Everything You Need To Know About Study in Germany

1. How is the Education System in Germany?

2. What are the benefits of studying in Germany? Why Study in Germany?

3. Is it tough to get admission in German universities?

4. Factors to consider while choosing Universities in Germany

5. Is tuition fees in Germany free for foreign students? How Much Does it Cost to Study in Germany?

6. Do the German universities give really good placements?

7. Is it better to do an MS in the US or an MS in Germany?

8. Which is better for International students: Canada or Germany?

1. How to Apply for German Universities?

2. What are the application deadlines for German universities (Summer and Winter)?

3. What is the ideal time to apply for masters in Germany?

4. Can I do my studies in Germany after my 12th? Do german universities accept SAT for international students?

5. Germany study visa requirements for International students

6. How difficult is it to get a German Student Visa?

7. Can I study in germany on a job visa?

8. What score in tests (Ielts etc.,) is required for a German study visa?

9. How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a German Visa?

1. What is it like to study in Germany for foreign students?

2. What is it like to study at a German university or college? What are the pros and cons of living in Germany?

3. What about the part-time jobs in Germany?

4. How is life in Germany different from the US?

5. What are the employment opportunities in Germany? How do you go about finding a job while you are studying?

6. What jobs can I seek as an international student?

7. What are the transportation options in Germany for international students?

There are several reasons that make Germany the ideal country of study for international students:

1.Top-quality courses:

German universities are known for their high standard of education and students can be rest assured that they will be trained to meet the highest standard of academic excellence.

2. Less tuition cost:

Public universities or state-run universities do not charge native or international students any tuition fee, so students pay only a small fee towards administrative and service costs. Tuition fees are charged for non-consecutive Master’s degree courses. The amount of tuition fees varies individually.

3. Scholarships:

German universities offer several scholarships to deserving meritorious international students under the DAAD – the German Academic Exchange Service.

4. English mode of teaching:

Though Germany is not an English-speaking country, the universities do provide many programs that are taught in English.

5. Diversity:

Students come from all across the globe to study in Germany. As such, there is a rich, diverse culture in the country, and international students can rest assured that there is a place for everyone.

6. Safety:

Germany is known to be comparatively safer than other countries, and since the country maintains political-economic stability, it is an ideal place for international students. Moreover, Germany has one of the best health care systems in the world

7. Travel:

If traveling is something you like to do or something you’ve always had on your bucket list, then Germany is the perfect place. Your student ID, or your public transport pass which is usually included in your semester fees, allows you free usage of the public transport in your region. Moreover, as Germany is closely bordered by so many other European countries, it is cheaper and less time-consuming to travel for a weekend away to one of these beautiful countries.

8. 18 months Work visa:

For students who hail from countries outside of the EU, a period of 18 months after graduation is granted to them to find employment or prepare for further education. However, you will need to apply to extend your residence permit if you wish to continue living in the country. Once you’ve found employment, you can apply for a German residence permit or an EU Blue Card.

Choose your program:

Firstly, you need to decide what kind of program you are looking for. You will need to decide whether you are going for a more theory focused program or an applied practical program. You can narrow down your university choice by deciding between Universitäten, Fachhochschulen, and Kunst- und Musikhochschulen.

Application Requirements:

Once you’ve decided on the program, you need to check the application requirements. Many of the major courses in Germany have standard requirements across all universities, so you should check out what the requirements of your target program are. Also, due to the highly competitive environment, some German programs place restrictions on the number of students who can enroll. Make sure to check these details before applying to a program.

Scholarships:

German universities provide several scholarships for international students under the DAAD. Check which ones you are eligible for and apply. You could also check the university’s website for eligibility for scholarships.

Location:

Germany as a whole is a beautiful country. But of course, like most countries, some places are more populated than others. You might prefer studying in a major city like Munich or Hamburg with a large student population. Or maybe you prefer a small, tightly-knit town, Heidelberg, where it is easier to find affordable accommodation. Whichever you choose, don’t compromise on your preferred course of study.

Germans believe that education should be free to all, and not commercialized. Moreover, the attraction of free education encourages more Germans to opt for higher education, while also attracting the best minds from across the world to study in the country. The economic and social benefits of offering free education are huge, and as such, public/state-run universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees.

State financed universities in Germany do not charge a tuition fee for EU or non-EU students attending Bachelor’s programs or consecutive Master’s programs. A consecutive Master’s program builds on a previously completed bachelor’s program in the same field allowing students to deepen and broaden the knowledge and skills previously acquired.

You have to complete an undergraduate degree in a specified field to qualify for admission.

Non-consecutive Master’s programs means that the Bachelor’s degree is in a different field than the Master’s degree sought, e.g. MBA programs. Typically there is a tuition cost associated with Non-consecutive Master’s programs.

All programs will require students to pay a small fee for administration costs. While a majority of students attend state-run universities, there is also a minority who attend private colleges. The tuition at private universities is understandably higher, but the quality of education is the same.

