Study in Germany

Key Highlights:

In Germany, there are 422 higher education institutions, comprising 108 universities, 210 universities of applied sciences, 52 colleges of art and music, 30 colleges of public administration, 16 theological universities, and 6 colleges of education.

As of 2022, approximately 330,000 international students are studying at German universities, according to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Education System in Germany

The education system in Germany is known for its high quality and strong emphasis on research. It is divided into three levels: primary education, secondary education, and tertiary education.

1.       Primary education is for children aged six to ten years and is compulsory.

2.       Secondary education is divided into two stages: lower secondary education and upper secondary education.

·         Lower secondary education is for children aged 11 to 16 years

·         Upper secondary education is for students aged 16 to 18 years.

3.       Tertiary education or the higher education system in Germany is characterized by a strong emphasis on academic research and a close integration between research and teaching. The system is divided into two main categories of institutions:

·         Universities

·         Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)

Universities are primarily focused on research and offer a wide range of academic disciplines, while universities of applied sciences provide more practical-oriented programs that are designed to prepare students for specific professions.

The typical higher education pathway involves completing a bachelor's degree (usually 3-4 years) followed by a master's degree (usually 2 years). Doctoral degrees (PhD) can also be pursued at universities and typically take 3-5 years to complete.

The higher education system in Germany is largely funded by the government, which means that tuition fees are low or non-existent for both domestic and international students. However, students need to cover their living expenses, such as accommodation and health insurance.

Credit System in Germany:

The credit system in Germany is called the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which is widely used throughout Europe.

ECTS is based on the workload required to achieve the objectives of a course of study, typically measured in terms of student workload or contact hours.

In Germany, one ECTS credit is equivalent to a workload of 30 hours, which includes time spent in lectures, seminars, and independent study.

Bachelor’s in Germany for Indian students is awarded upon completion of 180 ECTS credits, while master’s in Germany requires between 90 and 120 ECTS credits.

The ECTS system allows for easy recognition and transfer of academic credits between institutions within Europe and is designed to promote student mobility and facilitate international cooperation in higher education.

Best Courses to Study in the Germany & Tuition Fees:

There are many popular courses to study in Germany for international students, including:

·         Business & Management

·         Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

·         Medicine

·         Natural Sciences

·         Bachelor of Arts

·         Bachelor of Science (BSc)

·         Humanities and Social Sciences

·         Linguistic and Cultural Studies

·         Mathematics and Statistics

·         Architecture and Urban Planning

*Fee at public institutes

 Top Universities to Study in Germany:

There are many popular universities to study in Germany for Indian students. Here is a list of some of the best universities in Germany:

Intakes Available in Germany:

Germany has two main intakes:

1.    The summer intake in Germany starts in April and runs until July-August. It is considered a secondary intake and only offers a limited number of programs. Deadlines for summer intake applications are typically in mid-January. Compared to the winter intake, the summer intake receives fewer applications, resulting in less competition. Universities like Berlin School of Business and Innovation, University of Hamburg and Braunschweig University of Technology do summer intake. 

2.    The winter intake is the main intake for German universities which begins in September-October and ends in February-March. Almost all programs are offered during this intake and have deadlines in mid-July. The winter intake receives a high number of applications with strong competition. It also provides a greater opportunity for scholarships as most of them are available during this time. Universities like Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Heidelberg University and RWTH Aachen University do winter intake.

Due to high demand and competition, applicants should begin the admission process approximately a year before the enrollment period commences.

Cost of Study in Germany:

The following is a list of universities and the cost of studying in Germany for Indian students.

Cost of Living in Germany:

Indian students in Germany can expect to spend around €934 per month / €11,208 per year for their cost of living in Germany. The living expenses can vary based on the city where the university is located, with cities like Berlin and Munich being slightly more expensive compared to other parts of Germany. Additionally, most universities in Germany are state-run and do not charge tuition fees, but students are required to pay enrollment and administrative fees each semester. Overall, the low cost of living and the absence of tuition fees make Germany an attractive destination for international students seeking high-quality education at an affordable cost.

