To apply for a Bachelor’s degree, you need to have completed a full secondary education equivalent to the German Abitur. Most often, this means one year of Studienkolleg after finishing school (11th grade). If you already have a Bachelor's degree, you can apply directly to a Master's program. You will also need:
● Academic transcript with grades
● Proof of German or English language proficiency
● Letters of recommendation (not always required)
● Easy transfer from Russian colleges or universities
● A simple and accessible application process with lenient GPA requirements and less competition
● Students from vocational colleges are accepted
● Multiple intakes per year (e.g., main intake in October, additional ones in February and May)
Private universities in Germany usually have more flexible admission criteria:
Germany is one of the most popular countries for higher education. It offers a unique mix of high-quality education, affordable costs, and the chance to live in a highly developed European country. The biggest advantage? Most public universities offer free education—even for international students. The country also provides a safe, stable environment, excellent infrastructure, many English-taught programs, and the opportunity to work legally while studying. Germany also has a shortage of qualified professionals in fields like medicine, IT, and business, making it especially attractive for future career prospects.
Public universities in Germany are tuition-free—you only pay a semester fee (around €100–400), which often includes a regional transport pass. Private universities charge tuition. Typical costs for private universities: Bachelor’s: €9,000–11,000 per year Master’s (18–24 months): €12,000–18,000 total
However, many private universities offer: Discounts up to 35% for students from the CIS, Scholarships that can cover up to 50% of tuition, Flexible study schedules to combine classes with part-time jobs (“mini-jobs”), allowing students to earn up to €1,000 per month
Living costs in Germany are approximately €800–1,000/month, including rent, food, insurance, and transport. Cities like Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden are relatively affordable, while Munich is one of the most expensive.
The most well-known scholarship program is DAAD. There are also scholarships from individual universities, political foundations, and the EU. Most are available for Master’s and PhD programs; rarely for Bachelor’s.
● University admission letter
● Proof of financial means (around €11,000 in a blocked account)
● Application form and biometric data
To study in Germany, you'll need a national student visa (Type D). Required documents include:
Processing takes 4 to 12 weeks.
Students usually live in: Dormitories (most budget-friendly), Shared apartments (WG – Wohngemeinschaft) or private flats
International students often search via platforms like WG-gesucht or Studierendenwerk. Many universities also help students find housing or recommend trusted agents and websites.
Once you graduate, you can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa. If you find a job in your field, you can extend your residence permit. After a few years, it’s possible to apply for permanent residency or even citizenship.
● For German-taught programs: TestDaF, DSH, or telc at B2–C1 level
● For English-taught programs: TOEFL or IELTS
These often offer English-taught programs for international students. Accepted certificates include IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test.
Some public universities require both languages if parts of the program are taught in German.
There are two main types of higher education institutions in Germany:
● Universität – Traditional universities focused on academic research, core disciplines, and offering Bachelor's and Master's programs.
● Fachhochschule (FH) – Universities of applied sciences. These are more practice-oriented with strong industry ties and internships, ideal for those aiming for employment right after graduation.
There are also colleges of art and music, which usually require a creative entrance exam. Additionally, private accredited universities and business schools in Germany are rapidly gaining popularity due to the high-quality education they offer (though tuition is charged).