Studying in Germany in 2026: tuition-free study, blocked account and work

Germany is one of very few countries where a strong student can earn a respected degree and pay little or no tuition. But "free" does not mean "easy". You must show €11,904 in a blocked bank account, get your documents checked, and in most cases learn some German if you want a good job after you graduate.

This guide explains how the system works in 2026, what has changed recently, and what a student from Bangladesh or South Asia should plan for.

Why Germany, and who it suits

Many of Germany's public universities are well known for engineering, computer science, natural sciences and economics. The big attraction is cost. According to the DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service), there are generally no fees for bachelor's courses or most master's courses at state universities.

Germany suits you if:

• you are academically strong, especially in science, technology, engineering or maths;
• you are happy to live on a tight student budget;
• you are willing to learn German, even if your course is taught in English;
• you want a clear legal route from study to work in Europe.

It suits you less if you want a very short course, a lot of personal support, or a university system that feels like a private college. German universities expect you to be independent. Nobody will chase you to attend lectures or book exams.

Tuition fees in 2026: what "free" really means

At most public universities in Germany, you pay no tuition. You do pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag). This covers student services, administration and, often, a public transport ticket. The DAAD says it is usually between €70 and €430 per semester, depending on the university.

There are two important exceptions for non-EU students:

• Baden-Württemberg. Public universities in this state, including Heidelberg, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Mannheim and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, charge non-EU students €1,500 per semester for bachelor's and master's degrees (DAAD).
• Technical University of Munich (TUM). Since winter semester 2024/25, TUM charges new non-EU students fees. Bachelor's programmes are usually €2,000 or €3,000 per semester and master's programmes usually €4,000 or €6,000 per semester (TUM). TUM offers waivers and scholarships, and students who completed a bachelor's at a German university are generally exempt for a following master's.

Private universities in Germany charge full fees, often several thousand euros per semester. Some are good, but check their accreditation and graduate outcomes carefully.

English-taught or German-taught?

Many master's programmes in Germany are taught fully in English. Far fewer bachelor's programmes are. For an English-taught course, you normally need IELTS or TOEFL. The German Embassy in Dhaka asks for proof of English (TOEFL or IELTS) for English-taught courses, and recommends a B1 German certificate with a "good" result or higher for German-taught courses (German Embassy Dhaka).

Our advice is simple. Even if your course is in English, start German early. Aim for A2 before you fly and B1 or B2 by your final year. Here is why:

• Most part-time jobs, such as in shops, cafés and warehouses, need some German.
• Many German companies, especially small and medium-sized firms, work in German.
• German language points count on the Opportunity Card (see below).
• Daily life, from your landlord to the doctor, is much easier.

Admission: uni-assist, Studienkolleg and APS

Can you enter a bachelor's with HSC?

Usually not directly. The DAAD office for Bangladesh explains that a Bangladeshi Class 12 certificate does not give direct admission to a German university. You normally need to complete a Studienkolleg (a one-year preparatory course, usually taught in German) and pass its final exam, the Feststellungsprüfung (DAAD Bangladesh). Students with British A levels may get direct but subject-restricted admission. Check your own certificate in the DAAD admission database or anabin before you apply.

For a master's, your Bangladeshi bachelor's degree is usually the key document. Each university sets its own rules on subject match, grades and credits.

What is uni-assist?

Many German universities ask international applicants to apply through uni-assist, a service that checks foreign certificates for about 180 universities (uni-assist). The handling fee is €75 for your first choice and €30 for each extra choice in the same semester (uni-assist fees). Some universities take direct applications instead. Always follow the instructions on the programme page.

APS: does a Bangladeshi student need it?

The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle, or Academic Evaluation Centre) checks academic documents before a German student visa. APS offices operate for applicants from India, China and Vietnam. The German Embassy Dhaka's study visa information for Bangladeshi applicants does not list an APS certificate as a requirement (German Embassy Dhaka). So, as of September 2026, a Bangladeshi applicant applying from Bangladesh does not need APS. If you hold another nationality, or apply from India, check the rules for that country.

The new dMAT test for Indian master's applicants

In July 2026, the German Embassy in New Delhi announced a new digital Master Test (dMAT). It is a standardised aptitude test that becomes part of the APS process for Indian master's applicants whose previous degree is in engineering, commerce, accounting, finance, economics, business or management. It applies to those aiming to start from summer semester 2027 (dMAT). The first test was scheduled for 26 September 2026. Students who registered or submitted their APS application before 29 June 2026 are exempt under transitional rules (The PIE News).

