Study in Germany 2025: Policy Updates, Opportunities & Challenges

Studying in Germany is always the top choice of Vietnamese students thanks to its high-class education, reasonable costs and open settlement opportunities. Entering 2025, Germany has many notable changes in visa policies, finance, language requirements and career opportunities. If you are cherishing the dream of studying in Europe, this article will help you update the most complete, accurate and comprehensive new points that international students cannot miss.

I. Why Germany remains an attractive destination

Germany continues to be a top destination for international students thanks to a range of outstanding advantages, both academically oriented and offering career opportunities and social integration. This is a country that ideally combines long-standing academic traditions with modern policies that support students comprehensively.

1. Globally recognized quality of education

German public universities (such as TUM, LMU, RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg...) are all ranked among the world's top universities, with many study programs in English and German. In addition to high-quality teaching, students also have access to modern facilities, an in-depth research environment and an academic ecosystem closely linked to practice.

2. Low cost of education, almost free tuition

Public bachelor's degrees do not charge tuition fees, only a Semesterbeitrag of about 150–350 EUR/semester is required to support students. Compared to English-speaking countries such as the US, UK or Australia, this level of tuition helps international students reduce the financial burden while still having access to high-quality education.

3. Diverse part-time and internship opportunities

Students can work up to 20 hours/week during the semester (or full-time during the holidays) with a salary of 10–15 EUR/hour. Many students also have the opportunity to do paid internships (Praktikum) or work at large companies as Werkstudents, creating a good foundation for career orientation after graduation.

4. Favorable post-graduation settlement policy

The 18-month job search visa allows for stay, easily converted to a work visa or Blue Card if there is a job and contract. In addition, the German government also has a flexible immigration policy for highly qualified workers, creating conditions for international students to build a career and settle down in the long term.

5. Advanced, safe and multicultural living environment

A well-developed transport system, affordable living costs, a vibrant international community and good security. Friendly people, efficient public services and cultural openness make it easy for students to integrate and experience life in Europe to the fullest.

II. Trending study fields in 2025

In 2025, Germany will continue to face labor shortages in many key sectors. With high demand for human resources and an open policy for international students, the following sectors are not only easy to find jobs but also have clear settlement potential.

1. Information Technology, AI and Data Science

IT, AI and Data Science are leading the recruitment demand. The comprehensive digitalization process in administration, healthcare and manufacturing has made positions such as software engineers, data specialists, cybersecurity... especially scarce. Students studying these majors can easily find jobs, are given priority for Blue Cards and have high starting salaries.

2. Engineering - Mechanics, Electricity - Electronics, Automation

Germany is a strong industrial country, always in need of engineers in the fields of mechanical engineering, robotics, automotive engineering or industrial electronics. The study programs at TU Munich, RWTH Aachen... are closely linked to practice, with many internship and job opportunities right after graduation, especially in technology corporations.

3. Medical, Nursing and Health Care

Germany’s aging population has led to a serious shortage of health workers, especially nurses. The government encourages international students to pursue this field through both university and vocational training (Ausbildung), with priority visas, stable salaries and the possibility of settling down after a few years of work.

4. Logistics and Supply Chain

As Europe’s largest trading hub, Germany needs people in logistics, warehouse management, transportation and supply chain. Study programs combine theory with modern technology applications, opening up job opportunities at shipping companies, e-commerce and international ports.

5. Renewable Energy and Environment

Germany is pushing to become carbon neutral by 2045, with investment in wind, solar, hydrogen and environmental technology on the rise. Students studying this field are supported with scholarships, and can easily find work in green energy projects and environmental organizations, with sustainable career prospects.

III. Major policy changes for studying in Germany in 2025

From 2023 to 2025, the German government has been implementing many strong reforms to attract talented international students, especially in professions with shortages of human resources. These changes not only help simplify visa procedures but also create more favorable conditions for studying, working and settling down after graduation.

1. Visa policy and application processing time

• Faster visa approval, priority given to areas with labor shortages: Fields such as information technology, engineering, medicine or nursing are given priority for fast visa approval, significantly reducing waiting times. This makes it easier for international students to enroll on time and integrate into the study program in a timely manner.
• Reduced salary requirements for European Blue Card: Previously, students needed a very high salary to qualify for a Blue Card. Now, the minimum wage has been adjusted down, especially for industries with labor shortages, making it easier for new graduates to qualify.
• Introducing “Opportunity Card” - new job-seeking visa: After graduating in Germany, international students are granted a new residence permit that allows them to stay in Germany for 12-18 months to find a job. This is one of the important changes that expands opportunities for those who do not have a labor contract immediately after graduation.
• Simplifying the process of recognizing qualifications and skills: Recognition of foreign qualifications and skills has been made easier with the introduction of a new points-based system. Students can rely on their experience, language skills, age and adaptability to meet immigration requirements.