Expenses Incurred to Study in Germany:

Best Student Cities in Germany:

Below is the list of some of the best cities in Germany for International students:

·         Munich

·         Frankfurt

·         Berlin

·         Hamburg

·         Aachen

·         Bonn

·         Dresden

·         Stuttgart

·         Leipzig

·         Cologne

According to QS Best Student Cities 2023, Munich ranks number 2nd in the world with an overall score of 95.1 and Berlin ranks 6th in the world with an overall score of 93.2

Admission Requirements to Study in Germany:

Below is a list of basic information regarding the admission process and requirements to study in Germany for Indian students:

·         Education Qualification: Students should have a relevant undergraduate degree in the field they wish to pursue a master's or doctoral program. For bachelor’s admissions, students must have completed 12 years of formal education.

·         Language Proficiency: Non-native speakers must demonstrate proficiency in either English or German, depending on the language of instruction for the chosen program. The required English language proficiency tests are TOEFL and IELTS. The required German language proficiency tests are TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe Institute's certificate.

·         Standardized Tests: Some courses may require standardized test scores such as the GRE, GMAT, or specific subject-related tests.

·         Work Experience: Some programs may require relevant work experience in the field of study.

·         Letters of Recommendation: Most universities require two to three letters of recommendation from former professors or employers.

·         Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose explaining the student's academic and career goals, and how the program of study will help achieve them.

·         Application Fees: Most universities in Germany charge an application fee for each course i.e. 75 EUR, with an additional fee of 30 EUR for each extra course in the same semester.

·         Visa Requirements: International students must obtain a valid student visa to study in Germany. The visa application process may require additional documentation, such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, and health insurance.

Admission Process for German University:

The admission process to study in Germany involves several steps, and the following is a basic outline of the process:

1.    Choose a program: Students should research and select a program of study that they are interested in and that suits their educational background and career goals.

2.    Check admission requirements: Students should carefully review the admission requirements for the program they are interested in. This typically includes academic transcripts, standardised tests like GMAT or GRE, language proficiency tests, a valid visa, and other additional requirements like a statement of purpose, a CV, or an interview.

3.    Language proficiency: Non-native German or English speakers will need to demonstrate proficiency in either language, depending on the language of instruction of the program. The minimum language proficiency requirement for English is usually an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 69 to 80, while the requirements for German proficiency will depend on the course.

4.    Apply for admission: Students can apply for admission to German universities through the Uni-Assist portal or the individual portals of the respective universities. There is usually an application fee of 75 EUR per course, with 30 EUR for each additional course in the same semester.

5.    Submit application materials: Students must submit all required application materials, including academic transcripts, standardised test scores, language proficiency certificates, and other additional requirements by the application deadline.

6.    Wait for admission decision: After submitting the application, students will have to wait for the university's admission decision. This can take several weeks to months, depending on the program and university.

7.    Acceptance and enrolment: If the student receives an acceptance letter, they will need to accept the offer and enrol in the program by submitting the necessary documents and paying any applicable fees.

Documents Required to Study in Germany:

To study in Germany, international students are required to provide certain documents for the admission process. These typically include:

1.    A valid passport

2.    A higher education entrance qualification, such as a high school diploma or bachelor's degree

3.    Transcripts of academic records and diplomas from previously attended educational institutions

4.    Proof of language proficiency in either German or English, which can be demonstrated through language test scores (such as IELTS or TOEFL for English or TestDaF or DSH for German), language certificates from language courses, or proof of previous education conducted in the language of instruction.

5.    A CV (curriculum vitae) outlining academic and professional experience

6.    A statement of purpose or motivation letter explaining why you want to study in Germany and what you hope to gain from the program

7.    Letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers

8.    Proof of financial resources to cover living expenses and tuition fees, such as bank statements or scholarship letters.

Student Visa Requirements for Germany:

To study in Germany, Indian students must obtain a student visa beforehand. After receiving the admission letter, they must visit the German consulate in their home country and follow the procedures and requirements listed by the officers to apply for the visa.

The following documents are essential for Indian students who plan to study in Germany:

• Admission letter from the university
• Proof of financial resources ("Finanzierungsnachweis")
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• University entrance qualification
• Academic records assessed by the the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS)
•   Proof of language proficiency

Additionally, the German Blocked Account confirmation letter is a crucial document that verifies that the students have enough funds to support themselves in Germany for at least a year.

