The short answer 
Start by checking whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements. Then choose a programme, satisfy its language conditions, apply through the correct channel, arrange funding and insurance, and apply for the appropriate visa. Your route depends on your qualifications, course and country of residence.

Studying in Germany begins with matching your academic background and budget to a suitable course. An admission offer, a visa and university enrolment are separate stages, each with its own requirements.

This guide explains what to check at each stage.

Study in germany

1. Check your academic eligibility

For undergraduate study, your school qualification must provide a recognised German university entrance route. A preparatory course, known as a Studienkolleg, and the Feststellungsprüfung assessment may be required before degree study.

What does KCSE C+ mean for applicants from Kenya? 

DAAD’s assessment for KCSE applicants with no prior university study requires a minimum mean grade of C+ and points to the preparatory-course or assessment-examination route. C+ alone does not establish direct bachelor’s entry. A grade below C+ does not automatically qualify an applicant for Studienkolleg.

Previous university study or a higher qualification can change the assessment. Have your full academic history checked; do not assume that a diploma, higher diploma or a period of university study guarantees admission. DAAD’s database is guidance, and the university makes the final admission decision.

For master’s study, check the course’s requirements for a relevant first degree, subject content, grades and language evidence. Applicants with qualifications from other African countries should use their own country’s assessment, rather than apply the KCSE rules to their certificates.

2. Compare programmes and language requirements

Choose the specific programme first, then check its teaching language, accepted tests and entry conditions. The university’s published requirements should guide your application.

For each shortlisted course, record the qualification awarded, institution, campus, duration, tuition, application route and deadline. Compare the complete offer, including any preparatory stage, rather than choosing solely on a headline fee.

Can you study in English? 

English-taught programmes are available, but there is no single English test score that applies across Germany. Check the accepted test, minimum overall and component scores, and any exemption policy for your chosen course. If you are relying on previous English-medium study, obtain written confirmation that it meets the requirements.

What if the programme is taught in German? 

Check which German certificate and result the university accepts. Goethe C1 is accepted by some institutions, while Goethe C2 has general recognition as language evidence for university study. Academic eligibility remains a separate requirement. Build your language-learning schedule around your current level and the required examination.

3. Prepare documents and submit your application

Follow the university’s stated application channel. Where uni-assist is involved, follow its instructions for document submission, evaluation fees and tracking. An adviser can assist with preparation, but the official assessment and admission decision remain with the responsible bodies.

Your checklist may include academic certificates and transcripts, language evidence, identification, a CV and course-specific supporting material. Submit certified copies or translations where required. Certification requirements differ, so avoid assuming every document needs legalisation.

For Kenya, uni-assist says applicants whose KCSE was obtained more than a year ago need the official leaving certificate; provisional results are only valid for one year.

When should you begin? 

Work backwards from the programme’s own intake, application and enrolment dates. Allow time for language tests, document preparation, assessment, admission, funding and the visa process. Start early enough to absorb delays; a generic application calendar cannot establish your course’s deadline.

Keep an application tracker. For each course, save the official requirements link, deadline, fees, documents submitted, outstanding conditions and next action. 

4. Calculate the full cost of studying

Low tuition does not mean a cost-free degree. Many public bachelor’s and most public master’s programmes have no tuition, but private institutions and some public programmes charge fees.

Budget item What to allow for
Tuition Use the chosen programme’s published fee. Baden-Württemberg generally charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, with exemptions. Some Bavarian institutions also charge non-EU tuition. 
Semester contribution DAAD gives an indicative range of €70–430 per semester. Transport arrangements vary; a ticket is not universally included. 
Living expenses DAAD gives an indicative €900–1,200 per month. Actual housing and personal costs can be higher.
Initial expenses Budget separately for travel, a housing deposit, document preparation, tests, application charges and any account-provider fees. 
5. Arrange the correct financial evidence

For the standard study route, the Consular Services Portal lists €992 monthly, equivalent to €11,904 for a full year. A blocked account is one recognised method; a qualifying scholarship or declaration of commitment can also demonstrate funding.

