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Good planners often make great students in Germany, and you’re already on the right track by reading this list and preparing ahead of time.

The country is a hotspot for international students—469,485 of them are already making the most of Germany’s world-class education system.

To join them in pursuing a degree, you need to fulfill the requirements listed below.

If you want a faster route to check your eligibility, you can always consult a German expert for free by answering a few simple questions!

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Here is what it takes to study in Germany:

1. Study Program

Finding a study program is not a requirement as much as it is an essential first step to get you started on your journey to studying in Germany.

This is where it all begins, so take your time to research a program that matches your interests, offers interesting courses, and for which you fulfill basic eligibility requirements.

If you’re still undecided, you can search our database of for options based on your preferences.

2. University Admission Requirements

Each study program has specific requirements, but you must make sure that you’re eligible to study in Germany in the first place.

To apply to a German university, you need to have a university entrance qualification known in German as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. To see if your school-leaving certificates are equivalent to Germany’s Abitur, look up your country and qualifications in or the .

If your school-leaving certificate is not sufficient, you can attend a one-year preparatory course known as Studienkolleg or complete additional education in your home country.

Some universities also require an aptitude test called the TestAS. This test is designed for international students from non-EU countries who want to enroll in an undergraduate program in Germany.

Another important requirement is knowing the language of instruction. If your degree is completely taught in German, you need to prove that your German skills are up to par by submitting recognized language certificates such as the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or TestDaF. If your course is taught in English and you’re not a native speaker, you need to submit scores from tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Some business schools in Germany may also list GMAT or GRE test scores among their requirements.

3. University Application Documents

You have to send an application for a study program in Germany either through the university’s own portal or through . Each university and specific program may have different requirements, but these are the documents that you’ll need to submit in most cases:

• Completed application form. Find it on the university’s portal or in uni-assist, depending on the process.
• Recognized school-leaving certificate. to see if you meet university entry requirements.
• Certificates of previous studies (including university studies). If you’re applying to a postgraduate program, include official transcripts and the diploma certificate.
• Proof of language proficiency. Recognized German or English language certificates or previous studies in that language.
• Copy of valid passport and passport/portrait photo.
• Letter of motivation & recommendation letter(s) (if applicable).
• Curriculum vitae (CV)/resume.
• Standardized tests (if applicable). Some universities may ask for TestAS results & some business schools may require GMAT or GRE scores.
• Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate. Applicants with education qualifications from China, India, or Vietnam need to get this.
• Preliminary Review Documentation – VPD. Some universities require applicants to have their education documents reviewed and grades converted from uni-assist.

4. Proof of Financial Resources

International students need to have €11,904 per year to cover their living expenses in Germany (as of September 2024). If you need a student visa for Germany, you have to present proof of this money (Finanzierungsnachweis) during your appointment.

There are a couple of ways you can present proof of finances—the most reliable being a blocked account. Alternatively, you can send your parent’s income or financial asset statements, a German resident can guarantee to cover your expenses, you can send a bank guarantee, or if you won a scholarship, present the certificate stating the amount covered.

Learn more about opening a blocked account at Expatrio.

5. Student Visa

If you’re going to study in Germany for a period no longer than 90 days, you need a Schengen visa if your country doesn’t have a Schengen agreement with Germany. For studies longer than 90 days (usually degree programs), most students* need a national visa

To get a student visa for Germany, you need to apply for an appointment with the German embassy or consulate in your country. You should prepare the required documents and attend an interview on the date of the appointment. The embassy will then process and issue a decision on your application—which can take up to 25 days, depending on location and workload.

*Students of some specific nationalities such as the United States, Canada, etc. only need a residence permit after entering the country. Students from the EU/EEA (including Switzerland) are exempt from both the visa and residence permit requirements.

6. Accommodation

Within two weeks of arriving in Germany, you need to register your address at the local Resident’s Registration Office. Therefore, you should make sure to have found long-term accommodation by then.

There are different accommodation types in Germany to choose from, including student halls of residence, shared apartments (WGs), private rentals, and more. At an average of €410 per month, rent is usually the biggest expense for students—so searching ahead of time can help you stay within your budget.

The average monthly cost for different types of housing is as follows: €266.83 for student dorms, €363 for shared apartments (WGs), and around €820 for private apartments. These are just estimates, though, and prices can be higher or lower depending on location, amenities, and other factors.

7. Health Insurance

Everyone in Germany should have valid health insurance. If you’re from an EU member state (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) or another country that has a bilateral agreement with Germany, you can use your health insurance from back home. 

Otherwise, you need to get student health insurance in Germany. Most students are eligible for discounted premiums with statutory providers—starting at €125 per month. If you’re over 30 years old, you may have to get private health insurance instead. You can activate the insurance plan when you arrive in Germany.

If you need proof of health insurance to fulfill student visa requirements, travel health insurance is often sufficient until you arrive and get proper student insurance.

8. University Enrollment

Lastly, you need to enroll at your chosen university in Germany when you arrive here. To do so, you need to go to the Students Affairs Office and provide the necessary documents. You will receive a matriculation number and a university account, with which you can access your university’s portal and register your courses. 

You’ll also receive your student ID card—useful for many student services such as the library and cafeteria, and as a pass for many cultural events.

Take these steps to enroll in a German university:

1. Receive an offer of admission.
2. Accept your study place.
3. Complete the application for enrollment (online form/printed).
4. Have your valid passport with you.
5. Pay the semester fee (usually €150-€350)
6. Submit proof of German statutory health insurance (many universities require your status to be digitally sent by the insurer).