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Working as a student in Germany - what should students know!

• Working as a student

Working as a student in Germany - All the information you need

Germany's good economy offers working student job possibilities for students who need some extra income while studying. However, working while studying in Germany has many advantages that go beyond the financial ones.

A working student's job during your studies does not only boost your finances. The job requires many facets of you as a colleague, employee, supervisor, newcomer, or expert. You get to know yourself in different roles and perhaps in difficult situations. You also meet people outside your university circle and circle of friends. Of course, a job will also enhance your CV: Working while studying in Germany proves that you can manage your time well and work hard. It doesn't really matter what industry you're in - it's important to recruiters that you have practical experience.

The 7 most important questions about working as a student in Germany

Before you start working as an international student in Germany, you should find out about the general conditions and rules that are in place. They are important to know as making a mistake can increase your insurance and tax bills considerably. You can find answers to the most important questions here:

1. Are international students allowed to work while studying in Germany?

Studying and working is perfectly OK in Germany. However, there are limits to how many hours you can work.

Students from outside the EU can work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year.

Alternatively, both Non-EU students and students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland may work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period, just like German students. During the semester break, they can work without any restrictions.

For further information check out Study and work (make-it-in-germany.com).  

2. What is the difference between full days & half days?

A full day is defined as 8 hours a day in Germany. When working up to four hours a day, that day counts as a half-day.

3. Can students work more than 20 hours a week in Germany?

There are some exceptions to the 20 hours rule mentioned above. Academic jobs are usually categorized differently. If you take a student assistant role at CBS, this won't count towards the 140-full days limit that applies to international students. In addition, mandatory internships that are a part of your study programme also are exempted from the 140-full days rule.

4. How much can I earn working as a student in Germany?

The amount of your income plays a role in several aspects. If you exceed certain limits, you will be liable for wage tax (for example, as an employee) or income tax (for example, as a working student or self-employed person). In any case, you should file a tax return for each year in which you study and work in Germany. The respective income limits and tax-free amounts also depend on your age and marital status. Your income is also important for your health insurance. Students can hold a minijob and earn up to 538 EUR per month without having to pay taxes. If you regularly earn more than 538 EUR, you will need a tax number, and a certain amount will be taken from your wages every month. Students can get this money back at the end of the year by submitting a tax return. Check out the DAAD website for further information. The minimum wage in Germany is around 12 € per hour. Higher-skilled student positions could offer a higher pay range up to 15 € per hour.

5. Can I receiveBAföG as an international student?

BAföG is a funding by the public sector. Non-Germans are also entitled to BAföG payments. As a rule, foreigners who have prospects of remaining in Germany and are already integrated in society are entitled to support. As the legal regulations are very complex, it is advisable to contact the appropriate educational assistance office at an early stage. Have a look at BAfög - BMBF.

6. What types of employment/student jobs are available for students in Germany?

Here are the most common types of student’ jobs in germany:, working student: .

You work in a company in a field that is related to your studies. For example, as a business student in marketing, human resources, or sales. A working student's job has many advantages: First, you can apply your knowledge in practice. Second, you get to know new areas from your field of study in practice. Third, you have your foot in the door of a company that may offer you a permanent job after graduation . Fourth, you gain sound work experience and enhance your CV. Fifth, you have probably successfully practised a demanding application process. Sixth, you get to know people and their experiences in an environment that is relevant to you. Seventh, the earnings are usually somewhat better than in side jobs like babysitting or waitressing. Eighth, a working student is considered a normal part-time employee and has the corresponding holiday entitlement.

Minijob: 

The classic among the part-time jobs is the minijob. You may earn up to 538 euros per month. With a minimum wage of 13.50 euros per hour (as of Jan. 2024), you have to work a maximum of around 10 hours per week or around 40 hours per month for this amount. As a full-time student, you do not have to pay taxes or social security contributions on this amount. This also makes the minijob attractive for employers.

Midijob: 

More than a minijob, less than full-time - the midijob is in between. The basic difference: health insurance and unemployment insurance are due, of which the employer pays a higher share than in a full-time job. Earnings may be between 520 and 2000 euros per month. Like normal part-time employees, you are entitled to holidays and continued payment of wages in the event of illness and you pay pension contributions.

Self-employed/freelancer:

Any self-employed activity requires the approval of the competent foreigners authority . The authority will consider, among other things, whether the work is likely to hinder or delay the student in the pursuit of their academic goals. Check out Study and work (make-it-in-germy.com)

Internship:

You have to distinguish between a compulsory internship, a voluntary internship, and an internship abroad. As the name suggests, a compulsory internship is an integral part of your studies. Employers do not have to pay a minimum wage for compulsory internships. The situation is different for voluntary internships: If it lasts longer than three months, you are entitled to the minimum wage. The CBS International Business School attaches great importance to practical experience. Both the Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes include a compulsory internship. This way, all students can gain practical experience in order to be able to apply what they have learned in real situations. Companies place a lot of value on relevant practical experience when hiring new staff. You can find out more about integrated mandatory internships in our study programme.

Here you can find more information about internships in Germany for international students.

7. How to find student jobs in Germany?

A good way is your network: Ask your flatmates, fellow students, and friends about job opportunities. Best case scenario, they can recommend you and you'll already know what to expect. Otherwise, there are job portals like English- speaking jobs in Germany (englishjobs.de) or or stellenwerk Köln - Das Hochschul-Jobportal für Köln In addition, the CBS Career Center – our online career portal - has many current job advertisements for CBS students.

Learn about your chances of working in Germany after graduation. 

Part-time jobs in Cologne – lots of opportunities for students

With around 100,000 students, Cologne is one of the largest university cities in Germany. Life in the cosmopolitan metropolis is varied, colourful, but also more expensive than in rural areas. This primarily applies to the housing market. This is why many students work alongside their studies. Cologne offers a wide range of jobs for students. Good to know: At CBS, our Career Service supports you in your job search.

