Still growing.New universities and courses are added most weekdays (not weekends), each checked against the university's own page before it goes live — worth checking back. Sources last read 1 Oct 2026. How we verify →

StudyPath
Not separately QS-rankedCologne and Berlin, Germany· QS World University Rankings 2027

IU International University of Applied Sciences

What stands out

  • Taught in English

    13 of 17courses

    Taught fully in English

    Across the 2040 courses we list in Germany, 1238 are not fully English-taught.

    See the courses ↓

IU International University of Applied Sciences, in Cologne and Berlin, Germany, has 2 undergraduate courses and 15 master's courses listed on StudyPath. IU publishes its own accommodation prices, from €300 per month. Every figure above was read from IU's own published pages and last checked on 1 October 2026.

Applying from abroad? Deadlines, final results and start dates catch many students out. Read this before you choose ↓

No QS World University Rankings position found. IU International University of Applied Sciences is a private, state-recognised German university of applied sciences and does not appear in the QS World University Rankings table. This is normal for a German university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) — QS World ranks research universities almost exclusively — and is not a quality signal.

Courses
17
Fees verified
17 / 17
iu.org ↗
Applies everywhere on the site, on this device — change it any time.
Not set — every fee below is the international rate. Home and EU/EEA rates are often far lower.

courses

17 courses

Computer Science (On Campus)

B.Sc. · 3 years · Computer Science

International tuition

€25,500 total for the course

Published, undated

Priced for this course · All students — no separate international rate

IU publishes this figure without stating which year it applies to, so it may already be out of date. Treat it as a starting point and check the course page for the current rate. Flag it below if you know it has changed.

IU is a private university and this is the undiscounted total programme cost it prints alongside every payment plan. What a student actually pays today is less, because IU is running a time-limited offer: the same page advertises "Apply to study at our international campus by September 5th and save up to 20% on tuition fees", and each plan shows an 18% programme discount already included — EUR 20,910 paid as EUR 3,485 x 6 semesters, EUR 20,492 paid yearly as EUR 6,831 (18% plus an extra 2%), or EUR 18,819 paid in full up front (18% plus an extra 10%). The full sticker price is recorded here rather than a discounted one precisely because the discount is dated and can lapse; the discounted figures are all in this note. No academic year appears next to any of them.

Show the fee on the university's site

Beyond tuition, IU publishes exactly two further charges for on-campus students: a one-time campus registration fee of EUR 1,500 and a semester ticket at EUR 226.80 per semester. It states there are no additional fees for graduation, administration or other services, and no application fee. Because IU is private there is no state tuition-free rate and no public-university Semesterbeitrag; the semester ticket is the transport component only.

Show the source
Intake
October, April
Source
Taught in
English
Source
✓ Word for wordRead 26 Aug 2026
“Degree programme B.Sc., 180 ECTS credits Language English Mode of study On Campus: Cologne”
Bachelor of Computer Science on Campus in Germany — IU International University of Applied Sciencesiu.org
Open the official page ↗
Application deadline
Not verified
Entry requirementsEnglish · grades · interview

English language

  • IELTS Academic, 6 overall
  • TOEFL iBT (Test Centre), 80 overall
  • Cambridge certificate, 169 overallB2 First with a minimum score of 169.
Source

Academic offer

A higher secondary school leaving certificate such as A-Levels or the IB Diploma, plus a transcript of records. Applicants from India, China and Vietnam additionally need an APS certificate. Some qualifications require IU's Pathway programme first.
Source
Convert your grade to compare →

Interview

Yes — a 15-minute online interview with the admissions team is a required part of the eligibility check for international applicants, covering academic background, motivation and career objectives.
Source

Business Administration (On Campus)

B.A. · 3 years · Business & Management

International tuition

€25,500 total for the course

Published, undated

Priced for this course · All students — no separate international rate

IU publishes this figure without stating which year it applies to, so it may already be out of date. Treat it as a starting point and check the course page for the current rate. Flag it below if you know it has changed.

IU is a private university and this is the undiscounted total programme cost it prints alongside every payment plan. What a student actually pays today is less, because IU is running a time-limited offer: the same page advertises "Apply to study at our international campus by September 5th and save up to 20% on tuition fees", and each plan shows an 18% programme discount already included — EUR 20,910 paid as EUR 3,485 x 6 semesters, EUR 20,492 paid yearly as EUR 6,831 (18% plus an extra 2%), or EUR 18,819 paid in full up front (18% plus an extra 10%). The full sticker price is recorded here rather than a discounted one precisely because the discount is dated and can lapse; the discounted figures are all in this note. The same rate applies to the Computer Science degree. No academic year appears next to any of them.

Show the fee on the university's site

Beyond tuition, IU publishes exactly two further charges for on-campus students: a one-time campus registration fee of EUR 1,500 and a semester ticket at EUR 226.80 per semester. It states there are no additional fees for graduation, administration or other services, and no application fee. Because IU is private there is no state tuition-free rate and no public-university Semesterbeitrag; the semester ticket is the transport component only.

