Study abroad in Germany for students
For MBBS or Medical Studies in Germany:
If you wants to get admission in the German medical universities to study higher education visit:
Germany Updates of Covid 19
Visas for the International universities by Germany vary from university to university policies (no visas for online classes)
Germany is the most preferred study abroad destination in Europe. This country host millions of international students every year and offers the latest scientific and research based study courses to both local and international students. It is the most picked study destination after America and UK. In fact, Germany is ranked in the top 10 best places to study abroad. In German institutions students enjoy a comprehensive academic and social atmosphere.
The number of international students has continued to increase around 8 percent over the past few years. Through this rate Germany will meet its target of enrolling 350,000 international student s by 2021 three years ahead of the planned schedule.
Tuition Free Degree Courses
The most attractive offer for international students are the tuition free study programs rendered by German public universities. The public universities in Germany offer free or very low-fee tuition programs for international students. These low cost courses are available in almost every field of study including Engineering, Medicine, Business and Arts. International students fly Germany to seek high quality education in a unique cultural lifestyle.
Highly Reputed Unified Education System in Germany
Universities in Germany run under the Bologna reform. According to this reform, all students whether national or international get a unified mode of education. The degrees issued in all categories like bachelors, masters or PhD are internationally recognized. Around 47 universities in Germany are considered as the best institutions in the world. According to a 2018 German report, nearly 35% of foreign students choose Germany for its low or no tuition fee universities. While twenty-nine percent are impressed with the quality of education and academic staff in the German institutes.
Best Universities in Germany for Students 2021
There are nearly 400 officially recognized universities throughout Germany offering more than 15000 study programs. Many German universities are popular for their high international rankings. Germany’s most prestigious universities include LMU Munich, Technical University of Munich and Humboldt University of Berlin. Some other prestigious German institutes are
Hochschule Bremen – International Graduate Center
University of Mannheim
University of Cologne
Wismar University
Variety of Study Courses
In reputable German tertiary education institutes, study courses from every field of life are taught. International students can study any subject in Germany .The sub categories of engineering courses like Aeronautics, automobile or robotics Have a Hub in Germany Likewise German institutes render the most comprehensive courses in Arts, Music and other relevant fields. German business schools are top-ranked and business management degrees are highly recognized around the world. According to a recent survey international students chiefly enrolled in the following German courses
Engineering
Business Management
Humanities
Math
Information Technology
Fine and Applied Arts
English Taught Courses
Previously German institutes offer only German taught study programs but with time Germany has modified its medium of instruction in academics. To attract more and more foreign students many English-taught study programs are introduced. Thus, many courses and degree programs are now offered in English. Most of these courses are offered at the master’s degree level but gradually English taught courses are also being incorporated in other degree courses. Currently, there are about 1450 English taught courses in German Universities.
Research Opportunities
German universities provide excellent environment for research and development. German institutions introduce doctoral research in the nineteenth century. German universities and specialist research centres offer innovative, tuition-free, postgraduate programs with the latest research and development technology and equipment.
German Language
Studying abroad in Germany will give you an opportunity to learn German. German is considered as the tenth most spoken language in the world. There are about 185 million German speakers worldwide. German is becoming increasingly popular. Goethe-Institutes around the world report that nearly 235,000 people were learning German at Goethe-Institutes around the world.
Scholarship Programs
Besides free tuition, German institutes also offer scholarship programs to eligible students. There are numerous scholarships providers that help international students to study at German universities and colleges with fringe benefits. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world’s largest funding organizations for academic exchanges in the world.
Stable Economy
Economically Germany is among the strongest nation of the world. There are countless job opportunities for international graduates in almost every field of life. World’s largest industries are established in Germany. Moreover, Germany is the country for every type of engineers. Entrepreneurs also have a wide horizon to start up their companies. The latest techno- oriented study courses are taught in this land of thinkers in almost no cost. Germany is the fourth-largest economically established country according to nominal GDP in the world. Moreover, Germany is the third largest exporter in the world.
