The team at ApplyBoard is welcoming new horizons in 2025: we’re rolling out our launch to Germany this year! German institutions make up one-tenth of the world’s top 200 universities, and they are global leaders in science, research, and innovation across disciplines. We’re proud to partner with over 10 academic institutions in Germany today, with more to come.
While this exciting new destination will be available first to trusted recruitment professionals in our global network, we’ll expand access to a wider audience in April.
Keep reading to learn more about the international student experience, why you should study in Germany, and how ApplyBoard can help you take the next step in your study abroad journey.
ApplyBoard in Germany
On behalf of ApplyBoard, our CEO & Co-Founder Meti Basiri shared his excitement for the launch of the company’s sixth study destination, our first in continental Europe:
“Our team has been hard at work behind the scenes for the past year to make this happen, and we’re proud to announce partnerships with over 10 institutions in Germany, with more to come … This milestone is more than just an expansion—it’s about enabling the future of mobility and unlocking opportunities for aspiring minds around the globe.”
At the time of launch, ApplyBoard is proud to partner with several academic institutions in Germany, including:
- GISMA University of Applied Sciences – Berlin and Potsdam campuses
- Hochschulen Fresenius – Idstein
- Innovative University of Applied Sciences
- International School of Management – Berlin and Frankfurt campuses
- IU International University of Applied Sciences – Berlin
- Lancaster University – Leipzig
- Macromedia University of Applied Sciences – Berlin
- Mediadesign Hochschule University of Applied Sciences
- New European College
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) – Berlin and Hamburg campuses
Germany Welcomes You
Students from around the world have seen Germany as a top European study abroad destination for many years. In fact, the number of students studying abroad in Germany is expected to top 400,000 this year! Year-over-year growth as a study destination proves that Germany is a compelling option for students seeking high-quality programmes, immersion into a vibrant culture, and proximity to many of the world’s brightest minds.
When it comes to popular fields in Germany, STEM studies lead the way. Engineering is the most popular field of study among international students: One report notes that in 2024, 43% of international students were in an engineering programme.
Students rate their studies highly, as well. In a survey of almost 100,000 undergraduate students which spanned three academic years, more than 70% of students gave their overall study experience at least a four-star rating out of a possible five.
Student Affordability and Access
The cost of living and studying is an important factor for many international students. They’ll be pleased to learn that the cost of living for students in Germany—and especially rent—is often more affordable than in other popular study destinations. While cost-of-living calculator results vary, and students’ expenses will change depending on which city they live in, their lifestyle, and their housing, the calculators generally find it’s 20% to 40% more expensive to live in the US than in Germany.
Different scholarship programs can make studying in Germany more attainable for international students. Some popular options include the DAAD Scholarship Programme, DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship, and Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships.
Plus, non-EU students may now work up to 20 hours per week, recently doubled from only 10 hours per week. This aligns Germany’s work-while-studying guidelines with those in several popular study destinations. However, students should note that many part-time jobs require employees to understand and communicate in German. So, while it may not be necessary to learn German to study in Germany (though it’s wise to learn a few phrases), if students would like to have a part-time job, they may need to know German to find one.
Becoming an international student is a major investment. Make the most of your student budget with these strategies.
Key Industries in Germany
Germany is a hub for business and innovation. Its mechanical engineering, chemical, electrical, and automotive industries are central to its success. Industry-leading companies like Siemens, BMW, Volkswagen, and BASF (the world’s largest chemical company) are all based out of Germany. Mechanical engineering alone employs over 1 million people in Germany.
All German workers are also protected by laws that set minimum wages, working hours, and occupational safety. Vacation leave and parental leave also have minimum standards that are mandatory nation-wide, though some industries may exceed these minimums. These protections are important for international students to know about if they plan to work during their studies, as standards may not be the same in their home countries.
Travel Opportunities, Near and Far
You can’t study all the time! Part of the fun of being an international student is taking in different cultures and traveling to new places. Because Germany is located in the heart of continental Europe, a wide variety of activities and hundreds of years of history are at your doorstep. If you take a high-speed train, you can be in Paris in under six hours, or Amsterdam in six and a half. Air travel within Europe has become more expensive after the pandemic, but many international destinations are still affordable options.
Or, students can travel within Germany to watch or play in football (fußball) matches, visit lively Christmas markets, or explore one of the thousands of castles that stand across the country. Looking for something to do that’s a bit more unique? Visit nutcracker factories, take a “floating railway,” drift in a salt water pool, or marvel at a museum dedicated to actor David Hasselhoff. With one of the best train systems in Europe, it’s fast and easy to get to different cities, and even smaller villages.
Remember: check for ticket discounts. Some train providers offer discounted fares.
Want to Learn More about Studying in Germany?
Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels, where we’ll share more updates. Over the next few months, we’ll talk about key processes, student visa requirements, perks of studying in Germany, different ways to become an international student, and more.
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Use our ApplyBoard platform to find a programme that fits your career goals.
