Studying in English in Germany: Admission Options and Programs

It is possible to study in Germany in English, but the path depends on your high school diploma, language proficiency, and the program you choose. In 2026, the most realistic options are an English-language bachelor’s or master’s degree, preparation through a Studienkolleg, language courses before admission, and combined programs where part of the coursework is taught in English while German is learned concurrently.

Is it possible to enroll in a German university without knowing German?

Yes, if the program you’ve chosen is actually taught in English and the university doesn’t require German for admission. But that doesn’t mean you won’t need German at all. It’s important for finding housing, part-time work, internships, dealing with government agencies, and your future career in Germany.

The DAAD notes that most programs in Germany are taught in German, and German-taught programs typically require a certified language proficiency level of at least B2. English-taught international programs are exempt from this requirement but instead require proof of English proficiency. The specific set of certificates and minimum scores is always determined by the university or the specific program.

Main Pathways for Studying in English

1. English-language programs at universities

This is the most direct route: you apply directly to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or MBA program where the primary language of instruction is English. There are significantly more such programs at the Master’s level, but Bachelor’s programs in English are also available, especially in IT, engineering, economics, international business, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary fields.

Before submitting, check:

• Is your high school diploma or previous degree recognized as a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, i.e., eligibility for higher education?
• What level of English is required: often B2 or higher, but requirements vary;
• Is German required upon admission or by a certain semester?
• whether you submit your application directly to the university, through uni-assist, or via another platform;
• Is there an entrance exam, a portfolio, a statement of purpose, or a Numerus Clausus?

2. Studienkolleg before admission

The Studienkolleg is required for those whose high school diploma does not grant direct admission to a German university. After completing the preparatory course, students take the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), and a passing score allows them to apply for programs in their chosen field.

It is important to distinguish between public and private Studienkollegs. According to the DAAD, public Studienkollegs are usually free of charge, except for the semester fee, and prepare students for the state-recognized FSP. Private Studienkollegs often charge tuition, and not every private institution offers a state-recognized certificate; therefore, you should verify whether the FSP is recognized by specific universities before paying.

In most cases, instruction at the Studienkolleg is in German. The DAAD also notes that admission to the Studienkolleg typically requires a good command of German at the B1–B2 level, and the preparatory program brings language skills up to the C1 level. English-language or partially English-language private options may exist, but their recognition and subsequent admission eligibility must be verified separately.

3. Pre-university language courses

If your dream program is taught in German or requires German for practical training, you can first take intensive courses. This path is suitable for those who haven’t yet reached the B2/C1 level but are willing to invest additional time before admission.

Prices for language courses vary greatly depending on the city, course format, intensity, and the provider’s status. Therefore, rather than using a general guideline like “X euros per semester,” it’s safer to calculate your budget based on a specific university or language school: consider the course fee, semester tuition, housing, insurance, and proof of financial means for your visa.

Examples of English-language bachelor’s programs

The list below is not a ranking but rather examples of fields of study that you should check on the universities’ official websites before applying. Requirements, deadlines, the number of available spots, and tuition fees may vary from one admissions cycle to the next.

Economics, Leuphana University Lüneburg

Leuphana University Lüneburg offers a Bachelor of Science in Economics as an English-taught major. The program’s official page lists 6 semesters, 180 ECTS credits, English as the language of instruction, and no German language requirement for the program itself. Admission requirements include eligibility for higher education and proof of English proficiency.

This program is suitable for those who want to study economics, statistics, monetary policy, globalization, economic policy, and empirical methods in an international setting.

Artificial Intelligence, Deggendorf Institute of Technology

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology lists the B.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence among its programs taught in English. The program page describes a 7-semester program starting in October, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, with instruction in English. Admission requirements include a recognized university entrance qualification, English proficiency at the B2 level, and an admission test; German proficiency at the A2 level must be demonstrated by the end of the program.

This program is suitable for those seeking a technical bachelor’s degree with a focus on programming, machine learning, computer vision, statistics, databases, and AI projects.

International Business, ESB Business School / Reutlingen University

ESB Business School at Reutlingen University offers a Bachelor’s degree in International Business. The program’s official website describes the Fast Track option: after seven semesters of the bachelor’s program, students can add one more semester and earn an MBA or master’s degree at a partner university, provided they meet the requirements for this option.

This example is useful for those looking for a business program with an international focus, exchange opportunities, and a career track in international management.

How to find current programs

For an initial search, use the DAAD My GUIDE / International Programmes databases and the official websites of universities. Don’t limit yourself to aggregator sites: the final requirements are always listed on the specific program’s page, under “admission regulations,” “language requirements,” and “application portal.”

A mini-checklist before applying:

• Find a program in the official database or on the university’s website.
• Check the sections on Admission Requirements, Language Requirements, Fees, Application Period, and Curriculum.
• Check whether German is required now or by the time of graduation.
• Check whether your high school diploma is recognized through the DAAD admission database, anabin, or uni-assist.
• Be sure to note the deadlines specific to your citizenship, semester, and type of admission.
• Check whether there are tuition fees, semester contributions, and additional fees.

What You Need to Know About Costs

At public universities in Germany, many programs do not charge tuition fees, but there is almost always a semester contribution. Exceptions are possible: private universities, certain federal states, continuing education programs, MBAs, and some specialized tracks may cost significantly more.

Therefore, the cost cannot be reliably estimated with a single, universal figure. When planning your budget, calculate the following separately:

• tuition fees, if any;
• semester contribution;
• health insurance;
• housing and security deposit;
• food, transportation, and communication;
• Proof of financial means for visa purposes, if required in your situation.

Common Mistakes Made by Applicants

• It is a misconception that “English-taught” automatically means there is no German at all stages.
• Pay for a private Studienkolleg without verifying whether the FSP is recognized by your chosen universities.
• Focusing only on tuition costs and ignoring semester fees and housing expenses.
• Relying on old program lists: English-language bachelor’s programs open, close, and change their requirements.
• Apply without verification; you’ll need to determine whether to use uni-assist or submit a direct application to the university.

Conclusion

Studying in English in Germany is definitely possible, especially if you’re flexible in your choice of field and check the requirements in advance. The easiest route is to find an English-language program right away where your high school diploma or degree is accepted for admission. If direct admission isn’t available, you’ll need to consider the Studienkolleg or another preparatory path. It’s still worth learning German, though: even when admission is possible in English, living and working in Germany become much easier with a solid command of German.