Studying Bachelor’s in Germany
Studying Bachelor’s in Germany requires having a German language certificate at the A2 level/English language IELTS 6 and a certificate of completion of a 13-year diploma course, as well as passing the FSP exam. To study Bachelor’s degree in Germany, you must complete a one-year course at a German college to apply for undergraduate studies in Germany.
Bachelor’s degree in Germany are available in over 350 fields in engineering, arts, business and management, medical sciences, and law. After completing their undergraduate studies in Germany, students can obtain residency in this country through work and investment methods.
You can contact the experts of the Malekpour Institute to review your conditions regarding bachelor’s and master’s in Germany.
Study Conditions for Bachelor’s in Germany
For immigration to Germany and studying at any of the universities and for applicants to obtain admission for studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany, you need to meet certain conditions. These conditions include:
- English or German language certificate
- 13-year diploma
- One-year college course
- Passed the FSP exam
- German language certificate at level A2 / English language certificate IELTS 6
Admission for Bachelor’s in Germany
Just as there are various options for continuing studies during high school (natural sciences, mathematics and physics, humanities, etc.), there is such diversity for study in colleges in Germany, which must be considered when studying in Germany.
Colleges such as medical colleges, mathematics colleges, and colleges (G, W, S) courses are among these categories. For academic admission, you must first select your desired field and then, by choosing the best university, submit your educational documents for admission.
Required Documents for Bachelor’s in Germany
Applicants for Bachelor’s studies in Germany must fully prepare the required documents for the university and submit them. Below, we refer to these documents:
- German or English language certificate
- Financial means
- Student insurance
- Grades
- Valid passport
- No criminal record
Free Bachelor’s Study in Germany
German universities are divided into public and private or international institutions. Public universities generally have lower tuition fees, and most courses are offered in German. To study for free in Germany at the Bachelor’s level and in public universities, having a B2-level German language certificate and a diploma with a high GPA is required.
Germany student visa without language certificate is possible through German language courses at the university, and after reaching the required language level, they can enter the main courses. Studying at public universities is not entirely free, and minimal registration and student fees must be paid. Heidelberg University, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, and Munich University of Applied Sciences are among the best public universities in Germany.
Studying Bachelor’s in Germany in English
Private and international universities in Germany offer most educational programs in English. Some public universities in Germany also offer limited programs in English. Students wishing to apply for studies in Germany at the undergraduate level in English must present a certificate of completion of a 12-year diploma and an IELTS 6 language certificate or equivalent.
Studying in Germany in English is possible in various fields such as engineering, arts, management, medical sciences, humanities, etc. Among the best private universities in Germany are CODE University of Applied Sciences, Bard College Berlin, Adventist Friedensau University, EBC University, European University of Applied Sciences, and SRH Berlin University.
Required Language Certificate for Studying Bachelor’s in Germany
To study for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany, most public universities require B2-level German proficiency, as programs are mainly taught in German. However, some universities offer conditional admission to international students, allowing them to take German language courses before starting their studies.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Language certificate for admission | German language certificate – Level B2 |
| Conditional admission with language course | German language certificate – Level A2 |
| Bachelor’s degree at international/private universities | English language certificate – IELTS 6 or equivalent |
GPA Requirement for Studying Bachelor’s in Germany
Usually, different admission conditions are defined for various fields and universities in Germany. The GPA requirement for studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany is generally a diploma with a GPA of 3 or higher. For admission to limited fields, a lower GPA of around 2.5 is also acceptable.
Generally, for studying in Germany at the Bachelor’s level in medical fields, having a high school diploma with a high GPA increases the chances of admission.
Age Conditions for Studying Bachelor’s in Germany
There are generally no age restrictions for admission to various fields. Age conditions for studying in Germany apply to international students for obtaining a study visa. For obtaining a student visa in Germany, as in English-speaking countries, the gap in studies and the age of the student are important.
International students should not have a long gap in their studies to increase their chances of obtaining a student visa for Germany. The best conditions for applying for a student visa to this country are for those with a study gap of less than 2–3 years.
Prerequisite Colleges for Studying Bachelor’s in Germany
Applicants wishing to study for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany must complete a one-year course in Germany to equate their high school and diploma courses because the diploma in Germany is 13 years. To obtain admission for undergraduate studies in Germany, you must complete a course at German colleges.
