Studying in Germany – Helpful Questions

You would like to study at a German university? Below you can find frequently asked questions which might be helpful.

What about the entry requirements to study in Germany?

In order to study at a German university, you have to hold a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). International students must prove an equivalent degree that shows that they are allowed to study at a university. So their degree has to be recognised as higher education entrance qualification in Germany. If that is not the case and your international higher education entrance qualification does not directly qualify you for the study in Germany, you can participate in a preparatory course at the university. Student’s certificate from an institution in the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland, are usually recognised in Germany.

Learn more here: https://www.studying-in-germany.org/german-higher-education-entrance-qualification/

For information about enrolling at the university: https://www.studying-in-germany.org/enrolling-german-university/

Do I have to pay tuition fees?

One of the reasons which makes Germany more appealing to students is the low tuition costs. Tuition fees at all public universities were originally abolished in 2014, students only need to pay an administrative fee per semester which is about 250 Euro (depending on the university). However, this doesn’t apply to the private Universities around the country.

Do I have to speak German?

Since the language of instruction in most German universities is German, you usually need to prove a language proficiency either by doing a language test for example DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants), TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) or GDS (Goethe Institut German Language Diploma) or by taking a preparatory course at the university. However, students who study only for one semester may not need to do that.