Study abroad in Germany
An exchange program in Germany is filled with culture, charm, castles, carnivals and of course, world-class education. You will attend a local high school, where you’ll improve your German and make lifelong connections. If the weather allows it, you’ll find everyone outdoors, hiking, swimming, canoeing, or skiing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing. There are many unique traditions to experience in Germany, from Karneval season to Tanz in den Mai there is always something festive to do.
Program Summary:
- Program: Classic program, Classic with Regional/City Choice (long programs only)
- Program length: Short and Long programs
- Vaccinations: Yes
- Discounts and Scholarship: Yes
- Language criteria: Yes
- Language course: Language Boost Course, Online Language Course
- Welcome Camp: Yes
Classic high school exchange program
Age and eligibility
- Students from 15 – 17 may apply.
- An academic average of C grades over the last two years are required.
Language criteria
Intermediate German reading & listening. We encourage students to become familiar with the German language so they can read it well, understand quite a lot of what is being said, and attempt to speak it as much as they can, prior to going on exchange.
An Online Language Course is available for August Academic Semester & Year programs.
Program length
Classic Academic Semester & Academic Year programs, Short 2 & 3 month programs available.
Regional & City Choice options are available on request for Academic Semester & Year Programs.
Schools
Germany’s secondary education system is comprised of different types of schools and students are assessed based on their grades to determine which school type is most appropriate for them. Each state has varying start and end dates.
German schools offer core subjects like math, German, foreign languages, science, history, and physical education, as well as elective courses in IT, music, photography. School days begin early and end around midday. The system is well-structured and produces high-performing results, enabling students to pursue university education regardless of their financial background. All lessons are taught in German allowing you to fully immerse in the language and culture.
Visa
Students travelling on an AU/NZ passport do not need a Visa before entering Germany. They can enter the country with just their passport on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.
Within the first 90 days the student needs to go to his/ her local foreigners office in Germany and apply for a resident’s permit.
The necessary documents will be sent to the student’s host family. Moreover, the appointment should be set up as soon as possible after having arrived in Germany because waiting periods can be quite long. The residents permit can cost the student up to 100€. Further guidance will be provided.
Important Program Information
Germany Classic Prices
| Length | Arrive | Depart | Price AUD | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | Oct 25, 2026 | Jan 18, 2027 | $9,450 | SOLD OUT |
| 2 Months | Nov 29, 2026 | Jan 24, 2027 | $8,500 | SOLD OUT |
| Academic Year | Jan 16, 2027 | Nov 20, 2027 | $12,950 | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Academic Semester | Jan 16, 2027 | Jun 19, 2027 | $11,950 | Sep 15, 2026 |
| 3 Months | Late Aug 2027 | Late Nov 2027 | $9,990 | Mar 15, 2027 |
| Academic Semester | Late Aug 2027 | Late Jan 2028 | $12,840 | Mar 15, 2027 |
| Academic Year | Late Aug 2027 | Mid/Late Jun 2028 | $13,840 | Mar 15, 2027 |
| 3 Months | Late Oct 2027 | Mid Jan 2028 | $9,990 | Jun 27, 2027 |
| 2.5 Months | Mid Nov 2027 | Mid/Late Jan 2028 | $9,990 | Jun 27, 2027 |
| 2 Months | Late Nov 2027 | Mid/Late Jan 2028 | $9,190 | Jul 31, 2027 |
| 6 Weeks | Late Nov 2027 | Early Jan 2028 | $8,890 | Jul 31, 2027 |
Program prices include a flight budget, and surcharges may apply. Early departures or personal travel changes incur a $300 fee plus any airline costs. Program dates are indicative at the time of publishing and may shift slightly, with confirmed travel details provided by your Program Coordinator. Places are limited, so apply early to secure your spot. For full pricing and surcharge information, see our Money Matters page.
Language Boost Course
Boost your language skills before you depart for your exchange program!
Available now for French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Welcome Camp in Berlin
Additional AU$1,295 per student, August Academic Semester & Year only
Your exchange program in Germany will commence with an exciting journey at the Welcome Camp, situated in the captivating city of Berlin, Germany. During this three-day program, you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow students from Student Exchange Australia New Zealand who are also embarking on their exchange programs in Germany. Not only will you explore the capital of Germany, but you will also engage in workshops and sightseeing activities to ensure you are well-prepared for your exchange experience.
Our German partners conducted an evaluation with their host families, and noticed that the students who participated in the Welcome Camps were better with responding to challenges and dealing with them. They also observed that the students who met at the Welcome Camp visited each other, which meant that they were able to see more of Germany.
Welcome Camp is an optional extra exclusively available for long-term exchange programs, Academic Semester & Academic Year.
Online language course
Additional AU$1,990 per student, August Academic Semester & Year
We will be offering a unique opportunity – learning German online while maintaining an intercultural communication atmosphere, just like a real classroom. This course runs while the students are on exchange, which helps if they are struggling with the German curriculum, and provides additional tutoring to support their education.
The course will run from mid-September 15 to mid-November, for students who are on August Academic Semester or Year programs. This will include 4 German units (45 mins per week) and 45 mins of individual learning. This course is compulsory for students with a German level lower than B1, or optional for those with a higher German level than B1.
Many students have already started adapting to ‘Online Life’ and our language course is designed for improving their German skills, making friends, and having fun. The advantages of virtual group teaching:
- Participation in the language course at any location as long as internet access is possible.
- Students will learn in small international groups of max. 20 students.
- Quick learning success achievable through native speakers as teachers.
- All lessons are recorded and can be repeated to ensure learning progress In the interactive lessons, the specially trained native language teachers motivates the students to speak actively in the foreign language. The course takes place via a live webinar where students can interact with the teacher and other students who are also there to learn german in an interactive environment.
Germany Regional and City Choices
| Classic Program + additional fee | Price AUD |
|---|---|
| Region Choice – Northern Germany | $1,395 |
| Region Choice – Southern Germany | $1,395 |
| Region Choice – Western Germany | $1,395 |
| City Choice – Berlin | SEM – $5,500 / AY – $5,990 |
| City Choice – Hamburg | SEM – $2,990 / AY – $3,990 |
| City Choice – Frankfurt | SEM – $2,990 / AY – $3,990 |
| City Choice – Cologne | SEM – $2,990 / AY – $3,990 |
Choose an upgrade to our Classic program for Semester or Academic Year students in Germany. Select your preferred region for your exchange and if you are placed in one of your preferred regions, an additional location fee applies. Selection is first come, first served and subject to availability. Limited spots available, so secure your spot soon to improve your chances of getting your preferred region.
LIVE Online Information Sessions
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