FAQ: Studying in Germany
From Language School zum Ehrstein to a German University
What universities and degrees are there in Germany?
- Universities
- Universities of Applied Sciences
- Art-, Film- and Music Academies which offer degrees in music, film and the fine arts.
In addition to state financed universities, there are more than 90 private universities in Germany.
The following degrees can be obtained:
- Bachelor (B.A, B.Sc., Bachelor of Engineering etc.)
First Academic degree, 6-8 semesters undergraduate studies - Master’s degree (M.A., M.Sc., Master of Engineering etc.)
Second Academic degree, 2-4 semesters - State Examination
State qualification after studies in the subjects: law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and the teacher education programs - Doctorate / Promotion
Academic degree after a master’s or state qualification. Granting of a Doctor title requires studies of 4 to 10 semesters and the submission of a written dissertation.
Who is allowed to study in Germany?
Those who have acquired their higher education entrance qualification in a country belonging to the EU, in Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland are not required to take any further tests in order to study in Germany. However, this does not apply to subjects in the arts (music, fine arts, film). Applicants for these subjects must take an aptitude test or present samples of their work.
What is a Preparatory College (Studienkolleg)?
- M course for the study of medicine and natural sciences
- T course for studies of technical disciplines
- W course for studies in economics
- G course or S course for studies in the humanities.
In order to attend the Studienkolleg, you have to pass a language test at the level of B2+, because German is a mandatory subject and the language of instruction in all of the courses. Apart from that, you may also have to pass an entrance exam in your field of specialization.
After two semesters of studies in the Studienkolleg, you take final examinations in which you prove a level of knowledge in the relevant subjects which is comparable to the German Abitur examinations (Feststellungsprüfung). In addition, you must also do the German language proficiency test for admission to the university (s. DSH). This test can also be done in the Studienkolleg.
What should I pay attention to when I send in my application?
How good does my German have to be?
Thereafter, you can choose between three different tests:
Sprachschule zum Ehrstein offers preparation courses for all of these language tests.
What does studying in Germany cost?
- Total costs for a language courses: depends on the prior knowledge of student.
- Accommodations: 470 - 520 Euro a month (depending of the type of accommodation)
- Health Insurance: 35 Euro a month
- University service of the language school 300 Euro
- University Service Plus: 600 Euro for those who need a conditional admission letter to a German university before they can receive a visa to study in Germany. For more information see Visa.
During your studies:
- Semester fees (usually includes a semester pass for the public transit system) 200 – 250 Euro
- Study materials and books: depends on your course of studies
- Tuition: depending on the state. In most of the states the studies are free of charge. In the state of Baden-Württemberg, tuition for non-EU-citizens is 1,500 Euro per semester. In the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, the introduction of study-fees is currently being considered.
What does it cost to living in Germany?
Note: Foreign students studying in Germany are required to present a “proof of financial resources” amounting to 8000,- EUR. This proof may be provided in the following ways: a proof of assets from the parents, a security amount on a locked account at a German bank, a bank guarantee, a scholarship or a guarantee from a person living in Germany. Please contact the German embassy about information concerning the required proof of financial resources. Without this proof, your plans to study in Germany may not be possible.
Where can I apply for a scholarship?
If you come from a European country you have even more options – The Erasmus-Program and the Free Mover-Scholarship Program. More information can be found on the website www.eu.daad.de
Do I need a Visa?
- Citizens of European Union countries, Island, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland only require personal identification.
- Citizens of other countries require a visa if they intend to spend more than 90 days in Germany.
- If you come from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, or the USA, you can apply for a visa after your arrival in Germany.
- Citizens of all other countries must apply for visa before travelling to Germany.
You haven’t been admitted to a German university yet? Then you should apply for a prospective student visa or a language course visa.
If the German authorities in your country require a conditional admission letter from a German university before granting a visa, please book our University Service Plus and send us your application documents. We will make the applications for you at up to three German universities. If you meet the formal criteria, you will receive from a university a certificate of validation of your previous education (comparable to a conditional admission letter) which will enable you to apply for a visa.