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Study In Germany After SPM or IGCSE: A Complete Guide For Malaysian Students 2025

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Updated on: Jan 2025

Guide to study in Germany

Key Takeaways

  • Malaysian students can study in Germany after SPM through tuition-free public universities or vocational training.
  • Students can choose between academic pathways (A Level German Pathway, University Preparation Programme) or hands-on routes (TVET in Germany).
  • Dual vocational programmes offer paid, practical training in fields like culinary arts, hotel management, and events management.
  • Proficiency in the German language (B1–B2) is essential for most programmes.
  • Early preparation with the right preparation programme increases your chances of success.

Studying abroad is a dream for many Malaysian students. Every year, thousands head to the UK, Australia, or the US to continue their studies. While education is a big reason, many students also hope to find jobs in those countries because of better pay. However, it’s getting harder to find work after graduation in some of these places.

But that’s not the case in Germany.

Germany is home to some of the world’s top universities and leading industries. The best part? Germany welcomes skilled and talented people. If you decide to study in Germany, not only will you get a solid education, but you’ll also have a good chance to stay and work after you graduate. Imagine saving €200 a month— that’s around RM1000! How many fresh graduates in Malaysia can say they’re making enough to cover their living expenses?

Why Study in Germany After SPM?

Germany is an ideal destination for Malaysian students after SPM, offering quality education, practical career pathways, and minimal cost.

Most public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees, making it affordable to earn a globally recognised degree.

Choose between academic routes like the A Level German Pathway or hands-on options such as TVET in Germany, also called the Dual Vocational Training—ideal for fields like culinary arts, hotel management, and events management.

Vocational training allows you to gain work experience and earn an allowance while studying, making it both practical and cost-effective.

International students can work part-time and stay up to 18 months after graduation to find a job, offering strong post-study prospects.

What’s the Career Outlook in Germany?

Let’s take the automotive industry, for example. Many Malaysians are familiar with top German car brands like Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Audi. Other well-known companies like Siemens, Bosch, Osram, Infineon and DHL also have a presence in Malaysia. These companies are always on the lookout for talented individuals, whether they’re in Germany or Malaysia.

As Germany is a leader in many other industries, you can be confident that when you study in Germany, you are well-equipped to start your career. And with over 400 universities offering more than 22,000 courses, you’ll definitely find something that suits your interests. Plus, when you graduate, you could kickstart your career right there in Germany.

Since the process to study in Germany isn’t as straightforward and information isn’t as easily available as for other study destinations, here’s a guide to help you prepare.

German University Pathways for Malaysian Students

Germany offers several pathways for Malaysian students to enter university after SPM, each designed to match different academic backgrounds and career goals. Whether you’re aiming for a degree or prefer a more hands-on approach, there’s a suitable route for you.

The most straightforward academic route is through the  A Level German Pathway. After SPM, students complete their A Level while learning the German language, up to B1 level.

This combination prepares students to apply directly to German public universities. It’s a popular choice for those interested in fields like engineering, business, IT, and sciences.

For students who don’t take the A Level German Pathway at MCKL, the University Preparation Programme is another option. After SPM or IGCSE, students can choose one of the recognised pre-university qualifications such as Australian Matriculation, STPM, IB Diploma or even just to focus on A Level first before learning German full time.

Students will then focus on acquiring German C1 language proficiency which is required before entry. This route leads to eligibility for bachelor’s degree programmes at public universities.

If you’re more interested in practical skills and immediate employment, the dual vocational programme is ideal. Students undergo 3-4 years of paid vocational training in Germany, combining classroom study with hands-on work at a company.

This TVET in Germany model is highly regarded and covers industries like culinary arts, hotel management, events management, healthcare, and more.

Requirements to study at a university

To study a Bachelor’s degree in Germany, you need a recognized university entrance qualification. In German, that’s called the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB).

According to Anabin, a database of foreign qualification evaluation, here are the pre-university qualifications in Malaysia that allow you to apply directly for a Bachelor’s degree at a German university:

  • Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
  • A Level
  • Australian Year 12 (e.g., AUSMAT, WACE, SACE, HSC)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Most Bachelor’s degree programmes in Germany are taught in German, but some are in English. If your course is in German, you’ll need to prove your German language skills. If it’s in English, you’ll need to prove your English skills.

