Germany is a federal parliamentary republic in Western-Central Europe. The inhabitants enjoy a temperate seasonal climate almost all round the year. Germany, a developed country, is the world's third-largest exporter and importer of goods, as the country enjoys a global position in several industrial and technological sectors.
Berlin is the capital, and also the largest city in Germany. Many influential philosophers,entrepreneurs, artists, musicians,scientists and inventorshave their homes in Germany, due to its popular and rich cultural and political history.Bonn, Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Bremen, Dresden are few of its major cities.
The European Communities (1957), which went on to become the European Union (1999) had Germany as one of its founding member. It is also the second most popular migration destination in the world after the USA.It is part of the Schengen Area and a member of the United Nations,the G8, the G20, NATO, the OECD and the Council of Europe.
International students rate Germany as the third most popular destination in the world. Germany is an attractive place to study and German university degrees are highly respected by employers worldwide. The fields of engineering and science are benefited by Germany‘s long and famous university tradition.
There is an increase in number of courses and degree programs, especially masters program, being offered in English.German universities have around twelve percent of students coming from foreign countries.
The cost of living in Germany is reasonable as compared to other European countries. The cost of food, rent, clothing and cultural activities are equivalent to the EU average. Germany,by far, has Europe’s most dynamic economy. On an international scale, it proves to be a very safe country with a rich historical culture and a very diverse population.
Foundation Studies: Free of cost, living expenses would cost you around €7200 per year.
Bachelor Degree: Public institutionsare usually free of cost, howeverthere may be minimal charges per semester between €150 and €250 for enrolment, confirmation and administrationdepending on the university.Private institutions can charge from €20,000 to €30,000 per year.
Postgraduate &Masters Degree Courses: Public institutions are usually free of cost, however there may be minimal charges per semester for enrolment, confirmation and administration. Private institutions can charge upto €30,000 per year.
MBA programs: €25,000 to €30,000 per year
*Most of the private institutions do offer flexible finance options.
Living Costs- €700 - €800 per year (feeding, accommodation and books expenses)
German job markets provide free access to graduates from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). The fields of mathematics, IT, natural sciences and technology as well as other areas, such as the health sector, are experiencing particular shortages of skilled employees.
This, depending on the sector, increases your chance to find jobs. Good knowledge of German language boosts upyour chances of finding a job in Germany. Exceptions include large, multinational companies and scientific research institutes.
Universities do not provide any scholarships, as there is no tuition fee or a nominal tuition fee. However, International students can apply for scholarships from numerous organizations such as:
DAAD - The German Academic Exchange Service is one of the largest scholarship organizations in the world and offers countless scholarship programs.It provides scholarship to Graduate students pursuing Masters, Doctoral students pursuing PhD, for Post doctoral work/ research etc. Via www.funding-guide.de you can browse a huge selection of scholarship options for Germany offered by DAAD and other organizations. It is very easy to use and you should give it a try!
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Programs in Germany - German Universities participate in quite a number of study programs which are funded by Erasmus Mundus Scholarships. The scholarships can finance international students to pursue a participating Erasmus Mundus study program in Germany.
GMAT is required for MBA program aspirants. GRE, on the other hand, measures the potential of a candidate in different streams like Graduate studies, Fellowships Programs and Research Programs. TOEFL or IELTS is required to check English language proficiency.
The Major Intakes are March and September.
(1) A Letter of finances is required to be submitted to the German consulate or embassy. Sponsor letter can be obtained from your parents or a German relative who is willing to sponsor your studies in Germany.
(2) Once you have received your letter of admission, open a German blocked account and deposit roughly 7000 to 8000 Euros. This blocked account is opened in the German embassy.
Apply for a student visa as soon as you have the admission letter, as the procedure can take 8 to 12 weeks. To find out where you should apply for a visa, visit the website of the German Embassy.
Link of visa information :
International student housing: Accommodation in the student hostels is highly recommended as it is a much cheaper option. University hostels vary in rent from €150 to €250, depending on factors like city, location, size of room, services provided, etc.
Home stay or private board: Homestays are the most affordable and cheapest accommodation options because the cost (€300 to €1,500 per month)of room and board generally includes meals, laundry facilities, and occasionally some light cleaning services.
House or Apartment ON RENT: Rent of a flat for single tenant- €300- €450 per month (Depends on popularity of the area/city)and Rent of a shared flat- €300 per month average
List of The Most Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers About Germany Study Visa, Study Permit, Application Process etc.
Here is a checklist of the required documents to apply for a German student visa:
It can take up to 25 days for your German student visa application to be processed. The processing time varies depending on the country and German embassy to which you apply. All other German visa applications for studies are typically processed within three months.
If you have all of the necessary documents, the application process is fairly simple. However, you should go prepared. Here's how to apply for a Germany Student Visa: Visit the German embassy or consulate in your country.
All applicants must demonstrate that they have a minimum of 10,332 euros available for a year. This sum is known as "Regelbedarf," which is the amount of money estimated to be required by a student to live in Germany for one year. This amount has to be transferred in a block account before visa lodgment. One semester Tution fees if applicable has to be shown in bank account at the time of visa after payment of one semester fees.
Cost of Studying in Germany: Private Universities
The average cost of programs offered by private universities ranges between 1,21,000 INR and 28,30,000 INR per year , with accommodation costing around 8,50,000 INR per year.
Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection are-
Despite having a 92% student visa acceptance rate, the German government will still reject your student visa for some reason such as a poor financial status, low academic performance, or lack of interview preparation, etc.
Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
Do I need to know German at all? Simply put, no! To study at a German university, you don't need to speak German ( if they are not German taught) as long as you meet the minimum language requirements for your desired degree program. However, you will have more options if you consider programs that are taught in German.
To join you in Germany as a foreign student, qualifying family members whose nationality is from a country outside of the EU/EEA must obtain a German Reunion Visa from a German embassy or consulate in their home country before travelling.
Another point to be considered that spouses, partners or children may be permitted to reside in Germany while you study, provided certain conditions are met. These requirements include having enough money and living space. Individual cases are decided at the German embassy or consulate with which you are dealing.
It lasts up to three months, prospective student visas are valid for three months and can be extended by six months if you are accepted to a higher education institution or during this time, enroll in a foundation or preparatory German language course.
You are permitted to travel to all Schengen countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain, under the Schengen agreement.
Yes. You can stay in Germany after you have finished your studies and are seeking for work. Students from non-EU and non-EEA countries who hold a residence permit can apply to have it extended for another 18 months while they search for a job in Germany.
Many students only require a residence permit to study in Germany and do not require a student visa. If you do require a visa, apply as soon as possible because the procedure can take many months.
You will be able to stay in Germany for the first three months using a German student visa. You will be needed to apply for a study permit within this time frame. The maximum duration of time you can stay in the United States with this type of residence permit is two years. Depending on the length of your studies, you'll be able to extend your residence permit.
Foreigners wishing to stay in Germany for more than 90 DAYS or 3 MONTHS must have a valid residence permit. In our situation, the suitable title is "Aufenthaltsgenehmigung," which is designed for research reasons.
Yes, if university has given waiver, you can study in Germany without IELTS. If you have completed your undergraduate degree in English then you won't be required to submit IELTS scores at a German university.
International students are not permitted to obtain a PR in Germany; students may apply for a PR only after completing their studies in Germany and after working for at least two to four years.
A German student visa application cost of 75- EUR is required. Visa fees must be paid by bank transfer for student applicants. Cheques or credit cards are not accepted. The money order must be in the name of the Embassy/Consulate in your home country and not older than two months.
Keep in mind, however, that you will not get reimbursed if your visa gets rejected.
If you have all of the requisite paperwork, the application process is rather simple. However, you should make sure to go prepared.
Here’s how to apply for the Germany Student Visa:
For Living expense, since 2020 10,332 EUR has to be shown in block account.
IF public University- mostly tution fees waiver. Else, one semester to be paid and rest 1 semester to be shown in bank account - preferrable.
If you want to continue studying the same subject at a different university in Germany, you can transfer. In this case, you can apply for admission to an advanced semester of the respective program.
You can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. If you exceed this, you'll be required to pay into the German social security system, and there could be a negative impact on your studies. Non-EU/EEA students are also able to work in Germany alongside their studies, for 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Unlimited when there is a semester break.
Yes. After you have completed your studies you can stay in Germany while you are looking for a job. Students from non-EU and non-EEA countries who hold a residence permit can apply to have it extended for another 18 months while they search for a job in Germany.
Yes, public universities offer tution fee waivers upto 100% and private universities too offer upto 50% scholarship to eligible students.
International students can apply to numerous organizations for a scholarship, for example to the DAAD, to party-related foundations or business-affiliated institutions. You can find information on the various types of scholarships in the DAAD scholarship database, along with suitable offers.
DAAD scholarship requirements aren't too difficult to meet. To secure DAAD funding, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or be in their final year of studies. There is no upper age limit, although there may be a maximum time between finishing your bachelor’s and taking up a DAAD grant.
German Universities offer internationally recognized programs at a relatively cheaper cost compared to UK, USA or Australia. Moreover, there are a significant number of available scholarships that allows foreign students to study in Germany for free.
Can I study in Germany without IELTS? Yes, you can study in Germany without IELTS. If you have completed your undergraduate degree in English then you won't be required to submit IELTS scores at a German university.
The average cost of programs offered by private universities is around 1,21,000 INR – 28,30,000 INR per year and the cost of accommodation is approximated at 8,50,000 INR per year.
Yes, apart from PTE IELTS is also acceptable in Germany, about 40 universities in Germany accept PTE which includes some top-quality institutions like Hertie School of Governance and Berlin and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. However, IELTS is accepted by each and every educational institution in Germany.
You also have the possibility of re-applying for your student visa to Germany if you think you can do better next time. But for this to succeed, it is important you identify and learn from your mistakes.
For reapplying the German student visa fee is 60 Euros. The processing time is around 25 days.
LORs may not be an essential requirement for the application process for all programs in German universities. However, applicants are encouraged to submit it as it strengthens their profile, especially where practical experience is a must. Universities prefer academic LORs for course-based programs.
Admission requirements are set very high by the German Universities. For UG courses as much as 90% is expected for admission. Also, students need to either complete 1 year of Bachelors's study in India, appear for IITJEE or Fa exam to be eligible to apply for a UG course in Germany.
If you are planning to visit Germany for a short stay trip (up to 90 days), then you have to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa to Germany, known also as a C-type visa, and if you plan to stay in Germany longer than 90 days, you will have to apply for a German long-stay visa, known also a D-type visa.