Student jobs in Mainz - diverse industries offer attractive opportunities

The capital of Rhineland-Palatinate is located in the middle of the economically strong Rhine-Main region. Well-known companies such as SWR, ZDF, Boehringer Ingelheim, Schott AG, Frankfurt Airport, and Schenker Deutschland offer attractive opportunities for student jobs in Mainz. You can work during your studies and build up an attractive professional network. The gastronomy and leisure industries also offer plenty of opportunities to work in Mainz. The CBS Career Service offers a comprehensive job portal for students at Mainz campus.

Working in Potsdam - from a top job to a part-time job, everything is possible

The research and tourism industries offer a variety of student jobs in Potsdam. The city near Berlin is home to universities and around 40 research institutions. Theses or internships in the field of research are therefore very possible. You can also find a job in one of the approximately 800 IT companies, for example at SAP, Toll Collect or in the neighbouring town of Kleinmachnow at eBay or PayPal. The CBS Career Service has its own online job portal with lots of job offers in Potsdam ranging from part-time jobs to internships, or full-time entry-level positions.

The CBS Career Service

CBS has its own department to foster contact with local and internationally operating companies. The CBS Career Service provides an own online job portal with lots of vacancies for student jobs, internships, or entry-level positions. Furthermore, the Career Service is happy to support you in the application process.

Study part-time, work part-time in Germany - a perfect combination for your career

Studying while working is becoming more and more popular. The reasons are obvious: You acquire a full university degree and at the same time gain extensive work experience in a company. This makes you extremely attractive

to companies and offers you excellent career opportunities. Companies also appreciate the advantages of part-time study for their employees: The managers of tomorrow can be tied to the company in the long term.

You can find an overview of the part-time BAchelor´s and Master´s degree programmes here. 

This is how the CBS helps you with your career planning

CBS employees in the Career Service department are available to advise you on all questions regarding your professional future. With the help of the job portal, application training, recruiting events and much more, you will be supported on your way. Networking and recruiting events are only one component of how CBS supports you for a career in management. There are more good reasons why you shoul study at CBS. 

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Staying, Working and Researching in Germany

Residence permits.

If you intend to stay and work in Germany after your doctoral graduation, the German residence law allows you to extend your stay for another 18 months to look for a job.

Please note that you have to apply for the extension before defending your thesis. Additionally, you need to proof sufficient financial coverage for your livelihood during your extended stay and adequate health insurance. For more information, please see the "Make it in Germany" website .

You can also contact your local foreign nationals’ registration office for more information. If you live in Ulm, please click here .  

Postdoctoral Research at Ulm University and in Germany

The Ulm University offers a variety of support programs for junior scientists. More information can be found on this website. 

For junior female researchers you will also find further support programs on the homepage of the Equal Opportunities Unit .

Postdoctoral research in Germany

Extensive information about postdoctoral research in Germany and the career prospects of young scientists can be found on the website "Research in Germany" .

The Research Map of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) provides information focus on the topics of research at German universities. 

" GERiT - German Research Institutions ", an online database of the DAAD, the DFG and the HRK, also provides information of more than 25,000 university and non-university research institutions in Germany.

How to proceed and what factors have to be considered while looking for a postdoc position is exhaustively compiled in this article in Science magazin .

A compendium of different databases, job portals and funding possibilities is featured on the "Research in Germany" website as well as on the website of the pan-european initiative EURAXESS .

A lot of platforms help you find a job after completion of your doctorate. Advice for international postgraduate students can be found on the following websites:

• German Academic Exchange Service
• “Make it in Germany”
• Alumniportal Deutschland   

Useful online job portals are:

• The German Federal Employment Agency provides Germany’s largest online job portal .
• Absolventa – A job portal particularly for Academics (only in German) .
• The job portal of the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT publishes more academic job offers.

The International Office offers advise to international graduates at the transition from university to career within the scope of the "Study and Work" project.

The project website can be found here .

The Welcome Center of IHK Ulm/Oberschwaben offers advice for international job applicants interested in working in Ulm and the region.

It is usually much easier to find a job in Germany, if you have a good proficiency of the German language.

Therefore, you should consider taking advantage of the language courses offered at Ulm University during the doctoral studies.

A list of non-university language schools in Ulm can be found on this website .

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First steps to your PhD

Before starting your doctoral studies in Germany, there are some important steps you have to follow:

• Have your post-graduate degree recognised
• Apply for a residence permit
• Find a doctoral position
• Finance your research stay

To find some practical advice on preparing your research stay - visit: www.research-in-germany.org > phd

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Working While Studying in Germany

In Germany, international students can take advantage of the education system while working part-time at the same time, enabling them to gain valuable work experience while also supporting themselves financially during their studies.

Can I Work While Studying in Germany?

Yes, you are eligible to work part-time while studying in Germany. If you’re studying at a university or college in Germany, you are allowed to work part-time while pursuing your degree, however, there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work.

• EU/EEA and Swiss Students. Students from EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland can work up to 20 hours per week during term times. It’s advised not to exceed this limit to avoid being considered a regular employee, which could affect student status.
• Non-EU/EEA Students. Under the new law, as of March 1, 2024, international students, including those in preparatory programs for university, have an increased annual working limit from 120 to 140 full days or 240 to 280 half days . Alternatively, they can work up to 20 hours per week. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) announced that international students can now work more days per year and hold a second job.

This information is also confirmed by actual students in Germany on this Reddit thread , mentioning specifically that if you work more than the allowed hours you would be breaking the terms of your residence permit. This could lead to warnings, fines, and then you being unceremoniously deported back to your home country (plus a years-long ban on entering the Schengen zone again).

We advise you to consult with the international office at your university before finding a part-time job. They can offer you more information about working as a student in your specific German state and also share with you opportunities they might have available for you.

