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Study in Germany (Berlin)
Study in Germany
Berlin
Education and quality of academic institutions and community
Germany is known internationally for offering a wide range of educational opportunities at various levels. The German higher education system is especially renowned for its high-quality standards, excellent reputation, and its focus on innovation. In the The World Reputation Rankings (2024), three German universities placed within the top 50 universities in the world.
Most universities in Germany are state-funded and attract 90% of university students with their low tuition fees and high-quality education. In contrast, there are more than 120 private universities across Germany with most of them focusing on applied sciences. Despite the differences in tuition fees, both types of universities benefit from high standards of teaching and offer valuable programmes for both German and international students.
Germany prioritises international exchange and strong partnerships with other institutions. International students make up approximately 12% of all university students in Germany and students are often encouraged to study abroad within their degrees.
Tuition fees and scholarship opportunities
Germany is known internationally for having more affordable tuition at colleges and universities compared to the UK, USA and some other European countries., making Germany a financially-attractive option for international study. Generally, German universities have no tuition, but have bi-anual semester fees ranging from €100 – 350. On the other hand, private universities generally charge €5,000 – 20,000, with more specialised programmes such as MBAs costing up to €65,000. Germany’s higher education system is not nationalised and so universities independently decide on tuition and administrative fees. At both private and public universities, there is also an administration fee per semester, which is typically around €300.
Germany has a range of scholarships to help students pay for their education. Some scholarships available to international students are listed below:
DAAD Scholarships – An Overview
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports over 100,000 German and international students with a range of scholarships aimed primary at graduates, doctoral students and postdocs. Specific scholarships offered for individual programmes, as well as the application criteria, are listed in the DAAD scholarship database.
Scholarships | Heinrich Böll Stiftung
The Heinrich Böll FOundation grants scholarships to approximately 1,500 university students per year. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and commitment to social and political justice, sustainability and human rights, as well as proficiency in German. Grants can provide up to €860 per month plus individual allowances.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
The Friedrich ebert Foundation Scholarship offers students from Africa, Asian, Latin America or eastern Europe a monthly stipend of up to €850. The scholarship is awarded based on social and political engagement and academic merit. Additional allowance of up to €276 per month is also available to students with children.
Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation offers a range of scholarships of up to €1,200 per month for EU and non-EU students and refugees studying in a variety of subjects. Applicants can apply for up to a year’s funding, then subsequently apply for up to two more years of funding if successful. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and social and political engagement.
Cost of living
The DAAD estimates that students in Germany spend an average of €992 a month on living expenses, including:
- Accommodation: €410
- Food and groceries: €198
- Transportation: one way tickets cost approximately €3, while a Deutschland Ticket (D-Ticket) monthly pass is €49, which rants unlimited travel on all public transport routes in the country
- Leisure: an average gym membership costs €33.75 per month, while a cinema ticket can cost €12
Student Visa and immigration policies
To be eligible for a student visa or residence permit in Germany, you are required to have Proof of Financial Resources of at least €11,904 in addition to covering your tuition and administrative fees. A common method of proving you have the required funds is depositing the sum into a blocked account, also called a Sperrkonto,, where you can withdraw up to approximately €992 per month to cover living costs such as accommodation, food and health insurance.
Generally, a student visa and residence permit are both required prior to commencing your studies. There are some exceptions:
- EU nationals do not require a residence permit, but must register their residence at the local Residents’ Registration Office upon arrival in Germany
- Nationals of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monano and San Marino do not require a student visa unless they are planning to work while studying. If not, they must apply for a student residence permit and register their residence locally
- Nationals of Australia, Canada, the UK, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and USA do not require a student visa but must apply for a student residence permit and register their residence locally
The Schengen visa (C Visa) is required for short courses lasting up to 3 months. Meanwhile, the National Visa (D Visa) is required for courses lasting more than three months. THere are three types of National Visa:
- German Student Visa: for students already admitted to a German university or college and preparing to begin their studies
- German Student Applicant Visa: for students who have already applied to a university or college but do not yet have a certificate or admission or confirmation of application
- German Language Course Visa: for students aiming to attend intensive German language courses without pursing university studies
Prospective students seeking to apply for a German student visa must provide:
- Visa application documents, including the completed application form, a valid passport, 3 recent passport-style photographs, a birth certificate
- Proof of financial resources, including €11,904 in a block account (Sperrkonto) or other financial proof, proof of parents’ income records and a bank guarantee
- University or college admission confirmation
- Previous academic qualifications
- Proof of public or private German health insurance (which can be obtained digitally prior to arriving in Germany) or, for EU nationals a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Proof of language proficiency in English or German at a minimum B2 level
- Visa processing fee of €75 for adults, with a reduced fee of €37.50 for minors
Additional documents may also be required if applicable:
- Marriage certificate
- Child’s birth certificate
- Photocopies of prior German residence titles
- Previous academic qualifications
- Scholarship Awarding certificate
- Letter of commitment by a German Resident
To apply for a German student visa, prospective students must:
- Locate the nearest German embassy or consulate
- Review the requirements and procedures for your country’s specific requirements and appointment procedures prior to arranging a visa appointment
- Arrange a visa appointment with the German embassy. Applicants are advised to apply several months in advance due to a high volume of applications that embassies receive
- Prepare and double-check documents
- Prepare for your visa interview. Prior to attending the interview, students must pay the non-refundable visa processing fee and keep the payment confirmation
Common interview topics that are covered in the visa application interview include:
- Reasons for choosing to study in Germany and in the particular city
- Understanding of German culture
- Plans for future studies in Germany
- Academic background and skills
- Financial situation, present and future
- Basic knowledge of the chosen degree
- Housing arrangements in Germany
- Connections with people in Germany/Europe
- Holiday break plans
- Future goals
Post-Study Immigration Policies
Job opportunities (during and after studies)
Germany offers diverse job opportunities for international students during and after studies. While studying, international students are permitted to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without requiring approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA). Common student jobs include research assistant roles, tutoring, and part-time work in retail or hospitality, with wages typically ranging from €10 to €15 per hour.
