Germany Education
Higher education in Germany
Germany has one of the most prestigious higher education systems in the world, combining fundamental scientific knowledge with practical training. This opens up many opportunities for Ukrainians: at state universities, tuition is usually free or costs a nominal administrative fee, and English-language programs make education accessible even without a perfect knowledge of German.
Levels of higher education
- Bachelor's degree (Bachelor) – lasts 3–4 years depending on the specialty.
- Master's degree (Master) – 1–2 years, often with a wider choice of English-language programs.
- Doctorate (PhD/Promotion) – from 3 years, focused on scientific activity.
Types of educational institutions
- Traditional universities (Universitäten) – focus on scientific research and theoretical training. They have the right to award all academic degrees (bachelor's, master's, doctor of philosophy/PhD).
- Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen, abbreviated FH or HAW) – more practically oriented, working closely with companies. They train specialists for specific fields (engineering, IT, business, social sciences). They do not usually offer doctoral programs on their own, but may do so in partnership with universities.
- Art and music academies (Kunst- und Musikhochschulen) are specialized institutions for training artists, designers, musicians, and actors.
- Private universities (Private Hochschulen) are less numerous and often have a narrow specialization (business, management, media, IT). They usually offer English-language programs, but tuition is paid (several thousand euros per year and more).
📌 Officially, all these institutions are grouped into the category of “Hochschulen” (higher education institutions), and all of them are recognized by the German Ministry of Education.
Language of instruction
The main language of instruction is German, usually requiring a B2–C1 level and proof of language proficiency (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat). For Ukrainians, a popular option is English-language master's programs in IT, engineering, economics, and international relations. IELTS or TOEFL is usually required for admission. There are also preparatory language courses at universities (Studienkolleg) that help students learn German.
Can foreigners and Ukrainians apply?
Yes, German universities are open to foreigners. Quotas for Ukrainians are usually not limited, but competition is high for very popular majors (e.g., medicine).
Recognition of Ukrainian documents
Ukrainian certificates and diplomas are recognized in most cases, but admission often requires a nostrification procedure or confirmation through the uni-assist system. For some fields (medicine, law, pedagogy), official recognition of diplomas is mandatory.
What else you should know:
- Many federal states have a principle of “free education” at public universities, but you have to pay a semester fee (Semesterticket) of €150-350, which often includes a travel pass.
- Admission to some majors has restrictions (Numerus Clausus, NC), which means competition based on the average grade of your certificate or diploma.
- For Ukrainians with temporary protection or refugee status, there are simplified conditions for access to universities and additional support programs.
- German universities highly value academic mobility, so students often have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs such as Erasmus+.
Useful resources:
The process of admission to German universities is clearly regulated, but has its own peculiarities for foreigners. It is important for Ukrainians to prepare documents in advance and check the requirements of a particular university, as rules may vary even within the same state.
What is required for admission?
The standard package of documents includes:
- a secondary school leaving certificate or bachelor's/master's degree (depending on the level of study);
- a notarized translation of documents into German or English;
- language proficiency certificate: German (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat levels B2–C1) or English (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge) for English-language programs;
- motivation letter (Motivationsschreiben);
- resume/CV;
- letters of recommendation (more often required for master's or PhD programs);
- portfolio (for art majors).
To apply for a student visa or residence permit, you may also need to provide proof of financial resources (blocked account) and health insurance.
Do I need to take exams or complete a preparatory year?
For most majors, there are no separate entrance exams, but competition is high. If your Ukrainian diploma does not meet German requirements (11 grades instead of 12), you will need to complete a Studienkolleg — a preparatory year with language and specialized courses. It ends with a Feststellungsprüfung exam. Medicine, psychology, and arts programs often have additional entrance tests.
How do I submit my documents?
- Through the university's online portal.
- Through the uni-assist.de platform (the most common option).
- In exceptional cases — by mail or through the consulate.
Main platforms
- uni-assist.de — for checking and submitting documents.
- daad.de — official database of programs and scholarships.
Deadlines for submitting documents:
- For the winter semester (starting in October): by July 15.
- For the summer semester (starting in April): by January 15.
‼️ Always check the exact dates on the website of the specific university.
Nostrification of diplomas and certificates
Most Ukrainian documents require official verification. This is done through uni-assist or directly by the university. For regulated professions (medicine, law, education), nostrification is required by the relevant federal state authority.
Useful resource: anabin.kmk.org — database for verifying diplomas.
Key points for Ukrainians
- If you have 11 years of schooling, you will most likely have to attend a Studienkolleg.
- To confirm your right to study, you may be asked to provide a certificate from a Ukrainian university or institute confirming your enrollment in a similar specialty.
- Documents must be translated only by a sworn translator (beeidigter Übersetzer).
- If you are in Germany under temporary protection, you can still apply to universities as a foreign student.
- Start preparing your language certificate in advance: TestDaF and DSH are held several times a year, and places are quickly sold out.
Housing is one of the most important issues for Ukrainian students in Germany. There are many offers, but competition is high: dormitories fill up quickly, and private rentals have their own rules and prices. It is worth starting your search before you arrive.
