Germany is a multicultural student hub for a reason, offering numerous programmes for international students looking to study abroad. Its rich and historic culture and cutting-edge innovation make it an ideal country for international students. Major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne are accessible to English speakers and are filled with diverse people and friendly locals to help make settling in easier.

Many German universities are ranked among the best in the world, giving students a top-tier education and setting them up for success after graduation. IU International University of Applied Sciences is among them, and its admission requirements are more transparent and accessible than those of public universities, making it a fantastic option for international students wishing to study in Germany.

Here, we'll cover some things you should know about being an international student in Germany, such as your right to work, costs, and what it's like to be a student here.

## Key Takeaways

- 2.8 million students
  in higher education institutions in Germany.

- The unemployment rate is 3.1%
  for adults over 25.

- 69.2% of international students
  in Germany say they plan on staying in the country after they finish their studies.

- The average cost of living is €992
  per month.

- Berlin is more than 50% more affordable
  rent-wise compared to London.

## How many international students are there in Germany?

Over 2.8 million students are enrolled in higher education institutions in Germany, with almost 470,000 being international students
.

The student populations are spread across the country in different states:

1.North Rhine-Westphalia: 717,963

2.Bavaria: 405,492

3.Baden-Württemberg: 351,259

4.Hesse: 245,036

5.Berlin
: 197,074

Engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences are the most popular fields of study among international students. Engineering is a top choice for international students (making up 43.1% of the field) because of Germany's reputation for excellence in technical education and cutting-edge research. Curricula are aligned to the industry, preparing students for employment.

The top countries of origin for international students are India (49,008), China (38,687), and Turkey (18,084).

## How do you choose the right German university?

International students have a dizzying choice from over 400 institutions, including technical universities, vocational education, and universities of applied sciences, so it can be an intimidating prospect when you first start researching Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Germany.

When selecting a university, you should consider:

- Location

- Study programme

- Tuition fees

- Student life

- Campus facilities

- Support services for international students

Some universities in Germany, like IU, offer 100% English-taught programmes, making it easier for international students to study in Germany.

## What are the admission requirements for international students in Germany?

International students must meet specific admission requirements, including language proficiency, residence permits, and academic qualifications. You'll need a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (or HZB for short), which certifies that you can study in Germany by converting your qualifications to the German equivalent. If your secondary-school degree isn't recognised, you'll have to attend a preparatory college first, known as a Studienkolleg.

To obtain a residence permit, students must provide proof of financial support (Finanzierungsnachweis), such as a blocked account
or a scholarship. As of 2025, the minimum for this is €11,904 per year. If your course is taught through German, you'll need to pass a language proficiency test or provide proof of your language skills. Otherwise, you'll need to show your confidence in speaking English for courses taught in that language.

International students should research the specific admission requirements for their chosen university and study programme. The German embassy or consulate where you're based can help provide information about your visa requirements and proof of financial resources.

## Cost of living and funding options

The cost of living in Germany can vary depending on the location, with cities like Munich and Frankfurt being more expensive than smaller towns, but the average is €992 per month. This includes:

- Covering your semester fees

- Living costs like rent and food

- Health insurance

- Tuition fees (state dependent)

International students can apply for scholarships, such as those offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), to help fund their studies and aid in their job search. Additionally, students can consider applying for a student loan or seeking financial support from their home country. Many international companies offer job opportunities for part-time students, too.

According to a Studying in Germany survey, the top reason for studying in Germany is the low tuition fees, which account for 35.3% of the Total.

### Can international students work in Germany?

Many international students work part-time while studying in Germany to earn extra income and gain practical experience. Students can work up to 20 hours per week
during the lecture period and full-time during semester breaks.

Student jobs can be found in various fields, including research, hospitality, retail, and many companies offer job opportunities specifically for students. International students can also consider internships or self-employed activities, but must obtain approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency).

A popular option is working as a wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft or HiWi, a type of student assistant position. You can apply for this research assistant position after completing at least six semesters. While it can take some time to qualify for one of these jobs, they're not subject to the same rules about maximum working hours per week, so they can be a better option depending on your free time.

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## What are the career opportunities for international students in Germany?

Germany offers many career opportunities for international students after graduation, with many companies seeking highly qualified employees. During their stay, international students can switch to a residence permit for qualified employment, allowing them to work full-time.

Students can also consider starting their own business or pursuing further education, such as a master’s university degree or a PhD. Many universities, including IU, offer career services and support to help students find job opportunities and achieve their academic goals as they start their careers.

If you're from outside the EU, you'll have a maximum of 18 months (with an extended residence permit) to find employment after finishing your degree in Germany. While this sounds like a lot of time, the hiring process in the country can be slow, so experts like Maria-Theresia Jansen
from the Federal Employment Agency recommend looking at least four months before the end of your course.

## Campus life in Germany for international students

Many universities in Germany offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and campus life options, including sports clubs, cultural events, and student organisations. International students can participate in these activities to meet new people and get involved in campus life.

Many universities also offer support services, such as academic advising and counselling, to help students succeed. Students can also consider participating in volunteer work or community service to support the local community.

If you're interested in learning how campus life is at IU, check out our guide to student life in Germany.

### What is academic life like for international students in Germany?

Academic life in Germany is highly regarded, and many universities offer exciting research opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities. International students can participate in research projects and collaborate with professors and other students throughout their academic careers.

