Life of Student in Germany

Germany is unarguably one of the best and sought-after destinations for pursuing higher education and building a rewarding career. It is a paradise for learners and academicians; a home to many renowned universities and education institutions that offer globally recognized degrees to students. However, the biggest dilemma for international students is adapting to a new culture and socializing with locals. The switch is unusually shocking for many international as well as Indian students, considering India and Germany follow different cultures, lifestyles, living costs, and more. To answer all your queries, upGrad Abroad conducted a live webinar session for aspiring students to know more about a student’s life in Germany with speakers Harshit Lingam, alumni, IU University, Germany and Ankur Dhawan, President, upGrad Abroad.

Key points from the webinar

1. Germany’s education system is not commercialized, resulting in zero tuition fees in private and public universities.

2. In comparison to other universities, German Universities have a reasonable fee structure.

3. To mingle with locals, it is necessary to learn the native language, or you might miss out on important details. 

4. Students have to attend classes only 2-3 days per week. 

5. Most of the companies require A2 or B1 German language proficiency from candidates.

6. Information Technology does not require knowledge of the German language as it depends on the clients that company caters to.

7. Health insurance from India is not valid in Germany. You have to register yourself in the German city and then opt for public healthcare. Ensure to not opt for private healthcare if you’re planning to stay in the country for the long term.

How costly is it to survive in Germany?

Survival in Germany is highly affordable if you keep your budget in check. The cost of living in Germany ranges from 600 Euros to 800 Euros. Hence, the German government asks to deposit 10,332 Euros as proof of financial resources. In general, students take up multiple part-time and full-time jobs in sectors that help to boost their chances for a better career. 

How much are working hours allowed in Germany for students?

In Germany, international students can work for 120 full days and 240 half days every year. Working more than allotted days or hours can result in a heavy fine, considering why you should keep a count on your working days and hours. Many international students, including Indian students, work as tutors, waiters, researchers, teaching assistants, etc. Working alongside a job also provides students with an opportunity to witness the amalgamation of different cultures, localities, native people, and students from other countries while increasing their chances of a high-paying job in multiple industries.

Read More: Reasons to study in Germany

Does the Indian Healthcare plan work in Germany?

In Germany, it is mandatory to have healthcare insurance to avail of the government’s benefits. Any healthcare insurance you have had in India will not be valid in Germany. While registering yourself in the city, you’re supposed to opt for a public or private insurance plan. Check the cost and benefits before choosing one. 

How to find jobs in Germany? 

Germany is a hub for qualified and skilled candidates looking for career opportunities in various fields. The country is a blooming destination, offering jobs in areas such as 

1. Data Science

2. Banking & Finance

3. Insurance

4. Consultants

5. Information Technology

6. Engineers 

7. Medicine

8. Legal and more.

You can find jobs in Germany through job portals including LinkedIn, Job Mensa, UCM jobs and Zen Jobs, Expatica jobs, JobStairs, Jobooh, Top language jobs, Craigslist and more. The Federal Employment Agency is the largest provider of jobs in the region that encompasses more than 700 offices and agencies throughout the country. Germany has the lowest unemployment rate in Europe, if you’re skilled, finding jobs in this European Country is smooth.

Read More: Guide to career opportunities in Germany

What are the jobs and wages offered in Germany?

As discussed before, the unemployment rate is the lowest in Germany. The increasing growth of the IT sector is paving the path for well-paying jobs for skilled labor. 

1. IT- 72,582 Euros

2. Banking & Finance- 83,000 Euros

3. Engineering- 71,000 Euros

4. Medicine- 71,000 Euros

5. Utilities- 71, 700 Euros

6. Transport- 72, 000 Euros

Please note- the salary varies on your qualification and experience. 

Courses that will help you build a better life in Germany

There are various courses in Germany in numerous fields, both technical and non-technical. It includes the study of medicine, law, basic and applied sciences, business management, architecture, cyber security etc. The information technology sector is on boom in the country; you can opt for any course at a lower fee cost while enjoying world-class infrastructure and facilities under the guidance of highly experienced academicians around the globe.

With upGrad Abroad, students can now pursue Master in Cyber Security and Master in Data Science, in both these courses students can study online at IIIT Bangalore for the first year, and in the second year, they will get an opportunity to study on campus at IU, Germany. As an upGrad learner, there’s no requirement to clear IELTS to qualify for studying these courses in Germany. These programs will provide an opportunity to master programming tools and language, work on projects and case studies, job opportunities within six months of course completion and more. 

Read More: Finding Accommodation in Germany for international students