Study in Germany Guide
Largely tuition-free education at public universities, admission routes with an international high school diploma, Studienkolleg, the blocked account, the student visa and post-graduation work — all on one page.
- At the German missions, study and university-application visas are issued only through the online Auslandsportal (digital.diplo.de).
- The blocked-account amount is tied to the maximum BAföG rate: €992 per month for the 2026/27 winter term. As BAföG increases are deferred to 2027, the amount is expected to rise in 2027.
- A high school diploma, your university-entrance exam results and whether you have started university study determine whether you qualify for direct admission or the Studienkolleg route.
The German Higher-Education System
| Institution / program | Duration / scope | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Universität | Bachelor's to PhD | Research-oriented universities; authorized to award doctorates. |
| Hochschule / Fachhochschule (HAW) | Bachelor's and master's | Universities of applied sciences; strong internships and industry links. |
| Studienkolleg | Usually 2 terms (1 year) | Preparation for a bachelor's; ends with the Feststellungsprüfung (qualification exam). |
| Bachelor | Usually 6–8 terms (3–4 years) | Most programs are in German; English-taught programs are limited but growing. |
| Master | Usually 2–4 terms (1–2 years) | More English-taught options than at bachelor's level. |
| Promotion (PhD) | Usually 3–5 years | Individual (with a supervisor) or structured doctoral programs. |
The academic year is split into two terms: the winter term (Wintersemester) starts in October and the summer term (Sommersemester) in April.
ContentsUniversity Admission in Germany with a Turkish High School Diploma
To enter a German university you need a "higher-education entrance qualification" (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung – HZB). Turkish diplomas alone do not always grant direct admission in Germany; the assessment is based on the high school diploma, the YKS (Turkish university-entrance exam) results and whether you have begun university study in Turkey.
The Studienkolleg route
Students with only a high school diploma usually attend a Studienkolleg first and apply to a bachelor's after passing the Feststellungsprüfung.
With YKS results
A sufficient YKS score and placement may, in some cases, allow a direct or field-dependent application in the relevant subject.
University study in Turkey
Successfully completed academic year(s) at a recognized (YÖK) university can grant direct application rights in the relevant field in Germany.
What your diploma qualifies you for is decided by the university you apply to or by uni-assist, according to the rules in the German authorities' anabin database. The German Abitur (Germany's secondary-school leaving certificate) grants direct admission.
About the Studienkolleg
- Duration: usually two terms; those who complete the program sit the Feststellungsprüfung.
- Tracks: grouped by target field (e.g. T: engineering/natural sciences, M: medicine/biology, W: economics/social sciences, G/S: humanities and languages).
- Entry: an entrance exam (Aufnahmeprüfung) is held; a good level of German (usually B1–B2) is generally required.
- State Studienkollegs are usually free; places are limited.
Bachelor's in Germany
- Application: at many universities international applications go through uni-assist, at some directly to the university.
- German-taught programs: usually require TestDaF (at least 4 in all sections), DSH-2 or an equivalent C1 level of German.
- English-taught programs: IELTS or TOEFL; learning German is still a major advantage for daily life and finding work.
- Deadlines: at many universities 15 July for the winter term and 15 January for the summer term; earlier for some programs. Check each program's dates separately.
- Restricted-entry subjects (NC): high-demand subjects such as medicine require a high grade average.
Master's in Germany
- Requirement: a recognized bachelor's degree in the relevant field; some programs look for specific course credits or a grade average.
- Language: usually C1 (TestDaF/DSH) for German-taught programs, IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught ones.
- Application file: diploma and transcript (with certified translations), CV, motivation letter, language certificate; some programs require a reference letter or GRE/GMAT.
- Application: uni-assist or directly to the university; deadlines can be earlier than for bachelor's.
Germany has many English-taught master's programs; for bachelor's graduates who don't speak German, this is one of the fastest ways to get started.
PhD in Germany
- Individual doctorate: the most common route is to have a professor accept you as a supervisor (Doktorvater/Doktormutter) and carry out your research with them.
- Structured programs: within graduate schools and research groups, mostly in English.
- Funding: PhD candidates often work as salaried research assistants at the university or receive scholarships from organizations such as the DAAD.
- Requirement: usually a master's degree, a strong grade average and a research proposal.
Tuition Fees
| Public universities | In most states there is no tuition for bachelor's and consecutive master's degrees |
|---|---|
| Semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) | Paid each term; covers student services and often a public-transport ticket, with the amount varying by university |
| Baden-Württemberg | €1,500 tuition per semester for non-EU students |
| Other exceptions | Some universities (e.g. TU München) charge non-EU students; some master's programs (e.g. certain MBAs) are fee-paying |
| Private universities | Usually several thousand euros of tuition per year |
Student Visa & Blocked Account
Study visa
For those who hold a university or Studienkolleg admission letter.
