Since Brexit, British students have lost their EU status — meaning UK students no longer benefit from EU-rate tuition across Europe. The irony? In Germany, that change barely matters. German public universities charge no tuition fees to anyone, domestic or international. British students pay the same €150–€350 semester contribution as German students, while their peers studying in England pay £9,250 per year. Over a three-year undergraduate degree, that's a saving of over £25,000 in tuition alone — before living costs. Add world-class teaching, 1,500+ English-taught programs, and a 18-month post-study job-search visa, and Germany has become one of the most compelling destinations for British students reconsidering their options post-Brexit.
Why Germany makes particular sense for British students
No tuition fees at public universities — only €150–€350 semester contribution vs £9,250/yr in England
UK degrees are directly recognized — no APS verification needed
Germany is now your gateway back into Europe — live and work across the EU after graduation
Over 1,500 English-taught programs — you don't need German to get started
DAAD scholarships specifically available for British students
18-month job-search visa after graduation opens doors across Germany's strong economy
Relatively straightforward student visa process at the German Embassy in London
GBP to EUR transfers are easy and cheap via Wise
What changed after Brexit — and what didn't
UK students are now third-country nationals: you need a German national student visa before arrival
You will NOT have automatic EU free movement rights — you must apply for a residence permit in Germany
No Erasmus+ for UK students (the UK government's Turing Scheme is a partial replacement but different in scope)
NHS coverage stops when you leave — you'll need German statutory health insurance (GKV) as a student
UK driving licenses are still recognized in Germany for the first six months after registration
Your route from the UK to Germany in five steps
- Research programs — use DAAD's database for English-taught degrees or direct university websites
- Apply to universities — direct application or via uni-assist for ~170 universities
- Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and fund it with ~€11,208
- Apply for a German national student visa at the German Embassy London or Edinburgh Consulate
- Travel to Germany, enrol, register at the Einwohnermeldeamt, and get your student residence permit
The cost comparison that surprises most British students
Germany vs UK — a realistic numbers breakdown
A British student completing a two-year master's at a German public university pays roughly €700 in total semester contributions — under £600. The same degree at a UK university costs £12,000–£20,000+ in tuition alone. Add living costs: Germany averages €900–€1,100 per month depending on city; London averages £1,500–£2,000. Even Berlin, Germany's most expensive student city, is cheaper than any UK university city. British students increasingly describe the decision as "studying for free in Europe" rather than taking on significant debt at home.
Deep-dive guides for United Kingdom students in Germany
Each guide covers its topic in full — not the surface-level overview you find everywhere else.
How to Apply
No APS required — A-levels are directly recognized. Direct applications, uni-assist, and what documents German universities need.
Blocked Account
Sperrkonto requirements, approved providers for UK students, and how to transfer GBP to EUR efficiently.
Student Visa
Post-Brexit national visa from the German Embassy in London — documents, appointment booking, and processing times.
Cost of Living
Monthly budgets by city and a direct comparison with UK university costs — the numbers are striking.
Scholarships
DAAD, Helmholtz-DAAD, Turing Scheme, and British Council funding routes specifically for UK students.
Post-Study Work
18-month job seeker visa, EU Blue Card, and how Germany can be your route back into the European job market.
Student Life
Banking, health insurance, Anmeldung, British community, and practical first-week steps.
German Language
When you need German, when English is enough, and the best ways to learn before you leave the UK.
Ready to start your journey to Germany?
Explore all programs in Germany
