How to Choose a Course and University in Germany
In Germany, you apply to a specific course at a specific university. You do not enrol in a university first and decide what to study later. That means your first and most important step is choosing what you want to study and where.
This decision shapes everything that follows — your visa, your language requirements, your application deadlines, and your day-to-day life for the next several years. It is worth taking your time here.
How Many Options Are There?
Germany has over 400 universities offering more than 20,000 courses. These include:
- Research universities (Universität): broad academic focus, often strong in research and theory
- Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule / HAW): more practical and career-oriented, popular for engineering, business, and design
- Art and music academies: specialised institutions for creative disciplines
For a full breakdown of each type, see German University Types.
What Language Will You Study In?
Most Bachelor's courses in Germany are taught in German, which means you will need a C1-level German certificate to apply. However, the number of English-taught programmes has grown significantly — especially at Master's level.
If you are not yet fluent in German, start by exploring English-taught courses in Germany. These let you begin your studies while continuing to learn the language.
How to Search for the Right Course
With thousands of options, finding the right match can feel overwhelming. That is exactly what Kursa.ai is built for. Instead of navigating scattered university websites, you can use Kursa to:
- Search courses by subject, language, degree level, and location
- Filter for programmes that match your qualifications
- Compare universities side by side
- See entry requirements, semester dates, and application deadlines in one place
Does the City Matter?
Yes — more than most people expect. German university campuses tend to be spread across the city rather than self-contained. That means you will spend a lot of time in the city itself: commuting, socialising, working part-time, and finding a flat.
Things worth comparing:
- Cost of living: Cities like Munich and Frankfurt are among the most expensive. Cities in eastern Germany — such as Leipzig, Dresden, or Halle — are significantly more affordable.
- Housing availability: Larger cities have more students competing for the same flats. Smaller cities are often easier to navigate as a newcomer.
- Student culture: Some cities are known for their student life; others are quieter and more focused.
- Transport: Most student fees include a public transport ticket, but the network varies by city.
Explore all cities on Kursa to compare cost of living, student population, and more before you make a decision.
