Yes, most students in Germany attend public universities where tuition fees are rarely charged (with just a nominal administration fee per semester of about US$300). At private universities, however, tuition fees is charged for all undergraduate and master’s degree courses and it can range up to 10,000 euros per semester. Regardless of the amount of tuition fees – no matter how low or high – the quality of education is very high at both, public and private universities.

All universities in Germany offer internationally recognized degrees. BA or a BSc (Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science) will usually take 6 semesters (3 years) to complete, MA or MSc (Master of Arts / Master of Science) will take 2-4 semesters (1-2 years) and a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) will last 4-6 semesters (2-3 years). More specialized degrees are also available, including MBA (Masters in Business Administration) programs. For more information, see Top Courses in Germany.

To study in Germany, you need a ‘higher education entrance qualification’. This can come in many formats, particularly for international students who have gained their school-leaving qualifications in a different country. For prospective undergraduate students, a high-school diploma, school-leaving certificate or university entrance exam result is usually sufficient. For postgraduate programs, students need to provide an undergraduate degree certificate. Usually, if your qualification would allow you entry into higher education in your home country, it will also be sufficient to allow you to apply to German universities. If your qualification is not recognized, you can take a preparatory course at a Studienkolleg before taking a compulsory assessment test known as a Feststellungprüfung. For more information, see Eligibility Requirements to Study in Germany

If you’re undertaking a German-taught program, then only you will need proficiency in German. Accepted proficiency tests are the DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants), TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language), GDS (Goethe Institut German Language Diploma) and the DSD (German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II). There are numerous English-taught programs at universities in Germany, particularly at postgraduate level. If you are a non-native English speaker, you may be required to provide proof of English-language proficiency with a TOEFL or IELTS result but German language test will not be required.