Facts and figures on Germany’s higher education system

Germans somewhat ironically call their own country “the country of poets and thinkers”. Nonetheless: There are around 400 institutions of higher educations in Germany, many of which offer English-taught study programmes - about 1,000 in total. Many German universities score high in international rankings.

Tuition fees

Not only can you expect a world-class education when you study in Germany. At most universities, it is even for free. That’s right: No matter what country you come from, most schools offer their education completely free of charge. There are, of course, some exceptions: mostly private schools, or study programmes for students with prior professional experience. Good to know: If you decide to stay and work in Germany after graduation, you can often deduct previous tuition fees from your income tax.

Cost of living

Living costs in Germany are relatively modest when compared to other Western European nations. On average, students can get by on 800 euros per month.

Rents in certain metropolitan areas, such as Hamburg, may be high, although in no way comparable to cities like Paris or London, especially with some flexibility regarding the part of town to live in.

Job market for graduates

Germany is a large economy with countless opportunities for foreign graduates. Unlike many other European nations, Germany's economy is not centered around one or two specific locations. Industrial hubs are scattered across the country: Hamburg is home to trade and media companies; Munich and Stuttgart are strong in automotive and manufacturing; Frankfurt is the leading financial capital. Strangely, Berlin does not have strong industrial presence but has developed into Europe's startup capital over recent years.

Speaking German is almost always a prerequisite especially for entry-level jobs. The common exceptions are jobs in tech/IT, and jobs at internationally oriented startups - particularly in startup hubs like Hamburg or Berlin.

Masters in Germany

With all these benefits, getting a Master's degree in Germany is a popular choice. Masters typically last 1.5 to 2 years and are either tuition-free (at public universities) or cost between €8,000 and €20,000 (at private schools).

Transportation

Getting in and out of Germany is uncomplicated: Two of its airports, Frankfurt and Munich, are among the world’s largest, together serving several hundred connections in Europe and the world. Within Europe, both train and bus connections are also a viable option due to Germany's central location and thanks to dense networks of rails and highways.

Germany is located at the heart of Europe, bordering on nine other countries. Clockwise from the North, those are: Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxemburg, Belgium, Netherlands. That makes Germany an ideal destination if you're eager to explore other parts of Europe, as well.

Within Germany’s cities, you can expect a high standard of public transportation. Most large cities have a subway system, and extensive bus and streetcar line networks are the norm.