Show the source
Intake
October, April
Source
Taught in
English
Source
✓ Word for wordRead 26 Aug 2026
“Degree programme B.A., 180 ECTS credits Language English Mode of study On Campus: Cologne”
Bachelor of Business Administration on Campus in Germany — IU International University of Applied Sciencesiu.org
Open the official page ↗
Application deadline
Not verified

What you'll study

Not yet added.

Entry requirementsEnglish · grades · interview

English language

  • IELTS Academic, 6 overall
  • TOEFL iBT (Test Centre), 80 overall
  • Cambridge certificate, 169 overallB2 First with a minimum score of 169.
Source

Academic offer

A higher secondary school leaving certificate such as A-Levels or the IB Diploma, plus a transcript of records.
Source
Convert your grade to compare →

Interview

Yes — a 15-minute online interview with the admissions team is a required part of the eligibility check for international applicants, covering academic background, motivation and career objectives.
Source

Computer Science (MSc, On Campus)

MSc · 2 years · Computer Science

International tuition

€20,000 total for the course

Published, undated

Priced for this course · All students — no separate international rate

IU publishes this figure without stating which year it applies to, so it may already be out of date. Treat it as a starting point and check the course page for the current rate. Flag it below if you know it has changed.

The undiscounted total. IU currently includes a 17% discount in its payment plans, bringing the four-semester plan to €16,600 (€4,150 a semester); the discount is time-limited.

Show the fee on the university's site
Intake
Not verified
Taught in
English
Source
Application deadline
Not verified

What you'll study

Not yet added.

Cyber Security (MSc, On Campus)

MSc · 2 years · Cybersecurity

International tuition

€20,000 total for the course

Published, undated

Priced for this course · All students — no separate international rate

IU publishes this figure without stating which year it applies to, so it may already be out of date. Treat it as a starting point and check the course page for the current rate. Flag it below if you know it has changed.

The undiscounted total. IU currently includes a 17% discount in its payment plans, bringing the four-semester plan to €16,600 (€4,150 a semester); the discount is time-limited.

Show the fee on the university's site
Intake
Not verified
Taught in
English
Source
Application deadline
Not verified

What you'll study

Not yet added.

Master of Business Administration (MBA, On Campus)

MBA · 1.5 years · Business & Management

International tuition

€17,500 total for the course

Published, undated

Priced for this course · All students — no separate international rate

IU publishes this figure without stating which year it applies to, so it may already be out of date. Treat it as a starting point and check the course page for the current rate. Flag it below if you know it has changed.

The undiscounted total. IU currently includes a 14% discount in its payment plans, bringing the three-semester plan to €15,050 (€5,017 a semester); the discount is time-limited.

Show the fee on the university's site
Intake
Not verified
Taught in
English
Source
Application deadline
Not verified

What you'll study

Not yet added.

International Management (MA, On Campus)

MA · 2 years · International Business, Business & Management

International tuition

€20,000 total for the course

Published, undated

Priced for this course · All students — no separate international rate

IU publishes this figure without stating which year it applies to, so it may already be out of date. Treat it as a starting point and check the course page for the current rate. Flag it below if you know it has changed.

The undiscounted total. IU currently includes a 17% discount in its payment plans, bringing the four-semester plan to €16,600 (€4,150 a semester); the discount is time-limited.

Show the fee on the university's site
Intake
Not verified
Taught in
English
Source
Application deadline
Not verified

What you'll study

Not yet added.

How IU compares

Against the other universities in Germany on StudyPath, using each one's verified international fees and its own published housing prices. Universities are only compared with others charging in the same currency (and, for housing, for the same period), so no figure here has been converted. A ~ marks a year worked out from a per-term or whole-course fee.

IU's lowest undergraduate fee for international students is ~€8,500 a year, for Business Administration (On Campus). Of the 113 other universities in Germany we list with undergraduate fees in EUR, 12 charge more at their lowest, 101 charge less. Their lowest undergraduate fees run from nothing (H-BRS) to €27,500 (Bard College Berlin).

IU's lowest master's fee for international students is ~€10,000 a year, for Computer Science (MSc, On Campus). Of the 88 other universities in Germany we list with master's fees in EUR, 7 charge more at their lowest, 81 charge less. Their lowest master's fees run from nothing (H-BRS) to ~€23,850 (Constructor University).

Student housing. IU's own lowest published rate is €300 per month. Of the 111 other universities in Germany we list that publish housing per month in EUR, 51 charge more, 51 charge less, 9 charge the same. Their lowest published rates run from €148 (Uni Rostock) to €650 (FU Berlin).

Living costs. The living-cost figure for a student visa to Germany is €11,904 per year, on top of tuition (figure for 10.04.2025; read 19 Aug 2026 from allemagneenfrance.diplo.de). The authority attaches conditions that can change this amount; see them in full on student finance.