After Study Job Prospects in Germany for Students
Due to a firm position in the global economy, Germany offers countless job opportunities. After completing a degree in Germany, international students can stay for up to 18 months in Germany to search a qualification related job. Germany needs many skilled workers by 2030, therefore, opens many job opportunities for foreigners. Three- fourths of business students get employment within six months of graduation.
Part Time Job Opportunities in Germany 2021
Students living in Germany can easily afford the cost of living via part time job. Although it is a tuition free destination, still students have to bear many other expenses. German education system offers miscellaneous means of funding. Many scholarships like DAAD are offered to students that cover accommodation and other expenses. Moreover, part-time jobs like Research assistant or other jobs in a company are available for students. Students can work in restaurants, libraries, supermarkets, etc. International students are allowed to work for 240 half days or b120 full days in a year. According to an estimation, more than 60% of international students work part-time while studying in Germany.
Travel Europe
Besides studying, living in Germany provides you with an opportunity to travel across various countries. With a German student visa, the student is allowed to travel to 26 European countries without any restrictions.
Contemporary Living
Not just a single city, but Germany entails a long list of cities that resides reputed institutes for international students .Some of these cities include Berlin Cologne (Koln), Frankfurt , Hamburg and Munich. All these cities provide a quality lifestyle with all modern convenience. Tasty cuisines, shopping malls, Wi-Fi accessibility and effective public transport system have made Germany a dream destination to reside. Large cities have public transport accessibility with a subway system and bus /streetcar networks. You can reach anywhere in Europe swiftly via train or plane. From skiing to mountaineering students can enjoy many excursions in Germany at affordable prices.
Thus there are various factors that made Germany a hot favourite destination for international students who want to study abroad in Europe.
Affordable Health Insurance for Germany
You can find here the best packages for the health insurance to study abroad in Germany. As an international student, it is compulsory to have health insurance for the visa, and if some how it is not compulsory for the visa then for the admission, university ask you to have health insurance. So, in the duration of study you can deal with your health isuues easily. This health insurance includes Doctor services, hospital care, prescription drug, mental health, and more.
Germany is the most preferred study abroad destination in Europe. This country host millions of international students every year and offers the latest scientific and research based study courses to both local and international students. It is the most picked study destination after America and UK. In fact, Germany is ranked in the top 10 best places to study abroad. In German institutions students enjoy a comprehensive academic and social atmosphere.
The number of international students has continued to increase around 8 percent over the past few years. Through this rate Germany will meet its target of enrolling 350,000 international student s by 2021 three years ahead of the planned schedule.
Tuition Free Degree Courses in Germany 2021 for Students
The most attractive offer for international students are the tuition free study programs rendered by German public universities. The public universities in Germany offer free or very low-fee tuition programs for international students. These low cost courses are available in almost every field of study including Engineering, Medicine, Business and Arts. International students fly Germany to seek high quality education in a unique cultural lifestyle.
Highly Reputed Unified Education System in Germany for International Students
Universities in Germany run under the Bologna reform. According to this reform, all students whether national or international get a unified mode of education. The degrees issued in all categories like bachelors, masters or PhD are internationally recognized. Around 47 universities in Germany are considered as the best institutions in the world. According to a 2018 German report, nearly 35% of foreign students choose Germany for its low or no tuition fee universities. While twenty-nine percent are impressed with the quality of education and academic staff in the German institutes.
Best Universities in Germany 2021 for Students
There are nearly 400 officially recognized universities throughout Germany offering more than 15000 study programs. Many German universities are popular for their high international rankings. Germany’s most prestigious universities include LMU Munich, Technical University of Munich and Humboldt University of Berlin. Some other prestigious German institutes are
Hochschule Bremen – International Graduate Center
University of Mannheim
University of Cologne
Wismar University
Variety of Study Courses
In reputable German tertiary education institutes, study courses from every field of life are taught. International students can study any subject in Germany .The sub categories of engineering courses like Aeronautics, automobile or robotics Have a Hub in Germany Likewise German institutes render the most comprehensive courses in Arts, Music and other relevant fields. German business schools are top-ranked and business management degrees are highly recognized around the world. According to a recent survey international students chiefly enrolled in the following German courses
Engineering
Business Management
Humanities
Math
Information Technology
Fine and Applied Arts
English Taught Courses
Previously German institutes offer only German taught study programs but with time Germany has modified its medium of instruction in academics. To attract more and more foreign students many English-taught study programs are introduced. Thus, many courses and degree programs are now offered in English. Most of these courses are offered at the master’s degree level but gradually English taught courses are also being incorporated in other degree courses. Currently, there are about 1450 English taught courses in German Universities.
