English-language study programmes at universities in Germany by type of degree since 2009

The number and share of English-language degree programmes serve as indicators of the internationalisation of higher education at a structural level. According to the data analysed here from the Higher Education Compass published by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), state-recognised universities offered a total of 2,381 English-language degree programmes in July 2025. In 424 cases (18%) these were Bachelor’s programmes and in 1,928 cases (81%) Master’s programmes.

The number of English-language degree programmes has risen steadily over time. Between 2009 and 2025, the corresponding provision at Bachelor’s level increased almost sevenfold and at Master’s level more than fivefold. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, the number of English-language Bachelor’s degree programmes rose by 16% and that of Master’s degree programmes by 8%.

The share of English-language courses in the total number of degree programmes is particularly high at Master’s level. In 2025, it stood at just over 18%. At Bachelor’s level, it was only 4%. In 2009, this disparity was even more pronounced in relative terms (Master’s: 9%, Bachelor’s: 1%).