Study Law in Germany 2027: Guide

Germany offers a distinctive route for students who want to build a career in law. Unlike countries where an undergraduate LLB is the standard route to becoming a practising lawyer, Germany’s traditional legal education is structured around university law studies, the First State Examination, practical legal training and the Second State Examination.

For international students, this makes studying law in Germany different from studying law in the UK, Australia or other common study-abroad destinations. German-language ability is particularly important because traditional law programmes are primarily taught and examined in German.

If you plan to study law in Germany in 2027, understanding the education structure is essential before choosing a university. This guide explains the major law programmes, admission requirements, language expectations, costs, application process, visa considerations and potential career routes.

Why Study Law in Germany?

Germany’s legal education system is closely connected to its national legal framework and professional qualification pathway. Students who want to practise German law therefore need to understand more than just the academic degree.

A major feature of German legal education is the State Examination system. Under Germany’s Judiciary Act, qualification for judicial office involves completing university legal studies, passing the First Examination, completing preparatory legal training and passing the Second State Examination.

Studying law in Germany can therefore be relevant for students interested in areas such as:

- Civil law

- Criminal law

- Public law

- Constitutional law

- Administrative law

- European law

- International law

- Corporate and commercial law

- Labour and social law

- Environmental law

- Legal research and academia

German universities also offer opportunities to develop knowledge in specialised areas. For example, law programmes listed by DAAD include areas such as European and international law, company law, criminal law, public law and law and finance.

How Does Legal Education Work in Germany?

The structure of legal education is one of the most important things to understand before applying.

The traditional pathway is broadly:

University law studies → First Examination → Legal preparatory service → Second State Examination → Qualification for judicial office

Germany’s federal Judiciary Act provides for university studies followed by a two-year preparatory service. The preparatory service includes placements at a civil court, a criminal court or public prosecutor’s office, an administrative authority and with a lawyer, alongside elective training.

The First State Examination

The First Examination combines a university examination in the student’s specialisation area with a state examination covering compulsory subjects.

Under the federal framework, the compulsory areas include core elements of:

- Civil law

- Criminal law

- Public law

- Procedural law

- Legal methodology

- European law

- Historical, social and philosophical foundations of law

The federal framework states that the overall result of the First Examination gives a 70% weighting to the state examination in compulsory subjects and 30% to the university specialisation examination.

The exact implementation of legal education and examinations can vary under the laws of individual German states, so applicants should always check the regulations of their chosen university and Land.

Legal Preparatory Service and the Second State Examination

After the First Examination, students who follow the traditional professional qualification route undertake preparatory legal service, commonly known as Referendariat.

The federal framework specifies a two-year preparatory service. It includes compulsory practical training in different parts of the legal system, including courts, prosecution or criminal courts, administration and legal practice.

The Second State Examination follows the preparatory training. Successfully completing this pathway leads to the qualification required for judicial office under the federal framework.

This distinction is important: completing a law degree and qualifying to practise German law are not necessarily the same thing.

What Law Courses Can International Students Study in Germany?

Students should first decide whether they want to pursue traditional German legal training or an internationally oriented law programme.

Traditional Law and State Examination Programmes

Traditional Rechtswissenschaft programmes are generally taught in German and lead towards the First State Examination.

For example, the University of Cologne’s law programme is listed as a full-time State Examination programme with a standard study period of nine semesters, with German as the main language of instruction.

Other universities list standard periods of around nine or ten semesters for their law programmes.

International and European Law

Students interested in cross-border legal issues can also look for programmes or specialisation areas involving:

- European Union law

- International law

- International business law

- Comparative law

- German and European law

- International dispute resolution

These areas can be particularly relevant to students who want careers involving multinational organisations, businesses or cross-border legal research.

Specialised and Interdisciplinary Programmes

Some German institutions offer law programmes or specialisations connected with fields such as:

- Business and finance

- Technology and digital law

- Sustainability

- Labour law

- Tax law

- International trade

- Commercial criminal law

The availability, language and qualification of these programmes vary by university.

Top Universities to Consider for Law in Germany

Germany has several universities offering established law programmes. Instead of choosing a university based only on reputation, students should compare the programme structure, language requirements, admission rules, specialisations and professional pathway.

University	Law programme characteristics	Main teaching language
University of Cologne	Law / State Examination	German
Goethe University Frankfurt	Law / State Examination with areas including internationalisation, company law and public law	German
LMU Munich	Law / State Examination and international programme options	German
University of Giessen	Law / State Examination with various legal specialisations	German
University of Tübingen	Law / State Examination	German
FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg	Law / State Examination	German
Bucerius Law School	State Examination programme with multiple specialisation areas	German

These programmes differ considerably in admission procedures, deadlines, specialisations and programme design. Current programme information should therefore be checked directly before applying. DAAD listings confirm that many traditional law programmes are German-taught and follow the State Examination route.

