usually will submit these documents to the university as part of your application and have them approved.

If you do not receive the HZB-Note, you will need to take a 1-year foundation course called Studienkolleg.

Timeline to Apply to German Universities

German universities have two intakes, winter and summer.

The summer intake begins in April, and application deadlines for international students are from September to December.

The winter intake begins in September or October, and the application deadlines for international students are from April to July.

Find a program to study in Germany here:

Application Documents to Apply to German Universities

German universities are very standard to apply to. You will need largely the same documents that you need to apply to any university in the world, but be reminded that some of these documents may take a few months to prepare and arrange.

You should ask your teachers, guidance counselors, or professors for a letter of recommendation 1-2 months before you will submit your application.

If your application documents are in a language other than German or English, you will need to have them officially translated. Depending on where you live, the process could take 1-3 months.

Bachelor Degree Documents:

• Higher Education entrance qualification (high school diplomas/transcripts)
• Language certifications (IELTS, TOEFL, etc)
• Official translations of all certificates if issued in any language other than English or German
• Passport and biographical information
• Resume/CV
• Personal statement essay
• Letter of recommendation

Masters Degree Documents:

*all of the above, and

• College or university Bachelor diploma
• Bachelor degree transcript/record of grades
• Academic/professional references
• Additional documents required by the program
• GRE/GMAT (for business schools)

PhD Degree Documents:

*all of the above, and

• Bachelor and Master university degree certificate
• Bachelor and Master transcript/record of grades
• Summary/exposé of your doctoral project
• Supervisor confirmation

Apply to Study in Germany

It’s very easy to apply to universities anywhere in the world on Global Admissions. Begin your journey to study in Germany with us today!

With one platform, you can apply to universities all around the world and across Germany by submitting one application package!

Here are the steps

1. Book a free call with us to talk about your plans here.
2. Find a program to apply for on Global Admissions here.
3. Upload your application documents onto our platform.
4. We will contact you if anything needs to be fixed.
5. We will send your documents to the university.
6. Receive your acceptance to study abroad!