Nigerian Students in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

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Nigerian Students in Germany

Nigerian Students in Germany: Are you a Nigerian student looking to study in Germany? Studying abroad can be both exciting and a good experienceespecially in Germany, where top industries are located. Germany offers a growing number of programs (at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels) taught in English for Nigerian students. Locating English-speaking programs in Germany and colleges that accept Nigerian students might be a simple undertaking. If you take into consideration the admission requirements, we will assist you in finding a study program that piques your curiosity.

Check out the Best Internships in Germany for international students 

Why Germany for Nigerian Students?

You must have some sense that Germany and its higher education system have a lot to offer you as an international student, based on whatever personal study you may have done. You must begin preparing to study in Germany as soon as possible and make sure you meet the entrance requirements. Following are the reasons why Nigerian students prefer studying in Germany for higher education:

  • High-Quality Education: Discuss the reputation of German universities, the emphasis on research, and the various programs offered.
  • Affordable Tuition Fees: Explain the generally low or no tuition fees for public universities, especially for certain programs. Mention any exceptions.
  • Career Opportunities: Discuss post-study work permits, the job market for graduates, and opportunities for internships.
  • Cultural Immersion: Highlight the rich German culture, historical sites, and opportunities for travel within Europe.
  • Safe and Welcoming Environment: Address concerns about safety and integration, emphasizing the welcoming nature of German society towards international students.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: Briefly mention available scholarships for Nigerian students.

Quick Reads:

How to Study in Germany?

Education System in Germany

Top Universities for Nigerian Students in Germany

Take a look at the following list of top universities that a Nigerian student can choose when planning to go in Germany. These op German universities that accept Nigerian students for their degree programs.

Universities for Nigerian Students
in Germnany
QS World Ranking 2025
IUBH University
University of Freiburg#104
Bremen University #592
Technische Universitat Dresden#234
Munich University#28
Saarland University#601-610
Berlin International University 
University of Bonn#=227
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology(KIT)#102
Technische Universitat München(TUM)#28
University of Gottingen#=252
Jacobs University– 

Read more: Top 20 Universities in Germany for International Students

Tuition-free Universities in Germany for Nigerian students

One of the primary reasons for international students and special Nigerians to study in Germany is degree programs that are inexpensive or even free. The top German universities that don’t charge tuition and provide high-quality education are listed below.

University of CologneUniversity of Duisburg-Essen
University of Bamberg University of Applied Sciences Wurzburg Schweinfurt
Technical University of MunchenTU Darmstadt
FAU Erlangen NürnbergHamburg University of Technology
Leibniz Universitat HannoverUniversity of Munster
University of BonnUniversity of Hamburg

Top Courses for Nigerian Students in Germany

Germany has become a popular destination for Nigerian students seeking quality higher education. With a wide range of programs, world-class universities, and affordable tuition fees, it’s no wonder why many Nigerians choose to study in Germany. Here are some of the top courses that Nigerian students often pursue in Germany:

Top Courses Popular SpecialisationTop Universities in Germany
EngineeringMechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Environmental Engineering.Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, University of Stuttgart.
Computer Science and ITSoftware Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence.Technical University of Munich, University of Stuttgart, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Free University of Berlin.
Business ManagementInternational Business, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Business Administration.Mannheim Business School, TUM School of Management, HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management.
Humanities and ArtsCultural Studies, Media Studies, Fine Arts, History, Philosophy.University of Heidelberg, Humboldt University of Berlin, Free University of Berlin, University of Munich.
Social SciencesSociology, Political Science, Anthropology, International Relations.University of Munich, University of Cologne, University of Hamburg, University of Freiburg.

Requirements for Nigerian Students in Germany

The requirements for Nigerian students in Germany can be varied depending on the type of university you want to attend. There are also various factors, such as your education program and your medium of instruction (MOI). Here, we advise you to select a course and university under the guidance of experts.

English Proficiency Requirements 

In general, Nigerian applicants seeking to study in Germany may not need to take English language exams like the TOEFL or IELTS:

  • In Germany, a lot of universities offer just English-language programs. In these situations, they will probably need documentation from your academic record attesting to your English skills. It usually suffices if your prior education—high school or a bachelor’s degree—was completed entirely in English.
  • You must turn in the results of your English proficiency test if you are taking English classes at your university. The acceptable TOEFL and IELTS scores are added here.
Test Name Score Range 
IELTS Overall 6 Band 
TOEFL80 Score 

Admission Process Nigerian Students in Germany

The admission process for Nigerian students in Germany can be broken down into two main stages:

1. University Application:

  • Choose a Program and University:
    • Research universities and programs that align with your academic interests and career goals. Consider factors like program content, language of instruction, university rankings, and location.  
    • The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) website is a great resource for finding programs, especially those in English.  
  • Check Admission Requirements:
    • Each university and program has specific admission requirements. Generally, you’ll need:
      • Academic Qualifications: WAEC or NECO results for undergraduate programs, and a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs. Some programs might require specific subjects or grades.
      • Language Proficiency: Proof of German language skills (TestDaF or Goethe-Zertifikat) for German-taught programs, or English language skills (IELTS or TOEFL) for English-taught programs. Some programs may waive the English test if your previous degree was taught in English.
      • Other Requirements: Depending on the program, you might need a CV, motivation letter, letters of recommendation, or specific entrance exams.
  • Prepare Your Documents: Gather all necessary documents well in advance. This includes:
  • Submit Your Application:
    • Most German universities use the Uni-Assist portal for international applications. This simplifies the process by centralizing applications.  
    • Check the university’s website for specific application instructions and deadlines, as some universities might have their own application portals.
    • Pay the application fee, if applicable.
  • Wait for Admission Decision:
    • Universities will review your application and notify you of their decision. This can take several weeks or even months.

2. Visa Application:

  • Get Your Admission Letter: You need an official admission letter from a German university to apply for a student visa.  
  • Open a Blocked Account:
    • You need to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Germany. The most common way is to open a blocked account at a German bank. You’ll need to deposit a specific amount (currently around €11,208 per year) into this account.  
  • Get Health Insurance:
    • You need health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your studies in Germany. You can get German public health insurance or a private insurance plan that meets German requirements.  
  • Gather Your Visa Documents: Prepare all the required documents for your visa application:
  • Schedule a Visa Appointment:
    • Contact the German embassy or consulate in Nigeria to schedule a visa appointment. Be prepared for potential waiting times.
  • Attend the Visa Interview:
    • You might be required to attend a visa interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your study plans, financial situation, and reasons for choosing Germany.
  • Wait for Visa Decision:
    • The visa processing time can vary. You’ll be notified of the decision once your application is processed.

Also Read:

Open a Blocked Account in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide

Can I Study in Germany Without Blocked Account?

How to Apply for a German Visa?

You will need to apply for a German study visa if you are accepted into a German university or preparatory school. There are a few conditions you need to meet before you can accomplish it.

Details Visa  Fee 
Application fees The cost of a German student visa is EUR 75, or NGN 129,414.82.
Children only need to pay EUR 37,50, or NGN 64,707.41, for their visa. 
Processing TimeThe German Embassy usually take six week to finalise your student visa.  

Also Read:

 Student Visa Fee

German Student Visa Checklist

Documents Required for International Students

For individuals who would like to continue their studies in Germany, please review the list of required documents that we have developed below.

Must Read:

Germany Private Health Insurance

Germany Public Health Insurance

TK German Health Insurance for International Students

Know All About German Travel Insurance

Cost of Studying for Nigerian Students in Germany

In Germany, the average monthly living expense for students is approximately 850 Euros. Living expenses will run you about 10, 300+ euros a year, and about 40% of international students will opt to live in dorms because the monthly fees are much lower, at about 300 EUR.

DetailsAverage Fees per annum in EURAverage Fees per annum in INR
Cost of Living10,404 EUR 4,784,000 Naira
Accommodation3,600 EUR1,656,000 Naira

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FAQs

What is the success rate of German student visas in Nigeria?

Here is the Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Germany 2024 The German government may still reject your application even though, as of 2024, the success rate for German student visas was a very high 95%. The German government is very restrictive when it comes to immigration.

Is Germany a good place to study for Nigerians?

Here are some of the best reasons for Nigerian students who are thinking about studying abroad to pick Germany. First off, degree qualifications are widely respected by potential employers worldwide due to the nation’s well-established reputation for high-quality education.

Do Nigerians need IELTS to study in Germany?


For students who have a bachelor’s degree and have taken courses in which English was the language of instruction, they do not need to take the IELTS exam. If English is your mother tongue, you may be able to pursue your studies in Germany without taking the IELTS test.

What are famous B-schools in Germany for international students?

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, ESMT Berlin, Munich Business School, Mannheim Business School gGmbH, etc. are some of the famous B-schools in Germany for international students.

What are the list of universities in Germany without IELTS?

Some of the universities in Germany without IELTS are the University of Siegen, the University of Giessen, the Free University of Berlin, the University of Koblenz and Landau, the University of Kaiserslautern, etc.

Hopefully, you get a detailed insight into Nigerian students in Germany. For more detailed information, you can book your free counselling session with our experts and follow us. Leverage Edu for the latest updates.

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