Study in Germany at University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE)

Choosing where to study abroad is not just about picking a university. It is about choosing a country, a system, and a pathway that can shape what happens after graduation.

From years of advising students and families, one thing is clear: students who choose to study in Germany with the right university and proper guidance usually have a much clearer path forward, not only during their studies, but especially after graduation.

If your goal is to gain practical, career-oriented knowledge in an accredited institution, and to study in a country where real work opportunities and long-term prospects exist, Germany stands out as one of the strongest options in the world today. For students and families considering whether to study in Germany, this combination of education and career opportunity is one of the country’s strongest advantages.

Why study in Germany

Germany offers a combination that is difficult to find elsewhere. The advantages are clear and practical:

• Strong economy and job market, especially in business, IT, and engineering
• Students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year during their studies (roughly 20 hours per week), which allows them to gain real experience and support living costs
• 18-month post-study residence permit after graduation to find a full-time job in your field
• Once employed, graduates can switch to a work residence permit or EU Blue Card (with salary thresholds typically around €45,000 per year, or lower for shortage occupations), creating a clear pathway to long-term employment
• Permanent residence can often be obtained after 21–33 months on a Blue Card, depending on language level
• International environment, especially in cities like Berlin

This is why more and more international students choose to study in Germany not only for the quality of education, but also for the opportunities that come after graduation.

Earlier career start, better payback

One important point that is often overlooked when comparing study options in Germany is the overall timeline. With direct entry and a 3-year Bachelor, UE students can enter the job market earlier than many public university routes that take 4–5 years. Starting earlier often means earning earlier – and improving overall return on education. 

→ See how a faster study path affects cost and future earnings

Against that background, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) stands out as a particularly relevant option for students who want a modern, practical, and internationally oriented education, with a clear focus on career outcomes.

About the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE)

UE brings together business, technology, and creative education in a way that reflects today’s job market. Its current structure was shaped by the merger of two established German institutions: BiTS (Business and Information Technology School) and BTK (University of Art & Design). This combination is still clearly visible today in the university’s academic profile and its applied, industry-oriented approach.

International campuses and outlook

With more than 25 years of experience, UE has developed a strong profile in business, technology, design, psychology, and health. For students who want to study in Germany in an international environment, this combination is one of UE’s strongest points.

The university has campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, Iserlohn, Potsdam, and Dubai, giving students both a German academic foundation and an international outlook. Students come from more than 140 nationalities, creating a truly international study environment.

Practical learning approach

UE is not a traditional, theory-heavy university. It is built around how the job market actually works. From the beginning, students are exposed to real projects, industry cases, and practical assignments, with internships and career-focused learning built into the study experience.

Many programs include collaboration with industry partners and guest lecturers from leading companies such as SAP, Microsoft, Deutsche Bank, Deloitte, and Zalando.

Students often work on real projects, and company visits (for example, visits to major tech companies in Germany such as Google) are also part of the learning experience, helping them understand how industries operate and strengthening employability from early on. As a result, UE reports that 90–98% of graduates (depending on specialization) are employed within 12 months after graduation.

Accreditation and recognition

UE is a state-recognized and system-accredited university, which is the highest form of accreditation in Germany. In addition, its programs and the institution itself have been reviewed and approved by bodies such as FIBAA and ZEvA, which adds another level of academic credibility and recognition.

Global recognition and career outcomes

University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) degrees follow the European Bologna framework and are internationally recognized. In practical terms, this means graduates can pursue careers across different countries and, where applicable, continue their studies at the postgraduate level.

Combined with the university’s strong focus on practical learning and industry collaboration, this translates into strong employability and clear career outcomes after graduation. In simple terms, students are not only learning theory, but actively building skills that employers look for.

Stability, support, and flexibility

Another important point for students and families is stability. As part of a larger international education group – Global University Systems, UE presents itself as a financially solid institution and also offers scholarships and support with financing options for eligible students.

Another advantage is flexibility. In many bachelor’s programs, students can spend a later semester either studying abroad at a partner university or completing an internship.

Academic offering and student fit

The university offers a broad range of bachelor’s and master’s programs across Business & Management, Tech & Software, Art & Design, and Psychology & Health.

UE Germany is not only an attractive opportunity for students from emerging markets, but also for students from developed countries, such as the United States, who are looking for a more international, practical, and career-oriented education. To get a more personal perspective, watch how Sarah Guettaf, our student from the United States, and a Business and Management student at the UE Berlin campus, describes her experience:

Study in Germany: Sarah about the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE)

UE offers a wide range of programs, which is one of its clear strengths, but it also means that choosing the right path deserves careful thought. This is where PRODIREKT academic advisors add real value: helping students identify their strengths and affinities, and guiding them toward the program that fits them best.

