English-Taught Bachelor's Programs in Germany

Yes, English-taught bachelor's programmes exist

Germany does offer bachelor's programmes taught fully in English, so you do not necessarily need German to begin an undergraduate degree there. They are available across a range of subjects and institution types, including public and private universities and universities of applied sciences.

That said, English-taught options are more common at master's level than at bachelor's level, and many undergraduate programmes are still taught in German. So the choice at bachelor's level is real but more limited — plan to search carefully rather than assume every programme has an English track.

Where to search for English programmes

The official DAAD International Programmes database (on the Study in Germany portal) lets you search degree programmes and filter by language of instruction (English) and degree level (Bachelor or Master). This is the most reliable starting point because it draws on official programme listings.

Use it to shortlist programmes, then open each university's own official page to confirm the curriculum, intake, and admission requirements. Programme availability changes year to year, so verify everything against the official source.

• Search the DAAD International Programmes database on the Study in Germany portal
• Filter by language of instruction (English) and degree level (Bachelor)
• Confirm each shortlisted programme on the university's own official page

Entry requirements and the HZB

To study a bachelor's in Germany you must hold a recognised higher education entrance qualification (in German, the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, or HZB). Whether your school-leaving certificate qualifies directly — or whether you need a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) and an assessment test — depends on your country and qualification.

The DAAD admission database and the official anabin/uni-assist information can help you check how your qualification is assessed. Because recognition rules vary by country, confirm your specific case on the official source before applying.

English proof — and do you still need German?

English-taught programmes usually require proof of English proficiency through a recognised test such as IELTS or TOEFL, with the required level set by each programme. Some programmes accept other evidence of English ability, so read the admission page carefully.

Even in an English-taught degree, some German can help with daily life, part-time work, and integration. A few "English-taught" programmes also include German-language modules over time. Treat any language claim as programme-specific and verify it on the official source.

• English proficiency usually shown via IELTS or TOEFL (level set per programme)
• Some programmes accept alternative proof of English
• Basic German helps with daily life even on an English-taught course

Tuition and next steps

Tuition arrangements in Germany vary: many public universities charge little or no tuition for first-degree study, while some programmes (and private universities) charge fees, and a semester contribution typically applies. Exact tuition, semester fees, and any state-specific charges change and differ by institution, so confirm the current figures on the official source rather than relying on general claims.

Once you have shortlisted English-taught programmes, check each one's deadlines and whether you apply directly or via uni-assist, and read our broader guide to studying in Germany for the full step-by-step.