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STUDYING IN GERMANY

10 reasons to study in Germany

From low tuition fees to offering hundreds of courses in English, Germany has a lot to offer for international students.

Published: 5 July 2023 08:27 CEST
Updated: 16 July 2023 14:02 CEST
People walk over the university coat of arms in the Philological Library of the Freie Universität Berlin.
People walk over the university coat of arms in the Philological Library of the Freie Universität Berlin. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Christoph Soeder

With its rich academic heritage, world-class institutions, vibrant culture and robust economy, Germany is a great place to pursue a higher education programme, be that a PhD, or bachelor’s or master’s degree. We’ve put together ten aspects of studying in Germany that make it so worthwhile. 

1. International reputation

Germany has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and is home to numerous world-class universities and research institutions renowned for their cutting-edge programmes.

As a result, the German higher education system has an excellent reputation worldwide and German degrees are recognised as a mark of a well-rounded and practical education.

READ ALSO: Two universities in Munich named best in Germany

German universities typically perform well in international rankings too; most recently, four German universities made it into the top 100 of the latest QS World University Ranking for 2024.

2. Tuition Fees

One of the most well-known advantages of studying in Germany is undoubtedly the absence of tuition fees, even for international students.

The only exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU international students are required to pay fees amounting to €1,500 per semester. Apart from that, students only have to pay a small semester fee, which also covers services such as a local transport ticket, and typically ranges between €100 and €450 per semester.

3. Cost of Living

Though living and rental costs are consistently on the rise throughout Germany, the cost of living for students is still relatively affordable for students if compared to other countries, such as the US and UK.

While expenses may vary depending on the city, student cities in Germany often offer affordable housing options, subsidised meals in canteens, and discounts on transport as well as cultural and recreational activities.

4. Variety of Study Programmes  

Whether you’re interested in engineering, natural sciences, humanities or the arts, you’re more than likely to find a study programme to suit you in Germany.

Student Justin Kock practices pipetting in a biochemistry laboratory at the OWL medical faculty at Bielefeld University. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Friso Gentsch

With nearly 450 recognised universities and over 17,000 degree programmes, Germany has a wide range of study options to suit almost every individual interest and aspiration. 

5. English-Language programmes

If you think that studying in Germany is off-limits because of your limited German skills – think again. 

An increasing number of German universities offer degree programmes in English.

English-language degree programmes are most common in the fields of economics and social sciences, but natural sciences, medicine and agricultural sciences are increasingly following suit. 

READ ALSO: Essential German words to know as a student in Germany

While studying in English is a more common option for Master’s programmes, more and more Bachelor’s courses are also being offered in English, to cater to students who prefer to study in English or have limited German language proficiency. These programmes often focus on international aspects and provide opportunities for language learning alongside academic pursuits.

For many foreign students, degree programmes in English are a good opportunity to study in another country and to learn the local language in their free time as well as to improve their English skills during their studies.

In this database, you can search for study programmes in Germany and search by the language they are taught in.

6. Diverse community of international students

With around 350,000 international students living in the country, international students can feel right at home in Germany.

Many universities provide language tandems, mentoring programs, and events, to help foster exchanges and connections in the international student community.

7. Scholarship Programs

International students can apply for various scholarship programmes and financial subsidies in Germany, such as those offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

READ ALSO: How to stay in Germany after graduating from a German university

Although scholarships are relatively rare due to the absence of high tuition fees, there are opportunities for talented students to receive financial support and gain recognition.

8. Safety

Germany is known as being a safe place to live and offers a high level of security, offering a safe environment for students to freely move and live without concerns about their safety. Whether in cities or rural areas, during the day or at night, students can enjoy a sense of security and peace of mind.

9. Job prospects

Germany’s strong and innovative economy provides excellent job prospects for students with a degree from a German university. Many companies based in Germany are industry and sector leaders, offering numerous career opportunities, particularly in technical or scientific disciplines.

The first apprentices and students employed by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) at its Wismar site stand in the training workshop in Wismar. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Jens Büttner

German universities, especially universities of applied sciences, are also known for their practical orientations; close collaborations with companies intertwine theory and practice are intertwined and help equip students with the necessary skills and experience for their future careers.