Exams Required to Study in Germany

There are several exams that some of the best universities in Germany for Indian students may require depending on the program and university.

1.    For undergraduate studies, Indian students may need to take exams such as the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT) exam.

2.    For graduate studies, standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may be required depending on the program.

3.    Additionally, international students are usually required to provide proof of language proficiency in either English or German, depending on the language of instruction.

·         For English proficiency, exams such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are commonly accepted.

·         For German proficiency, exams such as the TestDaF or the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) may be required.

Scholarships for Higher Studies in Germany for Indian Students:

Below is the list of some of the best scholarship for Indian students in Germany:

Post-Study Work Options for International Students in Germany:

Germany is a highly sought-after destination for international students looking to settle down after their studies. The country's strong economy and job market, along with its natural beauty, architecture, and rich culture make it an attractive place to live. Germany is home to some of the world's leading companies in engineering, automobile, pharmaceuticals, and food industries, making it an ideal place for graduates to find employment opportunities. It's no wonder that many students aspire to settle and work in Germany after completing their studies.

International students who finish their studies in Germany can apply for an 18-month post-study work permit to search for a job relevant to their studies. Finding a relevant job is crucial; otherwise, they may have to leave the country at the end of the permit's validity period. Unlike in other countries, the post-study work permit in Germany does not include a student visa. Hence, students need to apply for it separately at a foreign Nationals registration office in their area. Germany has various government programs to attract immigrants, making it a desirable destination for finding job opportunities and settling down after graduation.

Types of Post-Study Visas in Germany:

Top Reasons to Study in Germany:

There are numerous reasons to study in Germany and these have been listed below:

Affordable Education

Most study in Germany consultants advocates making the shift since higher education is cheaper in the country. While public universities charge zero tuition fees, private universities have reasonably priced courses with flexible plans for payments.

Visa Policies 

Study in Germany for Indian students is a great option since the visa policies are quite favorable. Students in the country may obtain work permits after studying in the country. The procedure is easy and getting a German visa is a smoother process as compared to visa application methodologies in other countries.

Strategic Location

For Indian and Asian students, Germany is located a little closer to home. For instance, it has a flight time of only 10 hours.

Zero Language Barrier

Another reason to study abroad in Germany is the total absence of a language barrier. German is majorly spoken throughout the country although almost all universities have top-rated programs taught in English too.

High Standards of Higher Education

Along with comparatively lower study costs in Germany for Indian students, another major advantage is the excellent educational standards. There are universities, technical, film, music, and art colleges and universities of applied sciences. Most public German universities have a chequered legacy of education and the country is home to leading private universities which have found a place in several major academic rankings worldwide. Top-class academic curricula and infrastructure along with advanced technology are other major advantages of studying in Germany in addition to expert and skilled faculty members.

International Recognition for Degrees

German universities function as per the Bologna reforms, ensuring that all aspirants get globally recognized degrees like Masters, Bachelors, and PhDs. B.Sc/BA courses span 6 semesters while MA/M.Sc courses span 2-4 semesters. Ph.D. courses cover 4-6 semesters in all.

Excellent Job Prospects

One of the biggest reasons to study in Germany is the country’s abundant employment prospects. Both EU and non-EU students can find several part-time work opportunities while studying. The latter have to get work permits and can work for 120 full days or 240 half days annually. After studying, Germany offers wide-ranging job prospects owing to its flourishing economy and students also benefit from internships offered by several universities.

Exploring Various Shades of Life

Germany offers a culturally diverse and cosmopolitan experience. The people are welcoming and there is a strong sense of mutual respect and privacy alike. Germany is home to innumerable international students while there are outdoor activities aplenty including cycling, skiing, and other sporting activities. Germany has its fair share of natural wonders, historical and cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife along with delectable cuisine. Germany is home to several parks and has a great public transportation network. You can get a travel card absolutely free by paying nominal administrative and enrollment taxes.

Future Opportunities After Studying

You can settle down in Germany to find employment opportunities post-graduation. The law states that international graduates may reside for another 18 months for finding work.