FAQ: Programy licealne w Niemczech

Programy szkolne w Niemczech:

Ile kosztuje nauka w niemieckiej szkole średniej? Jakie wymagania muszę spełnić?

• Wyniki w nauce: Dobre oceny są dodatkowym atutem, ale najważniejsze są Twoje zainteresowanie i entuzjazm związane z nauką w Niemczech. Nawet jeśli masz przeciętne oceny, nadal możesz spełniać wymagania programu.
• Cechy osobiste: Potrzebujesz odpowiedniej dojrzałości i samodzielności, aby odnaleźć się w niemieckiej szkole i dobrze zaadaptować do życia z rodziną goszczącą.
   

*A1 = poziom podstawowy | A2 = wyższy poziom podstawowy | B1 = niższy poziom średnio zaawansowany
 

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No. You will need to arrange and purchase your own flights to and from Germany. However, GLS will organize your transfer from the nearest airport or train station in Germany, and this service is included in your high school program fee.

What expenses are not included in the program fee? 

• Flight
• Mandatory health/liability insurance
• Visa support invitation letters
• Public transportation (communting costs)

Check the fees to see at a glance what's included—and what's not.

• High School Program Fee
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If your German is below level A2 (elementary), you have two main options depending on your school preference:

• Option 1: International Schools in Germany
  You can go to an international school. You will need very good English skills, but knowing German is not mandatory. 
   
• Option 2: Preparatory Language Courses
  If you want to attend a standard German state or private school, you can take a preparatory language course at the GLS German Language School in Berlin before your semester starts.The course lasts 4, 6, or 8 weeks, depending on your current language skills.

Just indicate your level of German in the application form, and we'll contact you for an interview to see what you need!

• Apply here

The GLS High School Team in Berlin will guide you through every step of the visa and insurance process for your stay at a German high school.
 

Do I need a visa?

EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa. Students from visa-free non-EU countries (such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea) can enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit after arrival. Students from other countries must apply for a national student visa at a German embassy/consulate prior to departure, using the official invitation letter issued by GLS.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Comprehensive health, accident and personal liability insurance is mandatory for all high school exchange students in Germany.

Can I use my insurance from home?

Usually not. Most standard travel insurance policies do not meet the requirements for long-term secondary school stays in Germany.

The easiest solution

GLS offers a comprehensive insurance package for exchange students, guaranteed to meet the requirements of German immigration authorities and visa offices.

Check the insurance rates using the link below. When you submit your application, tell us which country you're from, and we'll advise you personally on insurance and visa requirements, if applicable.

• High School program fees
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When can I start my high school program in Germany? When should I apply?

• Short Stays (1–4 months): Start anytime throughout the year.
• Long Stays (5–11+ months): Begin in autumn (Aug/Sep) or spring (Jan/Feb).

We recommend applying at least 6 months before your intended start date. This allows enough time for school placement, host family matching, and, if required, visa processing. Late applications may be accepted, subject to availability.

Note for non-EU students: Please allow extra time for your visa application. Depending on your home country, the process can take 2–3 months.

• High School Program Fee
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Here's what happens after you submit your application for a high school exchange program in Germany:

1. We contact you
   We’ll ask you to submit your school records, recommendations, motivation letter, and medical statement.
    
2. Interview: 
   Meet the GLS team online for a short interview.
    
3. Get Accepted: 
   If accepted, you'll receive your acceptance letter and invoice. A 20% deposit is due within 10 days to confirm your place and begin the school placement process.
    
4. School Placement: 
   We'll match you with the school that's the best fit for you. 
    
5. Prepare to Go: 
   If you need a visa, GLS will provide the required documents and guide you through the process.
    
6. Welcome to Germany: 
   Your host family or boarding school will meet you on arrival, and the GLS team will support you throughout your stay.

Ready for your German adventure?

• Apply here

What kind of school will I attend in Germany?

You will attend a Gymnasium (academic-track high schools leading to a university entrance qualification). Most international exchange students choose a state school, while around 25% opt for private or international schools. 