Student dormitories (Studentenwohnheim)
In Germany, dorms are not provided automatically. You need to apply in advance. The main operator is Studentenwerk in every university town.
- Conditions: most often, this is a room for 1–2 people with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Dorms have laundry facilities, internet, and common areas.
- Prices: from €250 to €400 per month, in large cities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt) — €350–500.
- In addition, a deposit (Kaution) of 1–2 months' rent is usually required.
Renting accommodation
If a dormitory is not available, students look for accommodation on their own. The most popular format is WG (Wohngemeinschaft), where several people share an apartment, each with their own room.
- A room in a WG: €400–600/month on average, in Munich or Hamburg — from €600–700.
- A separate apartment: €700–1000/month in medium-sized cities, from €1000–1200 in Berlin or Frankfurt.
- Utilities (Heizung, Wasser, Strom, Internet) — approximately €100–200/month.
Websites for finding accommodation
💡 Important: do not transfer money before signing the contract and without personally inspecting the accommodation — there are many fraudulent schemes in Germany.
Residence permit
If a student studies for more than 90 days, they are required to obtain a residence permit for study (§16b AufenthG).
- If you are applying from Ukraine, you must first obtain a national D visa, and after arrival, a residence permit from the Ausländerbehörde.
- If you are already in Germany with a different status (e.g., temporary protection), you can change it to student status at the immigration office.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory. There is a special rate for students in the state Krankenkassen — approximately €139–144/month in 2026. Without a policy, you cannot enroll in a university or apply for a residence permit.
📌 At Visit Ukraine, you can take out insurance that is suitable for studying in Germany and meets the requirements of the German immigration service.
Germany is known for offering free tuition at most public universities, including for foreign students. However, there are mandatory semester fees, as well as significant costs for living, insurance, and housing.
How much does it cost to study?
At public universities:
- In most states, students only pay a semester fee (Semesterbeitrag), which covers administrative costs and a transport ticket (Semesterticket).
- The amount depends on the university: between €200 and €400 per semester (€400–800 per year).
- Exception: in the state of Baden-Württemberg, a fee has been in effect since 2017 for foreigners from non-EU countries — €1,500 per semester (≈ €3,000 per year).
At private universities:
- The cost is significantly higher: from €5,000 to €15,000 per year.
- Elite programs (MBA, medicine, business) can cost more than €20,000 per year.
Do Ukrainians pay as foreigners?
Ukrainians usually pay fees on the same terms as other foreigners.
- At public universities, most programs are available without tuition fees.
- In Baden-Württemberg, Ukrainians are also subject to the €1,500/semester rule unless they have temporary protection status or other privileges.
- If a student has temporary protection in Germany (§24 AufenthG), many universities provide tuition fee exemptions or support (check with the specific university).
Additional expenses
- Semester fee: ~€100–350
- Accommodation: dormitory or WG — €350–600/month
- Insurance: ≈€130–150/month
- Transportation: often included in the Semesterticket
- Textbooks, learning materials: €30–50/month
- Daily expenses: €200–300/month
Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for studying and obtaining a residence permit. Without it, the university will not enroll the student.
- There is a special rate for students in state Krankenkassen — ≈139–144 € per month in 2026.
- The insurance covers visits to doctors, treatment, diagnostics, hospitalization, and emergency care.
- For master's students over 30 years of age, the cost may be higher, in which case private policies are available.
✅ On our website, you can take out an insurance policy that meets the requirements of the German immigration service. It is accepted for applying for a residence permit and enrolling at a university.
Although most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, Ukrainian students can also take advantage of scholarships and grants. This helps to cover the costs of living, insurance, and study materials.
Are there free places for foreigners?
Yes. Bachelor's and master's degrees at public universities in Germany are free for foreigners in most states — only semester fees (€100–350) are payable. The exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, where foreigners pay €1,500 per semester.
Conditions for receiving scholarships
Usually, you need to:
- have a high grade point average and academic achievements;
- provide a motivation letter and recommendations;
- confirm your language level (German or English, depending on the program);
- sometimes prove financial need.
Main programs
1. DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the largest German organization for international academic exchanges.
- It offers hundreds of programs for bachelor's, master's, PhD, and researchers.
- The scholarship covers from €850 (master's) to €1,200 (doctoral students) per month, sometimes including travel, insurance, and accommodation expenses.
- daad.de
2. Erasmus+
- Allows Ukrainians to study at German universities on an exchange or full-time basis.
- Covers flights, accommodation, and part of the cost of food.
- erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
3. Deutschlandstipendium
- A nationwide scholarship for talented students, including foreigners.
- Amount: €300 per month (50% funded by the state, 50% by private donors).
- Paid throughout the year, with the possibility of extension.
- deutschlandstipendium.de
4. Scholarships from universities
Many universities have their own support programs for foreigners. These may include:
- exemption from semester fees;
- monthly payments (€200–600);
- one-time assistance for living expenses or language courses.
Free education — is it possible?
Yes. Ukrainians can study for free in most states. In addition, scholarships (DAAD, Erasmus+, Deutschlandstipendium) cover living expenses, so studying becomes virtually free.
Where to look for scholarships?
- DAAD Scholarship Database
- Erasmus
- Specific university websites (International Office or Scholarships sections).