Undergraduate Courses in Germany, Fees, Salary
Studying undergrad in Germany is becoming the premier choice for international students seeking high-quality education without the burden of massive student debt. Home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious technical universities, Germany offers a blend of rigorous academic theory and practical application that is unmatched in Europe.
For 2026, the appeal of undergraduate studies in Germany continues to grow, driven by the country’s tuition-free public university system and robust economy. While traditional engineering degrees remain popular, there is a significant surge in English-taught programs in Business, Data Science, and Natural Sciences, making the country more accessible than ever. With an 18-month post-study work visa and a clear path to EU Blue Card eligibility, Germany is not just a study destination—it is a launchpad for a global career.
Latest Updates for 2026:
- Tuition Trends: While most public universities remain free, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg have introduced tuition fees (~€1,500–€3,000/semester) for non-EU students.
- English Programs: A 20% increase in English-taught bachelor’s degrees is expected across public universities to attract global talent.
- Blocked Account: The mandatory proof of funds for student visas has been updated to €11,904 per year (approx. €992/month) for 2026.
Why Choose Undergraduate Studies in Germany?
Germany offers a unique value proposition: Ivy League-quality education at a fraction of the cost.
- Low to Zero Tuition: The vast majority of public universities do not charge tuition fees, only a nominal semester contribution.
- World-Class Rankings: Institutions like LMU Munich and RWTH Aachen consistently rank in the global top 100.
- Engineering Powerhouse: Known as the “Land of Ideas,” it is the global hub for automotive and mechanical engineering.
- Strong Economy: As Europe’s largest economy, it offers high employability in sectors like manufacturing, IT, and renewable energy.
Central Europe Location: A student visa allows seamless travel across 27 Schengen countries.
Types of Undergraduate Programs in Germany
Understanding the different degree types is crucial for planning your academic journey.
Program Type | Duration | Examples |
Bachelor’s Degree | 3 Years (6 Semesters) | BA (Arts), BSc (Science), BEng (Engineering) |
Integrated Programs | 3–4 Years | Degrees with mandatory internship semesters (Praxissemester). |
Dual Study Programs | 3–4 Years | Combines academic study with paid apprenticeship work (Duales Studium). |
Foundation / Pathway | 1 Year | Studienkolleg for students whose high school diploma isn’t equivalent to the German Abitur. |
Key Insight: Dual Study Programs are highly competitive but offer a salary during studies and a guaranteed job offer post-graduation.
Popular Undergraduate Courses in Germany
While Engineering is the flagship, other fields are rapidly gaining traction among international applicants.
- Mechanical & Automotive Engineering: The gold standard of German education.
- Computer Science & IT: High demand in Berlin and Munich’s startup hubs.
- Electrical Engineering: Focus on renewable energy and robotics.
- Business & Management: increasing number of English-taught BBA programs.
- Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at research-heavy institutes.
- Architecture & Design: Blends technical precision with Bauhaus artistic traditions.
Top Universities in Germany for Undergraduate Programs
Germany’s universities are divided into Universities (research-focused) and Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen – practical focused).
University | Location | Popular UG Programs | Tuition (Non-EU) |
Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Munich | Engineering, Management | ~€2,000–€3,000/sem |
LMU Munich | Munich | Physics, Medicine, Law | Free |
Heidelberg University | Heidelberg | Medicine, Life Sciences | €1,500/sem |
RWTH Aachen University | Aachen | Mechanical Engineering | Free |
University of Freiburg | Freiburg | Natural Sciences, Humanities | €1,500/sem |
Note: The semester contribution (approx. €250) applies to all, covering public transport and admin costs.
Eligibility Criteria for Undergrad in Germany
Admission to German universities is strictly merit-based.
- 12-Year Schooling: Completion of high school (10+2). However, for many countries (like India/US), a 12-year diploma is not equivalent to the German Abitur.
- Studienkolleg: If your diploma isn’t equivalent, you must complete a 1-year preparatory course (Studienkolleg) and pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) exam.
