Masters in Law in Germany: Top Universities, Cost, Courses, Requirements, Eligibility and Scholarships

Masters in Law in Germany: Key Highlights 

Germany offers a diverse selection of LL.M. programs, with leading universities like Heidelberg, LMU Munich, and the Free University of Berlin providing English-taught courses in areas such as international, European, and commercial law. Tuition generally ranges from €10,000–€20,000 (10.40L-20.80L)/year, and while a bachelor’s degree is required, some schools may consider applicants without a law background. 

Here’s a quick overview of key parameters about Masters in Law in Germany: 

Aspect	Details
Duration	1–2 years
Popular Specializations	International Business Law   Human Rights Law   Intellectual Property Law   Corporate & Commercial Law   Tax Law   Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Tuition Fees	Public Universities: €0 tuition  Private Universities: €10,000–€20,000(10.20L-20.40L)/year
Visa Financial Proof	€11,904/year (approx. ₹12.14L)
Top Universities	Humboldt University of Berlin   LMU Munich  Goethe University Frankfurt   University of Hamburg   Bucerius Law School
Eligibility	LLB or equivalent   English/German proficiency   APS Certificate (for Indian students)
Work Opportunities	120 full days or 240 half days/year; internships encouraged
Career Prospects	International law firms, corporate legal departments, NGOs, compliance roles

Top Universities 

Germany hosts some of Europe’s most prestigious law schools known for strong academic excellence, research-driven programs, and globally recognized LLM degrees. These universities offer modern legal training with a focus on European, international, and business law. 

University	QS Subject Ranking 2025: Law & Legal Studies
Humboldt University of Berlin	#41
LMU Munich	#51
Freie Universitaet Berlin	#65
University of Heidelberg	#69
University of Hamburg	#83

Popular Specializations 

Germany offers a wide range of LLM specializations designed for students aiming to build careers in global law, corporate sectors, and international organizations. These specializations combine theoretical depth with practical exposure to European and international legal systems.  

Field of Study	Popular Courses / Specializations
Law	International Business Law  European and International Law   Intellectual Property Law   Human Rights Law   Corporate and Commercial Law   International Trade Law   Environmental Law   Tax Law   Competition & Antitrust Law   Arbitration & Dispute Resolution   Criminal Law & Criminology   Cyber Law & Data Protection   Maritime Law   Constitutional & Administrative Law

Students gain skills relevant for cross-border legal practice and emerging fields like IP, human rights, and commercial law. 

Eligibility & Admission Requirements 

To pursue a master’s in Law in Germany, international students must meet academic, language, and sometimes professional benchmarks. 

Requirements vary by university tier. 

Academic Qualifications 

German universities require a recognized first degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) from a recognized institution. 

Tier	Academic Qualification
Top Universities	LLB or equivalent; GPA 3.0+ (or 60–65%)
Mid-Tier Universities	LLB or related degree; GPA 2.5+ (or 55–60%)
Affordable Universities	Flexible; LLB with 50–55%, professional experience considered

Language Proficiency 

For English-taught programs, IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted. 

For German-taught programs, TestDaF or DSH is required. 

Tier	English Requirement	German Requirement
Top Universities	IELTS: 6.5+; TOEFL iBT: 90+	TestDaF Level 4; DSH-2
Mid-Tier Universities	IELTS: 6.0–6.5; TOEFL iBT: 80–90	TestDaF Level 4
Affordable Universities	IELTS: 6.0; TOEFL iBT: 78–80	DSH-2

Work Experience 

Some law programs may require prior work experience or entrance interviews. 

Tier	Work Experience Expectation
Top Universities	Preferred for specialized tracks; internships in legal firms
Mid-Tier Universities	1–2 years for applied programs
Affordable Universities	Usually not required; fresh graduates accepted

Additional Requirements 

Most programs require supporting documents such as CV, Statement of Purpose, and Letters of Recommendation. 

Tier	Additional Requirements
Top Universities	CV, SOP, 2–3 LORs; APS Certificate mandatory for Indian students
Mid-Tier Universities	CV, SOP, 2 LORs; APS Certificate required
Affordable Universities	CV, SOP; APS Certificate required

Cost of Studying 

The overall cost of pursuing a master’s in Law in Germany depends on the type of university and the city you choose. Public universities generally have minimal fees, while private institutions can be significantly more expensive. 

Tuition Fees by University Type 

Category	Approx. Annual Tuition Fees
Public Universities	€0 tuition + €150–€350 semester contribution (INR ₹15,300–₹35,700)
Private Universities	€10,000–€20,000/year (INR ₹10.2L–₹20.4L)

Living Costs 

Students should budget for living expenses, which include accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance. 

• The estimated monthly living cost for a single person in Germany is around €985.2 (₹1,01,854), excluding rent. 
• This amounts to an annual expense of approximately €11,822 (₹12 lakh). 

Top Scholarships  

Germany offers several scholarships that reduce tuition and living costs for international LLM students. These awards are either merit-based, need-based, or program-specific, offering financial relief and academic support. Understanding eligibility criteria can help maximize your chances of securing funding. 