After completing the one-year educational course at the college, the applicant must take the FSP exam and, upon passing the exam, complete the diploma equivalency and obtain the German 13-year diploma. They can then apply for bachelor’s studies in Germany.
Best Universities for Studying Bachelor’s in Germany
To continue Bachelor’s studies at the best universities in Germany, it is necessary to have good academic conditions such as a high GPA, a high level of English and German language proficiency, and participation in academic seminars and festivals.
| University Name | Global Rank | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | 28 | 1 |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) | 59 | 2 |
| Heidelberg University | 84 | 3 |
| Freie Universität Berlin | 97 | 4 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 99 | 5 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | 102 | 6 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 126 | 7 |
| Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) | 147 | 8 |
| University of Hamburg | 191 | 9 |
| University of Freiburg | 212 | 10 |
Cost of Studying Bachelor’s in Germany
German public universities provide many international students with the opportunity to study with low or no cost in several Bachelor’s programs. The registration fee at these universities is usually around 150-250 euros per semester.
In contrast, fees at non-public or private universities may be higher, and the cost of studying at these universities usually ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 euros per year. However, some private universities may also offer financial programs or discounts for students, minimizing the educational expenses for them.
| University Name | Type | Annual Tuition (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg University | Public | €161.10 | Semester fee only; no tuition fees for EU/EEA students. |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich | Public | €300 | Semester fee; no tuition fees for EU/EEA students. |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Public | €315.64 | Semester fee; no tuition fees for EU/EEA students. |
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Public | €4,000–€6,000 | Tuition fees for non-EU students starting Winter Semester 2024/25; EU/EEA students pay only semester fees. |
| CODE University of Applied Sciences | Private | Income-based | Tuition is paid after graduation based on income; no upfront fees. |
| Bard College Berlin | Private | €36,375 | Comprehensive fee for on-campus students, including housing and meals. |
| Adventist University Friedensau | Private | €3,500 | Estimated annual tuition; specific program fees may vary. |
| GISMA Business School | Private | €13,125 | Annual tuition for international students; European students pay €9,600. |
| EBC University | Private | €10,000 | Estimated annual tuition; specific program fees may vary. |
| Munich Business School | Private | €24,000 | Estimated annual tuition; specific program fees may vary. |
| University of Europe for Applied Sciences | Private | €9,000–€12,000 | Estimated annual tuition; varies by program and campus. |
| SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences | Private | €9,000–€10,200 | Tuition varies by program; additional semester fees apply. |
Conditions for Scholarships in Germany for Bachelor’s Degree
Since many scholarships are offered to outstanding students, the academic qualifications of students are very important for obtaining scholarships in Germany. Scholarships for Bachelor’s degrees in Germany are more limited compared to Master’s and doctoral scholarships.
Students interested in studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany must submit the required documents for each of the scholarships and wait for document review and a response from the scholarship provider.
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship for Outstanding Students | Provides €2,000 per year toward tuition fees for undergraduate students. |
| Doc24 Legatet Scholarship | Covers €1,350 per year of undergraduate tuition fees. |
| FutureLearn “Change the World” Scholarship | Awards €20,000 to selected students. |
| Global Undergraduate Student Competition Scholarship | Grants €1,500 per year to undergraduate students. |
Duration of Bachelor’s in Germany
The duration of the Bachelor’s program in Germany varies among different fields and universities but typically takes 3 to 4 years. Students can check the duration of undergraduate studies in their respective fields in the course description section on their university’s website. In some fields, online study options are available, allowing students to complete part of their Bachelor’s studies in their home country.
Start Dates for Bachelor’s Studies in Germany
Usually, the start dates for Bachelor’s studies in Germany are in the summer and winter semesters. The semester start can vary between universities. Typically, summer semester starts in April and March, and winter semester begins in October.
Each university specifies a timeframe for international student admissions; students must submit translations and originals of all their documents, including identity documents, educational documents, language certificates, and other required documents, to the admissions office.
