Can an American go to college in Germany?

Asked by: Vella Hamill  |  Last update: November 2, 2023
Score: 5/5 (29 votes)

Everyone can study in Germany tuition-free!
This applies to almost all study programmes at public universities. There is a tiny catch: If you are from outside the EU, you will need to get a residence permit before you arrive in the country; and you will have to finish your studies in Germany.

How much does it cost for an American to go to college in Germany?

Germany offers high-quality education at low or no cost at all. Public universities in Germany require no tuition fees, but students must pay an administrative fee per semester, typically no higher than 250 EUR/semester.

How can an American student go to college in Germany?

Most international students will likely need to get a German student visa at a German consulate in their country before they can come to Germany to study.

Can I study in Germany as a US citizen?

The requirements for a German student visa for Americans are: You must have an admission letter from a German university or preparatory school. You must have enough funds to cover your stay in Germany, like a blocked account, a scholarship, or a sponsor. You must purchase a student health insurance policy.

Who qualifies for college in Germany?

To be eligible, you need a higher education entrance qualification known as Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. If your school-leaving certificate is not recognized in Germany, you will be required to attend a one-year preparatory course (Studienkolleg).

US students head to Germany for free degrees - BBC News

22 related questions found

Is college free in Germany for US citizens?

Everyone can study in Germany tuition-free!

That's right: Germans, Europeans, and all non-Europeans can study in Germany free of charge - without tuition fees. It does not matter if you are from the EU or EEA. This applies to almost all study programmes at public universities.

Is it hard to get into college in Germany?

While most universities in Germany are renowned for their affordable tuition rates, they are also known for their high acceptance rates. Some of the easiest German universities to get into include – Heidelberg University, the University of Bonn, the University of Freiburg, and the University of Berlin.

What does an American need to study in Germany?

Gather necessary documents: To apply for a student visa, you will need to have a valid passport, proof of enrolment in a German university, proof of financial means, and proof of health insurance coverage.

Can I live in Germany with US citizenship?

Do I Need a Visa to Move to Germany From The US? As a US citizen, you do not need a long-stay visa to enter Germany. But, if you plan to stay longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit in the first few days of your arrival.

Does Germany accept US citizens?

Do US Citizens Need Visas to Enter Germany? US citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, if you plan to live in Germany (or stay longer than 90 days), you can apply for a residence permit at the German Immigration Authorities after you enter.

Can American students go to college in Europe for free?

In many European countries, universities are tuition-free for local, EU, or EEA citizens. Public universities are tuition-free for Americans in Norway, Iceland, Germany (some exceptions apply), and Sweden (for doctoral students)—and they may even offer classes in English.

Do American students need a visa to study in Germany?

A student visa is official permission by a foreign government to live and study in that country. All U.S. passport holders planning to be in Germany for more than 90 days (for example, students planning to study for a semester or year) will be required to obtain a residence permit instead of a visa.

Do you have to speak German to go to college in Germany?

5. Do I need to speak German? The language of instruction at most universities in Germany is German. All students undertaking a German-taught program will need to be able to demonstrate a firm knowledge of the language, either by means of a language test result or by taking a preparatory course.

Is studying in Germany cheaper than USA?

Is it cheaper to study in USA or Germany? Yes, it is cheaper to study in Germany compared to USA because public universities in USA have no tuition fees and even at private universities the fees are much lower compared to US universities. Moreover, the cost of living in Germany vs USA is also much cheaper.

Is it cheaper to study in Europe than in the US?

Is studying in Europe cheaper than in the USA? Yes, by a large degree. As we mentioned earlier, the average tuition fee of all the 100% English-taught, accredited bachelor's programs in Europe is just $7,390 per year for international students, and even lower for European students.

Is it worth going to Germany for studies?

Germany has several top-ranked institutions, according to academic and student rankings. This means that you will both have fun and get the best of your academic studies. Even better: the majority of German degrees are recognised internationally.

How hard is it for an American to become a German citizen?

To be eligible for naturalization, a person has to have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possess the appropriate residence permit. Foreigners who have successfully completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization after seven years.

Where do most Americans live in Germany?

Berlin is, of course, the number one place to find expats in Germany. For many, many years, Berlin has been home to international artists. But in recent years, the development of the tech industry has seen a growing number of expats move there.

Do Americans pay taxes in Germany?

In most cases, the answer is both, as virtually all US citizens are required to file a US Federal Tax Return, and most expats in Germany will also need to file a German tax return. Fortunately, thanks to the US-Germany tax treaty, expats typically won't have to pay taxes twice on the same income.

Is it difficult for an American to get a job in Germany?

Generally, the job market in Germany is competitive, and it may take time to find a suitable job opportunity. However, there are various resources available, such as job search websites and recruitment agencies, to help individuals find job openings.

Is it better to live in Germany or USA?

When considering the cost of living in Germany vs. the U.S., you'll find that the cost of living in Germany is nearly 19% lower. Munich is the most expensive city in Germany, and yet consumer prices are 32.5% lower than in New York City and 14% lower than in Los Angeles.

What is the maximum age to study in Germany?

No, there is no age limit to applying to study programs in Germany. In fact, Germany is known to have a reputation for having the continent's oldest graduates—on average, 28 years old.

How can a poor student study in Germany?

1. DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a comprehensive database of scholarships and funding opportunities for various study levels and fields. 2. Erasmus+ Program: This European Union initiative provides scholarships and grants for students studying in Europe, including Germany.

How long is college in Germany?

Bachelor degrees in Germany are typically three year programs, with only a few exceptions. In Germany, you select your specific subject area from the beginning, unlike at universities in the US where you can often postpone your decision on a major up until your junior year, for example.

What is the easiest university to get into in Germany?

Top 15 Easiest Universities to Get Into in Germany
  1. University of Potsdam. ...
  2. University of Hildesheim. ...
  3. University of Siegen. ...
  4. University of Kassel. ...
  5. University of Vechta. ...
  6. Fulda University of Applied Sciences. ...
  7. University of Applied Sciences Esslingen. ...
  8. University of Applied Sciences Bielefeld.