Research Opportunities in Germany 2021 for Students
German universities provide excellent environment for research and development. German institutions introduce doctoral research in the nineteenth century. German universities and specialist research centres offer innovative, tuition-free, postgraduate programs with the latest research and development technology and equipment.
German Language
Studying abroad in Germany will give you an opportunity to learn German. German is considered as the tenth most spoken language in the world. There are about 185 million German speakers worldwide. German is becoming increasingly popular. Goethe-Institutes around the world report that nearly 235,000 people were learning German at Goethe-Institutes around the world.
Latest 2021 Scholarship Programs in Germany for Students
Besides free tuition, German institutes also offer scholarship programs to eligible students. There are numerous scholarships providers that help international students to study at German universities and colleges with fringe benefits. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world’s largest funding organizations for academic exchanges in the world.
Stable Economy
Economically Germany is among the strongest nation of the world. There are countless job opportunities for international graduates in almost every field of life. World’s largest industries are established in Germany. Moreover, Germany is the country for every type of engineers. Entrepreneurs also have a wide horizon to start up their companies. The latest techno- oriented study courses are taught in this land of thinkers in almost no cost. Germany is the fourth-largest economically established country according to nominal GDP in the world. Moreover, Germany is the third largest exporter in the world.
After Study Job Prospects
Due to a firm position in the global economy, Germany offers countless job opportunities. After completing a degree in Germany, international students can stay for up to 18 months in Germany to search a qualification related job. Germany needs many skilled workers by 2030, therefore, opens many job opportunities for foreigners. Three- fourths of business students get employment within six months of graduation.
Part Time Job Opportunities in Germany 2021 for Students
Students living in Germany can easily afford the cost of living via part time job. Although it is a tuition free destination, still students have to bear many other expenses. German education system offers miscellaneous means of funding. Many scholarships like DAAD are offered to students that cover accommodation and other expenses. Moreover, part-time jobs like Research assistant or other jobs in a company are available for students. Students can work in restaurants, libraries, supermarkets, etc. International students are allowed to work for 240 half days or b120 full days in a year. According to an estimation, more than 60% of international students work part-time while studying in Germany.
Travel Europe
Besides studying, living in Germany provides you with an opportunity to travel across various countries. With a German student visa, the student is allowed to travel to 26 European countries without any restrictions.
Contemporary Living
Not just a single city, but Germany entails a long list of cities that resides reputed institutes for international students .Some of these cities include Berlin Cologne (Koln), Frankfurt , Hamburg and Munich. All these cities provide a quality lifestyle with all modern convenience. Tasty cuisines, shopping malls, Wi-Fi accessibility and effective public transport system have made Germany a dream destination to reside. Large cities have public transport accessibility with a subway system and bus /streetcar networks. You can reach anywhere in Europe swiftly via train or plane. From skiing to mountaineering students can enjoy many excursions in Germany at affordable prices.
Thus there are various factors that made Germany a hot favourite destination for international students who want to study abroad in Europe.
Applying to a German University needs special attention and complete knowledge. There are certain formalities which have to be fulfilled. Check the following admission requirements for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD intakes:
Admission Criteria in Bachelor’s Program of German Universities for Students 2021
Students who want to apply in a Bachelor’s program in Germany should choose a German University and then apply online on the given dates. An online application form is available at their sites, where the student has to get registered and take his/her applicant’s ID. You can also upload all the required documents via scanned PDF soft copies. It is mandatory to sign the application before submission.