Special Employment Conditions

• Student Assistant Jobs. If you secure a position as a student assistant, you’re exempt from the 140-day rule, as there are no restrictions on jobs within the university. However, you must still notify the foreigners’ registration office if you intend to work additional hours.
• Language and Preparatory Courses. For students enrolled in language or preparatory courses, regulations are stricter. You can only work during breaks between lectures, and you must obtain permission from both the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) and the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) beforehand.

Work Placements & Exceeding Work Limits

• Both paid and unpaid work placements count towards the yearly work limit.
• If your study regulations require a mandatory work placement, you might be allowed to work extra hours.
• It’s not a good idea to work beyond your limit because it means you’ll have to pay for health, unemployment, and nursing care insurance. Breaking the rules could also get you deported.

What Kind of Student Job Can I Work in Germany?

When selecting a job, it’s important to find one that is convenient in terms of location, salary, and position.

Here are a few student jobs you can work while in Germany:

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• Academic Assistant: Finding work at the university as a teaching or graduate assistant is convenient for those with academic aspirations. These roles are open to research scholars and are usually advertised at the university or relevant department.
• Catering Roles: Positions like catering in cafés or bars are usually the most popular among students. These roles allow students to socialize, communicate, and meet new people.
• Production Assistant: As a production assistant, a student gets to assist costume designers, camera people, and directors by printing, distributing paperwork, and other related responsibilities.
• Retail: Students consider retail as well, taking into consideration that this sector is continuously looking for employees.
• Online Work: Online part-time work is also available in Germany for international students. However, the options might be limited.

More on this: Part-Time Jobs in Germany for International Students .

Are There Jobs for English-Speaking Students in Germany?

Yes, there are. You can find work even without speaking German, although having German language skills would be advantageous. However, this depends on the role. Positions requiring communication skills or interaction with clients are more challenging to get without proficiency in German.

Where Do I Find Work as a Student in Germany?

To start your job search, consider contacting the regional Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) to inquire about available student positions. If you’re interested in university positions, reach out to the HR office or faculty secretary for potential opportunities.

Here’s where you can find work as a student in Germany:

• University Job Portals: Many German universities maintain dedicated job portals or bulletin boards where they advertise job opportunities tailored for students.
• Student Services ( Studierendenwerk ) : Student services organizations in Germany provide job placement services specifically for students, offering part-time and temporary positions.
• Online Job Platforms: Websites like Indeed.de, Monster.de, or StepStone.de list job opportunities across various sectors, including part-time and student-friendly positions, specifically for the German job market.
• Networking: Connect with professors, classmates, or alumni who may have leads on job openings or can provide referrals within the German employment landscape.
• Company Websites: Explore the career sections of German companies you’re interested in working for. Some may offer student positions or internships tailored to students in Germany.
• Local Businesses: Visit local cafes, restaurants, shops, and businesses in your German city or town to inquire about job openings.
• Job Fairs and Events: Attend job fairs and networking events organized by German universities or in your local area.

How Much Can I Earn as a Student in Germany?

As of January 2024, students in Germany can earn up to €522.50 per month without being subject to taxes. Any earnings below this threshold are considered tax-free. Therefore, if you earn €522.50 monthly, your annual income as a student will be €6,270.

Exceeding the monthly earnings limit can impact your student health insurance. Typically, students are insured under student status rather than as employees, even with part-time jobs. However, surpassing the allowed limit may require you to contribute to social security, covering health insurance, nursing care insurance, pension, and unemployment insurance.

Learn more about financing your studies in Germany .

Can I Extend My Student Working Hours?

It might be possible to extend your student working hours by sending a request to the Foreigners Office and the Federal Employment Agency. However, this only applies to academic jobs. This means if you have a student assistant role, your working hours at the university will not count towards your 140-day limit.

Which Are the Best Cities in Germany to Find Work?

Germany has numerous companies where you could work in the future. With its low unemployment rate, many expats move to Germany with the goal of finding employment. If you’re studying in one of the following cities, your chances of finding work as a student are especially high.

Here are the top 10 German cities to find work:

Learn more about the work opportunities in these cities .

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Study at a German University: Guide for International Students

Last updated on  November 16, 2023

Germany is the second most attractive destination (after the UK) for international students wishing to obtain a university degree in Europe. German universities are renowned for combining studies with scientific research and are a steady source of innovations and patents. High international rankings of many German universities, free tuition, relatively low cost of living in Germany, reasonable funding opportunities including generous scholarship programmes and promising employment prospects after graduation are among the most compelling reasons that convinced 416 thousand international students to enrol at German universities in the academic year 2020-21.

If you wish to join the ranks of hundreds of thousands international university students in Germany, this one-page guide is for you. It has been compiled to help international applicants for university study in Germany answer all their most common questions regarding admission requirements, application and visa procedures, choice of study programmes, funding options and general opportunities to study at German universities. Read on to learn more.

• Why Study in Germany
• Who Can Study at a German University?
• Language Requirements to Study in Germany
• University Entrance Entitlement
• Aptitude Test
• Requirements for Graduate/Post-Graduate Studies in Germany
• Finding Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programmes in Germany
• Finding a Ph.D. Programme in Germany
• No Admission Restriction
• Local Admission Restriction
• Central Admission Restriction
• Applying through Uni-Assist
• Application Deadlines
• Applying for a Ph.D. Programme
• Documents Needed for Visa Application
• Documents Needed for Residence Permit
• Health Insurance
• Scholarships for International Students
• Working while Studying in Germany
• Finding Work in Germany after Graduation
• Summary of Steps for Applying to Study in Germany

