Germany

Overview

Germany has successfully captured the attention of thousands of international students over the years. This is because of its exceptional education system, multiple job opportunities and most importantly, extremely affordable cost of studying.

If you are looking for a cost effective study abroad experience, then Germany is your cue. Most public universities in Germany are highly ranked and do not charge any tuition fees from even international students. Apart from this, higher studies in Germany are globally valued. The decision to study in Germany for Indian students means having access to world class teaching facilities, choice between innumerable courses and a promise of high employability.

Why Study in Germany?

A plethora of reasons exist to answer this specific question.

• The most essential focal point is the cost-effectiveness of the courses and programs both at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. The state funds most of the education system and thus the study is absolutely tuition-free. Private universities are exempted from this facility. Though their charges are nominal and most of the students actually get themselves enrolled in the public universities in Germany.

• Besides, it offers a diversified range of scholarships in Germany through different channels.

• Home to some of the most renowned institutes, Germany not only helps you get a quality education but also shapes your entire personality.

• The pleasant weather, outdoor activities and diverse culture make you balance your study with your leisure.

• The importance and emphasis on extensive research orientation and practical exposure along with a theoretical background by highly qualified professor and research persons enlighten your career.

The overall safety of Germany, easy and hassle-free working opportunities during and after the course of the program, easy transportation, cost-effective lifestyle are some of the most popular reasons to study abroad in Germany.

Education System

The higher education system in Germany  is well renowned and enjoys a high reputation around the globe. There are numerous top ranked universities in Germany that offer degrees which are highly valued. The three types of degrees offered in Germany are:

• Bachelor's Degree: Bachelor's degree is pursued after finishing high school and the title is normally awarded after six to eight semesters (3-4 years).

• Masters Degree: The master’s title is generally awarded after studying for two to four semesters (one to two years).

• PhD: A doctoral degree proves a student’s ability to carry out extensive academic research. It includes a written dissertation and an oral exam. There is generally no set time-frame for a doctoral degree. However, most students complete their dissertations within two to five years.

Study in Germany in English

There was a time when international students kept Germany off their lists because of the language barrier. Germany was quite rigid about ensuring that students who went to the country to study had a certain level of proficiency in German. Necessary certifications were needed to prove that.

However, lately, they have relaxed their language-related norms a lot, and many colleges and universities in Germany now offer graduate and post-graduate programmes in English. This has opened up the country to international students, and they have been taking full advantage of a very high standard of the education system.

Other Language Requirements to Study in Germany

English Language Requirements:

• TOEFL: 550 (For PBT test) / 213 (For CBT test) / 79-80 (For IBT test)

• IELTS: 5-6.5 score based on Course and University

German Language Proficiency:

If the University asks for German Language Proficiency, here are the proof of tests you can provide to Universities:

• Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF)

• German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD)

• Goethe Institut German Language Diploma (GDS)

Living In Germany

Although the image of Germany internationally is that of a country full of serious and hardworking people who do not know how to enjoy life, the facts are quite the opposite. First and foremost, Germany is a country of beautiful landscapes and lakes. Also, there is everything that a young international student would need to enjoy staying and studying for getting a degree. Contrary to the backdated belief, student life in Germany is full of excitement and fun!

Living Expenses & Cost of Studying in Germany:

It’s been widespread that students pay a nominal charge for their living. Most of the top universities in Germany provide residential facilities. The accommodation help desk will guide you thoroughly if you have any doubts. Else you might also hire a rented room.

Besides lodging, food, basic utilities like electricity, phone bills etc., and books might cost you around 650 to 700 Euros on an average. You must remember in this context that this price varies significantly when it comes to big and small cities. Choose a simple lifestyle to save overall costing. However, occasional dining, driving and visiting the numerous spots that Germany offers must be a mandate to balance the hectic academic life.

Renowned Universities in Germany

Among the renowned universities and technical schools, a few of Germany best universities are as follows

• Technical University of Munich

• Free University of Berlin

• Humboldt University of Berlin

• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

• RWTH Aachen University etc.

Engineering universities in Germany

The engineering universities in Germany provide quality education in all the fields of engineering. Studying in Germany is an excellent choice, as it will undoubtedly teach International students far more than course material. Here are the Germany top universities for Engineering :

• Technical University of Munich

• University of Stuttgart

• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

• Technical University of Berlin

• RWTH Aachen University

• Technical University of Dresden

• University of Duisburg-Essen

• University of Freiburg

• Darmstadt University of Technology

• University of Erlangen Nuremberg

Best MBA colleges in Germany

MBA universities in Germany are counted among the best business schools in the world. The main benefit of pursuing an MBA in Germany is that you will get plenty of options. This wide range of specialisation will help you to find something that will be the perfect choice for your career goals. Here are the best universities for MBA in Germany

• Technical University of Munich

• Frankfurt School of Management

• ESMT Germany

• HHL Leipzig Graduate business school

• Mannheim Business School

• WHU Germany

• GISMA Business School Germany

• University of Cologne Business School

• ESCP Germany

• EU Business School Munich

• Business School Pforzheim

• European Business School

Study in Germany after 12th:

For the international students who want to start their study in Germany journey earlier, bachelor's are the perfect way to approach. Many students from all over the world look forward to studying in Germany once they finish schooling. No matter what the background is, there are programs for science, commerce and art students. A large number of English taught courses in Germany are for the Masters, however, that is rapidly changing over the past few years. 

Masters in Germany

A major part of international students moves to Germany to pursue their master’s degree. In Germany, a wide range of specialisation is available for international students at the masters level. One of the main requirements is to have a bachelors degree or equivalent to get admission for masters education in the universities in Germany. 

Eligibility criteria for Undergraduate Courses

The admission process for the Undergraduate Programs is quite competitive for the Universities in Germany.

• The score-based merit can go up to as high as 90% in the 10+2.

• In some courses, students need to complete the first year of their UG courses in India or appear for IIT JEE or Fa exam to be eligible to study in Germany for a UG program.

• Basic English Language Proficiency is also required, such as IELTS or TOEFL. A fixed minimum required score is asked by the College / University you apply to, and you should check all the requirements before the final application.

Eligibility Criteria for Post Graduate Students

To apply for a Master’s Degree, the basic requirements remain the same.

• English and/or German language proficiency are required as mentioned above. Average IELTS and TOEFL requirements are greater or equal to 6.0 and 100 respectively.

• For the PG course, you will need around 70-75% scores in your bachelor Degree. If you are asked to take the GRE for admission, the required scores would be more than 300.

Admission Process

The Germany application process can be quite confusing for international students because of multiple steps involved. But you do not have to worry as we have broken down the application process in 8 simple steps:

• Find a course that you want to study and then find the best university for that course.

• Meet all the requirements and eligibility criteria that have been laid down by the universities.

• Learn German language.

• Apply to your desired university through Uni Assist Portal or directly via the University website.

• Pay the application fee.

• Arrange finances for your studies in Germany.

• Apply for a student visa to Germany after receiving your acceptance letter from your desired university.

• Look for accommodation in Germany and plan your travel.

Visa

You will need a German student visa if you are not a citizen of countries like - EEA/EU countries, Australia, Andorra, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland, United States and South Korea.

You can apply for a German student visa at a German embassy in your country. The step by step process for applying to student visa is given below:

• Get an acceptance letter from your desired German university.

• Open your blocked account. When applying for a visa, you can provide evidence that you are able to meet your living costs by opening a blocked bank account.

• Prepare the necessary documents for your student visa application as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.

• Procure photos which meet biometric photo requirements.

• Fill the application form, print it, sign it and submit it along with the other documents.

• Schedule an appointment for your visa interview.

• Pay the visa fees in the form of a demand draft.

Work Visa & PR in Germany

Students from non-EU countries who wish to work in Germany after graduating can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months to find work relating to their studies. To apply for the extended residence permit, you’ll need:

• Passport

• University degree certificate or official document from your university confirming that you successfully completed your studies

• Document proving you have health insurance

• Proof that you have means of supporting yourself financially

The 18 months begin as soon as you receive your final exam results, so you should start looking for employment during your final semester. In these 18 months, you can take up any kind of employment to support yourself. As soon as you’ve found a job role you’d like to accept, you should apply for a German residence permit or EU Blue Card (similar to the US Green Card). You can reside in Germany while your application is pending.

If you’d like to stay in Germany and become a permanent resident, you can apply for a ‘settlement permit’ as early as two years after receiving your permanent residence permit or EU Blue Card.

Germany is an ideal destination for all the students looking to study in a European country. Its excellent education system, great quality of life and a highly developed economy provide students the right platform to explore their passions and good exposure to pursue their dreams.