Studying in Germany
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students — and for good reason. Public universities charge little or no tuition, the country leads the world in engineering and the sciences, and English-taught master's programmes have grown rapidly. This is the complete guide: the National D-visa and §16b residence permit, the blocked account, the 140-day work rule, the 18-month post-study permit, cities, and costs.
Explore Germany
Visas
The National D-visa, the §16b residence permit, the blocked account, and who can enter visa-free.
Cities
Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, and Heidelberg.
Courses
Bachelor's, master's and PhD study, English-taught programmes, and applying via uni-assist.
Institutes
TU Munich, LMU, Heidelberg, the Berlin universities, and universities of applied sciences.
Working
The 140-day rule, Werkstudent and Minijob roles, and the 18-month post-study job-seeker permit.
Cost of living
Tuition-free study, the semester contribution, and what living in Germany really costs.
Accommodation
Student halls (Studentenwerk), shared flats (WG), and renting on the open market.
Healthcare
Why health insurance is mandatory and how public statutory cover works for students.
Culture
What life as an international student in Germany is really like, plus the Opportunity Card.
Thinking about studying in Germany?
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Frequently asked questions
Is it really free to study in Germany as an international student?
At most public universities, yes — there are no general tuition fees, even for non-EU students. The exception is Baden-Württemberg, which charges non-EU students around €1,500 per semester. Everyone still pays a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of roughly €150–€350, which usually includes a public transport ticket. See our cost of studying in Germany guide.
How much money do I need in a blocked account for a German student visa?
For 2026 the blocked account (Sperrkonto) requirement is €11,904 per year, or €992 per month. This proves you can support yourself for the first year. Full details are in our German student visa guide.
How many hours can international students work in Germany?
Since March 2024 you may work 140 full days or 280 half-days per year, or 20 hours per week — you can switch between the two models. Work is unlimited during semester breaks. See working in Germany.
Can I stay in Germany after graduating?
Yes. Graduates can apply for an 18-month job-seeker residence permit to find work related to their degree, and then move onto an EU Blue Card once employed. Read more in our post-study work guide.
Do I need to speak German to study there?
Not necessarily — there are many English-taught master's programmes, and a growing number of English bachelor's degrees. However German is usually required for undergraduate study at public universities, and having it greatly improves your part-time job and graduate prospects. See courses and qualifications.
Is health insurance mandatory for students in Germany?
Yes — you cannot enrol at a German university or get a residence permit without it. Most students under 30 join public statutory insurance (GKV) at roughly €130–€150 per month. See our healthcare guide.
Which German cities are best for international students?
Berlin offers the biggest international scene and moderate costs, Munich has the top-ranked universities but the highest rents, and Heidelberg is the classic university town. Compare them all in our German student cities guide.
Last reviewed . Rules and figures change — always confirm with the official source before applying.