1. Why Study in Germany

• Tuition-free education at some of the highest-ranked universities in the world
• Access to cutting-edge technology and world-class research facilities in the universities-owned research centres
• More than 15,000 different study courses to choose from
• Hands-on education as many German universities have close links to the industry
• Truly international environment as all German universities accept foreign students and offer study programmes in English
• Opportunity to learn German and improve your English while studying in Germany but there is no need to learn German if you do not want to
• Excellent reputation and worldwide acceptance of German university degrees
• Reasonable cost of living for university students in Germany
• Good funding options including scholarships for international students
• No age limit for students in Master’s and PhD programmes in Germany
• Possibility to work while studying in Germany
• Endless opportunities to find a job and stay in Germany after graduation

2. Who Can Study at a German University?

Citizens of any country can pursue a university degree in Germany. Some will have it initially easier than others, though. EU and EFTA (European Union and European Free Trade Association) nationals do not need a visa or a residence permit to stay or study in Germany but they will have to register with local authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt) in their town like anyone else living in Germany. Likewise, citizens of many countries outside of the European Economic Area (EU + EFTA) do not need a visa to travel to Germany but they need a residence permit to study in Germany. Once admitted to the university, they can apply for a residence permit within 3 months of their entry to Germany. However, citizens from countries that need a visa to enter Germany will have to apply for a study applicant’s visa before their arrival in Germany. Once accepted to the university, this type of visa can be converted into a residence permit for study purposes.

3. Requirements to Study at a German University

Universities in Germany are autonomous and, therefore, in order to find out about exact admission requirements you will need to contact their Akademisches Auslandsamt (AAA) or International Office in English. Higher Education Compass (Hochschulkompass) will help you find contact details for the International Office at any university in Germany. The International Office staff will not only inform you about requirements, admission restrictions (numerus clausus) and application deadlines but also about applicable fees and available degree programmes. There is absolutely no discrimination, so anyone wishing to study in Germany at the university will have to meet the same admission criteria of that university.

3.1. Language Requirements to Study in Germany

Generally, many universities offer international study programmes taught in English and for these programmes German proficiency is not required. However, students coming from non-German speaking countries will need to provide proof of German language proficiency if they wish to pursue programmes taught in German. Most likely they will have to pass one of the two tests – Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (DSH) or Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF). Please refer to this article for more information on language examinations for international students.

3.2. University Entrance Entitlement

An appropriate school qualification is no less important than language competency. Your school qualifications will be reviewed by the International Office staff to ensure Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (or university entrance entitlement in English). That is, for a Bachelor’s programme they will need to determine whether your high school graduate certificate corresponds to the German Abitur. In general, most school-leaving certificates from a higher education institution in the EU and EFTA country will entitle you to study at a German university. Depending on the university entrance entitlement (general or subject-specific) granted by the International Office, you will be allowed to pursue any study programme or only some specific programmes.

In fact, even if you do not possess an adequate qualification you may still be able to pursue studies at the German university. But, before you can enrol in a regular degree programme you will need to complete preparatory courses (Studienkollegs) provided by the university of your choice. Preparatory courses typically take one year. In addition, some Fachhochschulen may also require you to complete a working internship.

In some cases, school-leaving certificates of applicants from countries outside the European Economic Area (EU and EFTA) may not be accepted as readily as those from the EU and EFTA countries. Therefore, students are advised to check the anabin database (available only in German) for school qualifications in their home country that are recognized in Germany as a university entrance entitlement. Click on the tab “Suchen” and then choose your country and type of school-leaving certificate and school.

3.3 Aptitude Test

Some German universities may require international applicants for undergraduate programmes to pass the TestAS (Test für Ausländische Studierende or Test for Academic Studies in English). The aim of this test is to assess the student’s ability to study at the German university. High scores can help greatly improve your chances of being admitted.

3.4. Requirements for Graduate/Post-Graduate Studies in Germany

Regarding graduate/post-graduate studies, students who have earned a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree from a foreign university need to get in touch with the International Office of the German university of their choice to have their degree recognized in order to be allowed to pursue Master’s or Ph.D. studies in Germany.

4. Choosing the Right University

There are over 300 public and 100 private universities in Germany, offering more than 15,000 degree programmes. German universities are classified into classical universities (Universitäten incl. Technische Universitäten), universities of applied science (Fachhochschulen), cooperative universities (Duale Hochschulen) and colleges of art and music. Unlike largely research-oriented Universitäten, Fachhochschulen are, as their name suggests, practice-oriented with strong links to the industry and do not provide Ph.D. degrees. Cooperative universities, too, are practice-biased combining study and work and specialize in dual studies . In contrast to many other parts of the world, German public universities tend to have better rankings than private ones. In the academic year 2022-23, 46 German universities are ranked among the top 1,200 universities in the world and all of them are public. See this article for a complete list of the top German universities and their highest ranked degree programmes.

4.1. Finding Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programmes in Germany

German universities provide plenty of degree programmes designed for international students as well as courses for exchange students staying for one or two semesters which are all taught in English. Most undergraduate foreign students begin with courses conducted in English while taking free German lessons at the university. Once their command of the German language is good enough to study in German, they continue with courses taught in German. The website of DAAD will help you find degree programmes in English . TOEFL or IELTS are generally required from non-English native speakers who wish to pursue international programmes in Germany.

International students who are seeking programmes taught in German can use the search engine of Hochschulkompass to find out about all study programmes available at German universities. Alternatively, students can also use a portal of studieren.de to search for all Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes offered at German universities. A useful tool for identifying highly regarded degree programmes and to see how they compare with each other are the German university rankings compiled by the German Academic Service (DAAD) in cooperation with the largest German national weekly newspaper “die Zeit”. Those who already have an idea of what programme suits them best should contact “student advisory services” at the selected university to have any specific questions regarding their chosen study programme answered.

