Germany’s popularity among international students is growing every year. It’s easy to understand why students want to study in Germany: many German universities are top-ranked globally and are home to modern teaching and research facilities, extensive libraries, and robust student services.
If you’re thinking about studying in Germany, you’ll be able to choose from different types of academic institutions. These include historic universities with centuries of academic tradition and field-leading research, advanced colleges of art and music, and applied sciences universities with strong industry partnerships.
Plus, whether you’re living in vibrant cities like Berlin and Munich or in close-knit university towns, students benefit from Germany’s affordable cost of living and high-quality academic opportunities which integrate career training.
“Affordability, combined with Germany’s strong academic reputation and post-study work opportunities, positions it as an attractive option for international students seeking quality education. It’s clear why student interest is surging,” notes ApplyBoard’s Head of Emerging Markets, Ian McRae.
Read on for more great reasons to study abroad in Germany!
In January, we launched Germany as our sixth study abroad destination. Check out our growing list of academic institution partners in Germany and find the right program for you!
World-Class Learning Experience
Innovation, excellence, and creativity are central to Germany’s education system and its culture at large. Today, Germany patents more inventions than any other country, and it has produced over 80 Nobel Prize winners. This history of discovery helps international students in Germany thrive in programmes taught by field-leading instructors.
While many bachelor’s degrees in Germany are taught in German, thousands of master’s and doctoral programmes are taught in English, making them accessible to students from around the world. It’s no wonder Germany is on track to welcome over 400,000 international students in 2025!
Take the next step in your study abroad journey with the free-to-use ApplyBoard platform! We can match you to programmes in Germany that suit your academic goals and budget—you’ll even find 300+ bachelor’s degrees taught in English.
Germany is also home to some of the world’s most respected universities. In fact, in 2025, eight German universities ranked among the world’s top 100 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
And, support for international students goes beyond the classroom. Many institutions have International Student Offices which offer helpful events and resources for adjusting to life in Germany. With diverse student clubs, societies, and sports leagues on campus, students are likely to find extracurriculars they enjoy. Clubs and sports can be a great way to make new friends and build new skills, enriching your experience as a student—after all, you can’t study all the time!
Dual Programmes Build Deep Knowledge and Employable Skills
Beyond sector-leading research and top-quality programmes, there’s another reason German institutions earn global accolades. Colleges and universities in Germany leverage strong industry partnerships to help students get hands-on experience in their field of study well before they graduate.
Particularly at universities of applied sciences, you can take work/study or “dual” programmes. These programmes may include training, direct employment, or work experience opportunities. All work/study programmes blend in-class learning with internships and industry projects, so students graduate with strong theoretical and practical skills, and a broad industry network. Some students will even earn both a bachelor’s degree and vocational qualifications at the end of their programme!
This pairing of work and study is especially helpful for international students. For most students, work/study programmes will give them their first work experience in Germany, and will help set them up for long-term career success.
Interested in studying in Germany? Learn more about the Land of Ideas with our helpful guide.
Work Part-Time While Studying
International students in Germany may work up to 20 hours per week while class is in session. During breaks like summer holidays, students may work full-time (up to 40 hours per week). However, it’s important to keep in mind that over the entire year, students can only work up to 140 full days, or 280 half-days.
In Germany, international students may work on- or off-campus. While many part-time jobs require at least basic German communication skills, many jobs on campus, in larger cities, or with international companies may not require German. No matter where you’re working, or in what language, all students must be paid at least the national minimum wage (€12.82/hour, as of January 1, 2025). Some exceptions exist for internships and training opportunities. Germany does not have a lower minimum wage for jobs that receive tips, like being a server in a restaurant.
Affordable Tuition and Cost of Living
The cost of studying in Germany is often quite affordable. Some public universities charge no tuition or a very small tuition fee to domestic or international students, just a small semester fee. Meanwhile, even private universities range between €10,000 and €30,000 per year.
While the average cost of living varies, southern Germany tends to be more expensive (including cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart). To help ensure students can cover their costs, the German government requires international students to place €11,904 in a blocked account (a Sperrkonto) before they start their studies. Then, the account pays out €992 per month to help students cover their rent, groceries, and other costs.
Most students will spend between €800 and €1,440 per month on living expenses while studying in Germany (in 2025; numbers will change over time and depending on location). That said, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Stuttgart’s city centre is €1,115, so students who live in larger cities will likely have a higher budget. Do your research to figure out what part of the country and living arrangements suit your goals and budget best!
Excellent Quality of Life
Germany is ranked highly for its quality of life, based on the Better Life Index. Its residents are more civically engaged, educated, and satisfied with their lives than the global average. Plus, they benefit from great environment quality, safety, and access to employment. Some of this stems from a strong social safety net: health care services, a robust public transportation network, and social security benefits are accessible for most residents.
Germany also has a lively culture which celebrates the arts and athletics, in addition to many seasonal festivals. While its 1,000 theatres and many Germans’ die-hard love of football (fußball in German) might seem like “nice-to-haves,” these cultural events bring people from all walks of life together, ultimately improving social cohesion and making Germany a better place to live.
Becoming an international student in Germany is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From Germany’s top-tier education system to its affordable cost of living, there are many great reasons to study abroad in Germany!
Curious about studying in Germany? Check out higher education programmes from 15+ German academic institutions on the ApplyBoard platform.