Seeking a university place is a different visa category. The Consular Services Portal lists €1,091 per month for that route. Confirm the category and evidence with the responsible German mission before transferring money.

For tuition-charging courses, the Nairobi embassy checklist also requires evidence of first-year tuition payment or a corresponding increase in the blocked-account amount.

Avoid counting the same money twice. Blocked-account funds are your money for living expenses, released under the account’s rules. They are not an additional tuition payment. Build one living-cost budget, then add tuition, other charges and a buffer for expenses beyond the minimum. 

Read scholarship award conditions carefully and check what the award actually covers. Plan how you will fund the full degree, including any gap between the award, your available funds and your expected costs.

6. Apply through the responsible German mission

Use the visa route that matches your admission status and planned activity. Applicants resident outside Kenya should follow the German mission responsible for their place of residence.

For Kenya, the Nairobi embassy’s current process provides for online submission through the Consular Services Portal, followed by an appointment at TLScontact after document checks. The checklist distinguishes direct admission, study preparation and applications for a study place.

Use the embassy’s complete checklist for identity documents, academic and language evidence, admission status, finances, insurance and supporting statements. Confirm the applicable fee and insurance requirements before submission.

Processing is generally listed as around one to two months, but can take longer. Allow additional time for obtaining documents and an appointment. Neither an admission offer nor counselling support guarantees a visa.

7. Complete arrival and enrolment formalities

Follow the university’s enrolment deadline and arrange your local registrations promptly. Ask the International Office for help with the sequence.

  • Address registration: register your new address promptly with the responsible local registration office and follow its appointment and document requirements.
  • Health insurance: arrange acceptable cover and the proof needed for enrolment. The suitable policy depends on your age and circumstances; no single insurer is compulsory.
  • Enrolment: submit the required documents and payments, then obtain your enrolment certificate.
  • Residence permission: contact the local foreigners authority early and apply for the required student residence permit before your entry permission expires.
8. Plan for work and life after graduation

Eligible graduates can apply for up to 18 months to seek skilled employment. They may work in other occupations while searching. A qualifying job can support a move to an appropriate work residence permit or EU Blue Card; settlement has separate conditions.

During study, employment is subject to the rules attached to your status. Check those conditions before taking a job. Plan your finances without depending on earnings you have not secured.

Frequently asked questions

Can I enter a German bachelor’s programme with KCSE C+?
C+ alone does not establish direct entry. For KCSE applicants without previous university study, DAAD’s standard assessment points to a preparatory-course or assessment-examination route. The university decides admission.

Is studying in Germany free for African students? 
Many public programmes have no tuition, but exceptions apply. You still need to fund living expenses and applicable charges. Obtain the full fee schedule for your course.

How much money must I show for a student visa? 
The standard study-route figure for 2026 is €11,904 annually. A study-place-seeking visa has different funding requirements. Tuition may require additional evidence.

Can I apply without IELTS? 
Check the programme’s accepted alternatives and exemptions. University acceptance of an alternative does not remove the need to satisfy the visa language-evidence requirements.

Does an admission offer guarantee a visa? 
An offer supports the appropriate application, but you must still meet the documentation and other conditions. Read any conditions in the offer and follow the relevant mission’s checklist.

Can I remain in Germany after graduating? 
Eligible graduates may apply for a job-search residence permit of up to 18 months. Longer-term work and settlement routes depend on meeting their own requirements.

Explore your options with Craydel

Visit craydel.com to explore study options and enquire about guidance for your application. Ask which German programmes are currently available, what support is included and whether any charges apply.

Bring your certificates, transcripts, language results, preferred subject and realistic budget to the discussion. Request a written shortlist showing each programme’s entry route, costs and deadlines.

Also considering Australia? Read step-by-step guide to studying in Australia to explore the application process for that destination.