By subject
SubjectLowest fee hereAgainst other universities in GermanyTheir lowest fees
Business & Managementundergraduate~€8,500Business Administration (On Campus)12 of 90 charge moreFree to €27,500
Computer Scienceundergraduate~€8,500Computer Science (On Campus)7 of 78 charge moreFree to ~€23,850
Computer Sciencemaster's~€10,000Computer Science (MSc, On Campus)5 of 46 charge moreFree to ~€23,850
Business & Managementmaster's~€10,000International Management (MA, On Campus)7 of 45 charge moreFree to ~€21,450
Engineering (General)master's~€11,667Engineering Management (MBA, On Campus)1 of 36 charge moreFree to ~€12,000
Data Science & AImaster's~€11,667Artificial Intelligence (MBA, On Campus)3 of 27 charge moreFree to ~€23,850

Subjects taught at IU

Each one opens every course in that subject, at every university we hold, with the same verified fees.

Where these figures come from

11 sentences from IU's own site each back several figures above. Each is quoted once here; every course that uses one still opens it and links to its own source page.

  1. Used for teaching language on 11 courses

    “Language English”
    The same sentence appears on 11 pagesiu.orgread 26 Sept 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  2. Used for international fee on 11 courses

    “Total programme cost €15,050 €17,500 Paid as €5,017 x 3 semesters”
    The same sentence appears on 11 pagesiu.orgread 26 Sept 2026 to 1 Oct 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  3. Used for course length on 7 courses

    “Duration 18 months”
    The same sentence appears on 7 pagesiu.orgread 26 Sept 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  4. Used for international fee on 3 courses

    “Total programme cost €16,600 €20,000 Paid as €4,150 x 4 semesters”
    The same sentence appears on 3 pagesiu.orgread 26 Sept 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  5. Used for course length on 3 courses

    “Duration 24 months”
    The same sentence appears on 3 pagesiu.orgread 26 Sept 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  6. Used for course length on 2 courses, start dates on 2 courses

    “Study start October or April Duration 36 months”
    The same sentence appears on 2 pagesiu.orgread 26 Aug 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  7. Used for entry requirements on 2 courses

    “Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate such as A-Levels or IB Diploma and your transcript of records.”
    The same sentence appears on 2 pagesiu.orgread 26 Aug 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  8. Used for entry requirements on 2 courses

    “We accept the following English language skills certificates*: IELTS Academic (at least 6.0 points) TOEFL iBT (Test Centre) (at least 80 points) Cambridge certificate (B2 First with min. score of 169)”
    The same sentence appears on 2 pagesiu.orgread 26 Aug 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  9. Used for cost note on 2 courses

    “At IU, we believe in transparent pricing. Beyond your tuition, you'll pay: One-time campus registration: €1,500 Semester ticket: €226.80/semester There are no additional fees for graduation, administration or other services.”
    The same sentence appears on 2 pagesiu.orgread 26 Aug 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  10. Used for international fee on 2 courses

    “Total programme cost €20,910 €25,500 Paid as €3,485 x 6 semesters”
    The same sentence appears on 2 pagesiu.orgread 26 Aug 2026
    Open one of them ↗

  11. Used for entry requirements on 2 courses

    “The interview is a required component of the eligibility check for international applicants.”
    The same sentence appears on 2 pagesiu.orgread 26 Aug 2026
    Open one of them ↗

More about IU

About & contact

Cologne and Berlin, Germany· view on Google Maps ↗iu.org ↗

Find nearby

Halal food ↗Mosque ↗Supermarket ↗Pharmacy ↗Bank / ATM ↗SIM card ↗

These open a map search near Cologne and Berlin. StudyPath isn't listing or vouching for specific places — what the university itself publishes about on-campus facilities appears under On-campus amenities, cited like everything else here.

No admissions email, phone number, or address verified for this university yet. Not yet collected, not necessarily unavailable.

Accommodation

€300–€1,100per month

student dormitories (Studentenwohnheime) in Berlin — run either by the public Studierendenwerk Berlin or by private student-housing operators — as priced in IU's own accommodation guide for its Berlin campus. IU operates no halls of its own.

  • Public dormitory (Studierendenwerk Berlin)€300–€400
  • Private student-housing provider dormitory€600–€1,100

IU describes dormitory rent as all-inclusive, with utilities and internet often included, rooms furnished, and many dorms running social events or providing common study areas; the trade-offs it names are long waiting lists, shared kitchens and bathrooms, and eligibility rules at some dorms. The same table prices the two alternatives: a room in a shared flat (WG) at €400–800 a month, and a private apartment at €1,200–1,800 in the city centre or €700–1,300 further out.

Published by the university itself, not a live listings price. Actual cost depends on room type, availability and when you apply.

Show the source
✓ Word for wordRead 26 Aug 2026
“Housing Option Pros Cons Typical Cost (per month) Student Dormitories Affordable, fully furnished, all-inclusive, near campus, student community Limited availability, shared facilities, long waitlists, some restrictions Avg: €300–€700 Public: €300–€400 Private: €600–€1,100”
Find Accommodation in Berlin — IU International University of Applied Sciencesiu.org
Open the official page ↗

Search student housing near Cologne and Berlin → (partner link)

Applying to Germany from abroad: what catches students out

Deadlines, results and start dates, in the words of DAAD, uni-assist and the German missions. Check them before you choose, not at the last step.