4.2. Finding a Ph.D. Programme in Germany

The two types of doctoral studies that are offered by German universities are an individual doctorate and a structured Ph.D. programme. International students who wish to earn their Ph.D. in Germany via an “individual path” need to find a supervisor called ‘Doktorvater’ or ‘Doktormutter’ either through personal contacts or searching through the database of doctoral studies of hochschulkompass.de . At the moment, an individual doctorate (i.e., traditional form of Ph.D. studies) is still the more common option of the two chosen by three quarters of students in Germany.

Another possibility is to find a structured Ph.D. programme (alternatively check also this link ). A structured Ph.D. programme resembles those in the US, Canada or the UK where Ph.D. students form a small group and attend lectures, seminars and assessments together and are supervised by a team of professors rather than a single supervisor. Yet another useful place where to find listings of open positions in doctoral programmes in Germany is the database of the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD .

5. Application and Admission Procedure at German Universities

When applying for a degree programme at a German university you need to find out whether there are any limitations imposed. Some programmes at German universities, such as medicine, are extremely popular and thus have a limited number of places. These restricted programmes are also called numerus clausus degree programmes. Some programmes are restricted on a national level and then we speak of a central restriction whereas others are restricted only locally at a particular university.

5.1. No Admission Restriction

If no restriction is in place you can directly enrol in the programme of your choice provided you have been issued a university entrance entitlement certificate by the university’s International Office. You will need to fill in the application form and provide a copy of your university entrance entitlement certificate as well as your CV, proof of health insurance covering Germany and a photo. Please note that you will need to meet a certain deadline to be admitted.

5.2. Local Admission Restriction

For restricted degree programmes only the best applicants will be admitted. Selection criteria include the average grade as well as other factors such as assessment test results, applicant’s interview scores and specific practical experience. Applications are submitted directly to the chosen university and will be handled by the university staff.

5.3. Central Admission Restriction

The major difference between applying for a programme with central and local restriction is that for nationally restricted programmes you need to apply with the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (University Admissions Foundation) and not directly with the university as is the case with locally restricted programmes. Therefore, applications for nationally restricted programmes are handled centrally by the University Admissions Foundation.

5.4. Applying through Uni-Assist

If you want to apply for several degree programmes at different universities you can use the paid service of Uni-Assist which will handle all your applications for you. This service is specifically designed for international applicants. The staff at Uni-Assist will review your documents and make sure they are complete before forwarding them onto the universities you are applying to. However, please note that Uni-Assist cannot be used for applying to the University Admissions Foundation for nationally restricted programmes.

5.5. Application Deadlines

In most cases, application deadlines are the 15th of July and the 15th of January for the winter and the summer semester, respectively.

5.6. Applying for a Ph.D. Programme

The application procedure mostly depends on whether you are applying for an individual doctorate or a structured Ph.D. programme. In case of an individual doctorate, once you have found a supervising professor willing to act as your ‘Doktorvater’, you can enrol at the university provided you meet the qualification criteria (i.e., Master’s degree in your intended course of study that is equivalent to the German degree). Your suitability must be usually confirmed by the doctoral committee of the faculty department where you are going to conduct your research.

Applicants for structured Ph.D. programmes should contact the International Office of the selected university to begin standard application procedure. Just like in classical Ph.D. programmes (i.e., individual doctorates), a corresponding Master’s degree will also be required. Since most Ph.D. programmes in Germany (and structured doctoral programmes in particular) use English as the sole language of instruction and communication and the thesis is also written in English, proof of German proficiency is typically not required. For tips on how to make your application for a Ph.D. study programme successful and how to write a research proposal check out this webpage of Research in Germany .

6. Overcoming Initial Entry and Settlement Hurdles

Although there is absolutely no discrimination against anyone from anywhere at German universities, certain things are beyond their control. That is, some students, depending on their nationality, will have to deal with visa and/or residence permits. If you are not a resident of any EU or EFTA country, you will certainly need a residence permit to study in Germany. Moreover, citizens of most non-European countries (excluding the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Korea, etc.) will also need a visa before they can travel to Germany either as applicants or as prospective students. The following lines briefly explain which documents you will need to be allowed into the country and to arrange a residence permit as well as some other necessities.

6.1. Documents Needed for Visa Application

Citizens who need a visa to enter Germany will be required to submit the following documents to apply for a student visa or an applicant visa:

• Passport that is valid for at least another twelve months
• Confirmation of application from the German university for an applicant visa
• Admission letter from the university for a student visa
• University entrance entitlement for an applicant visa
• Proof of adequate language skills (minimum B2)
• Health insurance coverage for Germany
• Proof of sufficient funds for at least one year (i.e., 11,208 Euros in blocked account as of January 1, 2023) which may also include scholarship

For more detailed information get in touch with the nearest German consulate or embassy .

6.2. Documents Needed for Residence Permit

In order to convert a student visa into a residence permit for study purposes you will need the same documents as above plus a certificate of resident registration and a rental contract but instead of the admission letter from the university you will have to submit a certificate of enrolment. Please note that if you are a citizen of a third country with visa-free entry to Germany, you also have to submit all these documents at the local aliens’ office (Ausländerbehörde) because you too need a residence permit. Residence permit for study purposes is issued for two years, so make sure your passport is valid for at least as long.

6.3. Health Insurance

Citizens of the EU and EFTA countries can use a statutory health insurance from their home country that is registered with a German statutory health insurer. Nationals of other countries may be able to use a health insurance from certain private insurers in their home country (it must cover Germany and must be accepted in Germany) or they will need to get an insurance cover from a German statutory insurer. German insurers are obliged to offer discount rates to all students under 30 years of age (in 2022, 110 Euros a month). Please note that students have to provide proof of the health insurance coverage to be allowed to enrol at a German university.

