How to Study in Germany: Your Step-by-Step Guide

studying in Germany opens up many career opportunities. You'll have access to some of the world's best resources and lecturers while connecting with the heart of Europe. But how do you set this new journey in motion? Becoming a student in Germany is actually quite straightforward.

Studying in Germany starts with fundamental research. But there are hundreds of higher education institutions across the country, so how do you find the best fit? The first stage is to compare tuition fees, admission requirements, and language options before applying.

So, Which One is Best for You?

Public universities are ideal if you want affordable tuition and are fluent in German. But if you want to study in Germany in English with flexible classes, private universities are the better fit.

Choosing the right university requires thorough research. Start with these steps to establish a shortlist of institutions:

You've done the research and have a shortlist of German universities you'd be happy to attend. Now, you need to ensure your previous education is recognised and gather all the required documents for a smooth admission process.

You can start university in Germany during one of two intakes. The winter intake starts in October. It's the most popular and has deadlines around July to August. Meanwhile, the summer intake begins in April, with deadlines in January and February.

You can apply to German universities through their websites. But some require a separate submission through Uni-Assist, which processes applications for multiple institutions. Create your shortlist of unis and fill in your applications.

Congratulations, you've been accepted! But it's not quite finalised yet, as you now need to apply for a student visa. Start your application immediately, as processing can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. You’ll need to prove financial stability by either opening a blocked account (€11,904/year as of September 2024) or securing official sponsorship from a guarantor in Germany.

Are you concerned about financing your studies? Scholarships exist to help international students. Check out the DAAD website or the Deutschlandstipendium to view what funding is available. Some private universities also offer tuition reductions or flexible payment plans.

Health insurance is also mandatory for students in Germany. Choose between public options like TK or AOK (for students under 30) or private providers like Mawista or Care Concept. Without proof of health insurance, you won’t be able to enroll at your university or get your visa approved.

University? Identified. Application? Accepted. Student visa? Acquired.

Now comes the move to Germany - exciting stuff! But in between all your celebrations, make sure to leave time to plan the transition. Finding accommodation should be your top priority, as student housing is competitive, so start searching at least three months before arrival. Platforms like WG-Gesucht (for shared flats) and Studierendenwerk (for student dorms) are great places to start. Some universities also have housing support services, so check their websites early.

Nearly there, we promise! All you have to do now is officially enroll at your university. This process, known as immatrikulation, registers you as a student and gives you access to university facilities and online portals. You'll also get your very own student ID, which comes with perks like public transport discounts and student meal plans.

The application process is relatively stable for international students, but you should always be on the lookout for new regulations and law changes.

The main change was the new Consular Services Portal, launched by the German Foreign Ministry at the start of 2025. It enables international students to apply for visas a lot more easily and accelerates visa processing times. You'll need to use this new portal to apply for your German student visa.

Make sure you keep up to date with new developments in Germany throughout the academic year, as thresholds and permissions can change.

Planning ahead will create a smooth study abroad journey. While most German universities have two main intakes - winter (October) and summer (April) - IU International University of Applied Sciences offers up to four intakes per year, giving you more flexibility to start your studies when it suits you best.

Here’s a structured timeline to help you stay on track:

Applying to universities in Germany can feel overwhelming, but the right resources can make it much easier. Below are essential platforms that will help you along your journey to study in Germany:

• DAAD Database – Search for study programmes, find scholarships, and get insights into studying in Germany.

• Uni-Assist – A centralised portal that processes applications for many German universities. Ideal if you're applying to multiple institutions.

• Blocked Account Providers – Open a blocked account (minimum €11,904/year) through trusted providers like Fintiba, Expatrio, N26, Commerzbank, or Deutsche Bank to prove your financial stability for a student visa.

• German Health Insurance – Health insurance is mandatory for all students. Public providers like TK and AOK are common choices, while private insurers like Mawista offer flexible options.