WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Look for an English-taught programme, not an “English university”. Teaching language, admission requirements and fees must be checked for the exact degree.
Start with the right search filters
In the DAAD degree database, select your subject, degree level and course language. Open the university’s own programme page for every promising result. An English-language university website does not establish that its courses are taught in English.
Check whether all compulsory modules, examinations and the final project can be completed in English. A bilingual programme may still require German at admission or before graduation.
Check your academic and language evidence
Record the required school qualification or previous degree, subject prerequisites, language evidence and application route. Do not assume admission requirements for a master’s also apply to a bachelor’s.
For example, an English-taught engineering master’s may require particular mathematics credits. A good English score cannot replace missing academic prerequisites. Ask admissions how to document a course whose title differs from the requested subject.
Avoid the free-tuition assumption
Fees vary by institution, programme and student circumstances. TUM publishes tuition rules affecting students from third countries, while DAAD explains other exceptions and semester contributions. Do not budget on “all German public universities are free”.
Separate tuition, semester contributions, housing, health insurance, travel and residence-related expenses. German-language learning may also be useful for daily life or placements even when the degree is taught in English.
Build a three-programme shortlist
For each option save the official programme link, intake, language requirement, academic gaps, fee basis and deadline. Check whether an external application service is required before sending documents.
Next action: identify the one condition you cannot yet evidence for each programme. Resolve that with the institution before paying for tests, translations or applications.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 2026-10-13. Examples and planning suggestions are Effikos editorial guidance.
Something needs a closer look? Send us a correction.