Where and when to apply

  • Depending on your country, your certificate and your subject, you apply to the university directly, through uni-assist, or through the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung. Check which one your course uses first.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Foreign students have to apply to the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung, directly to the higher education institution, or to the University Application Service for International Students (uni-assist) – this depends on which country they come from, what higher education entrance qualification they hold, and what subject they want to study.”
    Application process - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • Most universities take winter-semester applications (for a September/October start) from early May to 15 July, and summer-semester ones (March/April start) from early December to 15 January. Private universities can differ. Acceptance letters go out in August/September and February/March.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “At most higher education institutions, the application phase for the winter semester starting in September/October begins in early May and ends on 15 July. For the summer semester starting in March/April the application period runs from early December to 15 January. Letters of acceptance are sent out in August/September and in February/March. Rejections are often sent a little later. Private universities may have other deadlines.”
    Application process - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • Many courses start only in the winter semester. If yours does, missing its deadline means waiting a full year.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Many courses start only in the winter semester, not in the summer semester.”
    Bachelor & Staatsexamen | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • Only around a quarter of bachelor's programmes can also be started in the summer semester.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Start in the summer semester: Around one quarter of all Bachelor's programmes can also be started in the summer semester.”
    Application process - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗

Your final results have to be out before the deadline

  • Predicted grades are not accepted. With A levels you can only meet a deadline if your results are published before it and you send uni-assist your Statement of Results in time.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Predicted grades issued by your school are not sufficient for a university application in Germany. This means that you will only be able to meet the university's application deadline if the awarding body publishes your A Level results before the deadline and you submit the Statements of Results to uni-assist before the application deadline .”
    Info country by country: United Kingdom | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • In 2026, A level results came out on 13 August, a month after the usual 15 July deadline. Unless your course's deadline is later, the earliest start for that year's A level students is the summer semester (if the course has one) or the next winter semester.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Results may be released to candidates as follows: Date Qualifications 08:00 on Thursday 13 August 2026 GCE AS and A level, FSMQ”
    Notice to Centres: Release of results, June 2026 | JCQjcq.org.uk
    Open the official page ↗
  • Taking the IB? Send the reports you already have, and a confirmation from your school if needed, as early as possible, even before your results are out.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Please submit all your reports that have already been issued and, if required, additional written confirmation from your school as early as possible, even if your IB results will not be released until a few weeks later.”
    FAQs: Assemble your documents | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗

If you apply through uni-assist: deadlines are final

  • Only complete applications that arrive before the deadline are passed on to universities.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “We can only forward applications to the universities that were submitted complete within the application deadline .”
    FAQs: Send & Track | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • Once the deadline has passed you can't add documents or change anything. You have to apply again for a later semester.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “If the application deadline has passed , you can no longer submit documents or make any changes. If that is the case, you can apply again for a later semester.”
    Status, evaluation result & admission | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • uni-assist usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to send its evaluation, counted from the day it receives your online application.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “You will usually receive your evaluation result within 4 to 6 weeks – counting from the day on which we received your online application form.”
    FAQs: Send & Track | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • uni-assist's advice: apply at least 8 weeks before the deadline, so there is still time to send anything missing.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Tip: Apply as early as possible, at least 8 weeks before the application deadline expires if possible. That way you can still submit any missing documents in time.”
    FAQs: Send & Track | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • If your university uses a VPD (preliminary review documentation), uni-assist only checks your documents. You then still apply to the university yourself, so allow extra time for that second step.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Are you applying for the preliminary review documentation (VPD) ? If so, you should allow more time for your application, because you generally still have to apply to the university directly using the VPD .”
    FAQs: Send & Track | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗

Documents

  • For uni-assist, upload copies of your certificates in their original language, each with a certified translation into German or English.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Upload all copies of your certificates in their original language , accompanied by a certified translation in German or English.”
    Educational certificates | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • Applying directly? DAAD says only officially certified copies and translations are accepted, though some universities also take documents in English or French. Certification, for example at the German embassy, costs a fee.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Please note: Only officially certified copies and translations are accepted for the application process. Official certifications can be issued for example by the German embassy in your home country. Some higher education institutions also accept documents in English and French. There is a fee for getting a document certified.”
    Application process - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗

Language

  • Most courses are taught in German. Even some English-taught ones ask for proof of German, so check what each university requires.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “In Germany, courses are usually taught in German. Some courses of study are taught in English, but proof of German proficiency may still be required.”
    Language certificates | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • Each university decides which English tests it accepts (IELTS, TOEFL and others) and the minimum score.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “From each university of your choice , find out which proofs of English proficiency are accepted and which level of proficiency is required.”
    Language certificates | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • TestDaF certificate not out yet? uni-assist accepts your registration confirmation, if it shows your test date and participant number.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Please upload your confirmation of registration for the exam. The confirmation of registration must show your test date and participant number so that we can verify your results online.”
    FAQs: Assemble your documents | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • The Studienkolleg is taught in German, so you usually need German to get in, even if the bachelor's you want afterwards is taught in English.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “The language of instruction in Studienkollegs is German, so you generally need to show adequate proficiency in German to be admitted to a Studienkolleg . This also applies even if you wish to then study for a bachelor degree with English as language of instruction.”
    Studienkolleg – preparatory course | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • Each Studienkolleg sets its own admission rules, which can include its own deadlines and translation requirements.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “The admission criteria are set by the individual universities and Studienkollegs . These criteria may include formal application requirements, such as specific deadlines and translations of documents.”
    Studienkolleg – preparatory course | uni-assistuni-assist.de
    Open the official page ↗