The published announcement covers Indian applicants only. It does not apply to Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Nepali students at the time of writing. We will update this guide if that changes.

Money: the blocked account and health insurance

How much must you show?

For a student visa, you must prove you can pay your living costs. Most students do this with a blocked account (Sperrkonto). The German Embassy Dhaka asks for a minimum balance of €11,904, with a monthly withdrawal limit of €992 (German Embassy Dhaka). You pay in a full year's money before your visa. After you arrive, you can withdraw one-twelfth each month.

You can choose any approved provider. The embassy says the account must be opened, funded and the money credited before it will assess your documents. A scholarship can reduce the amount you need to block.

Health insurance

You must have health insurance for your visa and to enrol at university. The German Embassy Dhaka asks for travel or incoming insurance, or proof of public or private insurance, at the visa stage. Once enrolled, many students join statutory (public) health insurance. In 2026 it typically costs about €140 to €152 a month, including long-term care insurance, depending on the insurer and your age (How to Germany, 2026). Ask your chosen insurer for the exact figure.

Visa processing

The embassy says the minimum processing time for a study visa is about 6 weeks, because your file goes to the immigration office in Germany. You must book an appointment online. Fees are paid in taka and are not refunded if the visa is refused. Apply as early as your admission letter allows.

Working while you study

Non-EU students with a student residence permit may work:

• up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year, or
• up to 20 hours a week during the lecture period.

A working day of up to four hours counts as a half day (BAMF). These limits rose from 120 days in March 2024 under the Skilled Immigration Act.

Be realistic about part-time income. It can help with rent and food, but it will not pay back a large loan. Your studies come first. If you fail too many exams, you can lose your right to stay.

After graduation: job search, Blue Card and the Opportunity Card

The 18-month job-search permit

When you finish your degree in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job, if you can support yourself. You may work during this time (BAMF). Apply before your student permit expires.

The EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for graduates in skilled jobs. From 1 January 2026, the salary thresholds are:

• €50,700 gross a year for most jobs;
• €45,934.20 gross a year for shortage occupations, qualifying IT specialists and people who graduated within the last three years (RT & Partner).

These figures are linked to the pension insurance ceiling and usually change each January. Check the current figure on Make it in Germany before you sign a contract. If your salary is below the Blue Card level, a standard skilled-worker permit may still be possible.

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

The Opportunity Card lets skilled people from outside the EU come to Germany for up to a year to look for work. It matters most if you study somewhere else first, for example in Bangladesh, and want to look for jobs in Germany later. To apply on points, you need German at A1 or English at B2, and a degree or at least two years of recognised vocational training. You then need at least six points, for example for German language level, age under 35 and a partly recognised qualification (Federal Foreign Office). You must also show you can support yourself. Check the current amount on the embassy page.

If you graduate from a German university, you usually use the 18-month job-search permit instead.

1. 1
   12–15 months beforeResearch and choose

   Use the DAAD database. Check if you need a Studienkolleg (bachelor's) or what subject match a master's needs. Start German classes.

2. 2
   10–12 months beforeTake tests and prepare documents

   Book IELTS or TOEFL. Get certificates and transcripts attested. Write your motivation letter and CV.

3. 3
   7–10 months beforeApply

   Apply through uni-assist or the university portal. Deadlines vary by university, and some master's programmes close many months before the semester starts. Check each programme page.

4. 4
   4–6 months beforeFund the blocked account

   Once admitted, open a blocked account and transfer €11,904. Wait until the money is credited.

5. 5
   3–4 months beforeBook the visa appointment

   Book online with the German Embassy Dhaka. Allow at least 6 weeks for processing.

6. 6
   On arrivalRegister and enrol

   Register your address, activate health insurance, enrol and apply for your residence permit.

Myths and facts

Are you ready for Germany?

What to do next

1. Read our Germany destination page for courses, cities and intakes.
2. Open the Germany checklist and tick off each document as you prepare it.
3. Check your English level with our IELTS level check, because English-taught master's courses usually need a set score.
4. Start a German course this month. Even 30 minutes a day adds up.
5. If you have had a visa refusal before, read our refusal guide before you apply again.

Visa and immigration information in this guide is general guidance, not legal advice. Luminous is an education consultancy, not a licensed immigration adviser. Always check the official pages below before you apply.