Wish to continue your studies in Germany or planning to immigrate to Germany? What’s the right course for you? What’s the procedure? What’s the pathway? Which visa should you apply for? How long it may take? Can you get a PR? How to apply? This comprehensive guide will answer all your queries and will take you through a journey to get a better knowledge on Germany.
Why Study In Germany?
Germany’s up there as one of the best places for students worldwide. Let’s dive into all the perks international students get from studying in Germany.
There are a wide variety of reasons that highlight the importance of studying in Australia some of them are given below.
- Low or Negligible Tuition Costs: Studying in Germany is super cheap, especially after they ditched regular tuition fees in 2014. International students at public universities only pay small administrative charges, totaling around EUR 250 per semester.
- Popular Courses in Germany & Average Tuition Fee:
| Popular Courses | Duration | Average Annual Tuition Fees (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Mechanical Engineering | 3 years | EUR 10,000 |
| MBA | 1 year | EUR 35,000 |
| BBA | 3-3.5 years | EUR 6,000 |
| MSc Economics | 2 years | EUR 5,000 |
| Bachelor of Medicine | 5+1 year internship | EUR 3,000 |
3. Travel through Europe: Studying in Germany gives you the same rights as EU citizens, including free entry and the ability to study and work without extra permits. Non-European students need a visa, but once enrolled, you can apply for a student visa and residency permit. This permit lets you explore Germany and the whole Schengen Area freely.
Education System In Germany
Germany’s higher education system is top-notch and has a stellar global reputation. The country boasts several top-ranked universities that provide highly valued degrees.
The three types of degrees offered in Germany are:
Bachelors Degree
A Bachelor’s degree comes after high school and usually takes 3-4 years, or six to eight semesters, to complete.
Masters Degree
Get a Master’s degree after studying for one to two years, which usually spans two to four semesters.
PhD Degree
A doctoral degree shows you can dive deep into academic research. It involves a written dissertation and an oral exam. No fixed timeframe, but most finish in two to five years.
| Type Of Institutions | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Academic Universities | These research-focused institutions lean towards theory over practical stuff. Students can chase any kind of degree in these places. |
| Universities of Applied Sciences | These universities are all about applying research findings. Think projects with companies, mandatory internships, and classes taught by real pros from different industries. |
| Universities of Art/Music | Artistic universities gear up students with creative talents, covering fields like design, architecture, photography, and more. |
Credit System in Germany
German universities keep it simple with the ECTS credit system. They count everything—modules, dissertation prep, work placements—to calculate your ECTS credits.
| Degree Type | Credits Required |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 180 credits (3 years of study) |
| Master’s | 180-240 credits |
| Grading System | 1 to 6 credits |
Popular Universities In Germany
Germany boasts some of the world’s top-ranked universities. Graduates from these schools have a solid advantage in the job market.
Germany has several best universities known for their academic excellence. Some of the top ones include:
| University | QS World Ranking 2022 | Average Tuition Fee/Semester (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 50 | No Tuition Fee |
| Heidelberg University | 63 | EUR 1,500 |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich | 64 | No Tuition Fee |
| Free University of Berlin | 127 | No Tuition Fee |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 128 | No Tuition Fee |
Top Courses In Germany
If you’re interested in studying in USA, you should start your research early. There are many factors to consider, such as the cost of tuition, the availability of scholarships, and the immigration process. However, there are various programs that top the list of courses in USA.
Business Management Programs
In these courses, students learn about how to manage businesses. They cover topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management.
| Career Opportunities | Business Development Manager, Business Analyst |
| Salary | EUR 143,000 to EUR 191,000 per year |
| Companies that hire | Amazon Zalando Siemens |
Information Technology (IT) & Computer Science Programs
In these courses students are taught about how to design, develop, and maintain computer systems. They cover topics such as programming, data structures, and algorithms.
| Career Opportunities | Software Architect, DevOps Engineer, Program Project Manager |
| Salary | IT professional- EUR 111,391 per year |
| Companies that hire | Mannheim Bavaria |
Human Resources Programs
The major components that are covered in these kinds of courses are recruitment, training, and compensation.
