Universities in Germany

Germany has 422 higher education institutions with about 2.9 million students, according to the German Rectors' Conference (HRK). Around 402,100 international students were enrolled, 14% of all students. Responsibility for higher education lies with the federal states (Länder), and around 90% of students attend public institutions, where bachelor's degrees and most master's degrees carry no tuition fees.

SpainExchange lists 41 universities and university programmes in Germany. Munich has the most (five), followed by Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Heidelberg, Oldenburg and Vallendar with two each.

Types of institution

• Universities (120 institutions): theoretical teaching and research, with a wide range of subjects; some specialise as technical universities
• Universities of applied sciences (HAW/FH, 245 institutions): practice-oriented study with placements and practical semesters
• Colleges of art and music (57 institutions): admission depends on a talent shown in an entrance examination

Of the 422 institutions, 273 are public and 149 are non-state; the private ones include business schools such as WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar. Together they offer about 21,600 degree programmes.

Degrees and credits

• Bachelor's degree: usually six semesters, or about three years
• Master's degree: two to four semesters
• State examination (Staatsexamen): required to work as a doctor, lawyer, teacher or pharmacist
• Doctorate: a structured doctorate is often limited to three years

Programmes use ECTS credits: one credit means about 30 hours of work, and most programmes require 30 credits per semester.

Examples of universities

Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is the oldest university in Germany. Students who want one semester rather than a full degree can choose programmes such as FU-BEST, an intensive academic semester programme of Freie Universität Berlin that introduces participants to Berlin, Germany and Europe.

Admission for international students

Each institution decides on admission. Applications go either to the university or through uni-assist. For medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and dentistry, applicants from the EU or EEA apply through the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (Foundation for University Admissions). A school-leaving certificate from abroad does not always give direct access: students from some countries first need two or three semesters of comparable study at home, or a Studienkolleg in Germany, which ends after two semesters with the Feststellungsprüfung (assessment test). Public Studienkollegs guarantee a state-recognised assessment test.

Programmes taught in German usually require at least B2 German; international and postgraduate programmes taught in English are exempt. State and state-recognised universities offered 2,381 English-language degree programmes in July 2025.

Students who stay longer than three months need a residence permit, and those who need a visa apply at a German embassy or consulate general. A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa. Citizens of some countries, including Brazil, El Salvador and Honduras, can enter without a visa and apply for the residence permit in Germany.

Costs and funding

State institutions generally charge no fees for bachelor's degrees or most master's degrees. Exceptions exist: Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students 1,500 euros per semester, and fees for non-EU/EEA students may also apply in Bavaria. All students pay a semester contribution of between 70 and 430 euros. Private institutions may charge much higher fees. Living costs are about 900 to 1,200 euros per month, according to the DAAD, and visa applicants must prove funds of 992 euros per month, or 11,904 euros per year (2025 figure).

How to choose a university

• Type: research university, university of applied sciences or college of art and music
• Language: German-taught programmes (usually B2) or English-taught programmes
• Federal state: fees for non-EU students differ, for example in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria
• Entry route: direct admission, preparatory semesters at home, or a Studienkolleg
• Length of stay: full degree, exchange semester or a semester programme such as FU-BEST

Frequently asked questions

Is studying at a German university free?

At state institutions, bachelor's and most master's degrees carry no tuition fees, but students pay a semester contribution of 70 to 430 euros. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students 1,500 euros per semester, and private institutions set their own fees.

Do I need to speak German?

German-taught programmes usually require at least B2. International and postgraduate programmes taught in English are exempt; there were 2,381 English-language programmes in July 2025.

What is a Studienkolleg?

A preparatory course for students whose school certificate does not give direct access to German universities. It lasts two semesters and ends with the Feststellungsprüfung.

How much money do I need to show for a student visa?

Students must prove funds of 992 euros per month, or 11,904 euros per year (figure valid since January 2025).