Italy or Germany? University Comparison 2027

Short answer: If you want to start straight after high school, study in English and apply for an income-based grant, Italy is usually the easier route. In Germany, a Turkish high-school graduate can start university directly only with a YKS score above 180 and a placement in a Turkish programme, and most programmes require a German language exam. On the other hand, Germany gives graduates a longer job-search permit (up to 18 months) and some states charge little or no tuition.

Comparison table

Topic	Italy	Germany
Admission with a high-school diploma	Diploma plus that year's YKS result; admission set by each university's own requirements and tests	YKS score above 180 and a placement in a Turkish programme; direct admission only to that or a related subject
Language of study	Many English-taught programmes (we list 160 verified bachelor's and 462 master's)	DSH or TestDaF German exam required for German-taught programmes
Visa proof of funds	€10,179.85 a year (about €848 a month)	€11,904 a year in a blocked account (€992 a month)
Fees (public university)	Income-based; first payment from €156 (Parma example)	Varies by state; e.g. €1,500 per semester for non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg, plus a semester fee (€194.80 at Tübingen)
State grant	DSU grant open to international students, income-based; at least €7,171.11 a year	BAföG only in narrow cases for foreigners (e.g. parents who left Germany at most 3 years ago)
Work while studying	Up to 20 hours a week, 1,040 hours a year	140 full days per calendar year
Post-study job-search permit	9 to 12 months	Up to 18 months

1. Can you start straight after high school?

According to the information sheet of the German missions in Turkey, a graduate of a 12-year high school can start university directly in Germany if they scored above 180 in the YKS and can show they were placed in a Turkish higher-education programme, and only in that or a similar subject. Students who don't meet these conditions usually face routes such as a preparatory year (Studienkolleg), which adds at least a year.

In Italy you apply with your high-school diploma and that year's YKS result; there is no minimum YKS score or placement requirement. Admission depends on each university: some programmes use a test such as TOLC, SAT or IMAT, others a file assessment. Our city guides show how each programme admits students.

2. Which language will you study in?

German-taught programmes in Germany require passing the DSH or TestDaF exam; the information sheet stresses that the exam is not easy and that a provisional admission is cancelled if you fail it. English-taught programmes exist too, with requirements set by each university.

Italy offers a wide choice in English: we list 160 bachelor's and 462 master's programmes, each checked on the university's own website. Browse by subject or by university.

3. How much money do you need to show for the visa?

Germany requires €11,904 a year (€992 a month) in a blocked account, or a formal commitment from someone living in Germany to cover that amount. Italy requires €10,179.85 a year for 2026/27 and 2027/28, about €1,700 a year less. See our proof of funds guide.

Germany is faster on processing: the information sheet says the entry visa is usually issued in four to six weeks. Italy's legal processing time for a student visa is 90 days, so applying early matters.

4. What are the fees?

In Germany fees depend on the state. Public universities in Baden-Württemberg (such as Tübingen, Heidelberg and Stuttgart) charge non-EU students €1,500 per semester, on top of the semester fee every student pays (€194.80 per semester at Tübingen).

In Italy, public university fees depend on family income (ISEE). At the University of Parma, for example, the first payment is €156 and the income-based fee is €0 to about €2,000 a year. DSU grant winners are usually exempt from fees too.

5. Scholarships

This is a big difference. Italy's DSU grant is open to international students and based on family income: at least €7,171.11 in 2026/27 for off-site students. Germany's state support, BAföG, is available to foreign students only in narrow cases; the information sheet gives the example of students whose parents left Germany at most three years ago. Most students coming from Turkey are not covered. See our DSU guide.

6. Working during and after your studies

An Italian study permit allows up to 20 hours of work a week and 1,040 hours a year. In Germany the limit is 140 full days per calendar year.

After graduation Germany is more generous: graduates can get a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job and may work during that time. In Italy, graduates can request a permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work or start a business.

Which suits whom?

Italy may suit you better if you want to start straight after high school, don't speak German, want to study in English and want to apply for an income-based grant.
Germany may suit you better if your German is strong, you have a YKS placement, you want to study in a low-fee state and you want a long job-search period after graduating.

Frequently asked questions

Is it easier to study in Italy than in Germany?

For a Turkish high-school graduate, usually yes in terms of admission: Italy has no minimum YKS score or placement requirement and many English-taught programmes. Direct admission in Germany needs a YKS score above 180, a placement and, for most programmes, a German language exam.

How much is the German blocked account compared with Italy's proof of funds?

Germany: €11,904 a year (€992 a month). Italy: €10,179.85 a year for 2026/27 and 2027/28.

Is university free in Germany?

It depends on the state. In Baden-Württemberg, for example, non-EU students pay €1,500 per semester, and every student pays a semester fee.

Where can I stay longer after graduating?

Germany offers a job-search permit of up to 18 months; Italy 9 to 12 months.

Which is right for you?

The right country depends on your YKS result, language level, subject and family budget. For a personal assessment, fill in our free assessment form.

Last checked: 11 November 2026. Figures come from the official sources below and will be updated when the rules change.

Italy or Germany? Admission, Visa, Fees and Scholarships Compared for Turkish Students