Short answer: You can find English-taught degree programmes through course search tools such as the Hochschulkompass, the study search of the Federal Employment Agency or Studieren.de. According to the Bildungsserver, its listed search has no filter by language of instruction. You therefore check the language of each programme on the university’s own course page. Admission and language requirements are set by each university. Last updated: November 2026.
Many prospective students look for a degree taught in English, and many universities offer such programmes. The search is not always simple, because course search tools do not always sort their results by language of instruction. This guide shows where to search, how to recognise English-taught programmes and which requirements you should check.
The most important points at a glance
- Course search tools such as the Hochschulkompass help you get started, but they do not replace a check on the university website.
- According to the Bildungsserver, its listed search offers no filter by language of instruction that reliably narrows results to English.
- The language of instruction is shown on the page of the individual programme. Some programmes are bilingual or English only in part.
- Each university sets its own language certificates, admission rules and deadlines.
- Whether tuition fees apply to non-EU students depends on the federal state and the university.
Where do you find English-taught degree programmes?
The Bildungsserver lists several search options for degree programmes in Germany. They differ in structure and results. The table summarises what the page says about each search.
| Search | What it offers according to the Bildungsserver | Note for you |
|---|---|---|
| Hochschulkompass | Course search with an extended search form, to which the Bildungsserver refers | Check the language of instruction on each result page |
| Study search of the Federal Employment Agency | Search by study offers, subjects, fields and locations, plus links to offers abroad | Review the results against the programme pages |
| Studieren.de | Search through an alphabetical list or by subject area | Check the operator on the site itself |
| Zeit Online course search | Overview of German and international degree programmes, operated by Zeit Online according to the Bildungsserver | Check the language information for each entry |
All these searches share one feature. They produce lists, but the language of instruction is only one attribute among many. For that reason, the page of the programme itself is worth reading before you decide.
How do you recognise an English-taught programme?
The title of a programme does not always reveal the language of instruction. A master’s programme with an English name may be bilingual, and a bachelor’s programme with a German name may include modules in English. Look at the information on the language of instruction, the module handbook and the examination regulations.
- Look for terms such as language of instruction or Sprache der Lehre.
- Check the module handbook, which shows which courses take place in German and which in English.
- Read the examination regulations, because examinations can sometimes be taken in a different language from the teaching.
- Contact the student office if the information seems contradictory.
Which language certificates do English-taught programmes require?
A programme taught in English still requires proof of language skills. Which tests apply depends on the programme and the university. The guide Englischnachweis für die Hochschule: Welche Sprachtests gelten (in German) describes the common options.
Many students also need German for everyday life, internships or part-time jobs. Whether the university requires a German certificate is stated in its admission rules. An overview of German certificates is given in Sprachnachweis fürs Studium: TestDaF, DSH und Alternativen.
How does the application for an English-taught programme work?
The application generally follows the procedure of the university. International applicants often submit their documents through uni-assist or the portal of the university. The guide University application from abroad: process, fees and deadlines shows the procedure in detail.
The general principle for access proofs is that the university decides on recognition. Which proofs apply in detail is described in Hochschulzugang aus dem Ausland: Welche Nachweise gelten (in German).
| Criterion | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Language of instruction | Is the whole programme in English, or only parts of it? |
| Language certificate | Which test and which level are required? |
| Admission | Are there selection procedures or an admission restriction? |
| Deadline | When does the application close, and are there separate deadlines for international applicants? |
| Fees | Do tuition fees apply to you, and how high are they according to the university? |
What does an English-taught degree cost?
The costs depend on the university, the federal state and your nationality. Whether fees are charged to non-EU students is therefore not a question with a single answer. The current position on this topic is set out in Studiengebühren in Deutschland für Ausländer 2026.
If you plan an English-taught programme, include living costs, insurance and a possible language course in your budget as well as tuition. The university publishes the amounts on its pages.
How do you compare programmes?
A sensible comparison starts with a clear list. Use the same criteria for each programme, so that differences are visible at a glance. This prevents an attractive name from pushing you towards a decision that does not hold up on closer inspection.
Pay particular attention to details that can differ strongly between universities. These include the share of each language across semesters, the requirements for the thesis and the language of examinations. A university can advertise a programme as English-taught and still offer some compulsory modules in German.
- Note the language of instruction, the access requirements and the deadline for each programme from the official information.
- Compare the language certificates and check whether you can provide them in time.
- Ask the student office if the module handbook and the overview page disagree.
What happens if I underestimate the language?
Students who start an English-taught programme and rarely use the language in daily life can find seminars and group work harder than expected. A taster session or a conversation with students in the programme helps with the assessment. The university can also tell you what support it offers.
Frequently asked questions
Are there English-taught bachelor’s programmes in Germany?
There are English-taught bachelor’s programmes, and the searches help you find them. This guide gives no total figure, because counts change with the survey method and the cut-off date. Check the offers in your subject areas directly in the searches and on the university websites.
Do I need German if I study in English?
For the study itself it can be enough if all courses take place in English. For everyday life, internships and the labour market after graduation, German skills are often useful. Whether the university requires German is stated in its admission rules.
Is an Erasmus Mundus master the same as an English-taught programme?
No. Erasmus Mundus is an EU programme for joint master’s degrees with scholarships. Its language rules are set differently. More is explained in Erasmus Mundus Master: Bewerbung und Stipendium.
Can I stay in Germany after an English-taught degree?
That depends on residence law. The guide Nach dem Studium in Deutschland bleiben: Welcher Aufenthaltstitel passt describes which titles can apply after graduation.
What to do next
- Make a list of three to five programmes and note the language of instruction for each from the university page.
- Check the language certificates and deadlines of the programmes before you collect documents.
- Clarify the fee question with the university before you decide.
Related articles
- Studying in Germany as an international student: the overview
- English proof for university: which language tests count (in German)
- Sprachnachweis fürs Studium: TestDaF, DSH und Alternativen
- Erasmus Mundus Master: Bewerbung und Stipendium
- Studiengebühren in Deutschland für Ausländer 2026
Sources: Studies and universities, Bildungsserver (no date given)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
