Germany is renowned for its excellent higher education system. German degree courses include a wide range of subjects, with some courses taught in English. Tuition fees are not charged at Germany’s public universities, even for international students. This, coupled with an excellent reputation for offering world-leading technical degrees, is why Germany is such a popular choice with international students.
In this article, we will review various study programs, types of German universities, the main admission requirements, tuition fees, and grading.
Types of Universities in Germany
There are three main types of university in the German Higher Education System. These are:
- Academic Universities (Universitäten)
- Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
- Specialist colleges of Art, Music, or Film.
Universities in Germany are either public or private. Public universities represent the majority of institutions and are heavily subsidized by the government, which means they do not charge tuition fees. Of the private (fee-paying) universities in Germany, the vast majority are Universities of Applied Sciences.
What is the German university system?
Thanks to the Humboldt theory of education, German universities tend to place a high importance on research and academic freedom. Technical degrees are also an important aspect of the German university landscape.
There are two semesters in Germany: a winter semester (October to March) and a summer semester (April to September). You may be able to find a course which starts in April rather than October, so check with the university before you apply.
An academic year in Germany
- Two semesters: Structure of an academic year in Germany
- Summer semester: April - September (Application Deadline: January 15th)
- Winter Semester: October - March (Application Deadline: July 15th)
German university semesters explained
Germany's higher education system offers two main intakes for students each year: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. Understanding the differences between these two intakes can help you make an informed decision about when to begin your studies.
Winter Semester (Wintersemester)
Start Date: The winter semester in Germany typically begins in October and ends in March. For most students in Germany, this semester starts the academic year.
Application Deadlines: The application period usually opens around mid-May and closes by mid-July. However, deadlines can vary depending on the university and program, so checking specific dates for your chosen course is crucial.
Programs Available: Most degree programs, especially at the undergraduate level, open their admissions for the winter semester. This is the most common intake, offering a broader range of course options and a higher availability of spots in popular programs.
Orientation Activities: Universities often hold orientation weeks, campus tours, and student fairs at the start of the winter semester, making it an ideal time for new students to begin their studies and acclimate to university life.
Advantages of Winter Semester
- Wider Course Selection: As the primary intake, more programs and courses are available.
- Better Social Integration: With a larger cohort of new students, making friends and joining student organizations is easier.
- More Time for Job Search: If you plan to work part-time during your studies, the winter intake gives you a head start on looking for student jobs.
Summer Semester (Sommersemester)
Start Date: The summer semester in Germany typically begins in April and ends in September.
Application Deadlines: Applications usually open around mid-November and close by mid-January, but specific dates can vary, so it’s important to verify with the respective university.
Programs Available: Fewer programs are open for the summer semester, focusing more on master’s programs, some specialized bachelor's programs, and courses with rolling admissions. It's less common for undergraduate programs to admit students during this semester.
Orientation Activities: Universities still provide orientation activities, but they may be less extensive than those in the winter semester.
Advantages of Summer Semester
- Smaller Cohort: A smaller intake can mean less competition for resources like housing and more personalized attention from faculty.
- Mid-Year Start: If you miss the winter intake or need more preparation time, the summer semester provides an alternative start date.
- Shorter Waiting Period: If you’ve already completed your previous studies or requirements early, you won’t have to wait until October to start your program.
Comparison and Considerations
Course Availability: The winter semester offers the widest selection, particularly for undergraduate programs, while the summer semester may have limited options.
Entry Requirements: Generally, entry requirements remain the same across both intakes, but competition might be fiercer for winter admissions due to the larger applicant pool.
Internships and Practical Experience: Starting in the winter allows students to align better with traditional internship cycles and industry placements, which often occur in the summer.
Weather and Adaptation: Arriving in Germany in the winter can be challenging due to colder weather and shorter daylight hours, while the summer semester offers a more gradual introduction to the climate.
When choosing your intake, checking program availability with the university is crucial to ensure your desired program is offered in your preferred semester. Additionally, plan ahead by considering visa processing times, accommodation searches, and other logistical factors. Finally, consider your schedule and make sure the intake aligns with your personal, academic, and professional timelines.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each intake, you can choose the one that best aligns with your academic goals and personal circumstances.
Study programs at German universities
With thousands of degree courses at over 400 institutions, there is plenty of choice when it comes to study programs in Germany.
The country is world-renowned for its technical degree courses, but it’s possible to study almost anything, especially if you’re happy to undertake a course that is delivered in the German language. There are a number of degrees available which are taught in English, especially at the Universities of Applied Sciences.
Give yourself plenty of time to choose a course; start looking through the course lists a few months before you apply so you have time to consider all the options. Find out more about the degrees and how studies in Germany are organized on our Course of Study page.
German university requirements and admission
In order to be accepted on a German degree course, you will need a certificate of high school education (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) or your country's equivalent, e.g. A-level certificates. Often, international students will be expected to sit an entrance exam before they can be offered a place, especially if you live in a country where your qualification is not recognized by the German university. Some courses require entrance exams for all students.
Prospective students usually need to start the application process six months to a year before the start of the semester in which the course starts. You may also need to provide references and an academic personal statement.
If the course is taught in German, you may also need to prove your competency in the German language.
Tip: There are many places you can obtain a German proficiency certificate before you apply, including the Goethe Institute. Find out more about the admission process and requirements on our German university application page.
Tuition fees at German universities
There are no tuition fees for studying at a German public university
The education system is heavily subsidized by the government. This applies to both German residents and international students.
Is university free in Germany?
Although there are no German university tuition fees, undertaking a degree is not completely free. Students have to pay a semester fee (Semesterbeitrag), which ranges from around €200-€500, every six months (each semester) to cover administration fees, and a travelcard will usually have to be purchased as well. Students will also have to consider living costs.
German university degrees and grading system
Germany has in recent years adopted the Bologna accreditation process, so degree courses are standardized in line with other European countries. This means that students can now study for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or for a Doctorate. Some areas of employment such as law, teaching, and medicine require students to complete state examinations or Staatsexamen after their degree.
What is the German university grading system?
Bachelor’s degrees are graded in the standard method for the Bologna system. This means students will attain a First Class, Upper Second, Lower Second, or Third Class degree.
