Did you know that Germany has some of the best universities in the world, and many of them are free even for international students?
Every year, thousands of young people from Latin America choose Germany to pursue undergraduate, master's, doctoral or technical specialization studies, attracted by academic quality, career opportunities and favorable immigration policies.
In this blog we explain the essentials: types of institutions, admission requirements, costs, available scholarships and what you need to obtain your student visa. If you're considering studying in Europe, Germany may be your best option.
- Why choose Germany to study?
Studying in Germany is not only a good academic decision, but also strategic if you plan to build a life in Europe. Some of the most important reasons:
✅ Public universities without tuition in most states (only a semester contribution of between 100 and 400 euros is paid).
✅ Internationally recognized degrees, especially in engineering, sciences, medicine, social sciences and humanities.
✅ Possibility to work part-time legally during studies.
✅ Opportunities to stay in the country after graduation to find employment and change your immigration status.
✅ Good quality of life and access to Europe and the world.
- Types of educational institutions
In Germany there are different types of higher education centers:
- Universitäten (universities): research-oriented, offering theoretical programs in almost all areas of knowledge.
- Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences): more practical and focused on the labor market. Ideal for engineering, business, IT, design, etc.
- Berufsakademien and technical colleges: offer dual education (study + work), especially valued by German companies (more on this in point 4).
💡 MIGROPA Tip: Explore available programs on the official portal My Guide or the standard search engine of DAAD.
- Requirements to study in Germany
Requirements vary depending on the program, but in general, you will need:
📄 Basic documents:
- High school diplomas or recognized university degree (and homologated in many cases).
- Language certificate (German or English).
- Motivation letter and updated CV.
- Letters of recommendation (in graduate programs).
📘 Academic requirements:
- For undergraduate programs, you need to prove that your high school diploma gives you access to university. Some countries must complete a preparatory course ("Studienkolleg").
- For master's and doctoral programs, you need a corresponding university degree and an admission letter from the university.
✍️ At MIGROPA we can help you review your documents, translate them correctly and prepare a solid application.
- Dual training in Germany: study and work at the same time
If you're looking for a practical and accessible alternative to study in Germany while gaining professional experience and a salary, the dual training system (Ausbildung) may be perfect for you.
What is Ausbildung?
The Ausbildung is a dual vocational training program that combines theoretical studies at a vocational school (Berufsschule) with work practice at a company.
It lasts between 2 and 3.5 years, depending on the specialty, and is available in more than 300 professions, from nursing and gastronomy to logistics, technology or administration.
What makes it attractive?
✅ Monthly remuneration during the training period (between €800 and €1,200 approximately).
✅ High demand for qualified personnel in sectors such as health, industry, technical trades and services.
✅ Upon completion, possibility of being hired directly by the company.
✅ It is a valid path to obtain a visa and, eventually, residence.
What is needed to apply?
- Have completed high school (upper secondary level).
- Knowledge of German language, minimum B1 certified level.
- A formal offer from a company or institution that offers the program.
- Translated and apostilled documentation.
🎓 You don't need to have a university degree to apply. This path is ideal for young people or professionals/technicians who want to make a career change or reorientation and who want to learn by doing and secure employment in Europe.🔗 More official information at: make-it-in-germany.com – Vocational training
👉 Do you want to explore if an Ausbildung is right for you and how to start applying from Latin America?. At MIGROPA we can help you find real options, prepare your CV in German, identify companies, and accompany you in the visa process.
- Language: is it necessary to speak German?
It depends on the program. Germany offers more and more programs in English, especially in master's and doctoral programs. However:
- For undergraduate programs, the most common is that the language of instruction is German.
- For graduate programs, there are more options in English, but often a certain level of German is required for daily life.
Required levels:
- Programs in German: minimum B1 or B2 certified (TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat, etc.).
- Programs in English: IELTS or TOEFL.
💡 MIGROPA Tip: Studying German before migrating can open many more doors both academically and professionally.
- Real costs of studying in Germany
Although tuition is very cheap or free at most public universities, there are other expenses you should consider.
💰 Average monthly costs:
- Semester tuition: €150–€400
- Accommodation: €250–€500
- Food and transportation: €250–€350
- Health insurance: €110–€120
- Other expenses: €100–€150
👉 Approximate total: €850–€1,100 per month
📌 To obtain a student visa, you must prove that you have sufficient financial resources. The most common is to open a blocked account with a minimum amount (currently €11,208 annually – 2025).
- How to obtain the student visa?
The type of visa you need is the National Visa for Studies (Visum zu Studienzwecken). You must process it before traveling to Germany.
There is also the visa for university study preparation (Visum zur Studienvorbereitung), if you don't yet have an admission letter but are enrolled in a German course or applying to programs.
Main requirements:
- Admission letter or proof of application.
- Proof of financial means (blocked account or financial guarantee).
- Health insurance.
- Valid passport.
- Academic certificates.
- Language certificate.
🔗 Check the updated details on the official website of the German Embassy in your country.
🔗 You can also get information on the government portal Make it in Germany-Visas.
👉 At MIGROPA we can help you review your documents, translate them correctly and prepare a solid application. We can also refer you to reliable and affordable insurance providers.
- Are there scholarships to study in Germany?
Yes. Although many universities don't charge tuition, a scholarship can help you cover your living expenses. The most important are:
🎓 Featured scholarships:
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): main scholarship organization for international students. Offers scholarships for master's, doctorate, research and summer courses.
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung: scholarships for students with social commitment and leadership.
- Heinrich Böll Stiftung: for students committed to social and environmental issues.
- Direct scholarships from universities: many universities grant direct scholarships to admitted students, with certain requirements.
🔗Here you can find a database with most scholarships available in Germany.
📚 Review the requirements of each scholarship in advance. They usually require very good grades, clear motivation and, sometimes, knowledge of German language.
- Opportunities after graduation
As we have explained in other blogs, one of the great advantages of studying in Germany is that you can stay to work after finishing your studies. Immigration rules favor talent retention:
- You can apply for a job search visa of up to 18 months to find work.
- If you get employment related to your area of study, you can change to a work visa or Blue Card.
- This path can eventually lead you to permanent residence.
👉 At MIGROPA we also accompany you after your graduation, helping you plan your next immigration steps.
Conclusion
Studying in Germany is a realistic and accessible opportunity for thousands of young people and Latin American professionals. With quality education, low cost and real possibilities to stay and work afterwards, it can be the gateway to a stable life in Europe.
But like any immigration process, it requires information, planning and support. At MIGROPA we offer personalized consulting to help you identify programs, apply successfully, obtain your visa and accompany you in the first steps of your integration.
Would you like to receive a free initial consultation to explore your study options in Germany?
Contact us today or follow us on Instagram for more tips, opportunities and resources.