Visa

  • A visa can take months, so apply early. Never come on a tourist visa: it cannot be turned into a student visa later.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “TIP: It can sometimes take months for a visa to be issued, so it's important to apply early on. Please note: A tourist visa cannot be converted to a student visa later on.”
    Visas - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • With an acceptance letter you apply for a student visa. Still waiting for one, or sitting an entrance exam? There is a prospective student visa, valid for up to nine months.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “If you have already been accepted to a higher education institution, you can apply for a student visa. If you are still waiting for your letter of acceptance or have to complete an entrance examination, you can apply for a prospective student visa. Prospective student visas are valid for up to nine months.”
    Visas - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗

After you arrive

  • Register your address at the residents' registration office within two weeks of moving into a room or flat.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Once you have found a room or a flat in Germany, you have to go to the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office) within two weeks.”
    Residence Permit & Address Registration - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • Do that first: you can't, for example, open a bank account until you have registered.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Most important is registering at the residents' registration office. You cannot, for example, open a bank account until you have done this.”
    Residence Permit & Address Registration - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • From outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, you then apply for a residence permit at the foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde).
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “If you do not come from one of the aforementioned countries, you must report to the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) and apply for a residence permit.”
    Residence Permit & Address Registration - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • The residence permit card can take several months to be ready.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “It can take several months until the card is ready.”
    Residence Permit & Address Registration - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • It is only renewed if you study regularly, taking exams and earning credits.
    Their words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 11 Oct 2026
    “Whether your visa is extended depends on whether you study regularly, i.e. take exams and gain credit points.”
    Residence Permit & Address Registration - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗

The money you must prove for the visa, health cover and the work limits: further down, in “After you graduate” ↓

Starting a bachelor's in Germany with a school certificate from abroad

What DAAD, Germany's academic exchange service, publishes. It applies to every university in Germany, IU included.

  • Not every school-leaving certificate from abroad lets you start a degree in Germany straight away. Without a recognised university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung), you can't enter the German system directly.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “Not all foreign school-leaving certificates are recognised as university entrance qualifications (in German: Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, HZB) for studies in Germany, as the education systems are too different for this. Without the HZB, it is not possible to enter directly into the German university system.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • If yours does not qualify, the route is a Studienkolleg: a preparatory course that ends in an exam called the Feststellungsprüfung.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “If your school-leaving certificate does not entitle you to directly start studying in Germany, you can apply for a place at a Studienkolleg that has a final assessment test, the so-called Feststellungsprüfung (FSP).”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • It usually takes two semesters. Students who do very well can sometimes finish in one.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “Usually, preparation at a Studienkolleg takes two semesters. Students who perform very well may be able to shorten this time to one semester.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
    Open the official page ↗
  • Most Studienkollegs teach in German, up to C1 level.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “Most Studienkollegs offer courses in the German language. Studienkollegs teach language skills up to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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  • Public Studienkollegs charge no tuition, only the semester fee. Private ones often charge fees.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “In general, public Studienkollegs offer programmes that are free of charge (except for the semester fee), whereas private Studienkollegs frequently charge fees.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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  • DAAD's certificate check applies to bachelor's programmes only, and it is a guide: the university makes the final decision.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “Please note that the eligibility check results apply exclusively to undergraduate programmes. The information is for guidance only, as the final decision on admission always lies with the higher education institution.”
    Database on admission requirements - DAADdaad.de
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How the Studienkolleg route works
  • The subject you want to study decides which course you take. For universities: M (medicine, biology, pharmacy), T (maths, science, technical subjects), W (business, economics, social sciences), G (humanities, German studies) and S (languages). For universities of applied sciences: TI (technical, engineering), WW (economics), GD (creative, artistic) and SW (social sciences).
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “For studies at universities M courses – for medical, biological or pharmaceutical courses of study W courses – for business and economics programmes and social science courses of study G courses – for the humanities or German studies programmes T courses – for mathematical-scientific or technical courses of study S courses – for language programmes For studies at a university of applied sciences TI courses – for technical and engineering courses of study WW courses – for economics programmes GD courses – for creative and artistic programmes SW courses – for social science courses of study”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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  • Some Studienkollegs prepare you only for universities, some only for universities of applied sciences, and some for both. Check before you apply.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “This is because some Studienkollegs only prepare students for a degree programme at a university or at a university of applied sciences, while some Studienkollegs offer both options.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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  • Usually you can study anywhere in Germany afterwards, but some Studienkollegs are tied to a region or to particular universities.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “Usually, it is possible to study anywhere in Germany after successfully completing the Studienkolleg, but in some cases the Studienkolleg is tied to certain geographical regions or specific higher education institutions.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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  • Many public Studienkollegs do not take applications directly. Depending on the course and university, you apply to the university itself or through uni-assist. Private ones often take direct applications.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “It is sometimes not possible for applicants to directly apply for a place at many public Studienkollegs. Depending on the degree programme or higher education institution of your choice, you can apply directly to the institution or via uni-assist. On the other hand, direct application is often possible at private Studienkollegs.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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  • Public Studienkollegs always end in a state-recognised exam. Only a few private ones do, so check first.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “Public Studienkollegs guarantee a state-recognised assessment test. However, there are only a few private Studienkollegs that can offer a state-recognised qualification. Therefore, applicants should inform themselves in advance.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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  • Before you enrol, check that the university you want accepts the exam from that Studienkolleg.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “Because of this, it is important to check with the higher education institution of your choice to find out if the FSP of the Studienkolleg you want to attend will be accepted in order to avoid any potential problems.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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  • Some Studienkollegs guarantee a place on particular degree courses at certain universities once you pass.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “In some cases, Studienkollegs also guarantee a place in individual degree programmes at certain universities after a successfully completed FSP.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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  • You can also prepare on your own and sit the exam externally, but places for external candidates are often limited.
    DAAD's words
    ✓ Word for wordRead 8 Oct 2026
    “Prospective students can also prepare for the assessment test on their own without a Studienkolleg and then take the test externally. The number of examination spaces for students who take the test externally is often limited for capacity reasons.”
    Studienkollegs (preparatory courses) in Germany - Well prepared for university studies - DAADdaad.de
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After you graduate

