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Guide to Earning your Degree in Germany 🇩🇪
Guide to Earning your Degree in Germany 🇩🇪
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Germany: One of the most affordable places to study abroad 💸
Germany: One of the most affordable places to study abroad 💸
Did you know public universities in Germany typically do not have tuition fees for undergraduate and master's degrees?
It's true! Plus you can find funding through DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, which provides financial support, stipends, and research grants to international students studying or researching in Germany.
Apply now: featured scholarship opportunities 📝
Apply now: featured scholarship opportunities 📝
DAAD offers scholarships and funding to support international students, graduates, and researchers pursuing academic studies or research in Germany.
DAAD offers scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students to study and/or intern for academic credit in Germany through the Gilman Program.
Scholarships for graduates wishing to continue their academic training in Germany with a postgraduate course of study.
RISE Germany offers summer research internships in Germany for undergraduate students from North America, Ireland, and the UK.
Why study abroad in Germany?
Why study abroad in Germany?
Germany is home to some of the world's most respected universities, especially for STEM students, with five in the global top 100! It's a great option for US students, as German universities offer bachelor's and master's programs taught entirely in English. Plus, Germany is centrally located in the heart of Europe, allowing you to take weekend trips to Prague or Amsterdam.
Alumni spotlight ✨
Alumni spotlight ✨
Hear from students who studied in Germany!
"Living in Germany was a great experience, it helped me to become more internationally aware, it showed me the importance of foreign relations, and thanks to this, I was able to experience firsthand how cultural exchange can shape a person."
Mariangélica Rosario
DAAD Young Ambassador 2024 – 2026
"Studying abroad in Berlin was one of the most rewarding and transformative parts of my college years. I was also a student affairs intern, which will help me gain an international position at a bilingual company after graduation. It gave me a sense of independence I never would have gained by staying in my hometown."
Ainsley
Studied in Berlin with IES Abroad, 2025
"The DAAD RISE program introduced me to lifelong friends and the enriching world of German research and academics. What began as a short summer in München has turned into three years of fostering transatlantic exchange as a young ambassador and now an active Alumna."
Paige Lyles
RISE Germany 2023, DAAD Young Ambassador 2023 - 2025
Hear more from alumni: Coffee Connections Podcast ☕️
Hear more from alumni: Coffee Connections Podcast ☕️
Listen to Coffee Connections, a podcast featuring personal stories from DAAD ambassadors and alumni about their experiences living and studying in Germany.
Resources for studying in Germany
Resources for studying in Germany
Dive deeper with guides and planning tools for international students, curated by the Go Overseas team.
Study Abroad Programs in Germany
Study Abroad Programs in Germany
Explore programs in Germany and read real, verified student reviews.
How to Fund your Study Program in Germany as an International Student
How to Fund your Study Program in Germany as an International Student
Learn how to afford studying or interning abroad in Germany with scholarships and grants. Compare options including DAAD, Gilman, FAFSA, and more!
Top 11 Universities in Germany for International Students
Top 11 Universities in Germany for International Students
Compare the top-ranking universities in Germany.
8 Things to Do Before Studying Abroad in Germany
8 Things to Do Before Studying Abroad in Germany
If you're considering studying in Germany, here are some things you should know, with advice from DAAD Young Ambassadors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany welcomes students from across the world to study at public universities and not pay any tuition fees (except the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg). Additionally, students will have to cover admin charges every semester, but this will be less than $500 USD and includes a public transportation pass for the region, plus student discounts.
Related Content:
DAAD stands for Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, which translates in English to the German Academic Exchange Service. DAAD is a publicly funded institution representing 242 German Colleges and Universities. They offer merit-based grants for study, internships or research at accredited Germany Universities and research institutions.
DAAD offers funding on all academic levels in all fields. All full-time students with at least sophomore standing, or recent graduates, are eligible to apply. To determine your eligibility, visit the official DAAD scholarship pages to learn about requirements and how to apply.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a merit-based funding organization. The hard work comes from your undergraduate studies and experience in the field!
Work experience is not required for any DAAD funding. However, research experience is a big plus for the Research Internship in Science and Engineering (RISE) or the Research Grant.
Requirements for DAAD funding vary, but the minimum requirement for all is sophomore standing. Depending on the scholarship, grant or internship, German skills and research experience may be required. You can find detailed information on the terms of award, eligibility and how to apply on each funding page.
With a bachelor's degree, international students can apply directly to a master's program, typically in the same or a related field. A completed master's degree is required before applying to a PhD — unlike in the US, where some programs admit students straight from a bachelor's into a PhD track, Germany requires each degree to be finished before moving to the next.
It depends on your citizenship, but most students can work limited amounts while studying in Germany. Check with the International Office at your university to be sure, and visit Study in Germany for more information.
Most international students will need a visa to study in Germany and possibly a residence permit too. Visit the website for your nearest German Consulate or Embassy to learn more about specific requirements for your country.
For most programs, you will need to arrange your own student accommodation. With support from your German university, you should be able to find a room to rent either close to campus or in the host city. DAAD has an accommodation database for you to find a place to stay short or long-term.
Have additional questions about funding?
Have additional questions about funding?
Get in touch with DAAD directly to learn more about their scholarships.