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Is an LLM in Germany Right for You? Explore the Benefits & Requirements

Updated on 12 April, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

Is an LLM in Germany Right for You? Explore the Benefits & Requirements

Germany is a popular study-abroad destination for international students, with an estimated 458,210 presently (as of 2024) enrolled in the country. Out of this tally, there are approximately 42,578 Indians, making India one of the leading countries of origin for international students in Germany. 

Among the plethora of courses it offers, LLM in Germany is certainly worth considering for aspirants. Here are some details that may help.

LLM in Germany- Course Highlights

Here are some key highlights of an LLM in Germany for Indian students. 

ProgramLLM/Master of Laws
Program TypePostgraduate Course
Program Duration 2 semesters
Average Course Fees12,000-18,000 Euros 
Eligibility Criteria LLB or equivalent bachelor’s law degree or diploma in business law with English language proficiency proof
Average Annual Salary80,000 Euros 
Top EmployersCMS law tax future, Redeker Sellner Dahs, GT Greenberg Traurig, Hengeler Mueller

Why Study LLM in Germany

There are several reasons why you should pursue your LLM in Germany. Some of them include the following: 

Reasonable tuition costs

Most German universities charge anywhere between 12,000 to 18,000 Euros in total for LLM programs. This is reasonable in comparison to several other countries. At the same time, a few universities may also offer free tuition with a few nominal semester costs. 

Top-ranked universities- 

Germany has 12 universities in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2023- Law & Legal Studies list, with 5 of them in the top-100 as well. 

Attractive salaries

Law graduates in Germany can earn average salaries of 80,000 Euros per year, with a substantial increase depending upon experience. 

Benefits of Living in Germany- 

Germany allows all students, irrespective of nationality, to work (the number of years depends on nationality) post graduation. Also, the overall community is welcoming towards people from all countries.

LLM in Germany- Top Universities 

Here are some of the leading universities for doing an LLM in Germany. 

University NameRank (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023- Law & Legal StudiesProgramTuition Fee
Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin39International Dispute Resolution (LLM)12,900 Euros 
Universitat Heidelberg63International Law 12,000 Euros 
Freie Universitaet Berlin 69Master of Business, Competition, and Regulatory Law 9,500 Euros 
Universitat Hamburg94Master Program European and Legal Studies 8,500 Euros 
Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg101-150Master of Laws (LLM)1,500 Euros per semester 
Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main101-150Master of Laws degree (LLM) for foreign law graduates18,000 Euros 

LLM in Germany- Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for doing an LLM in Germany varies across multiple universities. Here are some of the average guidelines in this regard. 

  • LLB degree in a bachelor’s degree program (with a minimum of six semesters) or a business law diploma
  • Proof of advanced English proficiency 

LLM in Germany- Admission Requirements 

Here are some of the admission requirements across universities (may vary or differ from one institution to another). 

  • University entrance qualification 
  • Bachelor’s degree in law or equivalent with transcripts 
  • Proof of English proficiency with 78 in TOEFL iBT or equivalent in most cases
  • Outstanding achievement record throughout law studies
  • Selection interviews at some universities for students
  • Payment of the application fee

LLM in Germany- Cost of Studying 

On average, tuition fees can range between 12,000-18,000 Euros in total for LLM programs in Germany. Some universities also charge fees per semester (approximately 1,500 Euros or upwards) to international students.  

The average monthly living cost for international students in Germany is estimated to be between €850 and €1,000. Major cities like Munich and Berlin tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.

LLM in Germany- Scholarships 

Here are some scholarship options for studying LLM in Germany. 

DAAD Scholarships- 

The scholarship pays 934 Euros each month for master’s programs with a travel allowance and payments for personal, health, and accident insurance. 

Read More: DAAD Scholarship

HCLA Scholarship- 

LLM students may receive the HCLA Scholarship, which comes with discounts on tuition fees in case they are eligible. 

Radboud Scholarship- 

This scholarship is for outstanding and meritorious non-EEA students for pursuing master’s programs in English at the university. This reduces the tuition fees to 2,530 Euros, while covering the residence permit, visa, liability insurance, and health insurance costs of the eligible student. 

Deutschlandstipendium- 

Financial and non-material assistance is given to meritorious students from across the globe. While private sponsors provide 150 Euros each month, this is matched with another 150 Euros per month by the Federal Government.

Read More: Scholarships in Germany for Indian students

LLM in Germany- Job Prospects 

The career prospects after doing an LLM in Germany are bright for graduates. Here are some of the top jobs with their annual average salaries according to Glassdoor: 

  • Attorney- 72,500 Euros
  • General Counsel- 115,512 Euros
  • Staff Attorney- 78,551 Euros
  • Senior Attorney- 98,313 Euros

To conclude, it can be said that an LLM in Germany for Indian students will help advance your legal career globally. Not only will you advance your skill sets and gain international exposure, but you will also have an opportunity to flourish in a welcoming environment that is conducive for all learners.

Explore More About Study in Germany:

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FAQs

Can Indians do their LLM in Germany?

Indian students can apply to pursue LLM programs taught in English in Germany after completing their LLB or bachelor’s degrees. There are several universities offering these courses to aspirants. 

What is the highest-ranked German legal university?

As per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023- Law & Legal Studies, the highest-ranked institution for legal studies in Germany is Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin. It has a rank of 39 in the list. 

Which country is best for doing an LLM for Indian students?

There are several countries that are suitable for Indian students who wish to pursue LLM degrees. Germany is one of the top choices, along with the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. 

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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