Study in Germany: Bachelor’s and Master’s Admission & Student Visa Requirements 2026
Germany is a place for international students to study because it has good education and universities that do not cost a lot of money. Students have to meet some rules about their education, language, money and visa.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
To get into a Bachelor’s program in Germany students usually need:
A certificate from their school or something similar. Good marks in school depending on the university and program they want to join. Education that is related to the program they want to study. To be good at the language of the program. Sometimes students have to go to a school called Studienkolleg before they can start their Bachelor’s degree if their old certificate is not good enough for university.
IELTS Requirement for Bachelor’s
For Bachelor’s programs that are taught in English universities usually require:
IELTS Academic: 6.0 to 6.5 overall
Some programs might need a score or special scores in different parts of the test.
For Bachelor’s programs that are taught in German students need to be good at German at B2 or C1 level depending on the university.
Students should not think that just speaking English is enough to replace an English test for admission and visa. They should prepare for IELTS or another English test that their university likes.
Master’s Degree Requirements
To get into a Master’s program students usually need:
A Bachelor’s degree that is recognized Papers from their university that show their marks Education that is related to the program they want to study Good. A good average, depending on the university To be good at the language of the program. A list of what they have done called a CV. A letter that says why they want to study if the university requires it Other papers that are special for the program
IELTS Requirement for Master’s
For Master’s programs that are taught in English the usual score required is:
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall
Some universities or special programs might require:
IELTS 7.0 overall
Students might also need to get scores in different parts of the test. Students should not think that just speaking English is enough to replace IELTS. They should meet the requirement that their university says.
For Master’s programs that are taught in German students need to be good at German at B2 or C1 level depending on the program.
Student Visa Financial Requirement
International students have to show that they have money to study and live in Germany.
For 2026 students usually need to have:
€11,904 for one year
The common way to show this is with a Blocked Account.
Students can also use:
A scholarship that is recognized
A person in Germany who can support them through a paper
Other financial arrangements that are officially accepted
Tuition Fees
Many public universities in Germany do not charge a lot of money. Do not charge anything for many Bachelors and Masters Programs.
Students still have to pay:
Money for each semester
Administrative charges
Fees for student services
Money for living
Universities usually charge tuition fees. Some public universities and states in Germany might also charge tuition fees to students who’re not from Europe.
Main Documents Required
Students usually need:
A valid passport
A letter from the university that says they are accepted
Certificates from their school
Papers from their university that show their marks
IELTS or another language certificate that is required
A blocked.
Accepted financial proof
Health insurance
A list of what they have done called a CV
A letter that says why they want to study, if required.
A form for the visa application
Photographs for their passport
Proof that they have paid tuition if they have to
Work Permission for Students
International students are usually allowed to work while they study in Germany.
Students can usually work:
Up to 140 days per year or 280 half days per year or Up to 20 hours per week
Germany Student Visa 2026: Quick Summary
For Bachelor’s Students
The certificate they need: school or equivalent
IELTS: usually 6.0–6.5 for programs taught in English
German programs: usually B2–C1 German
Some students might need to go to Studienkolleg
Students should not think that just speaking English is enough to replace IELTS
For Master’s Students
The certificate they need: a Bachelor’s degree
IELTS: usually 6.5 overall some programs might require 7.0
Programs: usually B2–C1 German
Students should not think that just speaking English is enough to replace IELTS
Visa Requirement Proof:
€11,904 for one year
a letter from the university that says they are accepted.
A valid language certificate, according to what the university requires
Academic. Transcripts
Health insurance
A student visa application through the visa procedure
Germany is a great place for students who want to get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree but they have to make sure they meet all the requirements for their university and program, like their education, IELTS score, a and visa.