Eligibility Requirements to Study Law in Germany

Eligibility depends on the university, programme and your previous education.

For undergraduate law studies, international applicants generally need a qualification that gives them access to higher education in Germany or is recognised as equivalent.

For example, the University of Giessen lists a general higher education entrance qualification or equivalent qualification for its law programme.

International applicants may also need to consider:

- Recognition of previous educational qualifications

- Academic transcripts

- School-leaving certificates for undergraduate applicants

- Previous university qualifications where applicable

- German-language proficiency

- University-specific admission requirements

- Application through the appropriate university or application platform

- Additional documentation for international applicants

Admission can be restricted at some universities, while other programmes may have different admission arrangements. For example, DAAD listings show local admission restrictions for some law programmes and unrestricted admission for others.

German Language Requirements for Law Students

Language is one of the biggest considerations when planning to study law in Germany.

Traditional law programmes are generally taught in German, and legal terminology requires a much more specialised command of the language than everyday communication.

DAAD listings for universities including Cologne, Giessen, Frankfurt, Munich and Erlangen-Nuremberg identify German as the main language of instruction for their law programmes.

Depending on the university, applicants may need to demonstrate an appropriate German-language qualification before admission.

Before applying, check:

- The university’s accepted German-language certificates.

- The minimum language level.

- Whether a language examination is required.

- Whether a preparatory German course is available.

- Whether the programme has additional language requirements.

For Indian students, building strong German skills early can make both academic study and everyday life considerably easier.

Cost of Studying Law in Germany

The cost of studying law depends on the university, location and your personal lifestyle.

Many public universities do not generally charge tuition fees for standard programmes, but students normally pay semester contributions. Some universities or categories of students may be subject to additional tuition charges, so the specific university should always be checked.

For example, the University of Cologne’s law programme states that there is no tuition fee but that students pay a semester fee.

Some universities can have different rules for international students. For instance, the DAAD listing for the University of Tübingen identifies approximately €1,500 per semester in tuition for international students.

Your overall budget should therefore account for:

- Semester contribution

- Tuition where applicable

- Accommodation

- Food

- Health insurance

- Local transportation

- Study materials

- Personal expenses

- Visa-related expenses

- Travel between Germany and your home country

Do not assume that studying at a public university automatically means that your entire education will be tuition-free.

This article is for educational and informational purposes. University admission requirements, tuition fees, visa rules, scholarships, immigration policies and post-study opportunities may change. Students should verify the latest information with the relevant university, government authority, immigration department, embassy or official source before making a decision.

How to Apply to a Law University in Germany

The application process varies by university and applicant category. A sensible approach is to begin several months before your intended intake.

Step 1: Shortlist Suitable Law Programmes

Compare:

- Programme type

- Teaching language

- State Examination pathway

- Specialisations

- Admission restrictions

- Application platform

- Deadlines

- Tuition and semester contributions

Step 2: Check Your Academic Eligibility

Determine whether your Indian or international qualification is recognised for the intended programme.

If your qualification does not provide direct university admission, you may need a preparatory route depending on your academic background.

Step 3: Meet the Language Requirement

For traditional German law programmes, plan for German-language preparation well in advance.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Depending on your circumstances and university, documents can include:

- Passport

- Academic certificates

- School-leaving certificates

- Academic transcripts

- Language certificate

- Application forms

- CV where required

- Other university-specific documents

Step 5: Submit the Application

Some universities accept applications directly, while others use platforms such as uni-assist or other procedures.

Always follow the specific instructions given by your selected university.

Step 6: Arrange Your Visa and Travel Preparation

Once you receive admission, review the student visa requirements and financial documentation applicable to your situation.

Student Visa Requirements for Germany

Students from outside the EU who intend to study in Germany for a long-term period generally need the appropriate national visa and residence arrangements.

The German Missions in India state that national visas are used for stays exceeding 90 days, including study purposes. The current application process includes the Consular Services Portal for relevant applications.

For Indian applicants, the documentation can include:

- Valid passport

- School-leaving certificate or previous degree

- Academic records

- Proof of health insurance

- Proof of admission

- Evidence of financial resources

- Other documents requested by the German mission

The German Missions in India specifically note that the Consular Services Portal provides additional information about required uploads and that applicants may be asked for further documents.

Financial support can be demonstrated through accepted methods such as parental financial evidence, a formal declaration of commitment, a blocked account or certain recognised scholarships.

If you use a blocked account, the required amount can change according to the applicable rules. The Federal Foreign Office advises applicants to check the amount applicable to their purpose of stay through the responsible German mission or Consular Services Portal.

For Indian applicants, the German Missions also state that submitting documents does not guarantee visa approval and that incomplete documentation can create problems with the application.

Visa processing can take several weeks and, in individual cases, longer. Applicants should therefore avoid making travel plans based on assumptions about processing time.

