Study in Germany

Germany’s public universities charge little or no tuition for most programmes, and many master’s degrees, especially in engineering and science, are taught fully in English. It is one of the most affordable places in Europe to earn an internationally recognised degree.

• Tuition-free or low-cost study

  Most public universities charge no tuition fees. Students pay a semester contribution instead, which usually includes a regional transport ticket.

• Engineering and technology

  Germany is known worldwide for engineering, technology and science, with close links between universities and industry.

• English-taught programmes

  Around two thousand programmes are taught in English, so many courses do not require German.

• A strong job market

  Internships and graduate roles in technical and research sectors, and a permit to stay and look for work after you graduate.

Also on our list

• Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
• Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Technology (BHT)
• Free University of Berlin
• GISMA Business School
• University of Hamburg
• ICN Business School
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• Schiller International University
• Technical University of Berlin
• University of Marburg

• Winter semester

  Classes start

  October

  Apply

  March to July

  The main intake, with most programmes.

• Summer semester

  Classes start

  April

  Apply

  November to January

  Fewer programmes, useful for a mid-year start.

Public universitiesFor most programmes. A semester contribution of about €250 to €350 applies.

No tuition

Private universities

€5,000 to €20,000 a year

Living costsAccommodation, food, transport and insurance.

€10,000 to €12,000 a year

Blocked accountProof of funds for the visa: €992 a month. Reviewed each year.

€11,904 a year

Health insurancePublic student insurance.

€120 to €140 a month

• English-taught programmes

  • IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall, depending on the course
  • TOEFL and PTE accepted by most universities

• German-taught programmes

  • German at B2 to C1 level
  • Accepted certificates include TestDaF, DSH and Goethe-Institut

• Academic

  • Bachelor’s: HSC alone is often not enough for direct entry; many students first complete a foundation year (Studienkolleg) or a year of university in Bangladesh
  • Master’s: a relevant bachelor’s degree with a good CGPA

• Standardised tests

  • Some competitive or business master’s programmes ask for the GRE or GMAT
  • Requirements vary by university and department

1. 01

   Research, 12 to 18 months ahead

   Shortlist universities and programmes, using DAAD and university websites.

2. 02

   Take a language test

   IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes; TestDaF or Goethe for German-taught ones.

3. 03

   Prepare your documents

   Statement of purpose, recommendation letters, CV and certified academic documents.

4. 04

   Apply

   Directly or through uni-assist: March to July for winter, November to January for summer.

5. 05

   Receive your admission letter

   The Zulassungsbescheid usually arrives 4 to 10 weeks after you apply.

6. 06

   Open a blocked account and arrange insurance

   Both are required before the visa appointment.

7. 07

   Apply for the student visa

   Show your admission letter, blocked account, health insurance and accommodation details.

• While you study

  Up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year, in addition to work as a student assistant at your university.

• After you graduate

  An 18-month residence permit to look for a job related to your degree.