Finding an English-taught degree in Germany is not simply about choosing a well-known university. The more important step is checking the individual programme. Teaching language, academic requirements, application routes, deadlines and fees can differ from one course to another.
Germany offers English-taught programmes at different study levels. The DAAD International Programmes database allows students to search programmes by degree, subject, language of instruction and other criteria. The individual university website should then be used to verify the latest admission requirements.
For Indian students, the practical approach is to shortlist programmes first and then check whether their academic background and documents meet the requirements.
What Does “English-Taught” Actually Mean?
An English-taught university does not mean that every programme is taught in English. Universities may offer some programmes entirely in English, others in German, and some with a combination of both.
For example, TU Berlin’s programme database lets applicants filter courses by language of instruction, while LMU specifically lists its English-taught Master’s programmes.
So, instead of asking “Does this university teach in English?”, ask:
“Is my chosen programme taught in English, and what language proof does it require?”
That distinction is important when building a shortlist.
Universities to Consider
These universities offer English-taught options, but they should be viewed as shortlisting options rather than a universal ranking. The right choice depends on your programme, academic background and eligibility.
| University | English-taught opportunities | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Multiple English-taught programmes | Programme language, eligibility and fees |
LMU Munich | Growing range of English-taught Master’s programmes | Programme-specific admission requirements |
| TU Berlin | Selected English-taught programmes | Exact language and admission conditions |
Freie Universität Berlin | English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s options | Programme-specific requirements |
| RWTH Aachen University | Several English-taught Master’s programmes | Subject prerequisites and language requirements |
Technical University of Munich
TUM offers degree programmes across areas including engineering, technology, natural sciences and management. Its language of instruction varies by programme, so applicants should use the individual programme page rather than assuming that a TUM degree is taught in English.
Indian students should also pay particular attention to fees. TUM states that students from non-EU countries can be subject to tuition fees, with the amount depending on the degree programme. A semester fee also applies.
This is an important reason not to assume that studying at every German public university automatically means paying no tuition.
LMU Munich
LMU offers a growing range of English-taught Master’s programmes, including subjects such as Economics, Astrophysics, Biochemistry, English Studies and Environment and Society. Its official programme directory allows applicants to check individual courses and their requirements.
For international applicants, application procedures can vary between programmes. LMU’s own application guidance should therefore be checked before preparing documents or relying on a general university deadline.
TU Berlin
TU Berlin offers a range of Master’s programmes, including courses where English is listed as the language of instruction.TU Berlin’s current programme database identifies English, German, and German/English as language categories. Students can use it to check the language of their chosen programme rather than assuming that all TU Berlin courses are taught in English.
For example, TU Berlin’s Civil Systems Engineering Master’s programme is an English-taught programme for the 2026/27 winter semester. Its application deadline and requirements are programme-specific.
Freie Universität Berlin
Freie Universität Berlin provides a dedicated list of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes taught in English. Its official page states that no German knowledge is required for admission to those listed programmes.
This is a useful example of why students should look at the programme level. FU Berlin has many degree programmes, but the language requirements are not identical across all of them. Its current list includes programmes such as North American Studies, Data Science, Biochemistry and Sociology-European Societies.
RWTH Aachen University
RWTH offers several English-taught Master’s programmes, particularly in technical fields. However, RWTH currently states that it does not offer fully English-taught Bachelor’s programmes, although some Bachelor’s programmes may include both German and English.
This makes checking the degree level just as important as checking the university.
Bachelor’s vs Master’s: What Changes?
English-taught options exist at both levels, but their availability is not identical.
Aspect | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|---|
English-taught options | Available at selected universities and programmes | More widely available, particularly in specialised fields |
Key requirement | University-entry qualification and programme-specific criteria | Relevant Bachelor’s degree and subject-specific requirements |
| TU Berlin | Selected English-taught programmes | Exact language and admission conditions |
What to verify | Language, eligibility and entry qualification | Language, previous degree, credits and programme requirements |
DAAD’s database can help identify programmes at different levels, but the university’s own programme page should remain the final reference.
