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All those years of schooling have been leading you up to this moment—preparing for a bachelor’s degree in an amazing country like Germany.

Over 34% percent of international students here are getting their bachelor’s degree. If you’re eager to join them, this guide is for you.

Research and Choose a Bachelor’s Program

Finding the right program is definitely easier said than done. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices. We suggest thinking through these two main factors: what you want to study, and where you want to study.

First, consider your interests and potential careers within that field. Then, you can research programs that match your interests by exploring location-wise. 

The university you choose and where it’s located play an important role in your student experience. For example, big cities like Berlin or Munich have prestigious universities with unique opportunities, especially if you’re interested in tech and innovation. Living there is expensive, though, unlike attending university in a small town. The latter can be more affordable, but you may not find the same study choices.

You have to find a good balance between a program with a curriculum you like, a university that offers the resources you need, and a location where you can live comfortably.

Here are some of our best resources that can help you find the right bachelor’s degree in Germany:

• – This is a comprehensive list of bachelor’s degrees offered in Germany. You’ll find degrees ranging from architecture to veterinary medicine!
• List of Universities in Germany (420+ Institutions) – If you prefer researching based on location or a specific university, this is the list to check.
• Top German Universities for International Students – These are the most prestigious universities in Germany that offer programs for international students.
• Best Business Schools in Germany – If you don’t like studying by the book and entrepreneurship is your calling, take a look at these business schools.

Check Admission Requirements

You need to meet some general requirements and program-specific requirements to be eligible for a bachelor’s degree in Germany. 

The specific requirements depend on the program you choose and the university’s specifications. The general requirements include the following:

Higher Education Entrance Qualification (HZB)

To qualify for entry to bachelor’s studies, your previous education must be equivalent to the German higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung-HZB).��

If you studied in a country outside of Germany, search your country in the and click the school-leaving certificate that you have. If it states your qualification grants you “Direct access (for all subjects) to all universities”, then you’re good to go.

Transcripts and Certificates From Previous Studies

You need to submit original documents or official copies of transcripts of grades (annual school reports of secondary school) and school leaving certificate/diploma (e.g. Matura).��

Documents must be in their original language, and if this language is not English or German, you need to also submit a certified translation of the documents in one of these languages.

Proof of Language Proficiency

You need to prove proficiency in the language of instruction of the bachelor’s degree. In most cases, it’s German, sometimes English (although less common for bachelor’s), or a combination of the two. 

Universities decide the level of German proficiency required for each program—the B2 (CEFR) level is usually the absolute minimum, C1 is most commonly required, and in some specific cases (such as German studies programs) they’ll require C2.

There are many German language certificates that universities here accept as proof. Some of the most common are:

Proof of German proficiency C1-C2
German language exam for university entrance (DSH)	DSH-2 or DSH-3
Telc	Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD)	DSD II
Goethe-Institut certificates	Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or Goethe-Zertifikat C2
TestDaF	level 4 or 5 in all sections

Motivation Letter & Letters of Recommendation

Some universities list motivation letters and sometimes recommendation letters as part of the application process.

You should write the motivation letter yourself, and clearly describe why you’re interested in that particular program. The recommendation letter or letters should be by a former teacher or someone who has supervised you during your extracurricular activities relevant to the program.

CV or Resume

If you don’t already have one, you should create a curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé. In this document, you should list your formal education, dates of final exams (if applicable), and any extracurricular or professional activities such as volunteer work, internships, etc.

Learn the German Language

If you find a program in English, you don’t need to necessarily speak German, however, it is very beneficial to at least learn the basics. But if, like most bachelor’s in Germany, the program you choose is in German, you need a very good command of the language.

If you’re planning way ahead, then you have time to learn and practice the language until you reach B2, C1, or C2 level, depending on which one is required by the program.

But, if the bachelor application deadline is approaching and you still haven’t reached this level, you can apply next year or enroll in a preparatory German language course for the DSH exam offered by the university.

Secure Funding

As of September 2024, international students coming to study in Germany need to have at least 11,904 euros for the first year of studies. Most international students need to provide proof of this amount when they apply for a German student visa or residence permit.

To prove you will be financially stable while in Germany, you can:

• Open a German blocked account and deposit 11,904 euros.
• Submit proof of your parent’s income and financial assets.
• Have a legal resident in Germany be willing to cover your expenses and get a declaration of commitment at the Foreigner’s Registration Office.
• For scholarship recipients: the scholarship certificate specifying the amount of funds or the benefits you will receive.
• Get a bank guarantee issued by a bank recognized in Germany.

Submit Your Application

The application process for bachelor’s programs at German universities is either done through uni-assist or through the university’s own platform. . If the university you want to attend is not on this list, then follow their instructions on the application process.

You have to send the same documents, regardless of the application platform. Uni-assist does charge handling fees, though. You have to pay 75 euros per application, and if you’re applying to multiple universities, 30 euros extra per each university.

Another extra requirement to look out for with uni-assist applications is the VPD certificate. This is an evaluation of your education certificates and conversion of your grades to the German system done by uni-assist. It is not always necessary, so check if your university of choice has listed among its requirements.

Wait for the Admission Letter

The hard part is over! Once you send in your application, you’ll get a confirmation from the university that they received it. Now, all you have to do is wait patiently to receive a response from them.

Do keep in mind that German universities handle a high volume of applicants, both local and international, and processing these applications takes a while.

When you receive a letter, the university will list further instructions on what to do if you are accepted to the bachelor’s program.

