"I want to study in Germany but I don't speak German" — one of the most common things we hear. The good news: studying in English is possible, and far more common than you'd think. Especially at master's level, thousands of programmes are taught entirely in English, and you can apply to them with IELTS or TOEFL, without a German certificate. At bachelor's level the options are fewer, but they grow every year in engineering, business and computer science. Below we cover where the English-taught programmes are, the language requirements and an honest answer to "can you live without German?" For the whole process, see our guide to studying at a university in Germany.
Is Studying in English in Germany Possible?
Absolutely. For years Germany has been increasing the number of English-taught programmes to attract international students. The widest choice is at master's level; we explained step by step how to choose the right one in our guide to a master's in Germany. At bachelor's level, English programmes are rarer and tend to cluster at private universities or in specific "international" departments.
Which Fields Have English Programmes?
Finding an English programme gets easier or harder depending on your field. The widest choice is in computer science, data science, engineering branches, business/economics and international relations. By contrast, fields tied to national legislation, such as law and medicine, are almost entirely in German — because practising the profession in Germany requires German anyway.
The English Proficiency Requirement
For English programmes, instead of TestDaF or DSH you are asked for IELTS (usually 6.5-7.0) or TOEFL. Highly competitive departments prefer a score near the upper end. A German certificate is not mandatory for these programmes; in other words, there is no need to give up on applying because of a language barrier.
Living Without German: The Realities
Now let's be honest. You can take your classes in English, but the rental contract, the residence registration, the doctor, the supermarket and part-time work — the rest of life is in German. That is why, even if you study in English, we recommend learning at least A2-B1 German; it makes both finding an internship or job and simply breathing in daily life much easier. We covered the weight of language in the working world in our language and business in Germany article.
How to Find an English Programme
The most reliable source is DAAD's international programme database; you can filter English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes by language, field and city. Applications are mostly made through uni-assist. You can find the post-admission visa steps in our student visa guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is studying in English in Germany possible?+
Yes. Especially at master's level there are thousands of English-taught programmes, and you can apply to them with IELTS/TOEFL, without a German certificate.
Are English programmes also free?+
Most English-taught programmes at public universities are also tuition-free; private universities and some private master's programmes are fee-based.
Can you live in Germany without German?+
In the short term you can get by with English, but most daily tasks are in German. At least A2-B1 German is our strong recommendation.
What IELTS score is needed for an English programme?+
Generally the 6.5-7.0 range is expected; competitive departments prefer a score near the upper end.
Are there English programmes at bachelor's level too?+
Yes, but fewer than at master's level. They are mostly found at private universities and in international departments.
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