Rules read 16 Aug 2026. Check the current rules, this may be out of date

What Germany's own immigration authority currently publishes. Not a ranking, not a guarantee, and not the same as what any agent or forum will tell you. Whether someone actually obtains residence depends on occupation, points, funds and policy that can change between application and graduation.

Money you must prove before the visa

€11,904per year — the mission publishes it both ways, as 992,00 Euro pro Monat and 11.904,00 Euro pro Jahr, and says the proof normally has to cover the first year of the planned stay

Paid into a blocked account before you travel, and released to you in monthly instalments once you arrive.

Figure published for: 10.04.2025, the date the Federal Foreign Office carries on this page, and still stated there as the amount required when read on 19 August 2026. The figure is the BAföG maximum support rate, which the Auswärtiges Amt says the deposit is based on, so it moves when that rate moves. This amount is revised regularly, so check it again before you transfer anything.

A Sperrkonto is one accepted way to show the money, not the only one: the Auswärtiges Amt also accepts evidence of the parents' income and assets, a Verpflichtungserklärung (a formal undertaking under §§ 66-68 AufenthG by someone living in Germany), or an annually renewable bank guarantee lodged with a German bank. Someone applying as a Studienbewerber/in (applicant for a study place, § 17 II AufenthG) rather than an enrolled student must show a higher 1.091,00 Euro per month. A scholarship counts toward the requirement, but where it is worth less than 992,00 Euro a month the shortfall still has to be evidenced separately. Only 1/12 of the deposited total may be withdrawn per month, and at the visa appointment the mission accepts only an official account-opening confirmation naming both the total paid in and the monthly available amount. Blocked-account provider fees are payable on top of the blocked sum.

Show the source
✓ Word for wordRead 19 Aug 2026
“Für den Aufenthalt in Deutschland müssen mindestens 992,00 Euro pro Monat bzw. 11.904,00 Euro pro Jahr zur Verfügung stehen. Diesen Betrag sieht das Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) pro Studienjahr vor.”
Nachweis zur Finanzierung des Studienaufenthalts - Auswärtiges Amt (Deutsche Botschaft Paris)allemagneenfrance.diplo.de
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Compare this against other countries →

Germany also requires proof of health cover for this visa. See what's required →

Work during study

International students on a residence permit for study purposes may generally work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without needing separate permission from the immigration or labour authorities, and may also take on student ancillary jobs (studentische Nebentätigkeiten — e.g. a student-assistant role at their own institution) which are not counted against that limit. In exceptional cases, the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) responsible for the applicant's place of study can restrict this.

Show the source
✓ Word for wordRead 16 Aug 2026
“Grundsätzlich können Sie 120 ganze oder 240 halbe Tage im Jahr einer Beschäftigung nachgehen sowie studentische Nebentätigkeiten ausüben. In Ausnahmefällen kann diese Möglichkeit durch die für Ihren Studienort zuständige Ausländerbehörde eingeschränkt werden.”
Kann ich während meines Studiums in Deutschland arbeiten, um mein Studium zu finanzieren? - Auswärtiges Amtauswaertiges-amt.de
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Post-study work visa

Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche nach Studienabschluss (residence permit to seek employment after graduation, Section 20 Residence Act) . Up to 18 months
After successfully completing a degree or doctorate at a German higher education institution, a graduate can obtain a residence permit for up to 18 months to look for a job for any qualified employment. Any kind of work is permitted during this job-search period, and the applicant must be able to show their living costs are covered for it. (A separate, later 'Chancenkarte' route of up to 1 year exists for someone who later loses a follow-on job and needs to search again.)