University-application visa
For candidates without an admission yet who will handle application and exam processes in Germany (Studienbewerbung).
Language-course visa
For an intensive language course; subject to different rules than the study visa.
- Step 1Admission or application documents: the documents required for a university / Studienkolleg admission or an application visa.
- Step 2Blocked account: €11,904 per year (€992/month) is deposited into a blocked account; up to 1/12 can be withdrawn per month. A scholarship or a financial commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a person living in Germany is also accepted.
- Step 3Health insurance: valid insurance for the visa; enrolling at a German university usually requires statutory (public) health insurance.
- Step 4Online application: the application and document upload are done via the Auslandsportal (digital.diplo.de).
- Step 5Arrival in Germany: address registration (Anmeldung) and a residence permit from the foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde).
The account is opened at any licensed bank or service provider in Germany, usually online. Until the visa is issued, the account is held on behalf of the mission you applied to. The amount is updated in line with the maximum BAföG rate; check the amount at the time of your application.
You can open your blocked account quickly and easily online through our trusted providers, recognized for the German student visa:
Open a Blocked Account with Expatrio
Open a Blocked Account with FintibaOfficial source: German Missions in Turkey — Studium und Studienplatzsuche
ContentsWorking While Studying and After Graduation
| While studying | 140 full days or 280 half days per year |
|---|---|
| Student assistant | No day limit applies to working as a student/research assistant (wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft) at the university |
| After graduation | A job-seeking residence permit for up to 18 months; you may work during this time |
| Afterwards | Once a suitable job is found, a switch to a qualified-worker residence permit or the EU Blue Card |
Living in Germany
- Budget: the blocked-account amount (€992/month) is the official minimum living cost. In cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin rent can take a large share of this; smaller university towns are more affordable.
- Accommodation: student halls (Studierendenwerk) are the cheapest option but waiting lists are long — apply right after admission. Shared flats (WG) are very common.
- Formalities: after arrival, address registration (Anmeldung), a bank account, health insurance and a residence-permit appointment.
- Transport: at most universities a public-transport ticket is included in the semester contribution.
- German: even if you study in English, German is very important for daily life, part-time work and your career after graduation.
Sample Timeline: Winter Term 2027 (October) Bachelor's Entry
- Autumn 2026 – Spring 2027German course (target C1) or English exam; diploma assessment and program research.
- Early 2027Certified translations of documents; TestDaF / DSH exam dates.
- May – 15 July 2027Application via uni-assist or the university (Studienkolleg deadlines may differ).
- July – August 2027Blocked account, health insurance; admission letter and visa application via the Auslandsportal.
- August – September 2027Accommodation application, flight and arrival plan.
- October 2027Enrollment, Anmeldung, residence permit and the start of classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is university in Germany really free?
Public universities in most states charge no tuition for bachelor's and consecutive master's degrees; an administrative contribution is paid each term. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and some universities also charge non-EU students. Private universities are fee-paying.
Can I start a bachelor's directly with a Turkish high school diploma?
Usually a high school diploma alone grants entry to a Studienkolleg. Your YKS results or successfully completed study at a university in Turkey may allow a direct application in the relevant field. The final assessment is made by the university or uni-assist.
How much do I need to deposit in the blocked account?
As of the 2026/27 winter term, €11,904 per year (€992/month) for a study visa. This amount is tied to the maximum BAföG rate and is expected to rise in 2027; check the current amount at the time of your application.
Can I study in Germany without knowing German?
Yes — there are many English-taught programs, especially at master's level. Most bachelor's programs, however, are in German. Even if you study in English, learning German is recommended for daily life and your career.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. You can work 140 full days or 280 half days per year; this day limit does not apply to working as a student assistant at the university.
Can I stay in Germany after graduation?
Graduates can obtain a residence permit to look for a job for up to 18 months and may work during this period. Once a suitable job is found, they can switch to a qualified-worker residence permit or the EU Blue Card.
We're With You for Your Education in Germany
From choosing a program to the uni-assist application and German and IELTS preparation, we have supported students since 2009.
Information was verified on 17 September 2026 from the German Federal Foreign Office and the German missions in Turkey (diplo.de), Make it in Germany, the DAAD and anabin (KMK). Admission requirements, the blocked-account amount and visa rules may change; confirm the current information from official sources and the university you apply to before applying.