Germany is the world’s third-largest economy and has a thriving job market for internationals, who make up over one-eighth of the population. Companies actively seek qualified individuals from abroad in various sectors, such as engineering, IT, healthcare and the sciences.
Safety and security
Germany is considered a safe country to visit and live in, placing 22nd on the 2024 Global Peace Index. Berlin in particular is known to be a very safe city, with cases of violent crime being very rare. Like most large cities, petty crime, especially pick-pocketing, has been on the rise therefore it is recommended to keep valuables safe in public spaces and when in large crowds. Due to the rise of terror attacks in recent years, there is heightened security at transport centres, public buildings and major events.
Language requirements
German universities require language proficiency proof based on the programme’s language of instruction. For German-taught programmes, students typically need TestDaF (TDN 4 in all sections), DSH-2, or recognized certificates like Goethe-Zertifikat C2 or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule. For English-taught programmes, like those offered at Arden University Berlin, universities usually require IELTS (6.0 – 6.5) or TOEFL iBT (80 – 100). Specific requirements vary, so students should check individual requirements for any courses they intend to study at Arden University Berlin.
Social, Cultural lifestyle and activities
Germany offers a dynamic social and cultural scene that welcomes international students with vibrant activities and festivals. Berlin is a hub of creativity, history, and entertainment, offering something for everyone.
The city regularly hosts globally renowned events like the Berlinale Film Festival, one of the world’s top international film festivals, and the Carnival of Cultures, an annual street festival celebrating diversity with live music, dance, and street food. For history and art lovers, Berlin boasts over 170 museums and galleries, including the East Side Gallery, which transforms a former Berlin Wall section into the world’s longest open-air gallery featuring international street art.
Berlin’s nightlife is world-famous, offering everything from underground techno clubs to jazz bars, indie music venues, and rooftop lounges. The city’s live music scene is diverse, with concerts and performances spanning genres from classical to electronic music. Neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain are hotspots for trendy cafés, street art, and eclectic nightlife, while Prenzlauer Berg offers a more laid-back vibe with cozy pubs and cultural spaces.
Beyond Berlin, Germany’s cultural calendar is packed with must-visit events. Oktoberfest in Munich is the country’s most famous festival, attracting visitors with traditional Bavarian food, folk music, and festive beer halls. Meanwhile, Germany’s Christmas markets, especially in cities like Berlin, Nuremberg, and Dresden, offer a magical atmosphere with handcrafted gifts, traditional foods, and mulled wine.
Accommodation availability and options
Cost of accommodation in Germany averages around €410 for international students. Berlin can be slightly more expensive, with accommodation ranging from 200 – 700 EUR, depending on whether you opt for student accommodation or more expensive private accommodation. Shared accommodation, which include private bedrooms but shared bathroom and kitchen facilities are a popular option for students.
Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Wedding, and Prenzlauer Berg are all popular neighbourhoods among student and are full of cafes, restaurants, and other amenities with good transportation links around Berlin.
Healthcare system and student insurance
Germany’s health care system is decentralised and combines mandatory public insurance with optional private plans.
Heath insurance is required for all international students intending to study in Germany. Health insurance can range from 30 – 150 EUR a month, with private insurance being more expensive as they tend to offer more benefits. All public health insurance plans will cover a basic selection of medical expenses, such as the majority of doctor’s visits, prescriptions, A&E visits, ambulance rides and hospital stays.
Climate and weather conditions
Germany has a temperate seasonal climate with mild to cold winters and warm summers. Winters can be cold and reach below 0°C with occasional snow, while summers are warm and average around 20-30°C. It is advised to bring seasonal clothing to appropriately dress for the weather, as well as waterproof footwear as rain is spread throughout the year.
Connectivity to home country (flights and travel costs)
Germany is highly accessible for international students, offering extensive flight connectivity through major airports like Berlin Brandenburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport provides budget-friendly connections within Europe via low-cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. Return flights from Berlin to London typically cost 50 – 150 EUR, but is heavily dependent on the season, booking time and airline.For long-haul flights, prices vary seasonally, so booking travel early to secure more affordable options is advised.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is connected to the rail and road network for convenient travel directly to the city ceentre. The Airport Express, regional trains and the S-Bahns S9 and S45 run frequently every hour from the airport station to Berlin city centre.
Recognition of degrees internationally
The recognition of degrees can vary significantly from one country to another, depending on several factors. These include the mode of study (such as online or in-person programmes) and the specific list of approved universities and degree programmes as outlined by a country’s Ministry of Education or relevant authority. Therefore, students should ensure that the degree they pursue is recognised both in their home country and in any other regions where they might plan to work or further their education.
This can be discussed with the university’s career services department or international student support office.