To allow us (and many others) still go to a university, Germany provides the opportunity for international students to do a one year foundation course in an institution called Studienkolleg or by completing one year of university education, you can enrol for your undergraduate studies for programmes taught in English (assuming you do not speak German).
Depending on your country of origin, processing this visa could be as short as 3 months or as long as two years. In certain African countries, it's almost impossible to get this visa.
There will be a comprehensive guide on each of the routes to help you better prepare for your move and what you should expect in the first years.
Here is a personal experience from Munich. It would most likely be the same in other cities in Germany.
To study in Germany, you need to be accepted into a university. Your financial status is not an admission requirement. You can apply to any university of your choice.
