7 reasons why you should study in Germany
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Updated on: Jan 2025
When people think about studying abroad, they often mention countries like the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore. If you’re reading this, you’re probably still deciding where to study. While those places are popular, Germany is definitely worth considering.
You might have some concerns, like:
- Is German a difficult language to learn?
- Does it take too long to become fluent in German?
- Are German universities hard to get into?
- Is Germany too far from home?
- What if I don’t have family there?
- How does currency exchange affect me?
- Are German universities as prestigious as those in other countries?
In this article, we’ll go over 7 reasons why you should study in Germany.
1. Tuition-Free Education
Free education? Excellent. You are a savvy, intrepid individual who knows how to get the best out of life.
In many countries, tuition fees can be sky-high, but Germany is one of the few places that offers education for free—even for international students. Of course, some costs do apply, such as student fees and living expenses, but tuition is free at most public universities. In some parts of Germany, like Baden-Württemberg, non-EU students may pay about €3,000 per year, but that’s still a great deal compared to other countries.
The graph below compares the total cost to study at top universities in Germany against other popular study destinations.
Source: Compilation by OCBC Bank
You might think that “free” education means lower quality, but that’s not the case in Germany. The country is known for its high-quality education.
So, imagine studying at a world-class university without worrying about expensive tuition fees. Sounds like a great deal, right?
2. Great Job Opportunities After Graduation
Nearly 50 percent of all visitors from abroad remain in the country after their degree, paying taxes and providing the labor market with skilled workers.
After you finish your degree in Germany, you can apply for a job-seeking visa, which lets you stay in the country for up to 18 months while you search for a job. As a global economic leader, Germany has plenty of job openings in big companies like BMW, Siemens, and Daimler.
Also, many German universities focus on practical training, so you’ll not only learn theory but also gain hands-on experience that employers value. If you speak German, you’ll have even more job options, especially in German-speaking countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
3. Earn Money While Studying
They can work – 120 full days or 240 half days per year
Starting in October 2022, Germany raised its minimum wage to €12 per hour, which is great for students. Many students work part-time jobs to help cover their living costs. If you work around 20 hours per week, you can earn up to €960 a month.
On-campus jobs like being a student assistant or a librarian are popular because they often have flexible hours. If you prefer something outside, jobs in cafes or restaurants are a good way to improve your German and meet new people. Just remember, working part-time won’t likely cover all your expenses, so plan accordingly.
4. Study with International Students
I found German people to be extremely sociable and welcoming and ready to do whatever is in their power to make the stay of non-German-speaking students enjoyable.
No lazy student would take the bold initiative of going to an ‘unknown’ country, so the mere application and selection process acts as a filter to retain only the most engaged, challenged and enthusiastic students.
Germany attracts students from all over the world, which creates a vibrant, multicultural environment. Studying alongside motivated and ambitious students will inspire you and broaden your perspective. It’s not easy to leave your home country to study abroad, but doing so will help you grow personally and academically.
5. English-Taught Programmes
In fact, German universities have drastically increased all-English classes to more than 1,150 programmes across many fields.
If you’re worried about the German language, don’t be! Many universities offer English-taught programmes, especially for Master’s degrees, and more Bachelor’s programmes are starting to offer classes in English, too.
Even if you don’t speak German when you arrive, you can still get by in most academic settings. Many universities also offer free German lessons for students, so you’ll have the chance to learn the language while you study.
6. Travel Around Europe
Most universities also include a free city-wide travel ticket as part of the registration fees.
Studying in Germany means you’re in the perfect spot to explore Europe! With its central location, you can easily travel to nearby countries like Switzerland, Austria, or the Czech Republic—often in just a few hours.
Germany also offers affordable travel options for students, including city-wide travel cards that let you explore the area for little to no extra cost. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit new places, try new foods, and experience different cultures during your time abroad.
7. Fun Festivals and Activities
Germany is full of exciting events all year round. Whether you’re into books, art, engineering, or beer, there’s a festival for you. For example, you can visit the Frankfurt Book Fair if you love reading, or check out Oktoberfest if you’re a fan of beer.
And if you’re into sports, especially football (soccer), you’ll feel right at home! Germany is a country that loves its sports, and you’ll find plenty of local clubs and activities to join.
In a nutshell
Choosing the right country to study in is a big decision. You’ll spend several years of your life there, so it’s important to pick a place that feels right. We hope these 7 reasons help you see why Germany could be an excellent choice for your studies.
Good luck, and we hope you make the most of your time abroad!