Programs

Teaching quality and faculty

UE places strong emphasis on teaching quality and international exposure. It has been ranked among the top universities worldwide for international orientation and student mobility, particularly for study abroad opportunities and student exchange.

Classes are typically smaller and more interactive, with lecturers coming both from academia and industry.

Academic fields

UE offers more than 50 state-recognized and accredited undergraduate (BA/BSc) and postgraduate (MA/MSc and MBA) programs across key areas:

• Business & Management
• Tech & Software / IT
• Data Science & AI
• Art, Design & Media
• Psychology & Health
• Sports & Event Management

Foundation programs

For students who need additional preparation before starting a degree, UE offers foundation (pathway) programs.

These programs are designed to help students significantly improve their chances of admission to their desired degree. In practice, this often means strengthening academic or language skills, and for creative programs, building a stronger design portfolio with guidance from lecturers. At the same time, foundation studies can also help students confirm their choice of program, better understand their strengths and affinities, and move forward with more confidence.

✅ If students continue into a bachelor’s program, the tuition fee paid for the foundation semester is credited toward the final semester of their degree.

Undergraduate (Bachelor) programs

Bachelor programs at UE are designed to give students a broad and practical foundation, with the option to specialize later. Some programs are more general (such as Business & Management), while others are more focused (for example in design, tech, or data-related fields).

Undergraduate degrees are typically completed in 6 semesters (3 years) and carry 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits.

In many programs, the 5th semester offers exciting options: students can choose between an internship or a study-abroad experience.

If you are not yet fully clear about your career path, that is perfectly fine. UE offers broader Bachelor programs that allow students to build a strong foundation first, better understand their strengths and affinities, and then specialize later, including at Master level. This is also where our academic advisors can be especially helpful in guiding students toward the right starting point.

Study-and-work option in Germany – Dual Programs

UE also offers selected dual programs, which combine university studies with practical work experience in a company. In simple terms, students study and work at the same time. At UE, the usual structure is 2 days at university and 3 days with the practice partner each week.

A key advantage is that these programs are generally promoted as tuition-free or tuition-covered by the employer. The practical work arrangement is tied to the company partnership and typically runs alongside the study period, which means students gain relevant work experience from the start while balancing a more demanding study-and-work schedule.

This option is quite popular in Germany, but it also requires finding a suitable practice partner company. For this reason, many students begin through the standard study track and later transfer to a dual program once the right company partner is secured.

For students who are interested in this pathway, our academic advisors can help assess whether it is a realistic and suitable option, and explain when it makes sense to start with the regular track first.

Master (MA/MSc) programs

Master programs are more focused and are designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge in a specific field or transition into a new specialization. We have also had students whom we advised successfully move into a new academic direction at Master level, once their previous studies, overall profile, and long-term goals were matched carefully with the right program.

MBA programs

UE offers flexible MBA pathways of 60 and 90 ECTS, allowing candidates with different academic and professional backgrounds to enter at the appropriate level.

In simple terms, the 90 ECTS MBA is the longer option, while the 60 ECTS MBA is shorter and generally intended for candidates with stronger prior academic preparation or relevant professional experience. Both options lead to an MBA degree, but they differ in duration and study load.

Because of these different entry points, choosing the right MBA structure is an important decision. Based on a candidate’s academic background and professional experience, our academic advisors help determine and recommend which option is most appropriate and aligned with long-term career goals.

Programs we recommend

For our students, we look at where the job market is going and which skills will remain relevant in the future; based on that, we highlight programs that offer the strongest long-term value and career flexibility. The key is choosing the right starting point and direction.

BSc Business & Management Studies

A broad and flexible Bachelor of Science in Business & Management with a strong practical orientation. It is also a very good foundation for later Master-level specialization, since it keeps a wide range of academic and career directions open.

BSc Digital Business & Data Science

A highly relevant and future-oriented program for students who want to work where business, technology, and data meet. In the AI era, companies increasingly need professionals who can not only understand data, but also interpret AI-driven insights and turn them into sound business decisions.

MA Generative Design & AI

A future-oriented Master of Arts program that combines design and artificial intelligence. This is an excellent opportunity to master cutting-edge generative AI platforms and code-based design techniques, building a distinctive skill set that is highly sought after across a wide range of industries.

Intakes

• September (main intake)
• March (additional intake, depending on program availability)

Application deadlines (recommended)

While UE accepts applications on a rolling basis, it is strongly recommended to apply within the following timeframes:

For September intake:

• non-EU students: ideally by mid-July (to allow time for visa processing)
• EU students: by end of August

For March intake:

• non-EU students: ideally by mid-January
• EU students: by end of February

Applying earlier is always advisable, especially for non-EU students, due to visa timelines and limited program availability. This is especially important for students planning to study in Germany and needing enough time for visa and pre-arrival preparations.