7. Cost of Studying in Germany and Financing Options

Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees to undergraduate students. Most public universities also waive tuition fees for graduate students, especially for consecutive Master’s programmes (building directly on a Bachelor’s degree earned in Germany). However, there is a small one-off enrolment charge (typically around 250 Euros) that becomes payable at the beginning of each semester. This amount often also includes a semester ticket that entitles the holder to a reduced rate for local public transportation. Private German universities, on the other hand, usually do charge tuition fees. However, there are a few exceptions among public universities. Since the beginning of the academic year 2017-18, the federal state of Baden-Württemberg charges the non-EU university students a tuition fee of ca 1,500 Euros per semester for all degree programmes except for PhD. The new rule applies to all public universities in this federal state (i.e., the University of Freiburg, the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the University of Konstanz, the University of Mannheim, the University of Stuttgart, the Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen and the University of Ulm).

According to DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), the average monthly budget of a German university student in 2022 was 867 Euros (for 2023 it is estimated at 934 Euros) whereas international students in Germany can usually get by on a slightly smaller budget. The most significant and also the most variable part of this expense is rent, that is, on average 332 Euros a month in 2022. The average monthly cost of a room in a student’s dormitory is 260 Euros while a small studio can cost between 450-700 Euros a month, depending on the town and other factors (more information on the cost of living in Germany ). In addition, Ablöse (compensation for investments made by the previous tenant) and 1-3 months deposit will often be required. Since acceptance to the university does not guarantee anybody a room in a dormitory and renting a flat alone is too expensive, many students live in shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaften) to save on rent and initial investment. By doing so, they can reduce their rental expenses to around 310 Euros per month. In order to secure inexpensive accommodation in dormitories students are advised to contact their local Studentenwerk immediately after enrolment.

7.1. Scholarships for International Students

There are plenty of scholarship options for international students in Germany, both governmental and non-governmental from private foundations, to help them finance their studies. Below are the links to the most comprehensive lists of scholarship programmes available to foreign students in Germany.

• DAAD : Scholarship Database
• Study in DE : Study Financing & Scholarships
• TopUniversities : Overview of Scholarships in Germany

7.2. Working while Studying in Germany

Students who come from countries outside of the European Economic Area (EU and EFTA) are only allowed to work part-time, that is either for 120 full days a year or 240 half-days a year (140 full days a year or 280 half-days a year from March 2024) or 20 hours a week (remember this also includes voluntary work). Still, this may help them cover part of the living costs. It goes without saying that those from the EEA countries can work full time.

8. Finding Work in Germany after Graduation

Citizens of the EEA countries (EU and EFTA) may stay and seek employment in Germany for as long as they wish just like any German national and they do not need a work permit. Other nationals, including those who normally need a visa for Germany, can extend their residence permit and stay in the country for a period of 18 months after graduation while seeking employment. If they find a job, their residence permit for study purposes will be converted into a residence permit for work. In addition, those who need a visa to enter Germany and decide to leave the country after finishing their studies can still seek employment in Germany. They will, however, need to apply for a six-month visa (a twelve-month visa from March 2024) for the purpose of job search (also known as the jobseeker’s visa) to return to Germany for job hunting. From June 2024 there will be an opportunity to apply for a so-called ‘opportunity card’ instead of the jobseeker’s visa as defined in the new Skilled Immigration Act .

9. Summary of Steps for Applying to Study in Germany

We hope this concise guide has strengthened your desire to study in Germany. To get you started here is a summary of what you need to do to apply for study at a German university:

• Take up an intensive German language course
• Find a German university and a study programme. You can choose more than one
• Enquire about admission requirements
• Do the necessary paperwork and have your school diplomas recognized in Germany
• Sort out your financing (do not forget to check out scholarships options)
• If you need an applicant visa, take up an insurance policy that covers Germany
• Apply in due time

Germany is the home of 416 thousand international students benefiting from tuition-free education in Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes at some of the world’s most renowned universities. Why not join them and study in Germany too?

Study in Germany FAQs

Most international students in Germany agree that Germany is a great place to study and live. German university degrees are highly valued across the world and come at a cost that is affordable to most foreign students thanks to minimal university fees and reasonably low living costs. Statistics show that for international students, Germany is just after the UK the second most popular destination in Europe where to earn a university degree.

Relative to its high education standards and excellent quality of living, Germany is an inexpensive place for university students to study and live. German public universities, which are among the best in the world, charge no tuition fees while students enjoy a number of discounts. The monthly living cost of an international student in Germany in 2023 is estimated at 930 euros per month, which is less than in most other countries of Western Europe.

Since public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees, everyone can study at a German university nearly for free, no matter which country they are from. The only money the student will ever have to pay to the university is an enrollment fee at the beginning of semester, which is on average ca 250 euros, that is, 500 euros per year. One exception is the federal state of Baden-Württemberg where public universities are allowed to charge tuition fees to non-EU students of approximately 1,500 euros per semester. But, keep in mind that students from the non-EU and non-EFTA countries will have to demonstrate to immigration authorities that they are able to cover their cost of living in Germany.

Most German universities charge no tuition fees, just a small enrollment charge payable at the beginning of each semester. Hence, the cost of studying at a German university mainly consists of the rent and everyday living expenses. For 2023, the monthly budget of an international university student in Germany is estimated at 930 euros.

Yes, you can as there are plenty of international study programmes at German higher education institutions (i.e., universities) provided exclusively in English. And, just like the regular German-language programmes, many of the international study programmes are tuition-free.

Yes, you can, if you choose a tuition-free international study programme at one of the public German universities.

Germany prides itself in its high quality of education, so you can expect that graduating from a respected German university will require some effort on your part. At exams you will have to demonstrate that you understand the matter rather than just mechanically cramming the stuff from the textbook.

