Германия

Higher education in Germany is based on three main types of institution: research-intensive traditional universities, technical universities (TU) focusing on engineering and the natural sciences, and practice-oriented universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule / Hochschule) with direct links to the business world. In our partner sources, bachelor's programmes are generally shown as 3 years (6 semesters) and master's programmes as 2 years (4 semesters). The academic year is divided into the winter semester starting in October and the summer semester starting in April. Tuition fees have largely been abolished at state universities; the exceptions are the state of Baden-Württemberg, which may charge non-EU students semester tuition fees, and Bavaria, which has begun charging fees for some English-taught master's programmes. Since the Turkish high school diploma is not directly considered equivalent to the German Abitur, the source states that an ÖSYM placement result is required and, if necessary, a 1-year Studienkolleg preparatory course is taken. The language of instruction at bachelor's level is mostly German, while English-taught programmes are concentrated at master's level. Since each university sets its own admission criteria and quotas, application requirements vary from programme to programme.

Why Germany?

• Most state universities do not charge tuition fees for bachelor's and master's degrees; students pay only the semester contribution each semester.
• There is a university system in engineering, computer science and the natural sciences that is closely intertwined with research and works closely with industry.
• In addition to German-taught programmes, there are English-taught options, especially at master's level, whose number increases every year.
• According to our partner sources, students can work 20 hours a week while studying, which contributes both to their budget and to their work experience.
• As stated in the source, graduates can stay in the country for up to 18 months to look for work.
• As the automotive, mechanical engineering, energy and healthcare sectors are strong, access to internships and first job opportunities is relatively easy.
• There are numerous university cities suited to different budgets and lifestyles, from Berlin to Karlsruhe and from the Rhine-Ruhr region to Dresden.
• A student residence permit also offers the opportunity to travel within the Schengen area.

Fees and living costs

At state universities there are mostly no tuition fees; the main items are the semester contribution, the blocked account for the visa, health insurance, and rent and daily expenses, which vary greatly by city. Munich is the most expensive, while cities in the Ruhr region and the eastern states are among the most affordable options. Amounts are given as they appear in our partner sources and may change from term to term.

Application steps

1. Decide on your target department and language of instruction (German/English); check whether the department admits students in the winter and/or summer semester.
2. Assess your YKS placement status in Turkey and your high school GPA to clarify whether direct admission or the Studienkolleg route is required.
3. Obtain the language certificate required by the programme (TestDaF, DSH-2, Goethe C1/C2 or IELTS/TOEFL) before the target date.
4. Prepare your application file with translations of your diploma and transcript, a motivation letter and a CV (Lebenslauf).
5. Submit your application, observing the deadlines of 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester (they may be earlier for English-taught master's programmes).
6. After admission, open the blocked account and arrange your health insurance.
7. Make an appointment and complete your student visa application; on arrival, take care of accommodation and enrolment procedures.

Required documents

• High school diploma and transcript (translated)
• ÖSYM placement certificate
• Language proficiency certificate
• Motivation letter
• CV (Lebenslauf)
• Reference letter (for some programmes)
• Passport
• Blocked account confirmation and health insurance (at the visa stage)

Academic calendar and application periods

• Winter semester (starting in October) – deadline: 15 July
• Summer semester (starting in April) – deadline: 15 January
• English-taught master's programmes may have earlier deadlines (some closing between March and May)

Language requirements

• German-taught programmes: TestDaF (4×4), DSH-2 or Goethe C1/C2
• English-taught bachelor's programmes: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 80–100+
• English-taught master's programmes: IELTS 6.5–7.0+ / TOEFL iBT at some universities
• German-taught master's programmes: generally C1 level

Frequently asked questions

Are state universities in Germany really free?

Most state universities do not charge tuition fees for bachelor's and master's degrees; however, a semester contribution is paid each semester. Our partner sources show this amount as approximately 150–350 € depending on the university. It is stated that students from outside the EU may be charged tuition of approximately 1,500 € per semester in Baden-Württemberg.

Is the YKS required for direct application from Turkey?

The source states that applicants from Turkey are required to provide an ÖSYM placement result and that having been placed in the relevant department is an advantage for direct application. Where the diploma is not considered sufficient, Studienkolleg preparation comes into play. Exact requirements vary by university and department.

How much money must be in the blocked account?

The source states approximately 11,208 € with reference to 2024; on university pages it is given as approximately 11,200 €. As the official amount is updated periodically, it should be confirmed before the visa application.

Can I work while studying?

The university pages in our partner sources state that students can work 20 hours a week. We recommend setting up a routine that does not disrupt your course load.

Can I stay in Germany after graduating?

The source reports that graduates are granted the right to look for work in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation. If you find a job in your field within this period, switching to a work residence permit may be possible; current conditions are set by the official authorities.

Which language certificates are accepted?

For German-taught education, TestDaF (4×4), DSH-2 and Goethe C1/C2 are the main ones. For English-taught education, an IELTS score of 6.5 or above and a TOEFL score of 80–100+ are the thresholds stated in the source. Some master's programmes may require higher scores.

When are the application deadlines?

Our partner sources give 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester. As deadlines may be earlier for English-taught master's programmes, the programme page should always be checked.