Germany offers quality education, with 240 state universities and 100 private universities located throughout the country. The country also offers specialising studies like technical schools, business or engineering schools with an emphasis on vocational training that are open for international students. Most of the universities offer German courses for international students, but there are also many institutes which organise intensive courses for foreigners. All these opportunities are with the purpose of preparing the students for their entrance into the labour market. Over 10% of all enrolled students in Germany are international students. The majority of them arrange their stay themselves, and 15% enter via a co-operation or through an exchange programme. To register with an institution of higher education in Germany, a general university entrance qualification is needed (secondary school diploma or Abitur in German). For this, you will have to provide your equivalent of a final exam after high school (known as Matura in some eastern countries, maturità in Italy and A-levels in countries like Wales, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Additionally, many universities may require minimum grade point averages or eligibility tests. If you have already studied for two to four semesters in your home country, this period will qualify you for entry to higher education in Germany. In case your qualifications are not sufficient, you must take an assessment examination, which usually requires attending a preparatory college. Check with the university, which language certificates are accepted. Most of these tests you can take either abroad or directly in Germany. For more information about German assessment tests, visit the Goethe Institute website. The registration procedures can be complicated and vary between universities. It's best to contact beforehand the international student offices of the chosen school or university (Akademisches Auslandsamt or Studentenwerk) and provide the necessary documentation to proceed with your application, usually including: Note that all documents need to be translated in German by a legal translator (the exception might be if your certificates are in English). Additionally, they need to be stamped by a notary (or to contain an apostille stamp to confirm their validity). Application closing dates differ, though, generally, they must be filed before January 15th for the summer semester (beginning in April) or before July 15th for the winter semester (starting in October). However, make sure to check well in advance for your specific programme to be able to respect the deadlines for submitting your paperwork. German universities used to be free in the past; however, some tuition fees have recently been introduced. A full semester in a German university costs around €500 or less. Tuition fees may vary according to universities or regions. You can find out more information about scholarships in Germany directly through your current school or university or through the German embassy or consulate in your area. Your host institution may also offer scholarships or grants. DAAD is one of the largest databases of scholarships, available for citizens of different countries. The information provided above only concerns registration procedures with a German school or university. According to your country of origin, you may need to apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Always check, where you must apply. For some courses you must apply directly at the university, others have to be submitted to the foundation for the allocation of study places (Hochschulstart, formerly ZVS) and, in some cases, you have to apply at the admissions office Uni-assist. Note that Uni-assist may have different deadlines and rules than indicated on the university website, so it is convenient to contact their offices beforehand. If you are a citizen from outside the EU-EEA, you must apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.  There are three kinds of student visas: visa for language courses, temporary student visa valid up to three months and the student visa per se.