For many young people it certainly is worth. Higher education at public institutions in Germany is practically tuition-free for citizens of any country while the quality of education is among the best in the world. Moreover, the living standard in Germany is very high though the cost of living is affordable for most students. Scholarships and student jobs are easy to find to help finance the studies. Yet, German degrees are recognized worldwide but if a graduate of German university from a non-European country wants to start a career in Germany they can if they find a job that corresponds to their qualifications. Furthermore, foreign graduates of German universities are allowed to stay in the country for 18 months after graduation searching for a job. The chances to stay are great especially for those who earn a degree that is in high demand in Germany.

The most important requirements are a university entrance entitlement and knowledge of the German or English language at B2/C1 level. If you come from a non-EEA country you will also have to show to the immigration authorities that you have enough money to finance your stay in Germany (11,208 euros per year in 2023).

In general it is but for some study programmes C1 or even C2 proficiency level can be required.

Yes, you can as there is no age limit for admission to German universities. In fact, students who are in their late 30s or early 40s can be commonly found in Master’s and MBA programmes at German universities.

Technically you can, although it is less common than applying for two or more study programmes to different universities.

Students from the EEA countries are allowed to work full time, that is, 40 hours per week but those from the non-EEA countries can work 40 hours per week only for 6 months a year. Or in other words, students from third countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half-days a year (140 full days a year or 280 half-days a year from March 2024), or 20 hours a week.

If you are a citizen of another EEA country (that is, the EU or EFTA), you can work full time while there is no limit on how much you can earn. However, university students from the so-called third countries are allowed to work only 120 full days or 240 half-days a year (140 full days a year or 280 half-days a year from March 2024) or 20 hours a week. Likewise, there is no limit on how much they are allowed to earn. But, remember that the annual tax exemption threshold for a working student in Germany in 2023 is 10,908 euros. So, if you earn more than that you will have to pay taxes and social security contributions.

Yes you can, if you find a job that corresponds to your qualification. As a matter of fact, you are allowed to stay in Germany for additional 18 months after graduation, searching for a job. Once you have found a job, your residence permit for study purposes will be converted into a residence permit for work. It goes without saying that citizens of the EU and EFTA countries are free to stay in Germany irrespective of whether they finish the university or not.

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from respected German universities are accepted worldwide. Diplom and Magister degrees are usually accepted too but their recognition in foreign countries may not be always as straightforward as with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

The university diplomas that give you the best chances to succeed in the German job market include degrees in medicine, natural sciences (e.g., biotechnology, nanotechnology) , different fields of electrical and mechanical engineering, mathematics, computer science and technology as well as nursing.

PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in Germany

Germany is one of the leading countries for research and a hub for innovation. The country’s high quality of life combined with lower cost of living make it an attractive destination for international researchers. Are you contemplating a move to Germany? Here is a breakdown of the most common German academic jobs and their salaries. All salary statistics in this article are in Euros per month and are pre-tax.

Doctorate Degree

In Germany applicants must apply for a preset doctoral project that is usually tied to a professor’s own research. Students do not do any coursework; they start working on their project immediately. They are also required to take on some teaching responsibilities. The time it takes to earn a doctorate depends on the field, but three to five years is typical.

The salaries of PhD students are based on the federal wage agreement ( Tarifvertrag der Länder or TV-L). There are several pay scales ( Entgeltgruppe ) within the TV-L but PhD students are usually paid at the TV-L E13 level. Within this level, there are three factors that determine the student’s actual salary. The first is the pay grade ( Stufe ) which is based on the number of years of experience you have. Most PhD students start at Stufe 1 and progress through the grades as they gain years of seniority. The next factor is the working hours (50%, 67%, 75%, or 100%) and the final factor which federal state the university is in. You can find the salary calculators for each state here . For example, the salary range for a 100% PhD student is €4,053-€5,701 per month while the range for a 67% PhD student is €2,729-€3,820 per month.

Postdoctoral Researcher/Fellow

After earning their doctorate, researchers go on to a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of the researcher’s training that allows them to further specialize in a particular field and learn new skills and techniques. It may require them to take on teaching responsibilities. German postdocs typically last two to four years.

Like all non-tenured academic positions in Germany, postdoc salaries are fairly rigid. They are based on the same TV-L federal wage agreement as PhD salaries. The salaries are determined the same way too, taking into account pay scale, pay grade, working hours, and state. You can find the salary calculators for each state here . Postdocs are paid at the E13 or (less commonly) E14 level , with the exact starting pay grade depending on how their years of experience (bachelor's, Master’s, and PhD) are counted. The salary range for a 100% E13 postdoc is €4,053-€5,701 per month and the salary range for a 100% E14 postdoc is €4,419-€6,076 per month.

Juniorprofessur/Juniordozent

Junior professors positions offer early career academics the opportunity to research, supervision, administration, and teaching experience on equal terms to other university instructors. Junior professorships are usually for three to four years and can be extended for a total of six years. It is often a temporary position, however, certain universities offer a tenure-track option. Germany has recently signed an agreement to create 1,000 tenure-track junior professorships by 2032.

Junior professors, like all German professors, are paid according to the W- Besoldung salary table . This scale dictates base salaries according to which state the university is in. Unlike the PhD and postdoc pay scale, there are no pay grades within this scale. A W1 professor will make minimum €4,713-€5,301 per month.

Professur (W2)

To become a professor, an academic needs to have completed the Habilitation, have a positive evaluation as a junior professor, or have led their own junior research group. W2 professors are considered independent researchers and generally have permanent positions. Internal promotion to these positions is not encouraged in Germany. With the exceptions of junior professors, academics cannot be appointed a professor at the university they did their Habilitation.

The base salary for a W2 professor is €5,365-€6,676 per month depending on which state the university is in. In Bund, Bayern, Hessen, and Sachsen there are multiple pay grades within the W2 band meaning the professor’s salary will increase in five or seven years in the position. Salaries can also be increased by family allowances, retention payments, and performance bonuses. As professors are civil servants with high job security, they do not typically pay the same social insurance contributions as other employees.