| Career Opportunities | HR Assistant, HR Consultant |
| Salary | HR managers- EUR 3,380 – EUR 8,045 per year |
| Companies that hire | CLEVIS Hofer Experts Ingold Solutions GmbH |
Engineering Programs
This course teaches about how to design, build, and maintain physical systems and includes topics such as mechanics, electrical engineering, and civil engineering.
| Career Opportunities | 3D Printing Engineer, Associate Engineer |
| Salary | EUR 3,080 per year |
| Companies that hire | Audi AG. Bomag. BMW Group Continental |
Health And Medicine Programs
Topics like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology are the main highlight of the courses that come under the health and medicine programs.
| Career Opportunities | Medical Advisor, Doctor, |
| Salary | EUR 47,400 to EUR 142,200 per year |
| Companies that hire | University Hospital Heidelberg University Hospital Freiburg |
Project Management Programs
This course is all about planning, executing, and controlling projects along with topics such as risk management, scheduling, and budgeting.
| Career Opportunities | Strategic Project Manager, Project Manager |
| Salary | EUR 27.50 to EUR 75.00 per hour |
| Companies that hire | Centric Software MobiLab Solutions GmbH |
Admission Requirements For International Students
Step-by-Step process of how to study in the Germany
- Choose the course you want to study and find the best university for it.
- Meet the university’s requirements and eligibility criteria.
- Learn German as it can be beneficial.
- Apply to your chosen university through Uni Assist Portal or directly on the university website.
- Pay the application fee.
- Arrange finances for your studies in Germany.
- Apply for a student visa after receiving your acceptance letter.
- Search for accommodation in Germany and plan your travel.
Bachelor’s Degree
| Qualification | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| 12th Grade | Certified with a minimum of 50% |
English Proficiency Test
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| SAT or ACT | 400 – 1600 |
Master’s Degree
| Qualification | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degree | Required |
| Bachelor’s GPA | Minimum of 75% to be eligible for admission in Germany |
| CGPA | Minimum CGPA of 7.5 out of 10 |
English Proficiency Test
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 90 |
| GRE (for MS) | 300 |
| GMAT (for MBA) | 600 |
Best Cities For Students In Germany
Germany’s got stunning cities with top-notch universities and a thriving economy. The quality of life is superb, and the work-life balance is fantastic. Here are the 5 best cities for Indian and international students to study in Germany:
| Country | Average Cost of Living (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Berlin | EUR 854 |
| Munich | EUR 900 |
| Frankfurt | EUR 950 |
| Hamburg | EUR 850 |
| Aachen | EUR 1,100 |
| Stuttgart | EUR 1,600 |
Do We Require A Germany Study Permit?
International students often need a visa to enter Germany, and in some cases, a residence permit as well. The requirement for these documents depends on your country of origin and the duration of your intended stay. It’s essential to check the specific regulations based on your individual circumstances.
Who Needs a German Student Visa?
For most international students planning to study at top German universities, obtaining a Germany study visa is essential. It’s advisable to apply for the appropriate visa at least 3 months before the intended start of your studies. While some students might be exempt from a visa depending on their country of origin, a residence permit is typically required for studies lasting over 90 days upon arrival in Germany. Check the specific requirements based on your situation and country.
Types of German Student Visa
| German Student Visa | German Student Applicant Visa | German Language Course Visa |
|---|---|---|
| The standard student visa is granted to students who are prepared to embark on their full-time studies at a university in Germany. | You will get this visa when you apply for university admission in person in Germany. | German Language Visa is required only when you want to study for a German language course in Germany. |
Step-By-Step Guide to applying for your student visa
- Fill out the Germany Student Visa application form.
- Collect the required documents.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Go to the visa application center for the interview.
- Pay the German student visa fee.
- Submit biometrics.
- Wait for processing.
Eligibility For Germany Student Visa
Which Documents Are Required?
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance Certificate | A certificate showing your health insurance coverage, accepted from public health insurances in EU/EEA states, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel, Morocco, Macedonia, Lichtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, and Tunisia. |
| Financial Resources Proof | Proof of financial resources amounting to around 10,236 EUR per year to support your studies. |
| Academic Transcript | Transcript of certificates detailing your past academic background, achievements, and qualifications. |
| German Language Proficiency Certificate | Required if enrolling in a program taught in German. |
| Application Form | Filled-in application form for the visa process. |
| Valid Passport | A valid passport for identification purposes. |
| Application Fee | Application fee of around 60 EUR. |
| Photographs | Two passport-sized photographs. |
| Letter of Admission | Letter of admission from the university. |
| Declaration of Authenticity | Declaration of authenticity for all submitted documents. |
Age Limit
In Germany, there is no age limit for student visa applications. Whether you’re young or older, you can apply to enroll in an academic program. The average age of graduates in Germany is around 28 years, and the country is known for having some of the continent’s oldest graduates.
