Destination · DE
Study in Germany
Tuition-free public universities and an 18-month job-seeker visa after graduation.
- Tuition
- EUR 0–12,000
- A year, indicative
- Living costs
- EUR 10,200–13,000
- A year, one student
- Universities
- 0
- Partner institutions
- Courses
- 0
- Listed on this site
The passage
From Dhaka to Germany, in four steps
- Apply Shortlist courses, prepare documents, submit from Dhaka.
- Offer A conditional offer first, unconditional once you meet the conditions.
- Visa Funds, medicals and biometrics for the student visa.
- Fly Pre-departure briefing, then orientation on campus.
Overview
Public universities in Germany charge no tuition to international students in almost every state, leaving only a semester contribution of EUR 150 to 350 that usually includes a regional transport pass. More than two thousand degree programmes are taught entirely in English, concentrated at master's level in engineering, computer science, physics and management. The barrier is not cost but admission: the Technical Universities apply grade thresholds strictly, and the blocked account has to be funded in full before a visa appointment is issued.
Why students choose Germany
Effectively free public education, an economy that actively recruits engineering and IT graduates, an 18-month job-seeker visa after graduation and one of the fastest routes to permanent residency in Europe for anyone who learns the language.
How the education system works
Bachelor degrees run three years and master's degrees two, expressed in ECTS credits. Universities of Applied Sciences run more practical, industry-linked programmes than the research universities and often include a compulsory internship semester.
What tuition costs
Public universities charge no tuition outside Baden-Württemberg, which levies EUR 1,500 a semester from non-EU students. The semester contribution runs EUR 150 to 350. Private universities charge EUR 9,000 to 20,000 a year.
A year in Germany
- Tuition
- EUR 0–12,000
- Living
- EUR 10,200–13,000
- Total
- EUR 10,200–25,000
- Tuition and living combined
Indicative ranges across our partner universities, before travel, the visa fee and health cover. Estimate your own total.
What living there costs
The blocked account requirement is currently EUR 11,904 a year, released at EUR 992 a month. Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg run above that; Leipzig, Dresden and the Ruhr cities run below it.
Scholarships and funding
DAAD Study Scholarships pay a monthly living allowance, travel subsidy and health insurance for a full master's. The Deutschlandstipendium pays EUR 300 a month for at least two semesters and is awarded by the university itself.
The student visa
A National (D) visa for study requires an admission letter, a blocked account funded for the full year, health insurance and proof of academic qualifications recognised through the anabin database. Appointment slots at the Embassy in Dhaka are limited, so the account must be opened well before the intake.
Working while you study
Students may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Working as a research or teaching assistant at the university is usually exempt from that limit.
Staying on after you graduate
An 18-month job-seeker residence permit follows graduation. Taking a qualifying job converts it to a work permit or an EU Blue Card, and a Blue Card holder with B1 German can apply for permanent settlement after 21 months.
Questions
What families ask about Germany
How much should I budget for a year of study in Germany?
Tuition runs roughly EUR 0 to 12,000 a year depending on the institution and the subject, and living costs add another EUR 10,200 to 13,000. Treat those as the planning figures for your first year — the visa authority will expect evidence covering both, not tuition alone.
Can I work part time while studying in Germany?
Students may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Working as a research or teaching assistant at the university is usually exempt from that limit.
Budget as though that income does not exist. Visa officers do not count it towards your maintenance requirement, and neither should you.
What does a Germany student visa application need?
A National (D) visa for study requires an admission letter, a blocked account funded for the full year, health insurance and proof of academic qualifications recognised through the anabin database. Appointment slots at the Embassy in Dhaka are limited, so the account must be opened well before the intake.
Can I stay and work in Germany after I graduate?
An 18-month job-seeker residence permit follows graduation. Taking a qualifying job converts it to a work permit or an EU Blue Card, and a Blue Card holder with B1 German can apply for permanent settlement after 21 months.
Next step
Talk to a counsellor about Germany
Bring your transcripts and your IELTS result, or tell us what you expect to score. We will tell you which universities are realistic, what the year will cost and what the visa needs. The first conversation is free.