Get Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany—international students included. 

Students from EU member states and some other countries that have agreements with Germany can use their insurance from back home. But, a majority of international students don’t fit into this category and need to get student health insurance with a statutory provider when they arrive in Germany.

If proof of health insurance is stated on visa requirements, we suggest getting travel health insurance in advance. This insurance should cover a minimum of €30,000 and be valid during your trip to Germany. After you arrive in Germany, get proper student health insurance before enrolling at the university.

Apply for the German Student Visa

Many international students need to get a visa to come to Germany for their bachelor’s degree. Or some don’t need a visa to enter the country, but need to get a residence permit once they’re here. The only exceptions are EU/EEA/Swiss students, who only need to register their new address in Germany.

If you fall into one of the first two categories and need either a visa or a residence permit, you need to prepare the required documents before attending an interview. You can find country-specific requirements through your country’s German embassy or consulate.

It is a common mistake among students to underestimate the time it takes to get a visa or a permit, so we recommend starting this process as soon as you get the admission letter.

Attend Orientation and Start Studies

The next week or two after arriving in Germany will be all about adjusting and preparing for your new adventure. The Germans love their paperwork, so you’ll have to deal with some not-so-exciting things like:

• Registering your address. You need to register your accommodation in Germany at the Residents’ Registration Office within two weeks of your arrival.
• Opening a German bank account. A local bank account will save you a lot on different payments & transactions. Many banks in Germany offer student accounts that don’t have maintenance fees.
• Getting health insurance. You’ll need valid student health insurance. Consult your university’s advice on providers or choose one yourself. Premiums with statutory providers start at €126.71 per month.
• Enrolling in the university. You have to enroll as a student, register your courses receive your student ID, and access necessary study materials.
• Applying for the residence permit. If you’re here on a student visa you need to apply for a residence permit before the visa expires. For other students who only need the permit, you need to apply for it at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office within 90 days of your stay. Make sure to have all documents needed, including proof of health insurance and finances.

You won’t have to do this all by yourself—the university will likely host an orientation session or you can go to their international student office with any questions.

How To Apply For A Bachelor’s Degree in Germany [Infographic]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Students who want to study for a bachelor’s degree in Germany often have these questions:

How Long Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Germany?

The majority of bachelor’s degree programs in Germany last three years (6 semesters) full-time and have 180 ECTS points.

Many students complete it in time (Regelstudienzeit), but universities often offer the option to extend studies up to four more semesters.

On some rare occasions, you can also find four-year bachelor’s degrees. These are usually fine arts or music teaching degrees, some architecture programs, honors degrees, etc.

Are There Any English Bachelor’s Programs in Germany?

They’re not as common as German-taught programs, but there are still lots of English-taught programs in Germany. You can check them out in our and filter them based on the field of study you’re interested in.

What Is a Mono-Bachelor and Combination (Dual) Bachelor?

Bachelor programs in Germany are categorized by their curriculums as mono bachelor and combination (Kombi) bachelor. Mono bachelor’s simply have one single major, whereas combination or dual bachelor’s offer a combination of subjects, usually a major and a minor. 

Both these programs have key qualification courses (Schlüsselqualifikationen) that cover practical skills, methodology, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Are There Any Entrance Exams or Interviews for Bachelor’s Programs in Germany?

There is no mandatory general entrance exam to enter bachelor’s programs in Germany, and whether you need one or to attend an interview depends on the university and the program you want to attend.

There is a central aptitude test for international students called the TestAS. It’s up to the university whether you need to undergo this. For example, RWTH Aachen University requires TestAS for international applicants whose average grade is lower than 2.5 (German grading system) and for all medicine and dentistry applicants.

Some universities also have admission interviews for competitive programs or as a method of evaluating your language skills. But, in general, your previous grades are sufficient as an evaluation criteria in most cases.

What Should I Do if I Don’t Meet the Higher Education Entrance Qualification?

If you don’t meet the higher education entrance qualification for a bachelor’s program in Germany, consider enrolling in a Studienkolleg (preparatory course).��

They are specifically designed to prepare international students for university studies in Germany. They offer subject-specific coursework and language lessons to take you from B2 to C1.

Can I Work While Studying for My Bachelor’s Degree in Germany?

Yes, you can work part-time in Germany while doing your bachelor’s degree. 

If you’re from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time, and up to full-time (40 hours per week) during school breaks.

If you’re not from one of the countries above, you can work 140 full days or 280 half days per year.

What Is the Cost of Living for International Students in Germany?

Most public universities don’t charge tuition fees in Germany, but you need money to pay semester fees, accommodation, food & groceries, health insurance, and other living expenses.

As an estimate by the German government, you should have a minimum of €992 per month to cover expenses as a student.

Can I Bring My Family With Me While Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Germany?

Bringing your family to Germany as a student is difficult, but not impossible. You need to meet some requirements, including having a valid residence permit, being already married or in a registered partnership, and being able to support yourself and your family members without relying on government funds. 

If you meet these prerequisites, your close family members (usually spouse and children (under 18) can apply for a family reunification visa.

Can I Work in Germany After Finishing My Bachelor’s Degree?

Yes, you can definitely work in Germany after graduation. If you’re from an EU/EEA (+Switzerland) country, you can stay in Germany without any limitations and find a job here.

If you’re a third-country national, you can extend your residence permit for 18 more months after graduating and use this time to find a job that is related to your field of studies. In between this time, you can work other jobs as well. After you find a suitable job, you should apply for a work permit.