English Language Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| TOEFL | 550 |
Financial Requirements
- Blocked Bank Account Confirmation:
- A deposit of EUR 10,332 in a German-blocked bank account is required for a Germany student visa.
- Financial Commitment:
- Letter of commitment and proof of your parent’s income records and financial assets.
- German Resident’s Letter of Commitment:
- A letter of commitment from a German resident who will be covering your expenses during your studies, to be presented at the Alien’s Registration Office.
- Scholarship Acknowledgment:
- Acknowledgment of receiving a scholarship, specifying the covered expenses.
- Bank Guarantee:
- A bank guarantee from a reputable German bank issued to you.
Processing Time To Avail Of The Germany Student Visa?
The Germany student visa application process typically takes about 6-12 weeks for a long-stay visa, while the short-stay visa usually takes around 15-30 days. The processing time can vary, but applicants can generally expect it to be around 1-2 months, depending on the type of Germany education visa applied for.
Do We Have To Renew The Study Permit In Germany?
- The Germany student visa is typically valid for 3 months.
- During this period, it acts as a residence title.
- Once the visa expires, a residence permit is issued.
- It’s crucial to apply for the residence permit before the visa expiration date.
What Are Some Dos And Don’ts When Applying for Visa In Germany
Dos
- Check the exact demand-draft amount before submitting your application.
- Open a blocked account as per the specified amount on the website.
- Apply in the respective jurisdiction where you live.
- Sign your application and have two sets of all required documents ready for submission.
Don’ts
- Don’t trust visa agents blindly.
- Don’t rely on checklists from unofficial sources; use the official Consulate General website and social media pages.
- Don’t go to the Consulate without an appointment.
- Don’t question the requested documents; the Consulate asks for essential items.
- Don’t compare your case with others; each case is individual.
- Note the increased blocked account requirement: 934,00 EUR per month (11,208 EUR per year) from October 1st, 2022.
Top Scholarships In Germany
Studying in Germany might be a bit pricey for some international students. The German government, universities, and other institutions offer a bunch of scholarships. These scholarships help cover living costs and are a great way to support your studies.
The best scholarships in Germany for Indian students are given below:
DAAD Scholarships
- Awarded To: International students pursuing masters or PhD in German Universities
- Amount/ Benefit: Monthly stipend to cover living expenses, health insurance, travel expenses, etc.
German University Scholarships
- Awarded To: International students pursuing bachelors/masters/PhD.
- Amount/ Benefit: Varies with the nature of scholarship and the granting university
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
- Awarded To: International students wanting to study masters or PhD in Germany.
- Amount/ Benefit: Up to EUR 1,200 per month
Mawista Scholarship
- Awarded To: International applicants planning to choose Germany study abroad to pursue Diplomas and Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees.
- Amount/ Benefit: Funding of EUR 500 per month
Job Opportunities In Germany
For many international students, landing a good and stable job in a new country is the ultimate goal. The good news is, in Germany, there are plenty of job opportunities for international students, thanks to the highly developed German economy.
Job Outlook for International Students
| Area of Specialization | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | EUR 80,000 |
| Data Science & IT | EUR 60,000 |
| Engineering | EUR 46,000 |
| Finance | EUR 61,000 |
| Research | EUR 56,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum IELTS score to study in Germany?
The minimum requirement is 6.5 for most of the technical courses. A student can send their IELTS score to 5 Universities within a month of getting your exams.
Is it hard to learn German, considering its the local and commonly conversed language there?
Students normally live in the misconception that German is a difficult language to learn, when in reality, it’s not nearly as hard to learn as many think.
In what cases can I study without a student visa in Australia?
Ordinary degrees imply that a student has completed all the classes. Additionally Hons. Degree tells about the achieved level of scores. This depends on a university.