How do German state, private, and international schools compare?

• State Schools: The most affordable option. There are no school tuition fees; you pay for your GLS placement, host family allowance, and local coordinator support. State schools require intermediate German (A2/B1 level) and are limited to a maximum stay of 11 months due to immigration regulations. You will receive a certificate of attendance, but you cannot earn a diploma such as the Abitur or IB.
• Private & International Schools: More expensive due to tuition fees and additional services such as boarding accommodation. They usually have lower language requirements and allow multi-year stays. After 2–3 years, you may be able to earn a recognized diploma: the German Abitur or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Compare program fees for each high school option and apply for your German school experience:

• High School program fees
• Apply here

Yes. At the end of your stay, you will receive an official Certificate of Attendance from your German high school, confirming your attendance period and the class you attended.

If you stay for at least one full semester and have sufficient German language skills to be assessed, the school will also issue a report card (Zeugnis) with grades.

Can I do the Abitur or IB?

Abitur (German university entrance qualification):
Yes, but only at a private school. The Abitur is based not only on final exams but also on academic credits earned during the previous two years. Therefore, you need to attend a German high school for at least 2 years. State schools are limited to a maximum stay of 11 months, so they cannot offer the Abitur.

International Baccalaureate (IB):
The IB is an internationally recognized university entrance qualification, equivalent to the Abitur. It is offered only at international schools and requires a minimum stay of 2 years.

Yes, you can continue your studies at a university in Germany immediately after completing your high school program, provided you have earned a recognized university entrance qualification, such as the Abitur or International Baccalaureate (IB), and meet the admission requirements.

If you need a visa to study in Germany, you may need to apply for a student visa in your home country. A university admission letter is usually required for this process.

We can support you on your journey to studying in Germany. Learn more about our University Pathway Germany Program.
 

How does GLS select host families?

GLS has been sending German teenagers on high school exchange programs in over 20 countries around the world since 1983. Over the years, we have built a large network of host families in Germany, many of whom decide to host an international student after their own child has participated in a GLS exchange program.

We also find host families through our local coordinators and recommendations from GLS staff across Germany.

What are host families like?

Your hosts could be a single parent, a couple, or a family with different professions and backgrounds. What matters most is their interest in cultural exchange and their willingness to welcome you into their daily life.

All host families are carefully selected, screened, and fully prepared for their role. They provide a supportive home environment, a private room, and full board: breakfast, dinner, and a packed lunch from Monday to Friday, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekends. You will also have access to normal household facilities, including laundry facilities and shared living areas.

Yes, your parents are welcome to visit you in Germany. However, we strongly recommend planning their visit after you have completed your high school program.

Experience shows that visits during your stay can make the adjustment process more challenging. You may feel torn between spending time with your family from home and fully engaging with your German host family, and your host family may also find the situation a little difficult.

Waiting until the end of your program allows you to fully enjoy your exchange experience and celebrate your achievements together.

Looking for the Best High School Exchange Program in Germany?

If you’re dreaming of going to school in Germany, choosing the right exchange program is key. The best programs combine experience, intercultural competence, and expertise — and that’s exactly what GLS offers.

1. Experience

Founded in 1983 by Berlin entrepreneur Barbara Jaeschke, herself a former exchange student, GLS has been creating unforgettable exchange experiences for more than 40 years. Barbara describes her exchange year in the USA as one of the most formative experiences of her life — and she founded GLS to give students from around the world the same opportunity.

2. Intercultural competence

Each year, GLS places German students in high schools in countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australia, and Europe, while also welcoming around 200 international students to Germany. This creates meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and lasting global friendships.

3. Expertise

GLS is a long-standing member of the Deutscher Fachverband High School (DFH), the association of leading high school exchange organizations in Germany. DFH membership stands for high standards, quality support, and trusted programs for students and families.

With GLS, you don’t just go abroad — you gain a life-changing experience that opens doors around the world.

• Apply here