Show the source
✓ Word for wordRead 16 Aug 2026
“Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss Ihres Studiums haben Sie bis zu 18 Monate Zeit, sich in Deutschland einen Arbeitsplatz für jede qualifizierte Beschäftigung zu suchen. Während dieser Zeit dürfen Sie jeder Art von Arbeit nachgehen.”
In Deutschland studieren - BAMFbamf.de
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Route to permanent residence

A graduate who completes a degree or doctorate at a German higher education institution and then works for two years in a job matching that qualification can obtain a settlement permit (unbefristeter Aufenthaltstitel) — an unlimited, permanent residence title. This particular route does not apply to someone holding a residence permit for research purposes. Separately, a graduate with a concrete job offer meeting the required minimum salary threshold has a statutory right to be issued an EU Blue Card.

Show the source
✓ Word for wordRead 16 Aug 2026
“Nachdem Sie Ihr Studium oder Ihre Promotion an einer deutschen Hochschule erfolgreich abgeschlossen und zwei Jahre in der entsprechenden Qualifikation gearbeitet haben, können Sie einen unbefristeten Aufenthaltstitel in Deutschland erhalten. Diese Regelung gilt nicht, wenn Sie eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis zu Forschungszwecken haben.”
In Deutschland studieren - BAMFbamf.de
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Route to citizenship

Naturalisation (Einbürgerung) is governed by the federal Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG) and administered by each Land's own naturalisation authority, with BAMF publishing the citizen-facing requirements. As of this reading the standard route requires 5 years of habitual, lawful residence in Germany — reduced from 8 years by the reform that took effect 27 June 2024. A shorter 3-year route for exceptional integration achievements existed briefly after that reform (StAG §10(3)) but was itself repealed effective 30 October 2025, confirmed by the current official law text simply marking that paragraph '(weggefallen)' (lapsed) — so 5 years is again the uniform minimum for every applicant rather than one of two tracks. Applicants must also hold secure residence status, be able to support themselves and any dependants without core social-assistance benefits, have no relevant criminal conviction, demonstrate German at CEFR level B1, and pass the Einbürgerungstest (a 33-question test on Germany's legal and social order, history and the applicant's own Land; 17 correct answers required). Since 27 June 2024, Germany accepts multiple nationality for every applicant, not only EU/Swiss nationals as the pre-reform rule allowed: naturalising no longer requires giving up an applicant's existing citizenship — though whether that other country's own law actually lets the person keep it remains outside Germany's control.

Show the source
✓ Word for wordRead 17 Aug 2026
“Sie haben einen Anspruch auf Einbürgerung, wenn folgende Voraussetzungen vorliegen: seit fünf Jahren gewöhnlicher und regelmäßiger Aufenthalt in Deutschland”
Einbürgerung in Deutschland - BAMFbamf.de
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What the government currently prioritises

The most concrete, actionable shortage signal for StudyPath’s students is Germany's EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU, a residence title under Section 18g of the Residence Act for someone with an academic degree and a job offer matching that qualification): it is granted at a reduced minimum gross annual salary when the job is in a recognised shortage occupation (Mangelberuf) or the applicant graduated within the last 3 years — EUR 45,934.20 for 2026 (the 'kleine'/small Blue Card), versus EUR 50,700 for the standard 'große'/large Blue Card, both set by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit and adjusted annually. The Bundesagentur's own current examples of shortage occupations qualifying for the reduced threshold explicitly include: academic specialists in mathematics, computer science, natural science and technology ('Mathematik, Informatik, Naturwissenschaft und Technik', MINT — a category covering engineering under 'Technik'); academic specialists in architecture and spatial/transport planning; doctors ('Ärztinnen und Ärzte'), dentists, vets and pharmacists; and academic nursing/midwifery specialists. A further special rule lets an IT specialist qualify for the reduced-threshold Blue Card without a university degree at all, given at least 3 years of relevant, academic-level professional experience within the last 7 years. The reduced threshold requires the Bundesagentur für Arbeit to first check that pay and working conditions match those of comparable domestic employees; the standard threshold needs no such check. Separately, the Bundesagentur's annual shortage-occupation analysis (Fachkräfteengpassanalyse) found 157 occupations in shortage in its 2025 edition, concentrated in nursing/healthcare, construction and skilled trades — a broader, non-Blue-Card-specific measure that changes year to year (it found IT-sales and software-development shortages had ended compared with the prior year, while a new shortage appeared in surveying-engineering).

