Germany · Local newsThe German cities with the most and least expensive student housing
The Local Germany ↗ (read at source)
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Study in
Imagine a world-class engineering degree with little or no tuition at a public university, weekend trains across Europe, and 18 months to find your job.
Little or no public tuitionEngineering powerhouse18-month job-seeker permit
BerlinMunichHamburgBremen
Before you choose Germany
Student visa wait in Dhaka: more than 27 months
The German Embassy in Dhaka says the waiting period for a student visa appointment is now more than 27 months, plus about 4 weeks of processing. Scholarship holders and PhD applicants are prioritised. Plan two to three years ahead, or consider a scholarship route.
Checked 1 Oct 2026 · German Embassy Dhaka: student visaGerman matters for jobs
Many master’s courses are taught in English, but most jobs need German. Software development is no longer on the official shortage list; nursing, health, trades and engineering roles are.
Checked 1 Oct 2026 · Bundesagentur für Arbeit: shortage analysis 2025Key facts
Taught master’s2 years
Work after graduating18 months
Work while studying140 full days a year
IntakesWinter (October) · Summer (April)
Master’s2 years (120 ECTS)
Bachelor’s3–3.5 years (180–210 ECTS)
Post-study work18-month job-seeker residence permit
Work while studying140 full days or 280 half days a year
Blocked account€11,904 / yr (€992 / month)
Every policy line is checked against official sources. Last verified: 22 Sep 2026.
Life in Germany
Climate
Cold winters, warm summers
Transport
Semester ticket often included (Deutschlandticket)
Healthcare
Public insurance ≈ €130 / month
Typical rent
€350–€800 / month (WG)
Part-time wage
Mindestlohn (minimum wage)
Careers here
What students build in Germany
Careers that grow, stay safe or shine with AI, with courses at our partner universities in Germany. Open one to see its career ladder and the courses for your qualification.
Grows with AI
AI, data & analytics
Build and question the systems everyone else will use.
Data analyst, junior data engineer, BI analystCourses in Germany Grows with AISoftware & cybersecurity
Every AI system needs to be built, connected and kept safe.
Junior developer, SOC analyst, cloud support engineerCourses in Germany Safe with AIPublic health & healthcare
Keep whole populations healthy, and run the services that care for them.
Public health officer, health data analyst, pharmacy technicianCourses in Germany Grows with AIEngineering & robotics
Put AI into the physical world: machines, cities, energy.
Graduate engineer, engineering technologist, CAD technicianCourses in Germany Grows with AIClimate, energy & environment
The energy transition needs people who understand the science.
Environmental officer, sustainability analyst, field technicianCourses in Germany Grows with AIBiotech & life sciences
Where biology meets data and AI.
Lab technician, quality control analyst, research assistantCourses in Germany Shine with AIBusiness analytics, finance & FinTech
Numbers are automated. Judgement about them isn’t.
Financial analyst, business analyst, audit associateCourses in Germany Shine with AIManagement, marketing & supply chain
Lead people and projects in AI-powered organisations.
Operations coordinator, marketing executive, supply chain analystCourses in Germany Shine with AIDesign, UX & digital media
AI makes images. Designers solve problems for people.
Junior UX designer, content producer, game artistCourses in Germany Shine with AIFashion, textiles & apparel
AI can sketch a dress. People make it fit, sell and get made.
Assistant designer, merchandiser, product developerCourses in Germany Shine with AILawyer, solicitor & barrister
A regulated profession: plan your qualifying route before you pick a country.
SQE and work experience, Bar training and pupillage, bar exam or practical legal trainingCourses in Germany Safe with AIHospitality, tourism & events
Experiences are made by people.
Front office supervisor, events coordinator, commis chefCourses in GermanyYour journey
From choosing a course to working in Germany
Seven steps, using Germany’s real rules. Tap any step, or let it play.
Step 1 of 7 · Start here
Choose a career
- Start with what you enjoy and the career you want.
- Pick a course in Germany that leads there.
- An adviser checks the entry requirements with you, free.
Already studying in Germany?
Free help for students in Germany →Our service for your next course is free: advice, applications to our partner universities and colleges, and document checks, planned around your visa end date. Tuition and the university’s own fees are paid to the university as usual.
Checklists
Admission & student visa checklists for Germany
Free for everyone. Tick items off as you go (saved on this device), keep a printable copy, then ask an adviser for a free check of your list.
- Required
- Required
- If applicable
- If applicable
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- Required
- If applicable
- If applicable
- If applicable
- If applicable
- Required
Want a dated plan to your intake? Build your full checklist for Germany.
Free adviser check
Send us your list. We’ll tell you what’s missing.