Tuition

Tuition at UE is transparent and applies equally to both EU and non-EU students. The difference lies mainly in enrolment conditions, not in the tuition itself.

Students can choose flexible payment plans (monthly, per semester, or annually).

Undergraduate (Bachelor) programs
– €13,325 per year

Master programs
– typically €14,250 to €25,100 per year, depending on duration and specialization

Deposit (Reservation Fee) for EU and non-EU students

• Deposit required to confirm enrolment
  The standard deposit (Reservation Fee) is €3,000. It is a one-time payment and is fully deducted from the total tuition after enrolment, meaning it is not an additional cost but part of the tuition.

Scholarships

UE offers a range of scholarships and financial support options.

Scholarships typically depend on:

• academic performance
• country of residence
• selected program and campus
• chosen payment structure

✅ Once we work together on your application and understand your profile, we help present your application in a way that improves your chances of securing available scholarships and financial advantages.

Additional costs

In addition to tuition, students should also plan for several standard costs:

• Enrollment fee: €490, payable annually; waived in the first year for PRODIREKT students who enroll during May–July
• technology fee (approx. €89 per year)
• health insurance (usually around €100–€150 per month, depending on the provider and coverage)
• study materials and course-related expenses (often around €50–€200 per semester, depending on the program)
• residence permit fee (approx. €110)
• living expenses in Germany (approx. €900–€1,300 per month, depending on city and lifestyle)

These costs are standard for international students in Germany and should be taken into account when planning the full study budget.

Admission process

The admission process follows a clear step-by-step structure.

Step 1: Filling out PRODIREKT Application and Terms & Conditions

The first step is to complete:

• PRODIREKT Application (download the application form)
• Terms & Conditions (download here)

This does not secure a place on the program and does not place you under any obligation to attend. It is simply the first formal step in the application process, so that we can review your profile, provide precise information, and check current availability for the selected program.

After that, we discuss your goals, academic background, and preferences, and help you identify the most suitable program and campus.

Please note that the final study contract is signed directly with the university, and the place is confirmed once the required deposit (Reservation Fee) is paid.

Step 2: Preparation of application documents

You prepare the required documents, and we guide you through each step to make sure everything meets university standards.

Undergraduate (Bachelor) applicants usually need:

• passport copy and photo
• secondary school diploma and transcripts
• final secondary school exam results (if part of your national education system, e.g. A-levels, IB, Matura, etc.)
• CV (signed and dated)
• motivation letter
• proof of English language proficiency
  For most English-taught Bachelor programs, the main accepted minimum English results are IELTS Academic 5.5 overall, TOEFL iBT 60, or Duolingo 100. For German-taught programs, a higher level of German proficiency (typically B2 level) is required.

For Art & Design Bachelor programs, a portfolio is also required. If a student is interested in a creative program but does not yet have a suitable portfolio, a one-semester Foundation Diploma Art & Design can be a very good pathway. It helps students explore different creative directions, build a portfolio with lecturer support, and then decide which Bachelor program suits them best.

Master (MA/MSc) applicants usually need:

• passport copy and photo
• Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript
• CV (signed and dated)
• motivation letter
• proof of English language proficiency

For most Master programs, the main accepted minimum English results are IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 72, or Duolingo 105. For German-taught programs, German language proficiency (typically B2 level or higher) is required.

For certain Art & Design Master programs, a portfolio is required.

MBA applicants additionally need:

• a first qualifying university degree (minimum 180 ECTS)
• at least 1 year of professional experience after graduation
• English proficiency at Master level

✅ We also advise you on how to present your profile in the strongest possible way, especially when preparing the CV and motivation letter.

Step 3: University application submission

Once your documents are ready, the application is submitted to the university.

For Bachelor applicants, UE may require an admission test, mainly for non-EU students and depending on the school curriculum. According to UE, this test usually includes a math section and a short essay related to the chosen Bachelor program.

For Master and MBA applicants, requirements are usually document-based, although certain programs may include additional evaluation steps such as portfolio review.

Based on the selected program and the student’s profile, we confirm the exact requirements with the university in advance and guide you accordingly.

Step 4: Offer and confirmation

Once accepted, you receive an official offer from the university.

At this stage:

• EU students confirm their place directly
• non-EU students confirm by paying the deposit (Reservation Fee), which is part of the tuition

Step 5: Visa and pre-arrival preparation (non-EU students)

After receiving the admission offer, non-EU students need to complete their visa and pre-arrival formalities in time. UE’s Welcome Centre can assist admitted students with practical questions related to starting their studies, including matters such as visas, accommodation information, and health insurance.

Step 6: Matriculation and start of studies

Once admitted and ready to begin, students complete the final matriculation steps with UE and prepare for the start of classes.

We are here to answer your questions and help you make this important decision with clarity and confidence. Our role goes beyond the application process — we help you choose the right path.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us.

Contact Form