As Germany has the largest economy in Europe, there are a lot of job opportunities available. Most universities have career centers to help students find employment opportunities. However, the competition for these positions is quite high, so students should begin applying to companies as soon as their final year begins. Moreover, most companies require employees to speak German, so if you are planning on working in the country after your studies, you might want to consider learning German.

Students are granted an extended period of 18 months after their final exam results are announced to search for a job. If you wish to apply for this extended work permit, you should apply, proving that you have health insurance and are able to support yourself financially. However, do not wait until this period to begin searching for opportunities. Plan ahead.

Sources:

• https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/plan-your-studies/the-right-university/
• https://www.indiaeducation.net/studyabroad/articles/what-jobs-can-i-participate-in-while-studying-abroad-how-to-find-a-student-job-abroad.html

1. How to Apply for German Universities?

2. What are the application deadlines for German universities (Summer and Winter)?

3. What is the ideal time to apply for masters in Germany?

4. Can I do my studies in Germany after my 12th? Do german universities accept SAT for international students?

5. Germany study visa requirements for International students

6. How difficult is it to get a German Student Visa?

7. Can I study in germany on a job visa?

8. What score in tests (Ielts etc.,) is required for a German study visa?

9. How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a German Visa?

Decide on which program you wish to apply for and which universities you would like to study in. Keep in mind that German universities pride themselves on maintaining the highest standards of education in all their universities, so make your pick depending on how best a particular program would suit your professional goals.

2. Check the requirements and restrictions:

Some programs, especially those that are in high demand, such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, have a strictly regulated admissions process. This regulation could be local (only applying to particular universities) or nationwide (applying to universities all across the country). This is because of the high competition for getting into these programs. As such, universities often require students to meet a particular cut-off grade of their previous course of study, attend a selection interview or pass an exam.

3. Prepare your application:

The German university application process generally requires the following documents, though specific universities might require additional paperwork.

1. 1. High school diploma, college transcript, or a similar qualifying document that verifies your previous course of study.
   2. A translated copy of your courses and grades.
   3. Passport copy and passport-sized photograph.
   4. Proof of your German/English proficiency (depending on which language you are taking the course in).
   5. Motivation letter, which is a letter describing your motivation, or your reason for choosing to study a particular course in a specific university.
   6. Letters of recommendation
   7. Standardized test results, such as the GMAT or GRE, or some other additional entrance test results.

4. Apply:

Once you’ve gathered all your documents and have your financial details in order, you can apply. Check the deadline for your applications, and try to submit as early as possible.

The specific deadlines differ from university to university. But these are the deadlines followed by most universities:

Summer Deadline: 15th January

Summer Semester Begins: March – April

• This date is the extended deadline, but you should try to get your application in by December at the latest. This not only priortizes your application for admission, but also for scholarships.

Winter Deadline: 15th July

Winter Semester Begins: September – October

• Once again, this is the extended deadline. A lot of universities close their application portals in May/June, so make sure you check the application deadlines for your specific university before applying.

Also, keep in mind that you might need to send the hard copies of your documents after applying online. These hard copies need to reach the university before the application deadline, even if your online application was filled beforehand. Hence, make sure you give plenty of time for postal delays and other unpredictable factors.

There is no ideal time to apply. German universities have two intakes – Summer and Winter. The Summer deadline is 15th January, but you should focus on getting your application in by December at the latest. If you choose the Winter Deadline, though the extended deadline grants you time till 15th July, it would be best if you submit your application by May or June. Submitting your application earlier will not only give the admission committee plenty of time to review your application, but it will also prioritize your application for scholarships, housing, and other factors.

So, other than submitting your application as early as possible, the ideal intake comes down to which time is most suitable for you.

Yes, you can, provided that you meet the eligibility criteria.

To attend an undergraduate degree at a German university, you will need a “university entrance qualification.” If your secondary school-leaving certificate is not recognised in Germany, you should complete a foundation course (“Studienkolleg”) in Germany. These foundation courses have their own entrance exams and German language proficiency requirements. At the conclusion of the foundation course, you will be tested in several subjects relevant to your intended program of study at the university. This test is called the “university entrance assessment examination” (“Feststellungsprüfung”). One part of the examination is a language test. This course usually lasts for about two semesters with preparatory courses with specific specializations relevant to your field of study. The final exam not only proves your proficiency in these fundamental concepts, but also your ability to handle college-level classes. Upon successful completion of this assessment, you may apply to attend a university.