Scholarship	Eligibility Criteria	Coverage / Benefits
DAAD Scholarships	• Completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree • Minimum 2 years of work experience • Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF)	• Monthly stipend of €934 • Health and accident insurance • Travel allowance • Study-related allowance
Erasmus+	• Must be enrolled in an Erasmus+ partner university • Eligible for a Master’s or Joint Master’s program • Must meet academic and language requirements	• Monthly living grant • Travel support • Tuition fee exemption
Deutschlandstipendium	• Enrollment or admission in a German university • Strong academic performance • Social or community involvement may be considered	• €300 per month • Access to mentoring and networking programs
University Grants	• Depends on the university • Based on merit or financial need	• Partial tuition fee waiver • May include additional support for living expenses

Intakes & Admission 

German universities offer master’s programs in two primary intakes, which refer to the months when classes officially begin. 

Main Intakes in Germany 

• Winter Intake: October 
•  This is the primary intake with the widest range of law programs available.  
• Summer Intake: April 

A secondary intake with fewer program options compared to winter.  

Rolling Admissions 

Several universities in Germany follow a rolling admission process, meaning applications are reviewed continuously until all seats are filled. 

 For instance: 

• Humboldt University of Berlin typically has strict deadlines for winter intake but may allow early applications for summer. 
• SRH University of Applied Sciences offers flexibility with rolling admissions for specialized programs and accepts applications for both October and April intakes. 

How to Apply  

Applying to German universities for a law master’s program involves several steps. While the process may vary slightly by institution, the following is a general roadmap:  

Step 1: Research Programs and Universities 

• Identify universities offering your preferred specialization (e.g., International Business Law, Human Rights Law). 
• Check intake availability (Winter: October, Summer: April) and application deadlines. 

Step 2: Check Eligibility 

• Ensure you meet academic requirements (LLB or equivalent). 
• Verify language proficiency:  
• English-taught programs: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+ 
• German-taught programs: TestDaF Level 4 or DSH-2 
• Some programs may require work experience or entrance interviews. 

Step 3: Prepare Documents 

• Updated CV 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) 
• Letters of Recommendation (2–3) 
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates 
• Language proficiency test scores 
• APS Certificate (mandatory for Indian students) 

Step 4: Submit Application 

• Apply through:  
• University Portal (e.g., Humboldt University’s official site) 
• Uni-Assist (common platform for many German universities) 
• Pay any application processing fee (usually €75 for Uni-Assist). 

Step 5: Wait for Admission Decision 

• Universities may take 4–8 weeks to process applications. 
• Some institutions follow rolling admissions, so early applications are recommended. 

Step 6: Apply for Visa 

• Once you receive an admission letter, apply for a German student visa. 
• Show proof of funds: €11,904/year (approx. ₹12.14L) in a blocked account. 

Step 7: Arrange Accommodation & Travel 

• Book student housing early, especially for winter intake. 
• Plan arrival at least 2–3 weeks before classes start. 

Student Visa Requirements 

International students planning to pursue a master’s in Law in Germany must obtain a National Visa (Type D). Below are the key requirements: 

Eligibility 

• Admission to a recognized German university (e.g., Humboldt University of Berlin, SRH University of Applied Sciences). 
• Proof of financial ability through a blocked account. 
• Language proficiency in English or German:  
• English-taught programs: IELTS/TOEFL 
• German-taught programs: TestDaF or DSH 
• APS Certificate (mandatory for Indian students). 

Financial Requirements 

• Blocked Account: €11,904 (approx. ₹12.14L) for one year. 
• Funds must be deposited before applying for the visa. 

Documents Required 

Prepare the following documents for your visa application: 

• Valid passport 
• Admission letter from the university 
• Proof of funds (blocked account confirmation) 
• Language proficiency test scores 
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates 
• APS Certificate (for Indian students) 
• Health insurance proof 
• CV and Statement of Purpose (SOP) 

Visa Fee 

• €75 (approx. ₹7,700) 

Application Timeline 

• Apply 8–12 weeks before program start. 
• Processing time: 4–12 weeks. 
• Students can arrive in Germany up to 3 months before classes begin. 

Top Cities  

Germany’s major cities are not only academic hubs but also centers of politics, international organizations, and legal institutions, offering excellent networking and career opportunities for law graduates. 

Here are the top 5 cities: 

City	Significance
Berlin	Germany’s legal and political capital; home to federal courts and international NGOs
Munich	Financial and corporate hub; strong presence of multinational companies and law firms
Frankfurt	Banking and finance center; ideal for corporate and commercial law careers
Hamburg	Major port city; maritime law and international trade opportunities
Cologne	Media and business hub; strong focus on European law

Top Job Opportunities 

Germany’s legal sector offers diverse roles in corporate firms, international organizations, and compliance departments. Salaries vary by specialization and city, with corporate and IP law roles often offering higher compensation. These opportunities help LLM graduates build long-term careers in Europe. 

Job Role	Average Salary (EUR)	Approx. Salary (INR)
Corporate Lawyer	€70,000–€90,000	₹71.4L–₹91.8L
Legal Consultant	€60,000–€75,000	₹61.2L–₹76.5L
Compliance Officer	€55,000–€70,000	₹56.1L–₹71.4L
IP Specialist	€65,000–€80,000	₹66.3L–₹81.6L