An adviser reviews your checklist for Germany and replies within one working day with:
- Which “if applicable” documents apply to you
- A realistic, dated plan to your October 2027 intake
- Courses at our partner universities that fit your profile
- The common mistakes that delay Germany applications
GermanyOctober 20270% ready13 required to go
Free. Your checklist summary is sent with your message, so you don’t have to type it. We give general guidance on official checklists; we do not prepare visa applications.
Education systemHow education works in Germany
GrundschuleGrades 1–4Primary
SecondaryGrades 5–12/13Gymnasium → Abitur; Realschule; Gesamtschule
StudienkollegFoundation yearFor school certificates not recognised as equivalent
Bachelor’s180–210 ECTSUniversity or University of Applied Sciences
Master’s120 ECTSMany programmes taught in English
DoctorateResearchIndividual or structured PhD
InstitutionsUniversities, colleges and schools
Search the institutions we work with, by type.
UniversityUniversity of Europe for Applied Sciences (Potsdam)Potsdam
- Master of Science in Data Science
UniversityInternational School of Management (Dortmund Campus)Dortmund
- Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Science
UniversityUniversity of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) - Potsdam (Innovation Hub)Potsdam
- Bachelor of Science - Software Engineering
- Master of Science - Software Engineering (120 ECTS) (Thesis)
UniversityConstructor UniversityBremen
- Bachelor of Science - Robotics and Intelligent Systems
- BSc in Chemistry and Biotechnology
- Master of Science - Computer Science and Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Science - Earth Sciences and Sustainable Management of Environmental Resources
- Master of Science - Quantitative Life Science
CollegeHochschule Fresenius - IdsteinIdstein
- Master of Science - Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
- Master of Science - Bioanalytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis (120 credit points)
UniversityUniversity of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) - BerlinBerlin
- Bachelor of Arts - Game Design
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Financial Management (90 ECTS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Financial Risk Management (90 ECTS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - International Business (90 ECTS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Marketing Management (90 ECTS)
- Master of Arts - Photography (120 ECTS) (Thesis)
- Bachelor of Arts - Photography and New Media
- Master of Arts - International Sport & Event Management (120 ECTS)
- Bachelor of Science - Sport and Event Management (Dual) - Basketball Management Specialisation (180 ECTS)
UniversitySRH UniversityBerlin
- Master in Big Data & Artificial Intelligence (M.Sc)
- Bachelor in Computer Science (B.Sc.)
CollegeMunich Business SchoolMunich
- Master in International Business
- Bachelor International Business
UniversitySRH Berlin University of Applied SciencesBerlin
- Master of Laws in Law and Technology
UniversityArden University BerlinBerlin
- MSc in Data Science
- MSc in Cyber Security
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Science - Supply Chain Management and Logistics
UniversityFachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM University of Applied Sciences)Berlin
- BA in Artificial Intelligence
- BEng in Mechatronics
UniversityGISMA University of Applied SciencesBerlin
- BSc in Computer Science
UniversitySRH Hochschule Nordrhein-WestfalenHamm
- MA in Sustainability and Circular Economy Management
UniversityHochschule FreseniusIdstein
- Master of Science in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
CollegeNew European College, MunichMunich
- MBA in Finance
UniversityMacromedia University of Applied SciencesBerlin
- MBA in Marketing
- BA in Management (Fashion Management)
UniversityGISMA Business SchoolHanover
- BSc in Business Management
UniversityUniversity of Europe for Applied SciencesBernau bei Berlin
- BA in Game Design
- BSc in Health Management
UniversityBerlin School of Business and InnovationBerlin
- MA in Game Design
UniversitySRH Dresden School of ManagementDresden
- BA in Global Hospitality Management
UniversityIGC International Graduate Center (Hochschule Bremen)Bremen
- MBA in International Tourism Management
UniversityGISMA University of Applied Sciences (Potsdam)Potsdam
- Master of Science - Data Science, AI, and Digital Business
UniversityMacromedia University of Applied Sciences (Berlin)Berlin
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Digital Technologies and Coding - Artificial Intelligence
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Software Engineering
UniversityUniversity of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) (Potsdam (Innovation Hub))Potsdam
- Master of Science - Robotics Engineering
- Bachelor of Arts - UX/UI Design
UniversitySRH University (Berlin)Berlin
- Bachelor of Engineering - Applied Mechatronic Systems
UniversityUniversity of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) (Berlin)Berlin
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Sustainable Water Management
- Bachelor of Science - Sport and Event Management
UniversityMacromedia University of Applied Sciences (Munich)Munich
- Master of Arts - Digital Media Business
CollegeInternational School of Management (ISM) - BerlinBerlin
- Master of Arts - Luxury, Fashion & Sales Management (Thesis)
CollegeInternational School of Management (ISM) - Munich (München)München
- Master of Arts - Luxury, Fashion & Sales Management (Thesis)
- Bachelor of Science - Applied Data Science & Business Analytics
- Master of Science - Business Intelligence & Data Science
UniversityMediadesign Hochschule (mdh) University of Applied Sciences - BerlinBerlin
- Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Management
