University in Germany for international students: pathways, requirements and deadlines
Between October and December is when most candidates realise that the application deadline for the German summer semester has already passed. German universities work on two fixed cycles per year, and those who arrive late wait another six months. Understanding this calendar before starting the planning process changes everything.
Germany has more than 400 higher education institutions open to international students. The absence of tuition fees at public universities (with the exception of the state of Baden-Württemberg) and the possibility of working during your studies make the country one of the destinations with the best investment-to-return ratio in Europe. The path requires advance planning, mastery of the language and several steps that this article details from start to finish.
What are the pathways into a German university?
The starting point is finding out whether the secondary school diploma from the country of origin is accepted directly by German universities. The check is done through the Anabin database, maintained by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Culture of the Länder (KMK).
There are three main pathways:
Direct application
Diplomas with full equivalence in Anabin entitle the student to apply directly to the chosen university, provided they prove the language level required by the course.
Studienkolleg
The Studienkolleg is a free public preparatory programme. It lasts two semesters and ends with the Feststellungsprüfung, the exam that guarantees enrolment. Each Studienkolleg focuses on one area:
- T-Kurs: natural sciences and engineering
- M-Kurs: medicine, biology and pharmacy
- W-Kurs: economics and social sciences
- G-Kurs: humanities and languages
- S-Kurs: German language and translation
Private alternative
The Studienbrücke is the private version of the preparatory programme, with smaller groups and closer support. Recommended for those who need more intensive preparation or want to complete the process in less time.
What language level is required to enter university?
Language requirements vary according to the language of instruction. Defining this early is one of the most important planning decisions, as it directly affects the total time to enrolment.
German-taught programmes require, at most public universities, C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference. The most frequently accepted certificates are:
- TestDaF (levels 4 or 5 in all modules)
- DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang), administered by the universities themselves
- Goethe-Zertifikat C1
The language requirements for a Master's in Germany vary by programme: some accept the DSH, others require the TestDaF with a minimum score in each module.
English-taught programmes accept IELTS (minimum 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum 90 in the iBT version) in place of German certificates. This option has grown considerably over the last decade, especially in Master's programmes in business, engineering and technology. Be Easy partner institutions such as BSBI (Berlin School of Business and Innovation) and UE (University of Europe for Applied Sciences) offer programmes entirely in English, with a more direct entry route for those still developing their German.
For those planning German-taught programmes but still at the beginning of the language, the most strategic path is to combine an intensive course with preparation for the TestDaF or DSH. Starting this preparation in the country of origin, at least one year in advance, reduces the total waiting time in Germany.
What are the application deadlines at German universities?
The German university calendar has two semesters, and deadlines generally follow the structure below:
- Winter semester (starting in October): applications generally due by 15 July. This is the semester with the most places available for international students.
- Summer semester (starting in April): applications generally due by 15 January. Not all universities open places in this cycle for international candidates.
Two practical points for planning:
- The visa takes between 6 and 12 weeks to process. Starting at least six months in advance is the minimum.
- Those who go through the Studienkolleg need to account for this extra time, as the preparatory programme deadlines precede the university ones.
The BSBI campus in Berlin, a Be Easy partner with English-taught programmes:
What is the blocked account and how much is required for university?
The blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the financial proof required for the student visa. For the university visa in 2026, the amount is EUR 11,904 per year (EUR 992 per month), set by the Federal Foreign Office based on the maximum BAföG rate.
The financial proof for studying in Germany accepts providers such as Fintiba and Coracle, with monthly withdrawals released after arrival. Other documents for the university visa include:
- Admission letter from the university or the Studienkolleg
- Health insurance valid in Germany throughout the study period
- Language proficiency certificate for the programme
- In-person application at the German consulate in the country of origin (for most non-EU nationalities)
Those who want to understand this path from end to end can explore the Germany exchange programme to see how Be Easy structures each step, from language learning to university entry.
How long does the process take, from start to enrolment?
The full process takes between 18 and 24 months for most international students. The variable that most affects this timeline is the language level at the start: those starting from zero need to reserve 12 to 18 months just for C1.
The main time blocks in the process:
- Language course (from zero to C1): 12 to 18 months
- Studienkolleg (when required): an additional two semesters
- University application and visa: 4 to 6 months
The requirements for a degree in Germany include the full timeline: from application to visa processing.
The study and work in Germany programme brings together profiles, requirements and guidance for each modality.
What is academic life like and what comes after graduation?
University students can work up to 120 full days per year, more than those on a language course. This is equivalent to around four months full-time, which contributes genuine income during the degree.
A German degree compared to other countries has a different structure: additional years of training, greater autonomy in choosing subjects and greater weight on applied research.
After graduation
- 18 months of stay to look for employment in the area of study, without additional authorisation
- With an employment contract, a work visa renewable for years
- After five years of legal residence, the path to permanent residency opens up
According to the OECD, 45% of international students are still in Germany ten years after they arrived, the highest rate among major destinations alongside Canada.
The Germany student visa requires registration at the Einwohnermeldeamt within the first few days of arrival.
Frequently asked questions about university in Germany for international students
Do international students need a visa to study at a German university?
It depends on nationality. Students from countries with a bilateral agreement with Germany enter without a visa and have 90 days to apply for a residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde. Students from other non-EU nationalities apply for a student visa at the German consulate before travelling, with a processing time of 6 to 12 weeks.
What is the amount required in the blocked account for a university student in 2026?
The German government requires EUR 11,904 in total (EUR 992 per month) in the blocked account for the university student visa in 2026. The amount is set annually by the Federal Foreign Office based on the maximum BAföG rate and differs from what is required for language courses.
How long does the Studienkolleg last?
The Studienkolleg lasts two semesters, that is, one full academic year. At the end, the student takes the Feststellungsprüfung, and passing it guarantees direct enrolment at a German university, with no additional steps.
Is it possible to study at a German university entirely in English?
Yes. The number of undergraduate and Master's programmes in English has grown significantly, especially in business, engineering and technology. Be Easy partner institutions such as BSBI and UE offer English-taught programmes with a more direct entry route. The minimum IELTS accepted is 6.5 or a minimum TOEFL of 90.
What is the ideal timeline to start planning for university in Germany?
Planning should start at least 18 months in advance. This time covers language development, the Studienkolleg when needed, the application process and visa processing, which takes 6 to 12 weeks.
Be Easy: boutique international consulting
Be Easy supports international students who want to build a university path in Germany. Whether the goal is a Bachelor's, a Master's or the first step in the language, we have the right curation for each profile: from the Studienkolleg to partners with English-taught programmes such as BSBI and UE. To understand the most direct route for your situation and speak with a dedicated senior consultant, get in touch with us.
