There are many ways to finance your studies in Germany. Students from Europe can take advantage of the Erasmus+ programme. To find out which programme is right for you, we recommend checking out the DAAD’s scholarship database.A wide range of institutions in Germany offer scholarships to international students, e.g. the DAAD, party-affiliated foundations, religious organisations and commercial enterprises. You can also look into scholarships or other funding opportunities available in your home country.

If your school-leaving qualification is not recognised in Germany, you will need to take a preparatory course in order to enter a German university. This ends with an exam - the assessment test. Or do you wish to acquire/improve your German language skills first? Then you can attend a language course.Preparatory courses are offered at general universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. Not all universities offer a preparatory course. The courses cover a variety of key topics to prepare students for specific subject areas.

There are various types of university in Germany. Universities mainly impart theoretical knowledge and usually offer a wide range of different subjects. But some specialise in a particular subject area and in this case they are called technical universities (Technische Universität, TU) or colleges of education (Pädagogische Hochschule, PH). Art and music colleges are suitable for those who have a special musical or artistic talent. At Fachhochschulen and Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften (Universities of Applied Sciences) the emphasis is more on practical training in a subject. You will complete work placements, longer project phases or spend entire practical semesters working in companies. Dual universities combine academic studies and vocational training.