LLM in Germany- Top Universities, Admission Requirements, Cost, Scholarships, and Job Opportunities

Yatin Kumar Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

Germany has emerged as a top destination for pursuing an LLM Degree, offering globally recognized education at an affordable cost. With public universities charging minimal or no tuition fees and private institutions providing competitive programs, it’s an ideal choice for Indian students. Programs typically last 1 to 2 years, and applicants are expected to have a strong academic background, usually with an LLB degree and two years of work experience. Graduates secure lucrative roles in law firms, government agencies, and multinational corporations, with starting salaries averaging €100,000 (91.44 lakhs INR) annually. Germany’s thriving legal sector, projected to generate €29.84 billion by 2026, makes it a promising choice for those aiming for global exposure and career advancement.

Key Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Duration	1–2 years
Top Universities	Ludwig Maximilians University, Humboldt University, University of Heidelberg, Free University
Annual Tuition Fees	€144–€18,000
Cost of Living	€850–€1,200 per month
Eligibility	LLB with 65%+; IELTS 6.5 (English) or DSH 2/TestDaF (German)
Popular Scholarships	DAAD Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus
Key Job Roles	Legal Advisor, Lawyer, Barrister, Attorney
Starting Salary	€100,000
Job Opportunities	Private sector (40%), Big law firms (10–20%), NGOs, Government Agencies
Projected Legal Revenue (2025)	€29.84 billion

Also Check: Best Law Universities in Germany

Table of Contents

Top Universities for LLM in Germany
LLM in Germany Application Process
LLM in Germany Fees and Cost of Living
LLM in Germany Scholarships
LLM in Germany Job Prospects
FAQs

Top Universities for LLM in Germany

The top 5 universities for LLM in Germany are ranked among top 100 universities globally for law and legal studies in QS WUR by Subject Rankings 2024.

QS Law and Legal Studies Rankings 2024	Top Universities	Programs	Cost Per Annum (EUR)
#43	Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich	LLM Fundamentals of German law \| LLM European and International Business Law	200 (2 semesters)
#47	Humboldt University of Berlin	LLM German and European law and legal practice \| LLM European and comparative law	3,000
#62	University of Heidelberg	LLM in German and European Law	1,000 (2 semesters)
#65	Free University of Berlin	Master of Law	9,500
#99	University of Hamburg	LLM Insurance Law \| LLM European and international economic law \| LLM International Taxation	14,000
#101-150	University of Freiburg	Master of Law	3,000
#101-150	Goethe University Frankfurt	LLM European and international economic law \| LLM Finance \| LLM Legal Theory	18,000
#151-200	University of Münster	LLM German law	640 (2 semesters)
#201-250	University of Cologne	LLM Business law	608 (2 semesters)
#200-251	University of Erlangen Nuremberg (FAU)	Master of Law	144 (2 semesters)

LLM in Germany Application Process

To secure admissions in Master of Laws degree in Germany, Indian students must target an average above 65% or above in LLB. Additionally, you must submit the following document as while applying for LLM in Germany:

Documents Required:

Academic transcripts
Letter of motivation
Germany of English proficiency proof
Statement of purpose
Proof of work experience or internships
CV

Application Deadlines

Applications for LLM in most German universities are accepted until January 15 for summer semesters and July 15 for winter semesters. However, some universities have specific deadlines which are as follows:

University	Application Deadline
University of Erlangen Nuremberg (FAU)	April 15th – August 15th
Freie Universität Berlin	December 1, 2024 - January 15, 2025
University of Freiburg	15th Jun 2025

LLM in Germany Fees and Cost of Living

As already known, public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees from all international students. Instead a semester fee is required which ranges from 72 to 500 EUR (6,586 to 45,738 INR). On the other hand, the private universities in Germany charge a tuition fee from all students which range between 3,000 to 18,000 EUR (2.74 lakhs to 16.46 lakhs INR).

Cost of Living in Germany

Following are the estimated monthly living expenses across German cities. Munich being the most expensive city in Germany while Heidelberg is the cheapest city requiring monthly expenses of only 1,020 EUR (93,400 INR).

Cost of Living in Germany By City

LLM in Germany Scholarships

There are very limited scholarships options in Germany for Indian students that could help them fund their LLM degree. IndiaN students can either apply for DAAD scholarships or Erasmus Mundus Scholarships to fund their LLM degree in Canada. Both of these scholarships are applicable for LLM degrees. The requirements of the same are as follows:

Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Programme (Germany Scholarship Program)

The Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Programme offers financial aid to academically talented and committed students from all nationalities. It is one of the most inclusive programs, not dependent on personal or parental income.

Supports over 22,500 students annually.
Granted for a minimum of two semesters and extendable to cover the standard study period.
Open to students at all participating universities in Germany.
Value: Approximately €300 per month.DAAD Scholarship Programs

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides more than 215 scholarships for international students to study at various degree levels. These programs cater to students and researchers seeking financial assistance for studies, research, or teaching assignments.

DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS):

Eligibility: Graduates with at least two years of professional experience and strong academic achievements.
Value: €934/month (graduates); €1,200/month (doctoral candidates).
Application Deadline: Varies; generally between October-December 2025.

DAAD RISE Germany:

Eligibility: Undergraduate science and engineering students who’ve completed at least two years of study.
Value: €934/month.
Application Deadline: Early December 2025.

Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP):

Eligibility: Recent graduates aiming to pursue a Ph.D. in structured graduate schools in Germany.
Value: €1,200/month.
Application Deadline: October 2025.

Helmut-Schmidt-Programme:

Eligibility: Supports future leaders from developing countries in fields like public policy and governance.
Value: €934/month.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025.

LLM in Germany Job Prospects

A graduate with LLM in Germany typically earns a salary of 81,600 EUR (74.63 lakhs INR) per annum. With years of experience 139,000 EUR (1.27 crores INR) annually. Post completion of the LLM program in Germany, you will be required to complete a 2-year legal traineeship. This includes different jobs across court, lawyer's office and civil authorities. To work as a certified lawyer in Germany, you may also be required to clear state level exams. This can surely help you improve your employability.

LLM in Germany Salaries By Job Roles

Germany is an ideal choice for Indian students seeking Masters of law degree abroad in coming years. The program is available with a highly affordable cost across both private and public universities in Germany. In private universities, you can also reduce your educational cost by applying to various external scholarships available for Indian students.

FAQs

Ques. Can I pursue an LLM in Germany without knowing German?

Ans. Yes, many universities offer English-taught LLM programs. Ensure you meet the English proficiency requirements like IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Ques. Is work experience mandatory for LLM admissions in Germany?

Ans. While not all universities require work experience, top programs often prefer applicants with at least two years of professional experience.

Ques. Are there any age restrictions for applying to an LLM program in Germany?

Ans. No, German universities generally do not have age restrictions for LLM admissions.

Ques. Can I work while pursuing an LLM in Germany?

Ans. Yes, international students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days annually, which can help manage living expenses.

Ques. How do I prove my legal degree equivalency for German universities?

Ans. You may need to submit your degree for recognition through services like Uni-Assist or equivalent, depending on the university.

Ques. What happens after completing an LLM in Germany?

Ans. You can apply for an 18-month post-study work visa to gain experience in Germany's legal sector or prepare for state-level certification exams.