How to Check a Programme Before Applying
Before adding a course to your shortlist, check:
- Language: Is the programme entirely in English, or are some modules taught in German?
- Degree level: Is the English-taught option available at Bachelor’s or Master’s level?
- Eligibility: Does your previous education meet the academic requirements?
- English proof: Which tests and minimum scores are accepted?
- Application route: Direct application, Uni-Assist or another procedure?
- Fees: Are tuition fees charged, and what is the semester contribution?
The DAAD degree-programme database is useful for discovery, while the university’s official programme page should be used to confirm current requirements and deadlines.
What Indian Students Should Check Before Applying
An English-taught programme still has academic and documentation requirements. Depending on the course, applicants may need:
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Subject-specific prerequisites
- Proof of English proficiency
- Programme-specific documents
- APS documentation, where applicable
- Application through the university or Uni-Assist
For Master’s applications, Uni-Assist states that applicants generally need a completed undergraduate degree in a related subject and that universities can impose additional criteria such as grades, internships, deadlines and document requirements.
Indian applicants should also check the current APS India requirements for their specific academic and admission situation. APS India explains that it verifies academic documents and qualifications for applicants intending to study in Germany, and that the APS certificate is generally part of the German student-visa documentation.
Do You Need German?
Not necessarily. If your chosen programme is taught in English and does not require German, you may be able to study without German-language proof.
FU Berlin, for example, states that German is not required for admission to its listed English-taught programmes.
However, this should not be generalised to all German universities. Language requirements are programme-specific. German can also be useful for everyday communication and employment even when your degree is taught in English.
Are English-Taught Universities in Germany Free?
Not automatically. DAAD states that there are generally no tuition fees for Bachelor’s programmes and most Master’s programmes at state higher education institutions, but exceptions apply. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester for many degree programmes, while tuition may also apply to non-EU students at some Bavarian institutions.
Students should also budget for a semester contribution, which is separate from tuition and varies by institution.
Always check the official fee information for your specific programme.
How Does the Application Route Work?
German universities do not all use the same application process. Some accept applications directly, while participating universities use Uni-Assist.
Under the standard Uni-Assist procedure, applicants submit their documents through My assist and, after a successful evaluation, the application is forwarded to the university. Some universities instead require a VPD (Preliminary Review Documentation), after which the applicant applies directly to the university.
Deadlines are programme-specific. Uni-Assist recommends applying early and notes that many courses have deadlines around 15 July for winter intake and 15 January for summer intake, but earlier or different deadlines can apply.
YES Germany can help students understand these requirements and organise their application process, while applicants should verify final details through the university or official application platform.
A Practical Shortlisting Method
Instead of comparing university names alone, create a course-level shortlist:
University → Programme → Degree level → Language → Eligibility → English requirement → Application route → Deadline → Fees
This makes it easier to identify programmes that actually match your academic background and study plans.
Final Checklist
Before applying, verify:
- Programme language
- Degree level
- Academic eligibility
- English-language requirement
- German-language requirement, if any
- Application route
- VPD requirement
- APS requirement
- Programme deadline
- Tuition and semester contribution
- Required documents and translations
Use the university’s programme page as the final reference for course-specific information, with DAAD, Uni-Assist and APS India as supporting official resources.
FAQ
1. Can I find English-taught programmes through DAAD?
Yes. DAAD’s programme database lets you filter courses by language, degree and other criteria.
2. Can I apply to more than one German university?
Yes. However, application procedures and any limits on the number of applications can vary by university.
3. How early should I apply through Uni-Assist?
Uni-Assist recommends applying at least eight weeks before the deadline where possible, allowing time to address missing documents.
4. How long does a VPD take?
Uni-Assist states that VPD processing usually takes four to six weeks after the online application is submitted.
5. Does APS decide whether I get university admission?
No. APS verifies academic documents and qualifications. The university makes the admission decision, while the competent German mission handles visa decisions.