- Direct Entry: Possible if you have cleared national entrance exams (like JEE Advanced in India) or completed 1 year of a bachelor’s degree in your home country.
- Language Proficiency:
- German-taught: C1 level (TestDaF 4 or DSH-2).
- English-taught: IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (90+).
Aptitude Tests: Some universities require TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) for specific programs.
Language Requirements for Undergraduate Studies in Germany
Language is the biggest barrier and the biggest asset.
- German Programs: 90% of undergraduate courses are in German. You need B1/B2 level to enter Studienkolleg and C1 level for university.
- English Programs: Growing in number but competitive. A secure IELTS score of 6.5 is standard.
- Bilingual Programs: Some courses start in English and transition to German; these require A2/B1 German proficiency at the time of application.
Cost of Studying Undergraduate in Germany
Germany remains one of the most affordable study destinations in the western world.
Expense Type | Average Cost (EUR) | Notes |
Tuition Fees | €0 – €3,000 / year | Free in most states; fees apply in Baden-Württemberg & TUM. |
Semester Contribution | €250 – €350 / sem | Mandatory; often includes a Semester Ticket for free public transport. |
Living Expenses | €11,904 / year | Mandatory blocked account amount for visas (2026 requirement). |
Health Insurance | €125 / month | Public insurance (TK/AOK) is mandatory for students <30. |
Intakes for Undergraduate Studies in Germany
German universities have two specific intake periods.
Intake | Start Month | Application Deadline |
Winter Intake | October | July 15 (Primary intake for most courses) |
Summer Intake | April | January 15 (Fewer course options) |
How to Apply to Universities in Germany for Undergraduate Programs
The application process is centralized but requires attention to detail.
- Check Equivalency: Use the Anabin database to check if your school leaving certificate allows direct entry or requires Studienkolleg.
- Language Prep: Secure your IELTS or TestDaF scores 6 months in advance.
- Uni-Assist: Most applications are processed via the Uni-Assist portal, which verifies documents for international students. Some universities require direct application.
- VPD: Some universities require a Preliminary Review Documentation (VPD) from Uni-Assist before applying on their own portal.
- Admission: Receive your Zulassungsbescheid (Admission Letter).
- Visa Filing: Open a Blocked Account (Expatrio/Fintiba), deposit €11,904, and apply for a National Student Visa.
Career Opportunities After Undergraduate Studies in Germany
Graduating from a German university opens the door to the EU labor market.
- 18-Month Job Seeker Visa: After graduating, you can stay for 18 months to find a job related to your field.
- High Demand: Huge shortage of skilled workers in Engineering, IT, and Nursing.
- EU Blue Card: Once you secure a job with a minimum salary (approx. €45,300), you can apply for the prestigious Blue Card.
- Permanent Residence: Graduates can apply for PR (Niederlassungserlaubnis) as early as 2 years after working.
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Have a question?
Yes, in 15 out of 16 German states, public universities charge no tuition fees for bachelor’s degrees, regardless of nationality. The major exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg (includes Heidelberg, Stuttgart, KIT), which charges €1,500 per semester. Recently, TUM (Munich) also introduced fees for non-EU students.
For public universities, yes. Most bachelor’s programs are taught in German, requiring C1 proficiency. However, private universities and an increasing number of public institutions (like Rhine-Waal or Hof University) offer English-taught degrees where German is not mandatory for admission but recommended for daily life.
Studienkolleg is a 1-year preparatory course for international students whose high school diploma is not equivalent to the German Abitur (e.g., US High School Diploma or Indian State Boards without JEE). It bridges the academic gap and ends with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) assessment exam.
Yes. Non-EU students can work for 120 full days or 240 half days per year. The minimum wage is approx. €12.41 per hour (2025), allowing students to cover a significant portion of their living expenses.
Absolutely. Germany has one of the most generous post-study policies. You are granted an 18-month residence permit to search for a qualified job. Once employed, you can switch to a work permit or EU Blue Card.
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