University studies in English

University Studies in English in Germany in 2025: Requirements, Fields of Study and Available Universities

Germany is one of the leading study destinations worldwide, thanks to the high quality of education and the comparatively low tuition fees (especially at many public universities) compared to other countries. With the increasing international orientation of German universities, studying in English has become an option not only at Master’s and PhD level, but also in a growing number of Bachelor programs.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the possibility of studying in English in Germany, the number of institutions and programs available, the most common fields of study, whether this applies to Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs, whether opportunities exist at universities (Universität), Universities of Applied Sciences (Hochschule/Fachhochschule), and finally, whether vocational training (Ausbildung) can be pursued in English.

1. Is it possible to study in English in Germany?

Yes, studying in English is possible at an increasing number of German higher education institutions.
Germany has a clear trend towards expanding international degree programs and attracting more international students, especially in the highly competitive global fields of science, technology and business.

SEO tip: It is recommended to use established databases such as the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) platform to search for programs offered in English at German universities.

2. Number of universities offering programs in English

Public universities:
Most major public universities (Universitäten) offer programs in English, at least at Master’s and PhD level.
The number of English-taught Bachelor programs has risen noticeably in recent years, but they are still concentrated in certain fields, such as business administration and engineering.

Private universities:
Many private universities and business schools offer a larger range of English-taught programs at both Bachelor and Master level.
These institutions often focus strongly on internationalization in order to attract students from all over the world.

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule/Hochschule):
Some Universities of Applied Sciences also offer programs in English, particularly in applied engineering, IT, business administration and design.

Updated figure for 2025:
According to unofficial estimates and academic reports, the total number of English-taught programs in Germany has exceeded 2,000 across Bachelor, Master and PhD levels at various universities and colleges.

3. Which subjects are taught in English?

Business and economics:

• International Business

• International Economics

• Marketing and Financial Management

Engineering and technology:

• Software Engineering

• Automotive Engineering

• Mechatronics

Natural sciences:

• Applied Chemistry

• Life Sciences

• Environmental Sciences

Social sciences and humanities:

• International Relations

• Applied Sociology

Arts and design:

• Industrial Design

• Graphic and Digital Design

4. Does this include Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs?

Bachelor’s degree:
The number of English-taught Bachelor programs has grown, but remains smaller than that of English-taught Master’s programs. They are most commonly found in technical and business-related fields.
Some private universities offer most of their Bachelor programs entirely in English to attract international students.

Master’s degree:
Master’s programs are the most commonly offered in English. Both public and private institutions have a wide range of international Master programs.
These include degrees in engineering, economics, management and advanced technologies.

PhD (Doctorate):
Many doctoral programs in Germany, especially so-called structured PhD programs, are available in English, particularly in scientific and technical disciplines.
Even in the traditional PhD route, it is often possible to write your dissertation in English, provided that your supervisor and department agree.

5. Are these options available at Universität, Hochschule, Fachhochschule and in Ausbildung?

Universität (Uni):
Yes, universities offer a large number of programs in English, especially at Master’s and PhD level, and some Bachelor programs as well.

Hochschule/Fachhochschule (Universities of Applied Sciences):
These institutions are also expanding their international programs and are known for their practical and application-oriented approach, particularly in IT, engineering and business.
The number of English-taught programs is still somewhat lower than at traditional universities, but it is steadily increasing.

Ausbildung (vocational training):
In the vast majority of traditional vocational training programs (Ausbildung), teaching and on-the-job training are conducted in German. This is because trainees work directly in the local labor market with German-speaking colleagues and customers.
There may be occasional pilot projects where parts of the training are offered in English in specific technical or tourism-related sectors, but such cases remain rare and are not the norm.

6. Requirements and admission criteria

Language requirements:
Universities usually require proof of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) with minimum scores defined by each program.
If the entire program is taught in English, a German language certificate may not be required. Nevertheless, having at least basic German skills is extremely useful for everyday life and for entering the job market.

Secondary school qualification:
Applicants for Bachelor programs must hold a secondary school certificate equivalent to the German Abitur or another qualification recognized under German regulations.
For Master’s and PhD programs, your previous university degree is assessed by credential evaluation bodies such as Uni-Assist or the respective admissions committee of the university.

Selection process:
Required grade averages (Numerus Clausus) vary from one program and institution to another.
Some fields do not require particularly high grades, whereas medical and engineering degrees frequently demand higher averages.

7. Advantages of studying in English in Germany

Global career prospects:
Graduating from an international, English-taught program prepares you to work in Germany and abroad. It is especially valuable if you gain experience in an international environment.

International networks:
English-speaking university environments bring together students from many different countries, allowing you to build strong international and professional networks.

Learning German alongside English:
Even if your program is entirely in English, it is always advisable to learn German. This greatly facilitates integration into everyday life and the German labor market.

8. Important tips for those interested in studying in English in Germany

Start your research early:
Begin searching for suitable programs at least one year before your intended start date. Pay close attention to application deadlines, which differ from one university to another.

Health insurance:
If you are from outside the European Union, you will need to present proof of valid German health insurance when applying for your student visa.

Accommodation and living costs:
Although studying at many public universities may be free or very low-cost, living expenses and rent can be relatively high in certain German cities. Make sure to plan your budget carefully.

Academic recognition:
Verify that the degree program you choose is recognized by the relevant authorities in your home country or by the institutions and companies you wish to work for later.

Basic German skills:
Even if your degree is entirely in English, German language skills at levels A2 or B1 will make daily life, dealing with authorities and finding part-time jobs significantly easier.

9. Conclusion

Studying at university level in English in Germany is an attractive and expanding option, available across different levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD) and institutions (Universität, Hochschule/Fachhochschule). English-taught programs cover a wide range of fields, especially technology, engineering, business and the sciences.
While vocational training (Ausbildung) is still predominantly German-speaking, Germany continues to strengthen its international profile by offering high-quality programs tailored to international students.

If you are planning to study in Germany without already being fluent in German, you will find solid options in English, particularly at public and private universities with a strong international focus. However, learning German in practice remains essential for easier social integration and better chances on the labor market. Early research, thorough preparation for language and admission requirements, and seeking advice from academic experts are key to a successful study experience in Germany in 2025 and beyond.

Important note: The number of programs and the admission requirements may differ from one university or academic year to another. You should therefore always consult the official websites of the universities and check the latest information before making any decision.

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* Our editorial team strives to provide accurate information through thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may not yet be fully confirmed. For this reason, the information in our articles should be regarded as an initial reference only. You should always contact the relevant authorities or official institutions to obtain definitive and legally binding information.