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Summary: studying at German public universities is free of tuition for most students, and only the semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of about €150 to €400 is paid; the important exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, which charges non-European students €1,500 per semester. For a student visa you must show financial means; usually with a blocked account (Sperrkonto) of about €11,904 per year (€992 per month). Students may work 140 full days a year and, after graduating, have up to 18 months to find a job.
Choosing a field and university
- Universität: research universities with theoretical subjects and the possibility of a doctorate.
- Hochschule / Fachhochschule (HAW): universities of applied sciences with a practical focus and strong links to industry.
- Use the DAAD database (more than 2,000 English-taught programmes) and Hochschulkompass to search.
Admission requirements for Iranian students
Bachelor’s
An Iranian high-school diploma alone is usually not enough for direct entry. Depending on your grades and record, either by passing the Konkur or completing one or two years of university in Iran direct entry is possible, or you must first complete the Studienkolleg preparatory course and the Feststellungsprüfung exam. Check the exact conditions in the anabin database and on the DAAD website.
Master’s
A relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university (H+ status in anabin), a suitable grade point average (many universities convert the grade to the German system) and a language certificate.
Language certificate
- German-taught programmes: TestDaF (usually 4 in all sections), DSH-2 or Goethe C1/C2
- English-taught programmes: IELTS (usually 6.5) or TOEFL iBT (usually 80 to 90)
Application steps
- Choose programmes and check deadlines – usually 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester (many international master’s programmes earlier)
- Official translation and certification of documents
- Apply via uni-assist or directly to the university (uni-assist fee for the first application is €75)
- Receive the admission (Zulassungsbescheid)
- Open a Sperrkonto, arrange student health insurance and apply for the student visa at the responsible German embassy
Student living costs
- Rent: student dormitory (Studentenwohnheim) €250 to €450; a room in a shared flat (WG) in big cities €450 to €700 – see the guide to renting a home
- Student health insurance: about €140 to €150 per month in statutory insurance – insurance guide
- Semester ticket: at most universities it includes the Deutschlandticket and is covered in the semester contribution
- Food and other expenses: €250 to €350
Student jobs
Non-European students may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Work as a research assistant at the university (HiWi) has a separate limit. A working-student job (Werkstudent) at companies of up to 20 hours a week during the semester is common and valuable experience for work after your studies.
After graduation
Graduates of German universities can obtain a residence permit for job seeking of up to 18 months, during which they may work without restriction. Once you find a related job, the Blue Card route (with a lower salary threshold for recent graduates) or skilled worker residence is open, and after 2 years of work permanent residence is possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is studying in Germany free for Iranians?
At public universities yes, except in the state of Baden-Württemberg (€1,500 per semester for non-Europeans). Only the semester fee of €150 to €400 is paid.
How much must the Sperrkonto contain for a student visa?
Currently about €11,904 for one year (€992 per month). This figure is raised periodically; check the embassy website before applying.
How much can foreign students work?
140 full days or 280 half days a year; during the semester usually a maximum of 20 hours a week.
Can I enter a German university directly with an Iranian diploma?
Usually not; you either must have passed the Konkur or studied for a period at an Iranian university, or first complete the Studienkolleg. Check the conditions in anabin.
Looking for a study consultant or Persian-speaking translator? See the directory of Iranian businesses.
This article is for information only; conditions differ at each university. Last updated: September 2026.