2. Updated financial requirements and proof of funds

• Increased locked account requirement to 11,904 EUR/year

From the winter semester 2024/2025, international students will need to prove their financial means by depositing a minimum of 11,904 EUR into a blocked account. This corresponds to a minimum expenditure of 992 EUR/month recognized by the German government as sufficient to cover living expenses.

• Account lock confirmation is a mandatory requirement in visa application

When applying for a student visa, students are required to submit a confirmation that they have opened a locked account in accordance with regulations. Lack of or insufficient funds may result in the application being rejected.

3. Revised regulations on tuition fees and scholarships

• Continue to exempt tuition fees at public undergraduate schools

Most German states still maintain a tuition-free policy for international undergraduate students at public universities. Students only have to pay an administrative fee (Semesterbeitrag) of 150–350 EUR/semester, which covers train tickets, library fees and student services.

• Some states charge tuition fees for non-EU students

For example, the state of Baden-Württemberg charges tuition fees of around 1,500 EUR/semester for non-EU international students, but this is not the case across the country, so students should do their research before choosing a school and state to study in.

• Diverse scholarships support from tuition to living expenses

Many scholarship programs such as DAAD, Erasmus+, university scholarships or private foundations cover tuition fees, living expenses, insurance and even airfare. Some scholarships are full-funded and last for the entire course.

4. New language requirements (German and English)

• German-taught programs require a minimum level of B2

Students studying the German language program need a DSH-2 certificate or TestDaF from TDN 4 or higher, equivalent to level B2 to C1. This level ensures that students can keep up with lectures, write essays and take academic exams.

• English program requires IELTS from 6.5 or TOEFL iBT from 90

Most English-taught programs in Germany, especially at master's level, require students to have an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 90 or higher. Some engineering or economics programs may have higher requirements.

• Scholarships and internship opportunities require a minimum German language level of B1

Many scholarships or internship programs require students to have a German language level of B1 or higher to easily integrate into the working environment, participate in interviews or support group work. The ability to use German is also an important factor when applying for a work visa or settling down after graduation.

IV. Career and settlement opportunities after graduation

After completing their studies in Germany, international students have many opportunities to stay and work and settle permanently. Thanks to flexible immigration policies and a strong demand for labor, students with suitable qualifications can easily switch to a work visa or permanent residency.

1. Germany’s labor market in 2025

• Germany lacks millions of skilled workers

According to the latest statistics, Germany is short of about 700,000 workers skilled by 2025, and this number could increase 7 million by 2035 without effective immigration solutions. This creates an open labour market, especially for university graduates in Germany, as they are familiar with the language, culture and training system in the country.

• Low unemployment rate, high job opportunities

The national unemployment rate is only about 6%, low compared to the European level. Especially in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), medicine and IT, the recruitment demand is always maintained at a high level. Many companies are willing to support international students to apply for work visas or Blue Cards to retain talent.

2. Priority hiring fields

• Engineer - mechanical, electrical, automation: Engineering has always been a pillar of the German economy. Mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and automation engineers are given priority because they directly serve the manufacturing sector, heavy industry and modern robot systems.
• Information technology, software, AI, data science: The rapid development of technology has made German companies "thirsty" for programmers, AI engineers and data experts. This is a group of industries that are easy to get visas quickly, have high salaries and are often offered Blue Cards right after signing a labor contract.
• Medical - nursing - health care industry: Due to the aging population, the demand for nurses and healthcare workers in Germany is increasing rapidly. Many states also have special programs to attract international students to study medicine and support them to settle immediately after graduation.
• Logistics - supply chain - renewable energy: Germany is the logistics hub of Europe. Logistics, supply chain management, environmental engineering, and clean energy are in high demand and are given priority visas with simpler procedures.

3. Visa extension and pathways to permanent residency

• 18-month post-study work visa:After graduation, international students are granted a temporary work visa.18 months, helping them have time to settle down and find job opportunities in their major.
• Easy conversion to work visa or Blue Card:When there is work with minimum salary around 43,800 EUR/year, students can switch to a work visa or EU Blue Card- a type of residence card with a long term and benefits almost equivalent to those of a native.
• Permanent residency after 21-33 months of work:Workers can apply for permanent residency after21 months(if you have a German B1 certificate) or33 months(no need B1), as long as you have paid full social insurance and have not violated the law during your stay.

V. Education system and top universities in Germany

Germany has a diverse higher education system that caters to both academically oriented students and those aiming for the job market. Understanding the two types of institutions and how to apply is key to choosing the right program.

