As of 2022, Germany has welcomed more than 400,000 international students annually, making up over 12% of all university students in the entire country.
With free tertiary education and the opportunity to apply for an 18-month post-study work visa, Germany is unsurprisingly a highly desirable study destination.
But is there anything else that makes Germany an attractive country for international students? Read on to discover the top reasons why you should consider studying in the European nation.
High-quality institutions
As one of the world’s most popular non-Anglophone study destinations, it comes as no surprise that Germany is home to some of the most highly-ranked universities in Europe.
The 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed LMU Munich at 33rd position, Heidelberg University at 43rd and Humboldt University of Berlin 86th in the world, while many other institutions featured in the top 100.
Since the German government heavily funds research projects, resources at many of these institutions are often unparalleled, making them particularly appealing for postgraduate students.
No tuition fees
Studying at Germany's public universities is FREE OF CHARGE. Yes, you heard it right!
The majority of public universities in Germany are funded by the German federal government, meaning both domestic and international students are subject to little to no tuition fees.
Most students studying at German public universities only have to pay a semester fee (Semesterbeitrag) of around €100 to €400 twice every year.
Without the burden of tuition fees, this leaves you with extra money for accommodation, study materials, socialising and exploring Germany.
The absence of tuition fees makes Germany a magnet for international students. While this makes Germany's higher education scene appealing, it also makes it very competitive.
Desirable job opportunities
International students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period and no more than 40 hours per week during semester breaks. If you are a non-EU student, you can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days every year.
The opportunity to work alongside your studies allows you to support yourself financially when you are abroad. It also enables you to gain valuable work experience and prepare yourself for full-time employment after graduation.
After completing their studies, international students are allowed to stay up to 18 months in Germany to look for a job, which is a generous amount of time.
According to a recent survey, 69.2% of prospective students said that they would pursue full-time employment in Germany after graduation, reflecting the appetite and demand for staying on to work.
Times Higher Education’s 2022 Global Employability University Rankings also placed the Technical University of Munich at 12th worldwide. This makes it one of Europe's leading universities in terms of employability, along with the University of Cambridge in 4th place and the University of Oxford in 6th place.
Popular fields of study
Engineering, law, economics, and social sciences stand as the most sought-after fields among German universities. Medicine and dentistry also rank prominently among the top choices for students in Germany.
Chemistry is another subject which Germany is particularly renowned for. According to the 2023 QS World University Ranking by Subject: Chemistry, Germany has a total of seven universities ranking among the top 100 in the world, including the Technical University of Munich (22nd), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (51st) and RWTH Aachen University (66th).
Quality of life
With strong trading links, a thriving economy and bustling cities like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, Germany offers a great quality of life.
There is something for everyone in major German cities, whether you’re interested in music, science, politics, sports or art.
If you're interested in what you can get up to when you're not studying, be sure to check out our article on five things to do in Germany.
International environment
Germany is a hub for international students: more than 12% of Germany's university student population is international. Many also stay on to pursue a career in the country after graduating.
International students at German universities are made up of youngsters from a variety of countries, including India, China, Syria, Russia, Italy, Austria, Turkey, Iran, France, Cameron, Egypt, Pakistan and more.
Going to university in Germany means you will cross paths with people from many different parts of the world, guaranteeing an authentic international experience.
Outside the classroom, you'll find Germany to be a multicultural country that embraces international talent. Its capital city, Berlin, is known to be a cultural melting pot, where people with different ways of living and thinking coexist.
Germany is also located in the heart of Europe, allowing for easy access and travel to other European countries, where you can discover new cultures and visit famous sights.
Are you excited about the prospect of studying in Germany? Have a look at some of the top institutions on offer in the country.
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