8 reasons why to study in Germany

• Show larger version of image

  Close

  A diverse, cosmopolitan, and open society
• very good infrastructure
• high public safety
• a fair cost of living
• central location in the heart of Europe
• friendly people
• a pulsating cultural scene
• and, last but not least, high quality in education and research

General information

For many years, German universities have proven to be very attractive to international students. The more than 400 universities and colleges in Germany offer high-quality and affordable education to foreign students. According to a snapshot survey by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) around 420,000 international students and doctoral candidates were enrolled at German universities during the Winter Semester 2025/2026, compared to around 400,000 in the previous reference period.

There has also been an increase in the number of international first-year students. According to DAAD projections, around 99,000 first-year students from abroad are enrolled at German universities for the first time. This represents an increase of almost nine per cent over the previous year, when the figure stood at 91,000.

Many foreign students appreciate the practical, “real-life”-oriented approach of the many Technical Universities/Universities of Applied Science that integrate vocational training and internships into their programs.

More than 90% of students in Germany attend state universities, with mostly low or no tuition fees. Less than 10% attend private, state-recognized universities, with higher tuition fees.

Admission requirements and preparatory classes

Access and entry requirements to a German university depend on your previous school/academic and
language credentials. Make sure you thoroughly check your qualifications for direct admission eligibility. If you don't meet the criteria, you may need to enter preparatory academic classes (“Studienkolleg”) and/or need to improve your language skills in advance.

You can verify your status by approaching the university of your interest directly, and by using the DAAD database on admission requirements.
You may also use the platform www.uni-assist.de, and, in case you are a university graduate, you can check the official ANABIN database to find out if your Myanmar or third country diploma is recognized.
If you do need to enter Studienkolleg before admission to a university, you have
several options:

• Find a university that offers an integrated Studienkolleg, or
• Find a private Studienkolleg (a selection of options is available at www.studienkollegs.de).

Language requirements

Many universities offer full programs in English (mainly on the Master level). You can find most of them in the DAAD database.
However, most of the more than 21.000 course options are only available in the German language. Your university will inform you about language entry requirements. If your language skills are not on the required level yet, it is sometimes possible to obtain a conditional admission and take preparatory language classes before starting your academic studies. Often language classes can be taken alongside or as a part of

the Studienkolleg. However, please note Studienkollegs are generally taught in German language only. Therefore, you will need B1 or B2-level German language skills to fulfill the entry requirement to a Studienkolleg.
Even if your study program is taught in English, you will need to speak at least some German when you move to Germany. Goethe-Institut Yangon is the first choice for Myanmar nationals eager to learn German. Check out their array of language classes and cultural program on offer.

Scholarships

Scholarships to study or do research in Germany are in high demand. Generally, there are no state-
sponsored scholarships for Bachelor studies, but only for Master and PhD programs or research projects.
Download here the tailor-made scholarship leaflet for Myanmar nationals or use the comprehensive DAAD database.

Remote learning options

Most universities in Germany offer classes in physical presence format. However, in many cases online classes are on offer, at least for language and preparatory classes (Studienkolleg). For a real campus experience, where you will actually meet and mingle with many fellow students from around the world, you have to live in Germany. Make sure to understand at what juncture of your academic journey your physical presence in Germany is actually required. This is also relevant for the visa process.

Visa process

You may apply for visas for Studies or Research, either online via the consular Service Portal https://digital.diplo.de or in person at the German Embassy after obtaining an appointment.

All visa information and application forms are available on the German Embassy's website www.rangun.diplo.de.
As a rule of thumb, once you have secured a binding admission at a German university, can present a plausible study project, and prove that you can support yourself financially while living in Germany, a visa may be issued within approx. two months after the submission of your application. In case you have a conditional admission in combination with an admission to a Studienkolleg and/or preparatory language classes, times may vary.
Please note the residence permit you receive as a student generally entitles you to work for up to 20 hours per week.

Life after graduation

The website www.make-it-in-germany.de offers an insight for qualified professionals in Germany.

Further guidance

For more information, Goethe-Institut Myanmar's study adviser Ms. Chan Hsu Nyein (chan-hsu.nyein@goethe.de) and the team at the DAAD South East Asia office are there to assist you.

We wish you success in the search for a study place at a German university!