Admission to Germany

Germany is one of the best destinations: free tuition at state universities, strong engineering programmes, and the opportunity to work and stay on after your studies.

Visa types

A student visa or a residence permit for the purpose of study. Processing time — 4–12 weeks.

Free tuition

At state universities, tuition is free for foreigners (except in Baden-Württemberg). You only need to pay a semester fee (150–350 euros), which includes a travel pass.

Language requirements

For German — TestDaF or Goethe B2/C1 (more often C1). For English — IELTS 6.0–7.0 or TOEFL 80–100. Many Master's programmes are in English.

Academic requirements and documents

A school-leaving certificate is required for a Bachelor's. With a Russian school certificate, a Studienkolleg preparatory course is often required. A Master's requires a Bachelor's degree. Document package: international passport, diplomas translated into German, language certificate, motivation letter, and proof of finances.

Financial requirements

For the visa, you need a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with roughly a year's worth of funds. The money is withdrawn monthly. Plus medical insurance.

Admission

Applications are made through Uni-Assist or directly to the university. Deadlines: winter semester — by 15 July, summer semester — by 15 January.

Applying for a visa

Obtain an offer from a university, open a blocked account, buy insurance, and submit the visa application at the embassy (in person). After arrival, register your place of residence.

Work for students

140 full days or 280 half days per year.

Admission plan (over 12–14 months)

12 months out — choosing a university. 10 months out — preparing for TestDaF/IELTS. 8 months out — gathering and translating documents. 6–7 months out — checking whether a Studienkolleg is required. 5–6 months out — submitting the application. 4 months out — blocked account and insurance. 3 months out — submitting the visa application. 1 month out — receiving the visa and flying out.

The biggest mistakes

A low level of German (C1 is required). Not having a blocked account. Incorrectly assessing the need for Studienkolleg. Missing the 15 July deadlines. Incorrect translation of documents.

How Edunation can help

We will select a university and programme free of charge, check whether a Studienkolleg is required, help with translating documents and your motivation letter, help you open a blocked account and arrange insurance, submit your visa application, and organise transfer and accommodation.

With Edunation, admission to Germany is realistic and affordable. Start with a free consultation.