Want a career in the legal department? Then Germany is a perfect place for you. LLM in Germany is a 1–2 years course. Some public universities in Germany also offer free LLM in Germany for international students. They only charge a minimal semester fee ranging EUR 290.44 (INR 26,210.47) — EUR 7,000 (INR 6,31,708) per semester. The admissions for LLM are mostly offered in summer and winter terms. The course focuses on the study of German Law, Corporate Restructuring, International Law, and International Dispute Resolution.

A ROI graph for studying in the universities of Germany has been given above. ROI is the monetary return value that you receive after studying for LLM degrees in Germany. You can clearly see that University of Cologne provides the highest return rate on investment equal to 1064%. This ROI is calculated by taking an approximate of all your study and living expenses in the universities of Germany. We suggest that before choosing any university for LLM courses in Germany, you must consider this graph once.

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Now let us discuss the job outcomes of top LLM in German universities. The top job profiles offered after LLM courses in Germany are advocate, barrister, legal officer, legal advisor, etc. The average salary of law graduates is estimated to be around EUR 1,26,000 (INR 1,13,70,744) if students have graduated from top university in Germany for LLM. However, for any kind of full-time or part-time jobs in Germany, you will require a work permit. The details of the work permit must be submitted to the university as well as the organization.

Why Study for an LLM in Germany?

Law graduates are highly demanded in Germany. Before selecting any university for LLM in Germany, you must check the recent law subject rankings of it. Moreover, a degree of LLM in Germany for Indian students will help you to gain networking opportunities in the established German legal framework. Some reasons to study in Germany for LLM degree are given below:

  • Germany has 5 colleges that appear in the Top 100 universities worldwide for law programs, according to the QS World Rankings 2024.
  • Germany has an unemployment rate of 3.1%. It has a growing economy, providing a great market for law graduates.
  • Salaries of law graduates can be as high as EUR 2,10,000 (INR 1,89,51,240) annually.

Best Universities for LLM in Germany

Some popular universities offer free LLM in Germany for international students through Uni assist Germany. These universities however charge a semester fee from the students. The top LLM in Germany universities offer admissions in mostly two intakes of the year. The table given below shows the top universities of tuition-free LLM in Germany for international students along with its deadlines:

University Semester Fees Admission Deadline 2024
Humboldt University EUR 6,450 (INR 5,82,073.80) per semester April 21
Free University of Berlin EUR 4,750 (INR 4,28,659) per semester Summer Semester: February 15
Winter Semester: August 15
University of Hamburg EUR 7,000 (INR 6,31,708) per semester Summer Semester: January 15
Winter Semester: July 15
University of Freiburg EUR 3,000 (INR 2,70,732) per semester April 30
University of Gottingen EUR 3,900 (INR 3,51,951.60) per semester July 15
University of Cologne EUR 320.05 (INR 28,882.59) per semester July 15
University of Bonn EUR 300 (INR 27,073.20) per semester July 15
Heidelberg University EUR 1500 (INR 1,35,366) per semester Winter Semester: 3rd week of January
University of Munster EUR 500 (INR 45,122) per semester May 31
Technical University Berlin EUR 290.44 (INR 26,210.47) per semester Summer Semester: December 1
Winter Semester: June 1

EUR 1 = INR 90.24 as on March 28th 2024

How to Apply for Admissions?

To study in Germany, you must know the correct process to apply to German Universities. The universities in Germany suggest all applications to submit their application along with the necessary documents within the deadline. Some universities also charge an application fee from the candidates. Admission for LLM in Germany steps are given below:

  • Select a university
  • Visit the official website
  • Create a student account in the admissions portal
  • Fill up the application form
  • Provide the academic details
  • Mention employment history, if any
  • Submit the English and German Proficiency Language test scores
  • Pay the application fee
  • Submit the application

Eligibility Criteria for Admissions

Eligibility criteria for studying offline or online LLM programs in Germany may vary according to the university. However, a bachelor's degree in the law area is a common requirement. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE scores may also be asked in certain law universities in Germany. Some common eligibility for LLM in Germany are given below:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field
  • Professional experience
  • English Proficiency test scores of IELTS, TOEFL and PTE
  • German Language Proficiency test scores of DSH, TestDaF, Goethe, etc

Documents Required for Admissions

Apart from the academic requirements, you will require the support of essential documents. These documents include past qualifications, SOP, letters of recommendation, work experience certificates, etc. Immigration documents such as passport, German student visa are also mandatory. Given below are the important documents for tuition-free LLM in Germany for international students:

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LLM in Germany Score Requirements

Candidates will need to prove their skills in the English language and German Language proficiency tests. These exams to study in Germany include IELTS, TOEFL, DSH, TestDaF, etc. The universities in Germany recommend all applicants not to submit scores which are more than 2 years old. Given below are the score requirements for LLM admission in Germany:

University English Language Proficiency Requirements German Language Proficiency Requirements
Humboldt University TOEFL Score: 72
IELTS Score: 5.5
DSH: Score required
TestDaF: Level 4
Goethe: Official score required
Free University of Berlin TOEFL Score: 100
IELTS Score: 6.5
C1 CEFR certificate with grades
TestDaF with at least level 4 in two parts and level 3 in two parts
C1 CEFR DSH 1
University of Hamburg TOEFL Score: 70
IELTS Score: 5.5
Test Deutsch: 16 points
Goethe-Certificate C2
TestDaF
Deutsch C1 Hochschule
University of Freiburg TOEFL Score: 70
IELTS Score: 5.0-6.0
PTE Score: 42-58

DSH 1
TestDaF 3 or 4

Goethe certificate B2 or C1

University of Gottingen TOEFL Score: 95
IELTS Score: 6.5

DSH: Level 2

TestDAF: 4

University of Cologne TOEFL Score: 95
IELTS Score: 7.0
PTE Score: 76
TestDAF: Level 4
Goethe-Certificate: C2
Certificate TELC
Deutsch C1 Hochschule: Official score required
University of Bonn TOEFL Score: 72
IELTS Score: 6.0
PTE Score: 59
Goethe Certificate B1 (min. 75% in the overall result)
Telc Certificate B1 (min. 75% in the overall result)
TestDaF Certificate showing the minimum level of TDN 3
Heidelberg University TOEFL Score: 79
IELTS Score: 6.5
Scores required of TestDAF
Goethe certificate B2 or C1
Deutsch C1 Hochschule
University of Munster TOEFL Score: 80
IELTS Score: 6.0
A DSH-2 certificate (or higher)
TestDaF Level 4 in all four skill areas (or higher)
Goethe-Certificate C2
UNI cert certificate, Level III (or higher)
TELC C1 Hochschule
Technical University Berlin TOEFL Score: 71
IELTS Score: 5.0
PTE Score: 58
DSH-2
DSH-3
Goethe-Certificate C2
TestDaF certificate with TDN 4
Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule

Cost of Attendance in Germany

The cost of attendance might vary according to the university you are applying for an LLM degree in Germany. According to the below given data, LLM cost in Germany for attendance in Technical University of Berlin is the maximum equal to EUR 14,500 (INR 13,08,538). On the other hand, Humboldt University which charges around EUR 9000 (INR 8,12,196), is quite low and easily affordable for the students. The cost of living in Germany includes the expenses spent on accommodation, meals, books, transportation, utilities, etc. The graph below shows the cost of attendance for LLM courses in Germany:

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EUR 1 = INR 90.24 as on March 28th 2024

Scholarship for LLM in Germany

Let us talk about the scholarships and financial aid options of LLM degree Germany. As foreign candidates you can take the help of different scholarships to study LLM in Germany. However, you must prove your academic merit or demonstrate proper financial need to avail LLM Germany scholarships. We have listed down below the different scholarships for international students in Germany offered by the top universities:

University Scholarship Amount
Humboldt University Available to all international students studying in Humboldt EUR 300 (INR 27,073.20)
Free University of Berlin Academic excellence and merit Varies
University of Hamburg Must be enrolled in a full-time program Awarded on merit basis EUR 850 (INR 76,707.40)
University of Freiburg Must be enrolled in a full-time masters program Awarded on merit basis or past academic records EUR 300 (INR 27,073.20)
University of Gottingen Must have strong academic grades EUR 300 (INR 27,073.20)
University of Cologne Awarded to first year incoming students Merit basis EUR 300 (INR 27,073.20)
University of Bonn Awarded on past academic records and merit EUR 3,600 (INR 3,24,878.40)
Heidelberg University Awarded to graduate students on their merit and grades Varies
University of Munster Awarded on merit and need basis Varies
Technical University Berlin Must have outstanding academic and scientific achievements Varies

EUR 1 = INR 90.24 as on March 28th 2024

Top Recruiters for LLM in Germany

Candidates who immigrate to Germany in search of jobs must maintain a good past academic record. Before enrolling for the law courses in Germany, you must check its previous placement reports. However, the statistics may vary according to your graduating year for LLM degree Germany. Given below are some top recruiters for LLM in Germany:

  • CMS law tax future
  • Redeker Sellner Dahs
  • Raue
  • Gorg
  • Oppenhoff

Jobs After LLM in Germany

After graduating from the best LLM schools in Germany, you will be offered prestigious jobs along with high salaries. Average salary for jobs in Germany is around EUR 1,26,000 (INR 1,13,70,744). You can pursue careers in professions such as advocate, legal practitioner, legal advisor, barrister. Given below are some important jobs profiles along with LLM salary in Germany for candidates:

Job Profile Average Salary
Advocate EUR 1,15,800 (INR 1,04,50,255.20)
Barrister EUR 1,01,640 (INR 91,72,400.16)
Corporate Counsel EUR 1,46,400 (INR 1,32,11,721.60)
Legal Officer EUR 1,01,760 (INR 91,83,229.44)
Legal Advisor EUR 1,64,400 (INR 1,48,36,113.60)

EUR 1 = INR 90.24 as on March 28th 2024

Work Permit for Germany

To work in Germany after studying in the public universities in Germany for LLM, you will require a work permit. Candidates from US, Canada, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and other such countries require a work permit in Germany. You must apply in the visa application centre for the German embassy for a work permit. The process for applying for a work permit visa Germany are:

  • Find a job offer in Germany
  • Submit your visa application
  • Provide all the required documents as required
  • Candidates who immigrate to Germany must attend the visa interview
  • Pay the cost of work permit
  • Attend the interview in proper attire

The admissions offer letter is issued within 2–3 weeks in most of the top universities in Germany for LLM degrees. It is delivered to the candidate via email. We suggest that you must apply for a student visa immediately after you receive your offer letter. Try to attend the interview in proper attire and be punctual.

FAQs

Ques. What is LLM in Germany?

Ans. The course focuses on the study of German Law, Corporate Restructuring, International Law, and International Dispute Resolution.

Ques. What is the course duration of LLM in Germany?

Ans. LLM in Germany is a 1–2 years course. Some public universities in Germany also offer free LLM in Germany for international students.

Ques. What are the admission intakes in Germany for LLM?

Ans. The admissions for LLM are mostly offered in summer and winter terms. You can enroll in any of the intakes in a particular year.

Ques. Are law graduates in demand in Germany?

Ans. Law graduates are highly demanded in Germany. Before selecting any university for LLM in Germany, you must check the recent law subject rankings of it.

Ques. Why study for LLM in Germany?

Ans. A degree of LLM in Germany for Indian students will help you to gain networking opportunities in the established German legal framework.

Ques. What is the unemployment rate in Germany?

Ans. Germany has an unemployment rate of 3.1%. It has a growing economy, providing a great market for law graduates.

Ques. What is the highest salary that can be earned after LLM in Germany?

Ans. Salaries of law graduates can be as high as EUR 2,10,000 (INR 1,89,51,240) annually. It can vary as per the job location.

Ques. When should I apply for an LLM in Germany?

Ans. The universities in Germany suggest all applications to submit their application along with the necessary documents within the deadline.

Ques. What is the eligibility requirement for LLM in Germany?

Ans. Eligibility criteria for studying offline or online LLM programs in Germany may vary according to the university. However, a bachelor's degree in the law area is a common requirement.

Ques. What are the documents required for LLM in Germany?

Ans. The document's requirements include past qualifications, SOP, letters of recommendation, work experience certificates, etc. Immigration documents such as passport, German student visas are also mandatory.

Ques. What exam scores are required for LLM in Germany?

Ans. Candidates will need to prove their skills in the English language and German Language proficiency tests. These exams to study in Germany include IELTS, TOEFL, DSH, TestDaF, etc.

Ques. What does the cost of attendance include?

Ans. The cost of attendance in Germany includes the expenses spent on accommodation, meals, books, transportation, utilities, etc.

Ques. Are scholarships available for international students in Germany?

Ans. As foreign candidates you can take the help of different scholarships to study LLM in Germany. However, you must prove your academic merit or demonstrate proper financial need to avail these scholarships.

Ques. What are the job outcomes after LLM in Germany?

Ans. You can pursue careers in professions such as advocate, legal practitioner, legal advisor, barrister. Average salary for jobs in Germany is around EUR 1,26,000 (INR 1,13,70,744).

Ques. What is the average salary for LLM graduates in Germany?

Ans. Average salary for jobs in Germany is around EUR 1,26,000 (INR 1,13,70,744). It depends on factors such as location, years of experience, job profile, etc.

Ques. Is a work permit required in Germany?

Ans. To work in Germany after studying in the public universities in Germany for LLM, you will require a work permit.

Ques. Where must I apply for a work permit in Germany?

Ans. You must apply in the visa application center for the German embassy for a work permit. Candidates from US, Canada, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and other such countries require a work permit in Germany.

Ques. Is Germany good for LLM?

Ans. Germany is wonderful for LLM courses. Germany has 5 colleges that appear in the Top 100 universities worldwide for law programs, according to the QS World Rankings 2024.

Ques. Which LLM is most in demand?

Ans. The LLM degrees which are most in demand in Germany are criminal law, business law, banking law, corporate law, intellectual property law, etc.

Ques. How can I apply for LLM courses in Germany?

Ans. You must apply on the official website of the university for a LLM course. Make sure to submit the application form along with the supporting documents within the deadline.