The short answer
Yes, you can study in Germany in English — every university you can apply to through Craydel teaches in English, with no German exam to enrol; you prove English with about IELTS 6.0–6.5. Programmes are strongest in business, IT, AI/data, creative and marketing. Public (tuition-free) universities mostly teach in German, and some German still helps daily life and work.
The biggest myth about studying in Germany is that you must speak German. For the universities African students most often apply to, you don’t — they teach entirely in English. This guide explains which English-taught programmes you can study, what English level you need, and where German still matters.
Can you study in Germany in English?
Yes. Every university you can apply to through Craydel teaches its programmes in English, so there is no German-language exam standing between you and enrolment. Germany now has hundreds of English-taught degrees, concentrated in the private and applied-sciences universities and in postgraduate programmes. You’ll typically prove English with IELTS (around 6.0–6.5) or an equivalent — the same test you’d use for Australia or the UK.
What can you study in English?
The English-taught universities you can apply to through Craydel are strongest in the fields international students want most:
| Field | Examples of programmes |
|---|---|
| Business & Management | Business Administration, International Business, MBA |
| Computing & IT | Computer Science, IT & Systems, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity |
| Data & AI | Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Data Analysis |
| Creative & Media | Art & Design, Graphic Design, Media & Communication, Film |
| Marketing & Finance | Marketing, Finance & Accounting, Economics |
Fields with the most English-taught programmes across Craydel’s German universities. Health, medicine and heavy-engineering degrees are largely at public universities and often in German — see the note below.
Which universities teach in English?
Among others you can apply to through Craydel: SRH University, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Constructor University, Macromedia University, EU Business School, Gisma University, Berlin School of Business & Innovation, CBS International Business School and EBS Universität — across Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Leipzig and more. Build a shortlist in our universities in Germany guide.
Want an English-taught course that fits your grades?
A Craydel counsellor will shortlist English-taught German programmes you’ll get an offer for — matched to your results and budget — at no cost to you.
Where German still matters
Two honest caveats. First, public universities — the tuition-free ones — mostly teach in German and require DSH or TestDaF, so “free” usually means learning German first (see our study for free guide). Second, even on an English-taught degree, some German helps daily life and part-time work. You don’t need it to enrol or graduate, but a basic level (A1–B1) makes renting, jobs and settling in much easier, and supports the 18-month post-study job search.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Germany without speaking German?
Yes. Every university you can apply to through Craydel teaches in English, so you can enrol and graduate without a German-language qualification. You prove English with IELTS (around 6.0–6.5) or equivalent. Some German still helps with daily life and part-time work.
What English level do I need?
Most English-taught programmes ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL or PTE) — the same tests used for Australia and the UK. Exact scores vary by university and course.
What can I study in English in Germany?
Mainly business and management, computer science and IT, AI and data science, creative and media, marketing, finance and economics — the strengths of Germany’s private and applied-sciences universities. Medicine, nursing and heavy engineering are largely at public universities and often taught in German.
Do I need German for the visa?
Not for an English-taught programme — the visa follows your admission and proof of funds, not a German test. If your programme is German-taught (typically at public universities), you’ll need to show German proficiency such as DSH or TestDaF.
Sources
- Craydel course, campus and admissions data (2026) — English-taught universities, programmes by field, English entry requirements.
- DAAD — International Programmes in Germany (English-taught degree database) and language requirements. daad.de
Want this built around your grades and budget?
A Craydel counsellor will shortlist Germany universities that fit what you can actually afford — free.