Going to College in Germany for American Students Guide (2024)

Germany presents an ideal destination for US students seeking a college experience that combines a good education with an unforgettable European adventure.

It’s no surprise that Germany attracts 367,578 international students (as of 2023), including 7,644 students from the US, according to Open Doors. If you share similar aspirations, you may feel overwhelmed by the process, so let us make it easier for you.

Here’s what you need to know to study in Germany as an American student:

Find the Right Degree

You might be wondering why this matters if you already know what you want to study. Well, Germany has over a hundred colleges offering English-taught programs for American students.

So, what’s our advice? Instead of trying to go through every single option, start by outlining what’s important to you in a university and program. For example, rankings, specific study modules, or the potential for high-paying jobs after graduation. By doing this, you can create a list of German colleges that match what you’re looking for.

Some of the most popular English-taught programs include:

• Engineering
• Medicine
• Business
• Computer Science
• Law

Meet Admission Requirements

Once you’ve found a program, it’s important to check its specific entry requirements. Colleges in Germany set their own criteria, and these can vary between courses.

For American students, you’ll generally need to provide the following documents:

• Academic Qualifications
• Grade Certificates
• Proof of Language Proficiency
• Proof of Financial Resources
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation Letter (Optional)
• Relevant References (Optional)

Language Proficiency

In terms of language proficiency, most undergraduate programs at German public colleges are taught in German. So, if you’re applying for an undergraduate course, make sure you have a German language certificate, ideally at a B-2 level. However, at the postgraduate level, you’ll find many programs taught in English.

While many programs are taught in German, international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language. The main tests for this are the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) and the TestDaF.

If your course is taught in English and you’re not a native speaker or haven’t previously studied in English, you’ll need to prove your proficiency with tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Universities typically specify the required scores on their websites.

Financial Requirements

You will also be required to demonstrate that you have the necessary financial means to support your studies in Germany. As of 2024, it’s been estimated that international students need about 934€ per month to cover living expenses in Germany. That’s roughly 11,208€ per year.

However, depending on your lifestyle, you might need more. On average, students spend around €850 or $921 per month. Living costs can vary by location. For example, Munich is currently considered the most expensive city in the country. The cheapest cities include Halle, Leipzig, and more.

Health Insurance

Before leaving your home country, ensure you have health insurance coverage for your stay in Germany. This is a requirement for both enrollment and obtaining a student visa or residence permit.

• Public Health Insurance. Public health insurance companies in Germany (known as Krankenkassen) typically charge a basic rate of 14.6% of your gross income, along with an average additional rate of 1.3%. If you’re employed, this percentage is split equally between you and your employer, meaning each of you pays 7.3% plus half of the additional contribution rate.
• Private Health Insurance. Private health insurance in Germany can vary in cost, ranging from €150 to €1,500 per month.

Admission Letter

After submitting your application to your preferred college and degree program in Germany, you’ll need to wait for the college to review and process it.

In general, it typically takes German colleges 4 to 6 weeks to process international applications. However, if you applied through UniAssist, the processing time may vary depending on your region. For American students, the processing time is usually around 5 weeks.

Application

You have three options to apply for college in Germany: online, by post, or in person. Many German colleges support online applications through a platform called UniAssist.

To apply through UniAssist, you’ll need to create a personal online account and upload your documents in PDF or JPG format. After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email within a few days.

Application deadlines for American students are as follows:

1. July 15th for the upcoming Winter Semester
2. January 15th for the upcoming Summer Semester

It’s advisable to submit your applications at least six weeks before the deadline to allow time for any necessary corrections or additions if information is missing. After the deadline, you can expect to receive a formal acceptance or rejection within approximately one to two months.

Each institution sets its own requirements, but you will typically be asked to provide:

• A certified copy of your high school diploma or previous degrees, along with any other relevant qualifications in their original language.
• A translated summary of your course modules and grades.
• A passport photo.
• A copy of your passport (including the personal information and photo ID page).
• Proof of language proficiency (either a test certificate or an online equivalent).
• Application fee.

Residence Permit

US citizens can travel to Germany visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. However, if you plan to stay longer, such as attending college, you must have a residence permit after entering Germany.

There are three types of residence permits based on the intended length of stay:

1. Temporary Residence Permit
2. EU Blue Card
3. Permanent Residence Permit

US students wishing to study in Germany usually apply for a temporary residence permit. To begin the application process, you must register your address in Germany and have sufficient funds to cover living and study expenses.

When applying for a residence permit, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Valid Passport
• Certificate of No Criminal Record
• German Health Insurance
• Proof of German Language Proficiency (minimum B1 level)
• Proof of Financial Resources
• University Admission Letter
• Medical Certificate confirming specific health checks have been completed

Accommodation

There are two main kinds of accommodation you can get in Germany as a student. Student union halls of residence, which are more economical, and private accommodation, which tends to be pricier. However, many students share a private apartment to divide expenses.

To find a shared apartment (WG) in Germany, begin your search early and use online platforms such as WG-Gesucht, Studenten-WG, and local Facebook groups.

More information about accommodation in Germany.

Enrollment

The last step to becoming a student in Germany is to enroll in your course. Check enrollment deadlines and plan your travel from the US accordingly.

As a general guideline, American students applying to colleges in Germany need to submit:

• A completed application form
• Valid passport
• Admission letter
• Semester fee payment

Making Germany Home

Congratulations! You’re almost ready to start your studies in Germany. Here are a few important things to take care of:

• Register with the local registration office. (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt) once you’ve found accommodation. You’ll receive a confirmation document that you’ll need for the next steps.
• Open a student bank account. Most banks offer these for free, making it easier to manage your regular payments, such as rent.

If you’re interested in finding a part-time job while studying, learn about the process for both EU and non-EU students.

Learn about German culture and customs to blend in.