Masters degree in Germany in English in 2026: how to enrol without speaking German
More than 40% of the master's programmes offered by partner private universities in Germany today are taught entirely in English. That means international students can enrol, complete their degree and even build a career in the country without ever having taken a German class before boarding the plane.
The logic behind this is both economic and strategic. The German labour market faces a structural shortage of qualified professionals, and the government has expanded the pathways to stay for those who graduate in the country. The result is an unusual scenario: European academic excellence fully accessible in English, with an 18-month job-search visa available right after the diploma.
What is an English-taught master's in Germany and who can apply?
Master's programmes taught in English in Germany are formal postgraduate programmes, internationally recognised, that do not require German as the language of instruction. The entry requirement is demonstrated proficiency in English, not German.
Who can apply:
- Graduates with an internationally recognised degree
- English proficiency demonstrated by IELTS or TOEFL
- Specific academic requirements of the chosen programme
The typical profile Be Easy accompanies is a professional aged between 22 and 35 who wants to combine a European qualification with experience in a demanding market. The process begins with clarity on the area of study, academic documentation and financial planning.
The master's in Germany at recognised private institutions generally lasts between 1.5 and 2 years, starting in September or February.
What documents and English requirements are needed?
Requirements vary between institutions, but there is a common core for all English-taught programmes:
- Undergraduate degree recognised or with a certified translation
- IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent TOEFL) as a minimum threshold for most programmes
- Statement of purpose in English describing career goals
- CV in English with academic and professional background
- Letters of recommendation (2 to 3, depending on the institution)
- Academic transcript with grades, translated
The English level required to study in Germany varies by type of programme. For a master's at private universities, IELTS 6.0 opens most applications; more selective programmes ask for 6.5 or 7.0.
The absence of German does not disqualify the candidate. In the programmes of the Be Easy Germany master's selection, English is the only language required for admission. Learning German during the course adds value to the CV and eases local integration, but the decision to study can and should be made before that.
Which Be Easy partner universities offer English-taught master's programmes?
The Be Easy selection works with two accredited private institutions that offer master's programmes entirely in English in Germany. Both have recognised accreditation, a professional profile and an international student base.
University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) is a private university with campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, Potsdam and Iserlohn. The master's programmes cover Business and Management, Design, Sports and Marketing, with a focus on practical application, market connection and real projects. The student has access to an active network of partner companies and a curriculum built for employability in Europe. The UE programme in Germany is available with Be Easy support from the application process through to arrival.
Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) operates in Berlin with master's programmes in Business Administration, Digital Marketing and International Management, all taught in English. The Berlin campus combines a startup environment, access to large corporations and a relatively affordable cost of living for a European capital. The student body profile is international: classes with students from 30 to 50 different nationalities are common. Be Easy is an official BSBI representative and accompanies every stage of the application process.
Take a look inside the University of Europe for Applied Sciences:
The study and work in Germany programme via Be Easy covers both the application to these institutions and complete logistical support for arrival and settling in.
How much does a master's in Germany cost: blocked account and cost of living
Programme costs vary and should be discussed with a consultant. What is worth understanding beforehand is the cost of living that the German government requires as proof of financial capacity.
Blocked account (Sperrkonto)
To obtain the student visa, the requirement is EUR 11,904 in a blocked account, equivalent to EUR 992 per month. In force since September 2024, per the German Embassy.
- The account is unlocked gradually, releasing EUR 992 per month
- The amount covers basic housing, food and public transport
- Berlin and Hamburg cost more, but offer more internship opportunities
Part-time work during the course
International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. That limit, combined with the blocked account, structures the financial viability of the academic period.
How to study in Germany without knowing German goes beyond language: it involves understanding this financial framework before boarding the plane.
What happens after the master's: the job-search visa
After completing a master's at a recognised German university, the student can apply for a job-search visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Stellensuche) for up to 18 months. It is one of the most solid post-degree residency mechanisms in Europe.
During those 18 months:
- Working up to 20 hours per week for subsistence is permitted
- The goal is to find a position compatible with the qualification obtained
- Upon being hired for a role that requires a higher education degree, the transition to the skilled worker visa is direct
The German economic outlook favours this path. According to the IAB (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung), the German market faces a growing shortage of qualified professionals in technology, business, healthcare and engineering, with projected deficits through 2035.
Those planning beyond the 18 months also have the EU Blue Card, the residence permit for highly qualified professionals with a degree recognised in Europe.
How does the experience in Germany compare to a master's at home?
The local postgraduate degree compared to a master's in Germany reveals structural differences in format, focus and market outcome. The difference is not only in the certificate.
Characteristics of a master's at German private institutions:
- Strong professional orientation, with partner companies embedded in the curriculum
- Projects with real companies during the course
- Alumni networks in the European market
- Degree with recognition in the Bologna system, valid across the EU
In many countries, the academic master's typically lasts 2 years with a focus on research and scientific output. These are different paths for different goals.
The German education system has its own structure, and understanding how it differs from the home country model is an essential part of planning before departure.
Frequently asked questions about English-taught master's programmes in Germany
Do I need to know German to do a master's in Germany?
It is not necessary to know German to enrol in English-taught master's programmes at Be Easy's partner private universities. Admission requires only demonstrated proficiency in English, generally IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, and meeting the academic requirements of the chosen programme. Developing German during the course adds professional value but is not an entry prerequisite.
What is the exact amount required in the blocked account for the German student visa?
The current amount required for the blocked account (Sperrkonto) is EUR 11,904, equivalent to EUR 992 per month for 12 months. This figure is set based on the German BAföG rates, has been in force since September 2024 and is the standard requirement for the student visa for undergraduate and postgraduate study in Germany.
How long can I stay in Germany after the master's to look for a job?
Graduates of recognised German universities can apply for a job-search visa for up to 18 months after completing the course. During that period, working up to 20 hours per week is permitted. Upon finding a placement compatible with the qualification, the transition to the skilled worker visa is direct.
Can I work during a master's in Germany?
Yes. International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. That possibility, combined with the blocked account releasing EUR 992 monthly, is what makes the cost of living manageable during the course without relying solely on initial savings.
Which master's fields have the most employment opportunities in Germany in English?
The areas with the highest demand in the German market today are technology and software, international business and management, digital marketing and engineering. These are exactly the areas covered by the UE and BSBI programmes that form part of the Be Easy selection for English-taught master's degrees in Germany.
Be Easy: boutique study abroad consultancy
Be Easy supports international students who want to build a career in Europe with a solid academic foundation in Germany. If an English-taught master's is on your horizon, we have the right curated selection, with accredited partners, a guided application process and complete support from the visa through to arrival. To explore the available options and speak with a dedicated senior consultant, get in touch with us.
