Studying in Germany in 2026: Admission, Visas, Studienkolleg, and Costs

It is possible for an international applicant to enroll in a German university, but the path depends not on a single general rule, but on a combination of factors: high school diploma, prior university studies, the language of instruction, the specific university’s requirements, and visa status. In 2026, it will be especially important to check in advance whether you are eligible for admission, to obtain financial proof for a visa, and to understand the rules regarding employment during preparatory courses or your studies.

Where to Start the Application Process

The first step is to determine whether your high school diploma or degree grants you direct access to higher education in Germany. For bachelor’s programs, this is typically verified through the DAAD database, which is based on anabin/ZAB data; however, the final decision is still made by the university.

There are three typical scenarios:

Direct admission to a university, provided that your prior education is recognized as sufficient;
Admission through the Studienkolleg, if a preparatory year and the Feststellungsprüfung exam are required;
Admission after one or more semesters at a university in your home country, if your high school diploma is not sufficient for direct admission.

It’s not a good idea to apply old assumptions—such as “after 11th grade, you always need to spend a year at a university”—to all applicants. The rules depend on the country, the year of high school graduation, the type of diploma, the field of study, and the requirements of the specific program.

Studienkolleg: When Is It Required?

The Studienkolleg is a preparatory program for a bachelor’s degree intended for those whose secondary education does not directly grant Hochschulzugangsberechtigung—that is, admission to a German university. The course is typically tailored to the student’s intended field of study: engineering, medicine, economics, the humanities, or languages.

Before submitting, check:

Does the chosen university accept graduates from a specific Studienkolleg?
Which course is required for your major;
Is German proficiency at the B1, B2, or higher level required?
whether the application is submitted through the university itself, uni-assist, or a separate portal;
Whether a private Studienkolleg is recognized for admission specifically to a public university and the chosen program.

Private Studienkollegs and English-language preparatory programs can be helpful, but their recognition is not guaranteed. Before paying, you should obtain confirmation from your target university or check the rules on the program’s website.

Language of Instruction and Certificates

For German-language programs, a German language proficiency level of at least B2 is usually required, while many programs actually require C1 or a subject-specific exam. The accepted certificates vary by university, but common ones include TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, and other recognized exams.

For English-language programs, German may not be required at the application stage, but an English proficiency certificate is almost always required—for example, IELTS, TOEFL, or another exam from the specific university’s list. The GMAT or GRE are not required everywhere; they are typically required for certain master’s, business, or economics programs.

If your language skills are not yet sufficient, here are some options:

preparatory language courses offered by the university;
a language course as part of your preparation for studies;
private language school;
Studienkolleg with language requirements for admission.

It is important to distinguish between a student visa and a visa for a language course. If the course is part of an admissions preparation program and you have the appropriate documentation, the situation may differ from that of a typical private language school.

Documents for the University

There is no single set of documents required by all universities. Typically, you will need:

high school diploma and transcript;
documents regarding previous higher education, if applicable;
translations and certified copies in the format required by the university;
language proficiency certificate;
a personal statement, resume, portfolio, or entrance exam results, if specified in the program requirements;
Proof of payment of fees, if the application is submitted through a paid pre-screening service.

Application deadlines vary by university and program. For some fields of study, the deadline may fall before the standard summer and winter deadlines, so you should check the specific program’s page rather than the general calendar.

Student Visa and Money

Citizens of countries that require a national visa for long-term stays must generally apply through the German embassy or consulate in their country of residence. The basis for the application may be admission to a university, admission to a Studienkolleg, or preparation for university admission.

The following are usually required for a visa:

a valid passport and application form;
a letter of admission or confirmation of admission preparation;
educational documents;
proof of language proficiency, if required;
health insurance;
proof of financial support.

For a student visa, the official amount required in a blocked account in 2026 is at least 11,904 euros per year. For a visa to search for a place to study, the amount is calculated on a monthly basis and is set at a minimum of 1,091 euros per month for 2026. These amounts are subject to change, so be sure to check the German embassy’s website or the official “Make it in Germany” portal before applying.

Working While Studying or Preparing for Studies

A student residence permit under §16b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) allows you to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year, or up to 20 hours per week. Separate rules may apply to part-time jobs on campus, but it is best to check with the university and the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) for details.

For a visa or residence permit issued for the purpose of seeking a place to study, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, and the status itself can be issued for up to nine months. This does not replace the admission process: during this time, you must secure a spot at a university or in a preparatory program and then transition to the appropriate student status.

Tuition Fees: What Has Changed at TUM

At most public universities in Germany, there are no traditional tuition fees, but a semester fee is almost always required. However, there are important exceptions depending on the federal state and individual universities.

Starting with the 2024/25 winter semester, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) will charge tuition fees to new students from countries outside the EU/EEA enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s programs, unless an exemption applies. The TUM website lists the typical ranges: 2,000 or 3,000 euros per semester for bachelor’s programs and 4,000 or 6,000 euros per semester for master’s programs. The exact amount depends on the program, and the semester fee is paid separately.

Practical Checklist

Before applying, go through this quick checklist:

Check your eligibility for study through DAAD/anabin and the regulations of your chosen university.
Choose a program and the language of instruction.
Find out whether you need to attend a Studienkolleg or if a direct application is sufficient.
Check the deadline, the application portal, and whether uni-assist is required.
Prepare translations, certifications, and a language proficiency certificate.
Allow time to review your documents in advance.
Calculate your budget: a blocked account, semester fees, potential tuition fees, insurance, housing, and moving expenses.
Apply for a visa in advance, if required.

Common Mistakes

The most common problems arise not from a single “complicated” document, but from inconsistencies: an applicant chooses a program without checking admission requirements, submits a certificate of the wrong level, misses a specific uni-assist deadline, or assumes that any Studienkolleg will automatically open the door to any university.

Another mistake is relying on last year’s amounts and rules. Visa financial requirements, work limits, fees, and tuition fees may be updated, so you should do a final check right before submitting your application.