Why Study in Germany?
Germany is a very popular study destination among international students, and is known for its quality higher education system in the field of engineering and other STEM courses. Higher education in Germany is known to be superior, both in terms of infrastructure and curriculum. Germany is also home to some of the highest-ranked universities in the QS World University Rankings. The top universities in Germany are spread throughout the country with options to study in Munich, Berlin, and 40 other cities. The country not only provides students with high academic standards and well-organized study programs along with world-class professors but also ample post-study employment opportunities for the students along with remarkably affordable living standards and tuition fees. Over 300 international Degree programs offer courses which are entirely or partly taught in the English language. Universities are state-funded; therefore, generally low tuition fees are charged. Many institutions of higher education offer international students in Germany the opportunity to do internships or carry out research in industry.
Some of the benefits of studying in Germany are as follows:
- Stable economy
- Well-developed education system
- World leader in research and innovation
- Globally recognized degrees
- Highly ranked universities and institutes
- Affordable living standards and tuition fees
- Post-study employment opportunities
- Excellent state of art facilities and infrastructure of the institutes and universities.
- Scholarships for international students
- Well-developed public health system
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Education System in Germany
International degree programs are designed to attract international students. They are well structured and based on working in small groups and include intensive guidance. The language of instruction is mainly English. The range of study opportunities cover Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. level. One will find full range of about 650 international degree programs offered in various disciplines, especially in engineering, natural sciences, computer sciences, business, economics, arts, commerce, etc. Many universities and colleges in Germany offer English-taught bachelors and master’s degree programs. German public universities also offer some fully English-taught degrees. They also have programs that are taught partially in English and partially in German. Some of the universities offering English-taught programs include IUBH, University of Applied Sciences, and many more.
The ECTS system lets you understand your workload e.g. 1school year equals 60 ECTS. First cycle programs are worth 180 – 240 ECTS; second cycle programs are worth 60 – 120 ECTS; while third cycle programs don’t have a specific ECTS range.
The degrees awarded by the German higher education institutes are:-
- Higher secondary school (13 years of education)
- Bachelor’s degree (3 years)
- Master’s degree (2 years)
- D. degree (4 years)
Popular Universities in Germany
- EURASIA
- GISMA Business School
- Arden University
- BSBI
- SRH Berlin
- Accadis University of Applied Sciences (Non-partner)
- IUBH
- Berlin International College
- Munich Business School
- Cologne Business School
- EU Business School
- Kuhne Logistics University
- New European College
- Jacob University
- University of Applied Science Europe
- ISM (Non-partner)
Popular Courses to Study in Germany
Students who decide to study in Germany from India are met with an ambit of courses, few of the top courses to study in Germany include:
- Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Biosciences
- Pharmacy
- Chemistry
- Business Administration and Economics
Intakes
To study abroad in Germany one needs to be aware of the intakes. The main intakes offered by all Universities is September, Deadlines: from 15th Feb till 31st May. Few universities offer intake in March, Deadlines: from 15th Nov till Jan Last.
Academic Requirements for Public-Funded Institutions
For Bachelor’s
- 80% or above +1 year University or JEE both exams certificates
- IB Diploma Certificate above 29
- IELTS 6 or 6.5 bands
- GOETHE – up to B2
- 2 LORs
- SOP
For Master’s
- Above 75%
- 3 years and 4 years are acceptable with 180 to 210 credits
- IELTS 6.5 to 7 bands
- GOETHE – up to B2
- 2 LORs
- SOP
- CV with updated work experience
- GMAT for MBA and GRE for technical or GATE score for technical courses
For MBA
- Students require 15 & 16 years of Education with Relevant Subjects
- IELTS- A minimum of 6.5 bands
- TOEFL – 85 points (IBT)
- Work Experience 2 – 3 year
- GMAT – 550 (exceptionally required)
- Some MBA programs do not require GMAT nor work experience
Academic Requirements for
Private University for Bachelor’s
and Master’s Program
- Minimum 50% is acceptable
- IELTS or MOI
- SOP
- LOR – 1 or 2
- Updated CV
- Work Experience
- Interview
Student Visa Application Process
For Germany, the visa management process should start 120 days before the course commencement. The German embassy provides a checklist of documents that needs to be submitted along with the visa application form. It also requires students to open a Blocked bank account at the Deutsche or Kotak bank in Germany, in advance, as the process takes around 2-3 weeks to complete. A student should also apply for health insurance cover as without the proof of health insurance (public or private), enrolment at a German university is not possible. On assessment, The German embassy will issue an Approval Letter. The passport and approval letter to be submitted for visa issuance at the VFS centre. The German Embassy will take approximately 4-6 weeks to make a decision on a student’s visa application.
As study in Germany consultants below is the comprehensive information on how to attain a study visa:
List of Documents Required
- Valid passport
- For Minor travelers:
- Students under 18 must have a legal guardian currently legally residing in Germany to sign for you.
- a minor accompanied for Embassy interview by one parent shall provide an Original notarized NOC by the other parent , plus copies of parents passports or ID
- a minor travelling alone for Embassy interview shall provide an Original notarized NOC by both parents / legal guardians, plus copies of parents passports or ID
- Completed Online Visa application form & declarations duly signed
- 1 copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
- Three passport-sized, color photograph according to biometric specifications
- Cover letter from applicant explaining the exact purpose and duration of stay
- A Study place: Letter of admission from German university (electronic version)
- Tuition Fee: Proof of payment of study fees, if applicable
- Proof of Language proficiency in English and/or German (ONLY if course is taught in German)
- Proof of other academic qualifications, if applicable
- Proof of Sufficient Funds to cover the costs for the time of your studies by one of the following documents:
- Confirmation of Scholarship/ Stipend
- “Verpflichtungserklärung” (formal obligation letter) by sponsor living in Germany
- Proof of blocked account with Kotak Mahindra Bank in India or a suitable Bank in Germany or Fintiba in the name of the applicant showing a minimum balance of 10,336 In case you opt for blocked account in Germany , the proof needs to include the remark that the account holder can dispose of a monthly amount of 853 Euros
- For more than one year study period, in addition to the proof of a blocked account, show money of balance TF with a proof of a regular source of income would be required:
- Education loan Sanction letter and Disbursement from nationalized bank.
- Savings statement for last six months.
- FDR receipts and certificates showing the maturity amount and date.
- sponsor’s salary account statements for the last 12 months
- Sponsor’s salary slips show a regular income or proof of a business registration / employment
- 2 years of ITR’s (advisable & recommendable for strong visa filling)
- Income proof of Sponsors
- Affidavit of support.
- Business License / Vat Number
- ITRs with computation sheet/Form 16‐3years.
- Identity proof of sponsors.
- Agricultural Income Certificate/Tehsildar Certificate.
- CA Report
- Travel Health Insurance: (30000 euro or 50000 USD) Covering the period from your departure to the date of enrolment at the university (mentioned in your letter of admission) (approx. 6 months)
- Embassy Fee: 75 Euros equivalent to 6,000 INR approx. Cash or in form of DD*(student need to pay this at the time of interview and file submission) – subject to change
- VFS Fee (if file submitted in VFS): INR 1585/- will be charged for submission of passport for National Visa issuance
- Visa Stamping: INR 943/-
Cost of Study in Germany
The cost of pursuing higher education in Germany varies depending on the university and the specific program, but, in general, it tends to be significantly more affordable than in other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Public universities in Germany do not impose tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate students hailing from the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). However, students from outside the EU/EEA are typically required to pay tuition fees, which can vary among universities but generally amount to approximately €20,000 per year.
Germany offers various scholarships for international students pursuing their education in the country. These scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden of both tuition fees and living expenses.
All in all, the cost of studying in Germany is notably economical, especially for students hailing from the EU/EEA. If you’re considering studying in Germany, I encourage you to conduct thorough research and explore scholarship opportunities.
Living Expense in Germany
The cost of living in Germany varies depending on the city, but it is generally lower than in other major European cities.
Aside from tuition fees, students should also budget for their living expenses, which encompass rent, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. The cost of living in Germany can fluctuate depending on the city, but it is generally lower than in many other major European cities.
To provide an example, here’s a sample monthly budget for a student residing in Berlin:
| Expenses | Average Monthly cost* |
|---|---|
| Rent | €600 per month |
| Food | €200 per month |
| Transportation | €100 per month |
| Other Expenses | €100 per month |
It’s important to note that your actual expenses may vary, depending on your personal lifestyle choices. For instance, if you live in a pricier city or frequently dine out, your expenses will naturally be higher.
Here are some additional money-saving tips for students studying in Germany:
- Consider sharing accommodation with roommates to split rent costs.
- Cook meals at home instead of dining out.
- Utilize public transportation rather than taxis.
- Take advantage of free or low-cost activities, such as visiting museums and parks.
- Shop around for the best deals on groceries and other goods and services.
Post Study Work Rights in Germany
International students who successfully complete their studies at a German university are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa, granting them the opportunity to remain in Germany and work for up to 18 months post-graduation.
To qualify for the PSW visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a degree from a German university recognized by the German government.
- Possess a valid passport and complete a visa application form.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
- Secure a job offer from a German employer.
Once you fulfill all these requirements, you can submit your post-study work visa application to the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Upon receiving your post-study work visa, you gain the freedom to work for any employer in Germany and have the flexibility to switch jobs or even start your own business. The post-study work visa serves as an excellent pathway for international students to acquire valuable work experience in Germany and build a career in the country. If you aspire to work in Germany after completing your studies, I strongly recommend pursuing a post-study work visa.
Here are some additional tips to enhance your job prospects in Germany after graduation:
- Network with professionals in Germany by attending industry events and connecting with individuals on LinkedIn.
- Invest time in improving your proficiency in the German language. Even if you’re not fluent, being able to communicate with potential employers in their native language can be advantageous.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job application. Highlight your skills and experiences that directly relate to the specific position.
- Be prepared to articulate your motivation for seeking employment in Germany during interviews and discussions with potential employers.
Yes, you have the opportunity to work for up to 90 full days or 180 half days in a year.
While all courses are conducted in English, learning German is not obligatory. However, having a command of the language can greatly assist you in navigating the country and enhance your prospects of finding employment.