Career Opportunities After Studying Law in Germany

Your career options depend heavily on the type of law qualification you complete.

Students who follow the traditional German legal education pathway can work towards professional qualification through the First Examination, preparatory legal training and Second State Examination.

Potential career areas include:

- Legal practice

- Corporate legal departments

- Compliance

- Legal consulting

- Public administration

- Legal research

- Academia

- International organisations

- European law

- Arbitration and dispute resolution

- Banking and financial law

- Technology and data law

- Intellectual property

- Environmental and sustainability law

However, students should distinguish between working in a legal-related role and qualifying for a regulated legal profession in Germany.

If your goal is to become a practising lawyer under German law, investigate the full professional qualification pathway before enrolling. A foreign law degree or an English-taught law programme does not automatically provide the same professional qualification as Germany’s traditional legal education.

Challenges International Students Should Consider

Studying law in Germany can involve challenges that are different from those encountered in other study destinations.

German Legal Terminology

Even students with good conversational German may initially find legal terminology demanding.

Long Academic Pathway

The traditional professional route involves university study, examinations and practical legal training. It requires sustained preparation rather than simply completing a short undergraduate degree.

Examination Structure

The State Examination pathway has significant written and oral examination components, and the rules are governed by German federal and state legislation.

Recognition and Career Planning

Students coming from another legal system should understand that German legal qualifications are designed around German law. If you eventually want to practise law in another country, check how the German qualification will be recognised there.

University-Specific Rules

Admission requirements, deadlines and programme structures differ between universities. A requirement listed for one law school should not automatically be assumed to apply to another.

Tips for Planning Your Law Studies in Germany

If you are targeting 2027, start planning early.

1. Start German-language preparation early.
Do not treat German as a secondary requirement if you are targeting a traditional law programme.

2. Understand the qualification before applying.
Know whether the programme leads towards the State Examination route or another academic qualification.

3. Compare universities carefully.
Look beyond rankings and examine specialisations, admission rules, teaching language and examination structure.

4. Check deadlines directly.
Deadlines can differ for EU, non-EU and domestic applicants.

5. Budget for more than tuition.
Accommodation, insurance, transportation and daily living costs can significantly affect your overall budget.

6. Prepare visa documentation early.
Financial proof, insurance and academic documents can require advance preparation.

7. Think about your long-term career goal.
Decide whether you want to practise German law, work in an international legal environment, pursue research or enter a law-related corporate role.

FAQs

Is it possible to study law in Germany in English?

Yes, Germany has internationally oriented and English-taught law-related programmes, but traditional German law programmes leading towards the State Examination are generally taught in German. Students should check the exact teaching language of each programme before applying.

Can Indian students study law in Germany?

Yes. Indian students can apply to eligible German universities if they meet the academic, language and other programme requirements. They must also comply with the applicable German student visa requirements.

Is an LLB the standard law degree in Germany?

Not for the traditional German legal profession. The conventional German pathway is based on university legal studies and the State Examination system rather than the LLB model commonly used in countries such as the UK.

How long does it take to study law in Germany?

The standard university period for traditional law programmes is commonly around nine to ten semesters, depending on the university. The broader professional qualification route takes longer because it also includes preparatory legal training and the Second State Examination.

Do I need to know German to study law in Germany?

For traditional German law programmes, German proficiency is essential because the main language of instruction is generally German. Individual universities determine the accepted language qualifications and required level.

Can international students become lawyers in Germany?

International students can pursue the German legal qualification route, but completing the professional pathway requires meeting the applicable examination and training requirements. The traditional route includes the First Examination, preparatory service and Second State Examination.

How much does it cost to study law in Germany?

Costs vary by university and location. Some public universities charge no tuition but require semester contributions, while certain universities or student categories may have tuition fees. For example, the University of Cologne reports no tuition fee for its law programme, while the DAAD listing for Tübingen reports approximately €1,500 per semester for international students.

Key Takeaways

To study law in Germany in 2027, students need to understand more than university admission. The German legal education system is structured differently from the LLB-based systems found in several other countries, with the traditional professional route built around the First Examination, practical legal training and the Second State Examination.

For international students, German-language proficiency, academic eligibility, financial planning and visa preparation are particularly important. Choosing a programme should also depend on your long-term goal: practising German law, pursuing international legal studies, entering corporate roles or developing an academic career.

Start by identifying the type of law qualification you need, then compare suitable German universities and their current requirements before submitting an application.

Start Your Study Abroad Journey

If you are planning to study abroad and need help understanding your options, you can connect with a LetzStudy counsellor for personalised guidance. We can help you explore suitable countries, universities, courses, eligibility requirements, application steps and other aspects of your study-abroad journey based on your academic profile and goals.

Shopping cart

Study Law in Germany in 2027: Courses, Requirements and Career Pathways