- Bachelor of Science - Information Technology - Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Bachelor of Arts - Media Design - UX/UI Design and AI
CollegeHochschule Fresenius - BerlinBerlin
- Bachelor of Arts - Fashion and Design Management
- Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
- Master of Arts - Sustainability in Fashion & Creative Industries
- Master of Arts - International Management (for non-business graduates)
UniversityMacromedia University of Applied Sciences - BerlinBerlin
- Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
- Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Management
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Data Analytics
- Bachelor o Science (Honours) - Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Art - Healthcare Management
- Master of Arts - Digital Media Business
- Bachelor of Arts - Game Design & Development
CollegeEU Business School - MunichMunich
- Master in Fashion and Luxury Business (título propio)
- Bachelor of Arts - Artificial Intelligence for Business (título propio)
- Master in Artificial Intelligence for Business (título propio)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Cloud Computing
CollegeBerlin School of Business and Innovation - GermanyBerlin
- MA in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management (Hamburg)
UniversitySRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences (SRH Hochschule Berlin)Berlin
- BA in Fashion Design
UniversityIU International University of Applied Sciences - CologneCologne
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration - Artificial Intelligence (180 ECTS)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Applied Artificial Intelligence (180 ECTS)
- Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Management (90 ECTS)
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration - Logistics (180 ECTS)
UniversityGISMA University of Applied Sciences - BerlinBerlin
- Double Degree - Master of Science - Data Science, AI and Digital Business & Master of Science - International Business Management (transfer to Kingston University, United Kingdom)
- Bachelor of Science - Data Science, AI, and Digital Business
- Double Degree - Master of Science - Business Management and Cybersecurity & Master of Science - International Business Management (transfer to Kingston University, United Kingdom)
- Bachelor of Engineering - Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Science - Business Management Logistics
- Double Degree - Master of Science - Business Management and Project Management & Master of Science - International Business Management (transfer to Kingston University, United Kingdom)
UniversitySchiller International University (SIU) - HeidelbergHeidelberg
- Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Science - Sustainability Management(UNITAR)
- Bachelor of Science - Business Analytics
- Master of Science - Digital Marketing and E-commerce
- Bachelor of Science - International Business
- Bachelor of Science - Hospitality and Tourism Management
UniversityMacromedia University of Applied Sciences - MunichMunich
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Data Analytics
- Bachelor of Art - Healthcare Management
UniversitySRH University - BerlinBerlin
- Master of Science - Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business
- Master of Science - Computer Science - Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (Fast Track)
- Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Management
- Master of Engineering - Engineering and Sustainable Technology Management - Industry 4.0: Automation, Robotics & 3D Manufacturing
- Master of Engineering - Engineering and International Business - Renewable Energy, Water and Waste Management
- Master of Engineering - Engineering and Sustainable Technology Management - Mobility and Automotive Industry
- Master of Science - Supply Chain Management
- Master of Arts - Photography
- Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design and Scenography
- Master of Laws - Law and Technology
CollegeInternational School of Management (ISM) - HamburgHamburg
- Bachelor of Science - Applied Data Science & Business Analytics
- Master of Science - Business Intelligence & Data Science
- Master of Science - International Logistics & Supply Chain Management
CollegeEuropean Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology - HamburgHamburg
- Master in Business Administration in Artificial Intelligence (MBA in AI)
- Master of Arts - Management and Planning of Health Services (MMPHS)
- Bachelor of Arts - Tourism and Tourism Business Management (BTTBM)
- Master of Arts - Hospitality Management (MHM)
UniversityPrivate University of Applied Sciences (PFH) - GöttingenGöttingen
- Master of Science - AI Management in Computer Science for Business
CollegeNorthern Institute of Technology Management (NIT)Hamburg
- Master of Science - Business Analytics and AI
CollegeInternational School of Management (ISM) - StuttgartStuttgart
- Master of Science - Business Intelligence & Data Science
CollegeInternational School of Management (ISM) - DortmundDortmund
- Master of Science - Business Intelligence & Data Science (Thesis)
UniversityLancaster University - LeipzigLiepzig
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Software Engineering (BSEUG)
- Master of Science - Logistics and Supply Chain Management (MLSCM)
UniversityMunich University of Digital Technologies (MUDT)München
- Bachelor of Engineering - Software Engineering
UniversityGISMA University of Applied Sciences - PotsdamPotsdam
- Master of Science - Software Engineering (120 ECTS)
- Master of Science - International Business Management
UniversitySRH University - DresdenDresden
- Master of Arts - International Business and Leadership - Healthcare Management (120 ECTS/4 Semesters)
- Bachelor of Arts - Global Hospitality Management