While permanent academic positions are rare post-graduation, as tenure isn't achieved until you're at least in your early 40s, even short-term contracts are typically 6 years as standard at the start of your career, offering a solid degree of stability.

The hiring process for academic positions can take a minimum of nine months, according to Professor Mona Hess
, so while it's very transparent and thorough, you'll need to think about what you'll do during this in-between period if you want to go down the academic route.

### What's it like to learn the language and adapt to the culture in Germany?

Learning German can benefit international students, improving their job prospects and overall experience in Germany. Many universities offer language classes and cultural adaptation programs to help students settle in and make the most of their time in Germany.

The Goethe-Institut
is a cultural institution responsible for promoting the German language and culture. It offers German courses at over 151 locations in Germany and worldwide.

With English and limited German, you can typically get by in major cities like Berlin. Still, if you plan to stay long-term, you'll find that German is essential when navigating government offices (in-person visits are frequent) and managing administrative documents.

International students can also participate in cultural events and activities to learn more about German culture and meet new people. Students in Frankfurt love the impressive architecture and access to the global financial sector. Leipzig is an up-and-coming city often called the "new Berlin," making it a popular student spot.

### How to get around as an international student in Germany

Germany has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy for students to get around. Many universities offer transportation options like semester tickets to help students save money and travel easily. The monthly Deutschland Ticket costs just €58 as of 2025. From January 1, 2026, the price will increase to €63 per month.

International students can also consider buying a bike or using car-sharing services to get around. Many universities are in city centres, making it easy for students to walk or cycle to campus.

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## Health insurance and finance requirements

International students must have health insurance to study in Germany. Some top affordable public statutory health insurance providers include TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) or DAK-Gesundheit, but plans are also available through DAAD. On average, student health insurance costs around €130-150 a month
, depending on the insurance type.

Students should also consider opening a German bank account and obtaining a tax number to manage their finances. Digital banks, like N26 or C24, can make the process a little smoother and provide convenient English-friendly setups. This will be important if you take a part-time job to receive your pay.

Many universities offer financial support and advice to help students manage their finances and make the most of their time in Germany. Student loans can be taken out at many banking institutions, and you can apply for scholarships from the DAAD.

## How do you find accommodation as an international student in Germany?

Finding accommodation in Germany can be challenging, especially in larger cities, but many universities offer housing options for both international and German students. Students can consider sharing an apartment or living in a student dormitory, and many universities provide advice and support to help students find accommodation.

Shared apartments are known as Wohngemeinschaft, or WG for short. In these, everyone has a private bedroom but shared access to other areas.

International students should research and apply for accommodation well in advance to ensure they have a place to live. The International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) can help you navigate dormitories, as sometimes they allocate some rooms specifically for international students.

Many universities also offer temporary accommodation options for students still looking for a permanent place to live. Whether you find somewhere right away or move around a bit, you must register at the Residents' Registration Office. This typically needs to be done within a week after you arrive, and they can provide you with confirmation of Registration (Meldebestätigung) so you can apply for your residence permit.

## What support services are available for international students in Germany?

Many universities in Germany offer support services specifically for international students, including language classes, cultural adaptation programs, and academic advising. International students can also consider seeking support from student organisations or mentors.

Many universities offer 24/7 support services, including emergency assistance and counselling. Students can also consider seeking support from the Federal Employment Agency or other government agencies. Learn more about what it's like for our students at IU.

## Spotlight: Indian students in Germany

he number of Indian students choosing to study in Germany is rising every year. So much so that the Embassy of India in Berlin has set up the Indian Students in Germany (ISG) initiative to help give students information about education and employment here. It doesn't just benefit Berlin, though, with links to Indian Student Associations nationwide.

According to the Times of India
, student enrolment in Germany is expected to quadruple from 2021 to 2030, with a predicted 114,499 Indian students. The rise in Indian student numbers can be linked to many turning away from the US and UK for higher education, and high proficiency in English can be used in Germany at many universities.

Getting your initial student visa from the Federal Foreign Office usually takes 2 to 10 weeks, depending on individual cases. Thanks to an arrangement with the German Embassy in New Delhi, the required "blocked accounts" can now be set up with Kotak Mahindra Bank, which should speed up the approval process.

## International students thrive at IU

Studying at IU enables international students to connect with a diverse range of people and work on cutting-edge research projects, preparing them for life after college. We offer affordable tuition, as well as help with visa applications and career guidance for after your graduation. Learn more
about the benefits of studying at IU today.

## FAQs

Germany has a diverse student population with people from around the world, with access to cutting-edge research and an affordable cost of living. A vast majority of international students enjoy studying here so much that they plan on staying after their studies to pursue a career in Germany.

International students have various requirements, and planning beforehand can help make your first few weeks easier. Registering with the local Registration Office is vital for day-to-day needs like banking and getting your mandatory health insurance sorted. So make an appointment to register within the first week when you arrive. Booking these in advance is a good idea, as slots can fill up quickly.

Your experience can depend on where you decide to study, but major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne are easy to navigate, as English is widely spoken. Students often enjoy being centrally located in Europe, making travel to different countries by train accessible, and there is a vibrant student population with people coming from all over the world to study here.

Education in public universities is largely free for international students since Germany does not charge tuition fees for Bachelor's and many Master's degree. Private institutions come with their own fees, but regardless of the type of university, all students are required to pay a mandatory semester contribution that ranges from €250 to €300 to cover administrative costs and student services.

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