Germany is renowned globally for its economic prosperity, technological innovation, and engineering excellence—but is it a top-tier destination for those aspiring to study an LL.M. or International Law degree?
After analyzing the latest official data and academic trends, here is what you need to know about pursuing a law degree in Germany:
How many English-taught law schools are there in Germany?
While the exact count fluctuates, our database features over 50 English-taught law programmes hosted by prestigious German universities, the vast majority of which are at the Master’s level.
How do I know if a Law degree is taught in English?
Our platform exclusively showcases English-taught degrees to simplify your search. You can easily browse these programmes and view the specific English language proficiency requirements for each university.
Keep in mind that universities may occasionally list additional courses on their official websites. If you find a program that interests you, verify whether it is fully taught in English and open to international applicants. If information is unclear, don’t hesitate to contact the university’s admissions office directly.
To secure admission to most German law schools, international students are typically required to provide scores from one of the following globally recognized English language proficiency tests:
Learn more about IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic.
Free English-taught law schools in Germany
Germany remains one of the world's most sought-after study destinations, largely because public universities generally do not charge tuition fees for domestic or international students alike.
The primary exception to this policy is the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg, which requires non-EU/EEA students to pay tuition fees at public institutions.
The best English-taught law schools in Germany
Based on the latest QS World University Rankings, the following institutions are recognized as the premier German universities offering law programmes taught in English:
Discover all the top-ranked law schools in the full QS Ranking.
Application requirements for English-taught law schools in Germany
Each law school establishes its own unique admission criteria. While top-tier universities may have more competitive acceptance rates, applicants are generally expected to meet several standard requirements common to legal education in Germany:
- previous diploma (high school or Bachelor’s)
- transcript of grades/records
- English language test scores
- previous work experience (only at some universities)
- application essay
How to become a lawyer in Germany
- Finish your university studies
- Pass the First State Exam (Erstes Staatsexamen)
- Complete a two-year legal traineeship
- Pass the Second State Exam (Zweites Staatsexamen)
- Register with the Bar
The entire path to becoming a legal practitioner can take between 6 to 11 years, contingent upon your previous education and the recognition of your foreign credentials. Additionally, there is one crucial practical reality to consider:
Practicing law in Germany typically requires high proficiency in the local language. While certain international firms may operate in English, relying solely on English for a legal career in Germany is not recommended.
If you are committed to building a legal career in Germany, begin your German language studies as early as possible. Here are several free resources to help you gain a head start: