Are you considering a bachelor of social work in Germany for your higher education journey? Germany provides very good opportunities for international students who want a high-quality social work education with students’ benefits, where practice prevails, according to Germany’s perfect social welfare system. Information about programs, requirements, costs and career prospects for individuals who are interested in studying social work in Germany in 2025 is presented in this guide.
Recent Facts of Bachelor of Social Work in Germany (2025)
The social work education in Germany offers several benefits to international students. The median gross salary of social workers in Germany is € 52,452 a year (€ 4,371 per month), a lucrative profession as of 2025,4. Germans have public social work programmes within their universities that are tuition-free, though they are largely taught in German
The typical length of Bachelor of Social Work programs varies between 6-8 semesters (3-4 years) depending on the university and study mode. Many programs do not leave much room to those who do not do an internship, such programs may offer international placement, for example, Frankfurt University offers a”Social Work :transnational” program that has domestic and international practical training components.
For international students, there is the additional advantage of carrying out part-time work during study periods; ie 120 full days or 240 half days per year5. Through this policy, the students are provided with a practical experience and earn money to sustain themselves in the course of study.
What you need to know about Bachelor of Social Work Programs in Germany
Social Work courses in Germany for foreign students have been developed to form knowledgeable, socially responsible and ethical graduates. This course combines theory with practicality to prepare graduates ready to face professional demands in different social work settings.
GhA©rmany social work education has a very heavy emphasis, particularly on practical application in addition to academic learning. Programs also come with integrated internships where the students gain opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge at an executive level 37. Such an approach is consistent with the social welfare and justice, which is a commitment of Germany, as those who work in this sphere are highly respectable people.
Types of Social Work Programs in Germany
German universities have plenty of Bachelor of Social Work programs to fit disparate learning styles and personal situations.
- Full-time programs: Typically 6-8 semesters (3-4 years)310
- Part-time distance learning: Longer feed for working adults, like this 9-semester option of DIPLOMA HS10
- Transnational programs: Such overseas elements and studying internationally services, like Frankfurt University’s “Social Work: transnational” program.
An integral semester abroad at a European partner university within the 4th semester in China (30 credits) and two practical phases is part of the transnational program of Frankfurt University, for instance. a 20 credits internship within Germany in 6th semester, and a 30 credits internship abroad in the 8th semester3.
Language Prerequisites for Social Work Studies
Most Bachelor of Social Work in Germany programs are taught in German, requiring proficiency typically at the B2-C1 level910. In some programs, especially in private universities, there may be English-taught possibilities, although these are scant.
In programs such as the transnational social work degree at Frankfurt University, one must know English at level B1 apart from German language skills. HAW Hamburg’s Master’s program for international applicants requires proficiency in the German language at level C1 through recognised tests – Goethe Institut C1, TestDaF 4, telc C1 Hochschule, or DSH29.
Bachelor of Social Work in Germany Requirements
Academic Requirements
To study social work in Germany, you typically need to meet certain bachelor of social work in Germany requirements. These generally include:
- A college entrance test (Abitur)
- For international students: Awarding of the equivalence of your secondary school certificate to German norms
- Some of the programs mandate past practical practice in social work or the like.
Other routes are available to those not holding standard qualifications. For instance, DIPLOMA HS admits applicants backed by:
- Degree of completed vocational training (at least 3 years, final grade 2.5 or better)
- Passed the master craftsman’s examination
- Advanced continuing education (which must be no less than 400 hours)
- Final examination in a state-approved occupation, followed by at least two years’ professional experience in a field associated with a degree course.8
Language Proficiency Requirements
Language requirements are a crucial aspect of the Bachelor of Social Work in Germany’s eligibility criteria:
For German-taught programs:
- German language proficiency (typically B2-C1 level)
- TestDaF or DSH examination results
For English-taught programs (limited availability):
- English proficiency (typically B1-B2 level)
- Outcomes from IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge examination
Visa and Residence Requirements
Non-EU students from overseas have to obtain:
- Student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken)
- Financial evidencing (around € 11,208 a year to be deposited in a blocked account)
- Health insurance coverage
- A German university’s acceptance letter
Bachelor of Social Work in Germany Fee Structure in 2025
Tuition Fees
One of Germany’s most attractive features for international students is the affordable bachelor of social work in Germany cost:
- Public universities: No tuition (only semester contributions €100-350 per semester)5
- Private universities: Having tuition fees that differ (€290-360 per month at some), 10
- This, therefore, makes Germany a uniquely cheap destination, relative to many other countries, especially with reference to the quality of education delivered.
Living Costs and Additional Expenses
The bachelor of social work in Germany fee structure must also account for living expenses, which typically range from €700-1,000 monthly, including:
- Accommodation: €300-500
- Food: €150-250
- Health insurance: €80-160
- Transportation: €70-100
- Study materials and leisure: €100-200
These costs are very different between large metropolitan areas such as Munich or Frankfurt and small college towns.
Scholarship Opportunities
The study of social work attracts both domestic and international students, numerous scholarship opportunities are offered to international students, comprehensive of;
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) awards
- Deutschland Stipendium (€300 per month)
- University-specific scholarships
- Country-specific funding programs
These financial aid opportunities can make the overall cost of studying in Germany lower.
Latest International Students’ Social Work Courses in Germany 2025
Core Curriculum Components
Social Work classes for international students in Germany normally include studying the following program:
- Theories and the approaches of social work
- Psychology and sociology foundations
- Legal frameworks for social services
- Ethics and philosophy in social service earlier
- Research methods and scientific work
- Practical skills development
Company management and organisation in social services
For instance, the Social Work program at TH Köln addresses itself to “Gender Competence in Counselling/Education/and Organisation, Cross-cultural Social Work and Education, Law of selected fields of work, Media, Communication and Interaction, Social Education of Age Groups, Socio-
Specialization Options
There are specialisation opportunities for a number of programs in areas including:
- Child and youth welfare
- Healthcare social work
- Migration and integration
- Criminal justice and rehabilitation
- Community development
- Social management
- International social work
These specialisation packages enable the students to personalise their learning in keeping to their career interests and dreams.
Practical Training Components
German social-work education is incomplete without practical experience.
- Integrated internships (typically 20-30 weeks)
- Field projects
Practice-oriented seminars
- Community engagement opportunities
This Social Work: transnational program at Frankfurt University has two practical phases. an accompanying internship in Germany during the 6th semester (20 credits) and an internship abroad at the 8th semester (30 credits)3. These practical aspects prepare the graduates for ground work prior to beginning their employment life.
Bachelor of Social Work in Germany: Salary Expectations in 2025
Entry-Level Salary Expectations
The bachelor of social work in Germany salary prospects are quite promising. German social work graduates have the following prospects:
- Entry-level positions: €30,000-35,000 annually
- Early career (1-4 years): €30,968 average total compensation
This can be substantiated by entries by PayScale that a fresh Social Worker with less than a year’s experience is likely to receive an average total compensation of €31,49211.
Bachelor of Social Work in Germany Regional Salary Variations in 2025
In Germany, the range of Social Worker salaries varies greatly from one state to another – in Germany.
| State | Median Monthly Salary |
| Bavaria | 4,513 |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 4,475 |
| Saarland | 4,467 |
| Baden-Württemberg | 4,463 |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | 4,422 |
| Schleswig-Holstein | 4,390 |
| Lower Saxony | 4,341 |
| Bremen | 4,280 |
| Berlin | 4,167 |
| Hamburg | 4,107 |
| Saxony-Anhalt | 4,079 |
| Brandenburg | 4,042 |
| Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania | 4,020 |
| Thuringia | 3,930 |
| Saxony | 3,889 |
Source: Federal Employment Agency Remuneration Atlas, September 2024.
Public Sector Pay Scales in 2025
In Germany, public-sector social work employers pay according to standard pay scales so that many social workers work in the public sector. The TVöD-SuE 2024 pay scale (See monthly gross pay in euros):
| Pay Group | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
| S11b | 3,697.55 | 3,948.84 | 4,125.39 | 4,575.55 | 4,927.22 | 5,138.23 |
| S12 | 3,747.09 | 4,002.01 | 4,335.64 | 4,631.04 | 4,996.80 | 5,151.53 |
| S14 | 3,847.03 | 4,109.38 | 4,422.05 | 4,740.10 | 5,091.81 | 5,337.97 |
Valid March 1, 2024, to December 31, 20244
Latest Career Opportunities After a Bachelor of Social Work in Germany 2025
Employment Sectors
The graduates of social work in Germany see prospects in different fields.
- Public welfare services
- Non-governmental organizations
- Healthcare institutions
- Educational institutions
- Youth welfare services
- Elderly care facilities
- Refugee and migration services
- Addiction counselling centres
The Bachelor’s degree in Social Work: transnational readies its graduates for duties in all areas of social work and merges with the recognition as a ‘state-recognised social worker.
Work Permit and Residence Options After a Bachelor of Social Work in Germany 2025
For international graduates:
- 18-month job-seeking residence permit after graduation
- Eligibility of the EU Blue Card for a qualified job.
- Opportunity to obtain permanent residence after 2-5 years of work service.
- Post 6-8 legal stay seniority for citizenship.
These alternatives make Germany an ideal destination for international students who want to be able to pursue a career in social work.
Further Education Opportunities After a Bachelor of Social Work in Germany 2025
Graduates after a Bachelor’s degree may obtain:
- Specialised social work fields master’s programmes
- More certifications in therapy/counselling
- Doctoral studies in social sciences
- Management qualifications for leadership positions
Eligibility for MSW in Germany in 2025
Academic Requirements for Master’s Programs
The eligibility for MSW in Germany typically includes:
- University degree in social work or comparable (at least 210 CP in HAW Hamburg)9
- Minimum GPA in most cases is 2.5 or better on the German scale.
- Professional experience, relevant (for some programs)
- Research proposal (for research-oriented programs)
Language Requirements for MSW Programs
Master’s programs language requirements include:
- German-taught programs: C1 level German proficiency
- English-taught programs: B2-C1 level English proficiency
- There are, however, programs that require a knowledge of both languages.
For instance, HAW Hamburg obligates international applicants to prove proficiency of German at the level C1 on recognised tests: Goethe Institut C1, TestDaF 4, telc C1 Hochschule, DSH29.
Application Process for International Students
Latest Application Process for International Students for the Bachelor of Social Work in Germany 2025
- Academic credential verification by means of uni-assist
- Submission of language certificates
- Max 3 pages for HAW Hamburg – Letters of motivation
- CV/resume highlighting relevant experience
- Interview (for some programs)
Conclusion
Pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work in Germany offers international students a high-quality education with strong practical components at an affordable cost. With tuition-free opportunities and competitive pay in public universities, together with wide career opportunities, Germany is an appealing destination for potential social workers.
The synergy of theoretical knowledge with the practical aspect that German social work programs provide guarantees their graduates’ professional readiness. Although knowledge of the German language is usually required, the sinking cost of language learning creates an entry to a solid social welfare and esteemed professional status.
A degree in Social work, a Bachelor of Social Work from a German university, is a reliable springboard on a path to a promising career helping others, and living and working in one of Europe’s leading economies. It is, nevertheless, for international students prepared to accept the language and cultural integration.
