English-Taught Courses in Germany: What You Need to KnowG

TL;DR

• Yes, you can study in English in Germany, but your options are far more limited at bachelor's level than at master's level.
• Most English-taught courses are offered at public universities with no or low tuition fees.
• At master's level, hundreds of courses are available in English, especially in STEM, business, and economics.
• At bachelor's level, only around 300 courses across all of Germany are taught in English.
• Learning German is still strongly recommended. Most employers expect at least B2 to C1 German, even if your degree was in English.
• Browse English-taught courses on Kursa to find the right fit for your goals.

How Many English-Taught Courses Are There?

Germany has over 21,000 degree courses, and the number taught in English has been growing steadily. Nearly 300 bachelor's courses and well over 1,000 master's courses are now available in English across the country.

Almost half of German universities plan to expand their English-language offerings in the coming years, driven by rising international demand. In the winter semester 2025/26, around 420,000 international students were enrolled at German universities.

Bachelor's vs Master's: A Big Difference

English-taught bachelor's courses

English-taught bachelor's courses at public universities are rare. Most are concentrated in fields like:

• Business and international management
• Computer science and data science
• Engineering

Because the selection is small, competition for spots can be fierce. Many public universities reserve only around 10% of places for applicants with foreign diplomas, so you may be competing with a large international applicant pool for very few seats.

English-taught master's courses

This is where the real variety is. Hundreds of master's courses are taught entirely in English at respected public universities, including top-ranked institutions like TU Munich, LMU Munich, RWTH Aachen, Humboldt University Berlin, and the University of Bonn.

English-taught master's courses are especially common in:

• Natural sciences and engineering
• Economics and business
• Computer science and data science
• Social sciences and international relations

Many German students also choose English-taught master's courses to prepare for international careers or academic research, since English is the working language of most scientific fields.

Why English-Taught Courses Exist

You might wonder why German universities teach in English at all. There are several reasons:

• Research is international. In most STEM and social science fields, publications, conferences, and collaboration happen in English. A master's degree taught in English prepares students for this reality.
• Attracting global talent. Germany wants to remain competitive in attracting skilled international students and researchers.
• Preparing German students. English-taught courses also benefit German nationals who want to work in international companies or pursue PhDs.

Public universities offering tuition-free education do so because they see long-term value in international talent contributing to Germany's research output and economy.

How to Find the Right English-Taught Course

With hundreds of English-taught courses spread across Germany, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That is where Kursa comes in. You can browse English-taught courses, filter by field, degree level, and city, and compare options at public universities side by side.

When evaluating courses, pay attention to:

• Whether the university is public or private (public is almost always the better choice)
• The exact language mix (fully English vs bilingual)
• Admission requirements and application deadlines
• Whether tuition fees apply to non-EU students at that university

The Language Question: Do You Still Need German?

This is the most important question, and the honest answer is: yes, in most cases.

While you can complete your degree entirely in English, the German job market overwhelmingly operates in German. Here is what that means in practice:

• Most German employers expect B2 to C1 level German for entry-level positions, even in technical fields.
• Students who graduate from German-taught courses have a clear advantage in the job market over those who studied only in English.
• Even in large international companies where English is the corporate language, day-to-day interactions with colleagues, documentation, and meetings often happen in German.
• Daily life in Germany (housing, bureaucracy, socializing) is significantly easier with German.

That said, there are scenarios where an English-taught degree works well without fluent German:

• You plan to return to your home country or move to another English-speaking job market after graduating.
• You aim for a research or academic career, where English is the primary working language.
• You target international companies or startups in cities like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt that operate in English.

For more on what German proficiency you need, see our guide on Language Requirements.

Learn more about the differences in our guide on German University Types.

What About Bilingual or Mixed Courses?

Some courses in Germany are officially listed as "English-taught" but may include:

• Individual modules taught in German
• Reading materials or textbooks in German
• Group projects with German-speaking peers
• Exams offered in both languages

This is especially common at the bachelor's level, where some courses start in English and gradually introduce German. At some universities, you can apply to take your final exams in English even if the course is officially in German.

Admission Requirements for English-Taught Courses

Admission requirements vary by university and course, but here is what you generally need:

For bachelor's courses:

• A recognized secondary school diploma (check via Anabin or uni-assist)
• English proficiency proof (IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL 80 to 90, typically)
• Some courses may still require basic German (A1 or A2)
• If your school diploma is not directly recognized, you may need to complete a Studienkolleg first

For master's courses:

• A relevant bachelor's degree
• English proficiency proof (IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 or TOEFL 90 to 100, typically)
• Some courses require GRE/GMAT scores
• Letters of motivation and recommendation

Popular Fields for English-Taught Courses

While the range of English-taught courses is growing, certain fields have a much wider selection:

• Computer science and data science are increasingly available in English, reflecting the global nature of the tech industry.
• Business, economics, and international management have long offered English-taught options, even at bachelor's level.
• Engineering (especially at Technische Hochschulen) is expanding its English offerings.
• Natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology) often teach master's courses in English because research happens in English.
• Social sciences and international relations also have a strong English-taught presence at the master's level.

FAQ

Can I complete an entire degree in English in Germany?

Yes, especially at master's level. Hundreds of master's courses are taught fully in English at public universities. At bachelor's level, the selection is much smaller (around 300 courses across Germany), but options exist in fields like business, computer science, and engineering.

Are English-taught courses at public universities free?

Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, regardless of the language of instruction. You will still need to pay a semester fee (usually 100 to 400 euros), which often includes a public transport ticket. However, some states like Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria now charge tuition for non-EU students. See our guide on Semester Fees for details.

Will employers value an English-taught degree less than a German-taught one?

No. Your diploma from a German public university does not mention the language of instruction. It is identical to the one received by German-speaking peers. What matters more to employers is the institution's reputation and, critically, your German language skills.

Do I need to know any German at all for an English-taught course?

For admission, usually not. But for daily life, bureaucracy, part-time jobs, and your career after graduation, German is essential. Most employers expect B2 to C1 level German. Even if your course is in English, you should aim to reach at least B2 by the time you graduate.

Is it realistic to learn German while studying in English?

It is possible but challenging. A full-time study course is demanding, and many students find it hard to fit in regular German classes. Those who succeed usually start with at least A2 before arriving and take advantage of free university language courses. Setting a clear goal (for example, B2 by the end of your second year) helps.

Are English-taught courses only for international students?

No. Many German students also choose English-taught master's courses, especially in STEM and economics, to prepare for international careers or research. At some public universities, quotas limit international student spots to 5 to 10% of total places.

What is the difference between "English-taught" and "bilingual" courses?

An English-taught course delivers all lectures, exams, and materials in English. A bilingual course may mix English and German modules, or start in English and introduce German over time. Always check the course description carefully and ask the faculty directly if you are unsure.

Where can I find a list of all English-taught courses in Germany?

You can browse all English-taught courses on Kursa and filter by language, field, degree level, and city. Kursa focuses on public universities so you can easily find tuition-free options that match your goals.