1. Update on two university systems: Uni and FH

2. Typical universities for Vietnamese international students

• Technical University of Munich (TUM)

As a leading technical university in Germany and Europe, TUM is known for its technology, engineering, computer science and management programs. TUM offers many programs taught in English, high scholarship opportunities, and close cooperation with major corporations such as BMW, Google, Siemens – helping students easily find internships and jobs after graduation.

• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

As a long-standing and prestigious university, strong in social sciences, law, economics and medicine. LMU has excellent academic quality, regularly ranked in the world's top 100, and is a suitable choice for students pursuing research or wishing to study for a master's or doctorate.

• RWTH Aachen University

Known as the “MIT of Germany”, RWTH Aachen is particularly strong in engineering, mechanics, electrical and electronic engineering, AI and manufacturing technology. The school has extensive cooperation with German industry, providing a practical and research environment that is close to real needs, very suitable for Vietnamese students studying engineering.

• Heidelberg University

As the oldest university in Germany, it is prominent in medicine, biology, life sciences and social sciences. The school has a serious academic environment, great research opportunities, especially suitable for students with long-term academic orientation, studying for a doctorate.

• Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) & Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin)

Two prestigious universities in the capital city of Berlin, strong in humanities, communications, languages, and public policy. The location in Berlin makes it easy for students to find part-time jobs, internships, and quickly integrate into a dynamic international environment. The Vietnamese student community is also very developed here.

• Hochschule Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM)

As a large applied university, focusing on practical training, outstanding in the fields of management, IT, communications, and engineering. With clear career orientation and close links with businesses, HM helps students quickly access the labor market after graduation.

3. Changes in admission criteria and application procedures

• Applying via Uni-Assist and important deadlines:Uni-Assist.de is the main portal for applying to universities in Germany. Deadlines are 15/07 for winter term and 15/01 for summer semesterHowever, some schools may require it earlier, so check with each school carefully.
• The profile includes the following required documents:Students need to prepare: notarized translation of diploma, transcript,Foreign language certificates (TestDaF, DSH, IELTS, TOEFL...), CV, cover letter, recommendation letter. For master's degree, additional transcripts of equivalent courses orGRE/GMATif the major is different.
• Some FHs require additional interviews or entrance exams:Some universities of applied sciences have additional rounds.skills interview, professional testor portfolio check (for design and communication majors). This is a mandatory part to demonstrate the student's actual ability.

VI. Key notes and advice for Vietnamese students

Studying in Germany is a long journey and requires careful preparation in terms of documents, finances and spirit. The following notes will help you avoid risks and be more proactive in the process of studying and living in Germany.

1. Prepare application documents and finances early

Applying to study in Germany takes longer than you think, so start 6–12 months before your intended start date.

• Blocked Account:Students need to open a locked account with a minimum amount of money.11,904 EUR/year(~992 EUR/month) – this is a mandatory requirement to prove financial capacity when applying for a visa. Should open at least early 5-6 months to guard against technical problems, banking issues, or policy changes.
• Personal profile: Include: Passport valid for at least 6 months, English/German certificate (IELTS, TestDaF, DSH…), CV, motivation letter, transcripts and degrees are notarized translation, along with additional documents depending on the program of study. Preparing early will give you enough time to correct errors, supplement documents or retake the certificate if necessary.

2. Stay updated via DAAD and the German Embassy

Visa and admission policies in Germany can change every year, so it is imperative to have accurate information.

• Follow DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service):DAAD is the most prestigious source of information on scholarships, application procedures, and study programmes in English/German for international students. They also regularly organisewebinarDetailed instructions for each step of application submission.
• Website of the German Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam:Provide the most specific instructions on visa application process, appointment scheduling, required documents, and new updates on application processing times. Failure to update promptly can easily lead to delays or missing documents.

3. Housing and cultural integration are keys to stability

Accommodation and social networks have a big impact on your study abroad experience, especially in the first few months.

• Find accommodation early - priority Wohnheim and WG:Student dormitories (Wohnheim) are usually cheap (~200-300 EUR/month) but fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can find a room in a shared flat (WG – Wohngemeinschaft), where you live with Germans or international students – a great opportunity to practice your language skills and integrate.
• Actively integrate into the community:Join the student clubs, free language courses, cultural activities, Vietnamese student association in Germany will help you not only learn but also build personal and professional relationships. It is also one of the best ways to overcome initial feelings of loneliness and language barriers.

Conclusion

Studying in Germany in 2025 is a unique opportunity for many positive innovations: from finance, scholarships to flexible visas and a job market that is “thirsty” for quality human resources. If you are willing to invest in language certificates, financial accounts and thorough documents, studying in Germany will become easy and open the way to permanent settlement.