List of Bachelor’s Fields in Germany
Public and private universities in Germany offer undergraduate programs in various fields such as engineering sciences, natural sciences, arts, business, management, medical sciences, and humanities. German universities offer more than 350 different fields at the Bachelor’s level. International students must meet the required prerequisites to be admitted to any of these programs.
| Computer Engineering | Software Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | IT Engineering |
| Digital Marketing | Accounting | Business Administration | Robotics Engineering | Nursing |
| Physiotherapy | Occupational Therapy | Financial Management | Mechatronics Engineering | Law |
| Economics Management | Game Design | Photography | Business | Fashion & Design |
| Psychology | Tourism Management | Health Management | Sports Management | Music |
| Graphic Design | Hospitality Management | Mathematics | Mobile Software Systems | European Culture & History |
Obtaining a Student Visa for Germany for Bachelor’s Degree
International students must apply for a student visa after obtaining admission to colleges and universities in Germany to enter the country and continue their undergraduate studies. The first step to obtaining a student visa is to prepare the required documents. Below are the required documents for a student visa in Germany for the Bachelor’s level:
- Identity documents including a valid passport and student ID
- A letter of acceptance from colleges and universities for undergraduate studies in Germany
- A certificate of language proficiency required by the university
- Academic documents including a diploma and transcripts
- A letter of financial means showing that the student has the means to cover living and study expenses for the first year.
- A letter of medical health of the student
- A letter of no criminal record
- A lease or hotel or dormitory reservation letter for the student
Student Work during Bachelor’s Studies in Germany
Bachelor’s students in Germany can work up to 20 hours per week, earning €9.5–€11 per hour, which amounts to around €800 per month. Knowing German language and having technical or service skills increases job opportunities. However, students should plan to cover their living and tuition costs for the first 12 to 18 months, as job hunting requires time and effort.
German student dependent visa during undergraduate studies
Students must first apply for their own student visa and then, upon entering Germany and starting their studies, apply for the visas of their dependents—spouse and children under 18 years. Family reunification for students may take 5–6 months. Students who wish to immigrate simultaneously with their families should look into countries with simultaneous visa issuance, such as Austria and Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Finland.
Health Insurance for Undergraduate Students in Germany
The cost of public insurance for students usually varies between 80 to 200 euros per month, which covers all medical expenses, meaning that students with this insurance do not need to pay hospital or treatment costs.
However, this insurance does not cover expenses for things like dental treatment or eyeglasses unless the situation is extremely urgent and approved by a doctor. Another type of insurance available for students in Germany is private insurance, which costs around 30 to 50 euros per month.
Benefits of Studying Bachelor’s in Germany
- Below are some of the main benefits of studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany.
- Lower tuition costs for undergraduate studies in Germany
- The possibility of studying at public universities at the Bachelor’s level in German
- Low living costs in Germany
- Low unemployment rate and job opportunities while studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany and after graduation
- Presence of universities with high academic standards
Of course, there are also downsides to studying abroad in Germany; one of these issues sometimes can de the long wait times for visa appointments. However, if students secure direct admission from a university with a language certificate, they can obtain visa appointments more quickly.
Residency in Germany after Completing Bachelor’s Degree
Studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany is considered a route to permanent residency and obtaining a German passport.
After completing a 3–4 year Bachelor’s degree in Germany, international students can apply for a 1.5-year post-study work visa to find employment. During this period, they can apply for a work residence permit. Other residency paths include investing in Germany or marrying a German citizen to obtain residency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bachelor’s Studies in Germany
- Is it possible to study for a Bachelor’s degree without a language certificate in Germany?
Yes, in some public universities in Germany, language courses are offered as a prerequisite, and students can enter the main courses after completing the language level.
- What is the required language certificate for studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany?
The language certificate required for private universities is IELTS 6, and for public universities is the B2 level of German.
- What is the GPA requirement for Bachelor’s studies in Germany?
To obtain admission in many fields and universities, a diploma with a GPA of 3 or higher is required.
- What is the age requirement for studying at the Bachelor’s level in Germany?
There is no age limit for admission, but to increase the chances of obtaining a student visa for Germany, the study gap should not exceed 2–3 years.
Conclusion:
Studying for a Bachelor’s in Germany offers many advantages, including low tuition fees, affordable living costs, top-ranked universities, and strong job prospects. Most programs last 3–4 years. To apply, you need a 12-year diploma with a GPA of at least 3.0, a German language certificate (B2 level), and IELTS 6 for English-taught courses.
After graduation, students can get an 18-month post-study work visa and apply for permanent residency after securing employment. For full details and expert advice, contact Malekpour Institute or leave a comment under our Bachelor’s in Germany article.