- Master of Arts - Hospitality Management and Leadership (120 ECTS/4 Semesters)
CollegeEuropean Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology - PotsdamPotsdam
- Master of Arts - Management and Planning of Health Services (MMPHS)
- Master of Arts - Hospitality Management (MHM)
- Bachelor of Arts - Tourism and Tourism Business Management (BTTBM)
UniversityUniversity of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) - IserlohnIserlohn
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Digital Health Transformation (90 ECTS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Health Service Management (90 ECTS)
UniversitySRH University - HeidelbergHeidelberg
- Bachelor of Engineering - Applied Mechatronic Systems
- Master of Engineering - Engineering and Sustainable Technology Management - Focus on Industry 4.0: Automation, Robotics & 3D Manufacturing
UniversitySRH University - LeipzigLeipzig
- Master of Science - Industrial Biotechnology and Bioengineering
UniversityMedia University of Applied Sciences - BerlinBerlin
- Bachelor of Arts - Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
- Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design and Visual Communication
- Bachelor of Arts - Media and Event Management
UniversityMedia University of Applied Sciences - FrankfurtFrankfurt
- Bachelor of Arts - Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
UniversityHochschule Fresenius - Cologne (Köln)Cologne
- Master of Science - E-Commerce and Logistics (120 credit points)
- Master of Arts - International Management (for non-business graduates)
- Master of Science - International Business Management
CollegeNew European CollegeMunich
- Bachelor of Business Administration - Financial Services Management (240 ECTS)
UniversityUniversity of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) - HamburgHamburg
- Master of Arts - International Logistics and Transportation Management (60 ECTS) (Thesis)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Shipping and Logistics (60 ECTS)
- Bachelor of Science - Digital Media and Marketing
- Bachelor of Science - Sport and Event Management
CollegeInternational School of Management (ISM) - FrankfurtFrankfurt
- Master of Science - International Logistics & Supply Chain Management
UniversityWhitecliffe University of Applied Sciences (WUAS)Berlin
- Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design and Visual Communication
- Master of Arts - Interior Architecture / Interior Design
A selection of the institutions we work with. Register with us for personalised course recommendations.
Curriculum and assessmentWhat you’ll study, and how you’ll be assessed
What and how you’ll study
- Two kinds of university: research universities, and Universities of Applied Sciences (Hochschulen), which focus on practice.
- Many South Asian school leavers need a Studienkolleg year or one year of university at home before starting a bachelor’s.
- Indian applicants need an APS certificate before applying for a visa.
How you’ll be assessed
| Exams | Written and oral exams at the end of semester |
|---|---|
| Grades | 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (pass); 5.0 is a fail |
| Thesis | Bachelor’s and Master’s theses |
| Credits | ECTS: 30 per semester |
K-12
We don’t place school-age students here
Higher education only
Luminous places school-age students in Canada and New Zealand only. State schools rarely take international minors without a resident family. Private international schools are an option for families who relocate together. For Germany we can answer general questions, but we don’t handle school admissions here.
Where we place children →Costs & workWhat it costs
| Tuition (public) | €0 + semester fee €150–€400 |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Baden-Württemberg) | €1,500 / semester for non-EU |
| Blocked account | €11,904 / yr |
| Visa fee | €75 |
Sample ranges. Confirm your programme’s exact fees in your offer letter.
Self-service
True cost & proof of funds
Tuition€700
Living costs€11,904
Visa fee€75
Health cover€1,500
Total for 1 year€14,179≈ USD 15,880 at sample rates · Public-university semester fees + blocked account
Sample 2026 figures and exchange rates. The live calculator uses the dated policy register and daily exchange rates.
Latest news
Germany: education & immigration updates
Official visa announcements and international-education news, updated automatically every day.
Germany · Local newsHow spouses of skilled workers can get fast-track permanent residency in Germany
The Local Germany ↗ (read at source)Germany · Education sector1 in 3 international students stay in Germany until retirement
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Germany · Education sectorNumber of Indian students in Germany rises to record 70k high
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Germany · Education sectorGermany says new dMAT will not be a “pass-fail barrier” for Indian students
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Germany · Education sectorGermany adds new test to pre-visa checks for Indian master’s applicants
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Germany · Education sectorBorderPlus maps out global expansion with training-first healthcare mobility model
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Germany · Education sectorInternational grads three times more likely to find work in Germany
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)How we help with visas. Luminous International is an education consultancy. We are not licensed immigration consultants (RCIC) or lawyers, and we do not represent anyone to any immigration authority. We provide general guidance and document checklists. For Canadian study permits, visa guidance is free and general only. Our paid services cover admissions documents, not immigration documents. We do not offer paid visa document preparation for any destination.