READ ALSO: What foreign students should know about applying for German citizenship

10. Good quality of life

German university cities are often ranked among the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. Beyond academics, students can enjoy a high quality of life with a wealth of recreational activities, including visits to museums, theatres, outdoor sports, historical sightseeing, and socialising at beer gardens, bars, and clubs.

READ ALSO: The five most underrated things about Germany

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STUDYING IN GERMANY

Where can university students in Germany get a ‘Deutschlandticket’ for €29?

Originally launched year ago for €49 a month, the Deutschlandticket allows holders to take unlimited trips around Germany on regional and local transport. As of April it's been rolled out at universities across the country - with a big student discount. But not everyone is eligible.

Published: 3 April 2024 11:37 CEST
Where can university students in Germany get a 'Deutschlandticket' for €29?

The summer semester in Germany started in April, which means that many of the approximately three million students can take advantage of a discounted Deutschlandticket for €29.40. 

The popular transport ticket, launched on May 1st of last year, allows for unlimited nationwide travel on local and regional busses and trains.

However not all Unis are taking part, especially in cases where their previous ‘semester ticket’ is cheaper. Here’s an overview of where the tickets is available to students around the country.

READ ALSO: Everything that changes in Germany in April 2024

Baden-Württemberg

In Ba-Wü, the “D-Ticket JugendBW” has been available since December for €365 per year. Like the Deutschlandticket, both tickets entitle the holder to use buses and trains on local transport throughout the Bundesrepublik.

Bavaria

Bavaria continues to go its own way with the €29 “Bavarian discount ticket” (Bayerische Ermäßigungsticket), which has been available to students, trainees and volunteers since September. It also allows for unlimited local and regional transport throughout the country, and for 40 cents cheaper per month than its nationwide competitor.

Berlin and Brandenburg

Of the 36 universities that already have semester ticket agreements with the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB), around 80 percent have opted for the Deutschlandticket at a monthly price of €29.40, according to the Berlin Senate Transport Administration. Students who opt for a semester ticket – which will also allow for use of regional and local trains nationwide – can expect to pay €32 in Berlin and €34 to €36 in Brandenburg.

READ ALSO: Working hours to visas: The new rules for international students in Germany

Hamburg and Hesse

The 120,000 students at 17 universities in Hesse and around 85,000 students at 25 universities in Hamburg have been able to use public transport throughout Germany with the new Deutschlandticket since the beginning of March or the beginning of April, depending on when their semester starts.

Rhineland-Palatinate

In neighbouring Rhineland-Palatinate, the Deutschlandticket for students will initially be launched in Mainz and Trier in the summer semester, with Koblenz to follow suit in the winter semester.

North Rhine-Westphalia

Most universities in Germany’s most populous state have also switched from the previous semester ticket to the discounted Deutschlandticket at the start of the new semester. They include the universities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, Münster, Bochum, Duisburg-Essen and Bonn, TU Dortmund University and the universities in Aachen and Bielefeld. Others are to follow in the winter semester. 

Unlike the Deutschlandticket, the previous semester ticket was only valid regionally.

Tram Leipzig

A tram drives through Leipzig. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Jan Woitas

Saxony

Most students at universities in Saxony will be able to use the discounted Deutschlandticket from the summer semester – for example in Dresden, Leipzig and Zwickau. An agreement with Chemnitz University of Technology is currently being finalised, according to the Central Saxony Transport Association. .

Saxony-Anhalt

In many places, the regional semester ticket is considerably cheaper than the nationwide Deutschlandticket – for example at the universities in Magdeburg, Wernigerode and Stendal. As surveys among students are still ongoing, the changeover can only take place there for the winter semester at the earliest, a spokeswoman for the Magdeburg Student Union told DPA.

In Halle and Merseburg, on the other hand, students have been able to use discounted Deutschlandticket nationwide from April 1st.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

In the northwestern state, only the University of Rostock is taking part. The University of Greifswald and the universities of Stralsund and Neubrandenburg have decided against the ticket.

Lower Saxony, Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen

In Lower Saxony and Saarland, the Deutschlandticket for students will not be introduced until the winter semester. The same applies in the northern city-state of Bremen.

Germany’s northernmost state of Schleswig-Holstein is also aiming to offer the ticket for the 2024/25 winter semester. Planning is still ongoing, according to the University of Lübeck’s student association.

Thuringia

If at all, the Deutschlandticket for students will not be available until the winter semester, but likely only at major university locations such as Erfurt and Jena.

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