Professur (W3)

A W3 professor is the highest German academic position that usually involves responsibility of a chair or for an institute. The requirements to become a full professor are very demanding and as a consequence, there is often a minimum age requirement for this sort of professorship. Professors in Germany are public servants and as such have permanent positions at their universities.

The base salary for a W3 professor is €5,343-€7,578 per month depending on which state the university is in. In Bund, Bayern, Hessen, and Sachsen there are multiple pay grades within the W3 band meaning the professor’s salary will increase in five or seven years in the position. Salaries can also be increased by family allowances, retention payments, and performance bonuses. As professors are civil servants with high job security, they do not typically pay the same social insurance contributions as other employees.

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Applying and Enrolling for Doctoral Studies

If you are interested in enrolling in doctoral studies, you must first submit proof that your declaration of intent to pursue a doctorate has been accepted by the relevant faculty at Technische Universität Berlin. This means you must first submit the declaration of intent to the faculty service center of the relevant faculty. The faculty board will then inform you whether you have been admitted as a doctoral candidate and of any conditions of your admission. The TU Berlin Doctoral Regulations require all doctoral candidates not employed at TU Berlin to enroll as doctoral students.

When enrolling, please be sure to state the degree program offered by TU Berlin which most closely matches with your field of work.

How to enroll

To enroll you must have received the faculty board decision confirming the faculty’s acceptance of your declaration of intent to pursue a doctorate and stating whether you will be completing your doctorate in English or German.

You must register your declaration of intent to pursue a doctorate at the relevant faculty service center (see contact details below).

You can apply and enroll at any time.

As a doctoral student, you are required to pay a semester fee each semester like all enrolled students. You will not be charged any late fees when enrolling. However, please note a late fee will be charged if you re-register after the required deadline.

You can find general information about doctoral studies on the Center for Junior Scholars (CJS) website.

Enrollment steps for doctoral candidates whose declaration of intent has been approved:

• You need to first complete the online registration . This is also necessary if you are already an employee at the TU Berlin.
• You will then receive an email with login details for your personal TU Berlin portal (tuPORT).
• You will be able to see the app“Enrollment and re-registration requirements”, after initially passing the app "First steps". Click here to see which documents you are required to upload.
• Refer to the following web page  to get an idea of which documents these are.
• After you finish enrolling, you will receive an email with further information.
• After enrolment, please have your student account linked to your staff account. Please contact the personnel team responsible for you.

Re-registration to the next semester for PhD student

Information regarding your re-registration to the following semester as a PhD student will be send by e-mail to your e-mail account of TU Berlin.

General information about re-registration is available here .

Termination of enrollment (exmatriculation)

PhD students are not exmatriculated ex officio due to their successful final examination or a final failed examination. If you have successfully completed your degree, please apply for Exmatriculation upon request via your TUB account ( tuPORT ).

• Faculty I declaration of intent (pdf, 277 kB)
• Faculty II declaration of intent (pdf, 2.56 MB)
• Faculty III declaration of intent (pdf, 169 kB)
• Faculty IV declaration of intent (pdf, 1.31 MB)
• Faculty V declaration of intent (pdf, 304 kB)
• Faculty VI declaration of intent (pdf, 2.15 MB)
• Faculty VII declaration of intent (pdf, 675 kB)

Overview of TU Berlin points of contact

Aktuelles aus dem studierendensekretariat.

Here you will find current informationen.

Where to find points of contact

• { expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=0; }"> Research landscape
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DAAD/Jan Zappner

The "traditional" or "individual" path to a PhD remains the  most common in Germany.   An individual doctorate involves a thesis or dissertation that is produced under the  supervision of one professor .

This form of PhD study offers a great deal of  flexibility , but also demands a  high degree of personal initiative and responsibility . A professor supervises a PhD student, who works on his or her subject in consultation with the professor, but  largely independently .

How long a traditional individual doctorate takes depends on your own time schedule – or on the duration of your work contract.  Three to five years are typical . Although a university is normally responsible for the doctoral process, you can also carry out your research at other institutions.

Find a PhD place

Depending on your subject, research area and interests, you can choose whether to work on a research project and your PhD at a university or non-university research institute – or indeed in industry. However, no matter where you conduct your research, a professor will always supervise your PhD.

You can obtain a doctorate by pursuing research:

• at a university
• at a non-university research organisation or
• in a German company

PhD at a university

The "typical" PhD student in Germany works – usually part-time – as a  research associate  at his or her university. Although research is usually part of the job description, most of the associate’s own doctoral research usually has to be carried out outside working hours. How closely teaching, research and/or administrative duties are actually tied into the doctoral student’s own research depends very much on the individual situation.

PhD at a non-university research institute

Non-university research establishments – such as the  Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ,  Helmholtz Association ,  Leibniz Association  and  Max Planck Society  – offer an excellent research environment in which to conduct your research. These institutions do not have the right to award doctorates themselves, but collaborate with universities for that purpose. They offer PhD students  scholarships and/or (usually fixed-term) contracts of employment  – or a combination of the two. However, support is also possible in the form of regular research posts, which are especially typical of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Max Planck Society.

PhD in industry

The traditional individual path to a doctorate remains the most common in Germany. Here, a professor supervises a doctoral student, who works on his or her subject in consultation with the professor, but largely independently.

What are you looking for?

I want to study in germany and bring my wife/husband and children to germany during my studies. is that possible.

The reunification of families of foreign students is usually only considered if the student is in possession of a residence permit, if the marriage existed at the time of said permit being granted and if the duration of the foreigner's stay in the Federal territory is expected to exceed one year. Furthermore, the student has to be able to support himself/herself and his/her family without assistance of public funds.

For families to join students in Germany they would have to apply for a visa for family reunification from the competent Germany mission abroad. Details on the documents to be presented with the visa application are often available on the webpage of the competent German mission abroad or directly from the mission itself.

German Missions abroad

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