Show the source
✓ Word for wordRead 17 Aug 2026
“Für die „große“ Blaue Karte EU muss ein Mindestbruttojahresgehalt erreicht werden, welches im Jahr 2026 50.700 Euro beträgt. Dieser Betrag wird jährlich angepasst. Bei der „großen“ Blauen Karte EU ist die Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit nicht erforderlich, das heißt, es findet keine Prüfung der Beschäftigungsbedingungen statt. „Kleine“ Blaue Karte EU Personen mit einem Mangelberuf und Berufseinsteigende können die Blaue Karte EU auch mit einem geringeren Bruttojahresgehalt beantragen, welches 2026 45.934,20 Euro beträgt.”
Blaue Karte EU - Bundesagentur für Arbeit, ZAV International Placement Servicesarbeitsagentur.de
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Two different day-count rules should not be confused: the 120-full-days/240-half-days limit above applies to a residence permit for study purposes (enrolled degree students). A separate, unrelated day limit applies to residence permits for study-preparation stays (e.g. attending a language course before enrolling), which is not the rule described here. make-it-in-germany.com — the Federal Government's official skilled-migration portal, which publishes much of this same material in English — returned an automated bot-verification challenge to this collector's non-browser fetch tools and so could not be archived and cited directly; every figure in this entry is instead cited to BAMF and Auswärtiges Amt pages, which independently state the same rules. Read 16 August 2026. Deepening pass, 17 August 2026: inDemandOccupations replaced with EU Blue Card salary-threshold detail, per the project brief's explicit ask for a country whose reduced threshold is tied to named shortage professions. Cited to arbeitsagentur.de (the Bundesagentur für Arbeit's own ZAV international-placement newsletter page), an already-allowlisted Germany domain — no domain change needed. The 2026 figures (EUR 50,700 standard / EUR 45,934.20 reduced) and the shortage-occupation category names (MINT academics, architecture/planning academics, doctors, dentists, vets, pharmacists, academic nursing/midwifery, plus the IT-specialist-without-degree carve-out) are this page's own words, not a conversion from another currency/scale. Note precisely what 'MINT' covers: it is the Bundesagentur's own umbrella term for mathematics, computer science (Informatik), natural science and technology (Technik) graduates — it names the category, not the word 'Ingenieur'/engineer literally, though Technik is understood to include engineering; this entry says so explicitly rather than overclaiming a literal citation. The prior Fachkräfteengpassanalyse content (157 shortage occupations, 2025 edition) was kept as a second, shorter paragraph rather than deleted, since it remains accurate and gives a broader (non-Blue-Card) shortage signal. citizenshipRoute added 17 August 2026: the 5-year figure and B1/Einbürgerungstest conditions are cited to bamf.de's own 'Einbürgerung in Deutschland' page (896146c8106c6a83, read the same day this note was written, so it reflects the post-30-October-2025 rule). The repeal of the 3-year fast track was independently confirmed against the current official law text of StAG §10 on gesetze-im-internet.de (5e754a29c205e76e, already an allowed Germany domain by virtue of being added — see the accepted government-source list), which shows paragraphs (3) and (3a) both marked '(weggefallen)'. The dual-nationality statement ('Seit dem 27.06.2024 werden alle Staatsangehörigen unter Hinnahme von Mehrstaatigkeit eingebürgert') is cited to auswaertiges-amt.de, an already-allowed Germany domain, rather than bamf.de, since BAMF's own citizen-facing page does not itself state the Mehrstaatigkeit rule in as much detail. bmi.bund.de — the ministry that owns this policy — returned HTTP 400 to every fetch attempt (automated fetching) on several different URLs tried, so it could not be used despite being an already-allowed domain; a future collector with different network conditions should retry it. naturalisationStatus set to 'published-route' on 18 August 2026: the authority already cited under citizenshipRoute publishes criteria a foreign resident could actually follow, which is the only claim this field makes. It is deliberately not a judgement about how attainable that route is in practice. studentVisaFunds added 19 August 2026. The Auswärtiges Amt's own central Sperrkonto page deliberately publishes no number: it says the amount 'variiert je nach Aufenthaltszweck', is based on the BAföG maximum rates, and tells the applicant to look it up 'auf der Webseite der zuständigen Auslandsvertretung bzw. im Auslandsportal' — its English twin says the same. The figure is therefore cited to a German mission's own page on diplo.de, the Federal Foreign Office's domain for its embassies and consulates and the body that actually issues the national visa, which is why diplo.de was added to Germany's the accepted government-source list. The Paris embassy page was chosen because it states the monthly and the annual figure in one sentence and also carries the Studienbewerber and scholarship conditions. Three further missions were archived the same day as an independent cross-check and all state the same rate: Quito '12 x 992,- = 11.904,- €', Tiflis 'der jeweils gültige BaföG-Satz, der aktuell 992,-- Euro beträgt', and Tashkent '11.904 Euro für das gesamte erste Jahr'. The widely-circulated 11.208 Euro figure is the pre-September-2024 rate and was not used; the Auswärtiges Amt's own FAQ page on study financing no longer prints any figure at all. make-it-in-germany.com, though allowlisted, again returned a JavaScript/bot-challenge stub of 93 characters to plain HTTP fetching and so could not be archived.

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