Here’s a quick overview of language tests which are recognised:

  • German Tests:
    • DSH
    • TestDaF
    • Goethe Zertifikat
    • Telc
    • DSD German language diploma
  • English Tests:
    • IELTS
    • TOEFL

If the course is offered in German, students will likely need to reach a C1 level in German, which is advanced. Here’s a quick guide to the language levels:

  • A1 and A2: Beginner
  • B1 and B2: Intermediate
  • C1 and C2: Advanced

The chart below sums up the requirements for Malaysian students to gain entry into a German university after their secondary school education.

guide to study in Germany after SPM and IGCSE

Students with the following qualifications usually will not have direct entry to a German Bachelor’s degree programme:

  • Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)
  • Diploma
  • Foundation
  • Matriculation
  • Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)

However, we are able to accept them to our university preparation programme where they have options to study in Germany or in Austria.

Dual Vocational Training requirements

For Dual Vocational Training, students will only need to complete up to SPM or IGCSE. 

Since students will be training in companies, students will need to be fluent in German. At the very minimum, German B1 will be required although German B2 is recommended.

What should I do if I want to study in Germany after SPM?

Wondering how to start the process of studying in this beautiful nation? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

If you’ve just finished your SPM, IGCSE, or O Levels, your next step is to choose a pre-university programme recognised by German universities. We’ve put together an article on the Pre-University Courses that will help you open the door to German universities.

This should probably be your first step, but we’ve placed it second since it fits better here. If you haven’t figured out what you want to study, now’s the time to explore your options.

German universities require students to take subjects that are related to their chosen Bachelor’s degree. If you’re unsure about what to study or which subjects to take, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll guide you on which subjects are needed for your pre-university programme, as well as the grades you’ll need to get in.

Since most Bachelor’s programmes in Germany are in German, it’s crucial to learn the language. Even if you plan to study in English, speaking German will help you with day-to-day life outside of university—like talking to people at the supermarket, or even while working part-time. Some employers in Germany will only hire people who speak German, so it’s definitely worth mastering the language.

In addition to having the right pre-university qualification and language skills, some universities or programmes have extra requirements. For example:

  • Mechanical Engineering students might need to complete a 6-8 week internship.
  • Students in Architecture or Fashion may need to submit a portfolio or take an aptitude test.
  • Those applying for Music degrees will have to audition.

Make sure to check the university’s website for the latest requirements for your specific course.

Ready to take the leap and study in Germany? Join one of our preparation programmes!

If you want to learn German alongside your A Levels, our A Level German Pathway programme might be right for you. This programme is perfect if you want to start university as soon as possible or want more time to decide if studying in German is for you.

If you’d prefer to focus on your pre-university studies first, then take time to focus on learning German later, the University Preparation Programme is a great option. This will allow you to start your university studies a semester later, giving you more time to get up to speed with the language.

From lectures and assignments to daily life and work placements, German proficiency helps you adapt and thrive. Learning German gives you a significant edge. It opens doors to a wider range of university and vocational training programmes, many of which require at least B2 proficiency.

With stronger language skills, you’ll find it easier to adapt to daily life, make connections, and integrate smoothly into German society. More importantly, being fluent in German enhances your employability not just in Germany, but across Europe and internationally—making you a more competitive candidate in today’s global job market.

How to Choose the Right Path?

Your ideal pathway depends on your academic results, language proficiency, and career goals:

  • Express university route → A Level + German
  • Intensive German route → Recognised pre-u qualification after SPM/IGCSE + German
  • Practical career path → Dual Vocational Training + German

No matter the path, early preparation—especially to learn the German language—is key to success. If you’re unsure, our team at German Educare will be able to help you determine the best path.

Conclusion

Germany offers a world-class, tuition-free education system with clear pathways for Malaysian students after SPM through academic degrees or vocational training like the dual vocational programme. By starting early with the right pre-university programme and learning the German language, you’ll unlock a future of global opportunities.

Whether you’re aiming for engineering, culinary arts, hotel management or nursing, Germany is a smart, affordable, and rewarding choice. With the right guidance and preparation, your journey to study in Germany after SPM starts here with us.

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