German universities do not require the SAT for Undergraduate admissions. However to pursue a BS, BA or B.Engg. in Germany, students will have to meet the following admissions requirements:

• High School qualifications recognized by German Universities
• If your High School qualifications are not recognized, a foundation course must be completed
• Most undergraduate courses at German universities are taught in German language. You have to prove German language knowledge of level C1 or C2 of the “Common European framework of references for languages”. If you cannot learn enough German at school, contact Goethe Institute
• Motivation Letters
• References
• Copies of ID documents
• IELTS/TOEFL maybe recommended based on your program requirements

The German Mission in India clearly outlines the steps for procuring a German National visa required to pursue higher studies in Germany. Following are the most important elements of securing a German National Visa

• Open Blocked account:
• Provide evidence that you are able to meet your living costs by opening a blocked bank account.
• • Amount – 853 Euros for one month/ 10236 Euros for one year
  • Coracle/Deutsche Bank/Expatrio/Fintiba/Kotak Mahindra

• Receive admit letter from German University
• Be aware of the German mission visa appointment booking procedures since wait times can be long, as restrictions apply on location based on place of residence
• Fill out the Application form for – German National Visa and Declaration form. Print them out, sign it and submit along with the other documents.

Carry all documents listed in the checklist

• Prepare Demand Draft for visa fees based on specifications
• Attend the visa interview

Sources:

• https://www.study-in-germany.de/
• https://collegedunia.com/germany/
• https://www.degreefromgermany.com/

1. What’s the difference between a university and a Fachhochschulen?

2. What are the best universities in Germany for masters /Ph.D?

3. Which are the best universities for engineering in Germany?

4. Which are the top German Universities for MBA?

5. Which universities in Germany offer free study?

6. Which is the easiest German university to get admission into?

7. What are the requirements to study in Germany?

8. Is GRE and IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for master’s programs in Germany? – Can I study in Germany without the IELTS?

9. What is the minimum CGPA required for MS in Germany?

10. Is German language mandatory to study in German universities?

11. How much funds are required to study a master’s in Germany?

12. Is work experience necessary for an MS in Germany?

University or Universitäten in Germany are mostly focused on theoretical education, as compared to applied learning. Fachhochschulen, on the other hand, offers courses that are centered around practical learning, such as Colleges of engineering, business, and medicine. Another difference between the two is that though both categories of institutions offer bachelor’s and master’s programs, only Universitäten are authorized to offer doctorate programs.

However, the current scenario is changing, as many Universitäten are including practical modules into their courses, and some Fachhochschulen has been allowed to offer doctoral programs. Be sure to do your research before choosing a university.

According to the Times Higher Education ranking, these are the top universities in Germany in 2020:

1. LMU Munich
2. Technical University of Munich
3. Heidelberg University
4. Humboldt University of Berlin
5. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
6. University of Freiburg
7. University of Tübingen
8. RWTH Aachen University
9. University of Bonn
10. Free University of Berlin

The top 5 German universities as ranked by QS Top MBA are:

1. Mannheim Business School
2. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
3. WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
4. ESMT Berlin
5. HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

According to the US News and World Report, the top 10 best engineering universities in Germany are:

1. Technical University of Munich
2. RWTH Aachen University
3. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
4. Technical University of Berlin
5. University of Duisburg-Essen
6. University of Stuttgart
7. Darmstadt University of Technology
8. Technical University of Dresden
9. University of Erlangen Nuremberg
10. University of Freiburg

The World Scholarship Forum has listed the following universities as those that offer free tuition:

1. Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich
2. Ruprecht-Karls-universität Heidelberg (Heidelberg University)
3. Humboldt University of berlin
4. Freie universität berlin (free university of berlin)
5. Georg-august-universität göttingen (university of göttingen)
6. University of Hamburg
7. University of Stuttgart
8. Technische universität münchen
9. Kit, Karlsruhe Institut für Technologie
10. Rwth Aachen university
11. Technische universität berlin (Tu berlin)
12. Eberhard Karls universität tübingen
13. Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg
14. University of Bremen
15. Hasso-Plattner-inst. Potsdam
16. Ulm university
17. Passau university
18. Tu Kaiserslautern
19. Tu clausthal
20. Btu Cottbus – senffenberg
21. Tu Braunschweig
22. Magdeburg university
23. Technische universität Dresden
24. Goethe university frankfurt
25. Westfälische Wilhelms-universität münster
26. University of cologne
27. Universität Jena

According to uscollegeinternational.com, the following universities have the highest acceptance rates:

1. Schiller International University – 60%
2. Berlin International University of Applied Sciences – 60%
3. Ludwig-Maximillian University – 55%
4. University of Freiburg – 33%
5. University of Heidelberg – 15%
6. Free University of Berlin – 15%
7. University of Leipzig – 10%

To pursue Master’s study in Germany you have to have an Undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Because admissions is competitive, students will be screened for academic performance and adequate preparation to succeed in a rigorous academic curriculum evidenced by higher grades. Students are expected to submit semester mark sheets for all courses completed.

Test Scores:

For most MS programs the GRE is not required, but business programs will require the GMAT/GRE. At Galvanize, we typically recommend programs that are taught in English and to meet the eligibility requirements, it is recommended that students show proof of English Language Proficiency through TOEFL/IELTS.

Other documents requirements:

• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation, Official preferred
• Resume
• Valid Passport