The Entrance Criterion
To apply in a German University, the student should be qualified according to their university entrance qualification. For this, the student should possess a high school leaving certificate. This certificate has to be recognized in Germany. If for any reason you are not eligible for this entrance criterion then you have to get enrolled in the Foundation course. The free of cost preparatory courses are subject-based right according to the field of studies the student wishes to study. This one year course will prepare you to attempt the qualification assessment examination. Once you pass this exam, you become eligible with a university entrance qualification. Now the student can enter higher education institute s in Germany. Students can browse the online “Anabin” database and check their country-specific requirements. In some cases, student’s school leaving certificate and previous academic performance make the student eligible for direct admission without any entrance exam. It is, therefore, essential to check your status at the institutes’ website.
Te students taking admission on Scholarship programs have to follow the program specific requirements for taking admission to study in Germany
Language Proficiency
For German taught courses students have to show German language proficiency of B1 level while for English taught programs standard test like IELTS,TOEFL etc. are required wit specified marks or bands. There are few bachelor courses offered in English while a lot of Master’s programs are however available in English Language
Bachelor’s Intakes
In a German university, students can apply twice a year, either in the winter or in summer. Applications for winter enrolments are submitted before 15 July, and applications for summer enrolments end by 15 January. Application deadlines are different in different institutions. It is recommended to apply at least 6 weeks before the given deadline to correct any error. A formal acceptance or rejection is received after a month or two of application submission.
Recognized academic certificates and other Documents
Students have to submit their previous academic certificates of your translated and officially certified by a notary. The documents should contain a signature with an official stamp. These academic certificates generally include:
- The school leaving certificates and/or university entrance qualification
- The academic transcripts,
- Certificates of the applicant’s previous educational background related to educational or extracurricular activities
- Certificates of any volunteered activity and work experience
- Specific-sized photographs
- Copy of valid passport
- Application Fees
- Evidence of health insurance in Germany
- Payment receipt for the semester fee
- Financial stability proofs
Prospective students will have to prove that they have enough money to support their study abroad studies. The document, “Finanzierungsnachweis,” is basically a proof of enough financial resources. This document is required while you are applying for an entry visa or residence permit in Germany. Generally, applicants have to show an amount of 8,700 Euros deposited for one year.
Once you get the admission or acceptance letter from the university, you have to apply for German student visa and has to hunt for accommodation as many German universities do not offer accommodation in their packages. Next is the enrollment step that also charges some fees to provide you university-based facilities.
Admission in Master’s Program Criteria for Students in German Universities 2021
There are two categories of Master’s degrees in Germany consecutive or non-consecutive. The consecutive study is based on the academic knowledge related to the bachelor’s degree. While the Non-consecutive programs focus on professional development. In this case, applicants have an undergraduate degree along with some relevant work experience.
Intakes and Entrance Eligibility
Admissions in master’s programs are conducted twice a year, either in the winter semester or in summer semester. The summer semester begins in March, while the winter semester starts from September.
Masters degree in Germany takes four semesters (two years).To get eligibility for entrance qualification the prospective student has to prove his/her hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB)-higher education entrance qualification. Generally, an undergraduate degree completed in another country is accepted as an HZB for a master’s admission in Germany. However, requirements will vary depending on the course and institutions. Two eligibility tests are available for Masters Admission eligibility: the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH, German language examination for university entrance) and the DaF (Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Test of German as a foreign language). The DSH is offered only at various German Universities, while DaF can be taken at centers in more than 90 global countries.
The student should check the right test which is accepted by the universities you want to apply to study a master’s in Germany. Sometimes the University department offering the program sets a minimum number of credits in specific fields of study and the student as to earn those credits to take admission in the Master’s program. All information is available at the university’s website.
German universities generally use a mutual platform, UniAssist.de to offer their admission. Students can create a personal account at this site to choose their preferred master’s course. Students can also upload the scanned application and documents at the site. However, some universities do not follow this trend and work on their own online application platform to receive the application and other processing. In such cases, students have to directly access the university’s website for relative information.
Requirements for Master’s Program
The other documentation and other submission formalities are the same to study master’s in Germany as of the bachelor’s program. The student has to provide sufficient financial proofs, apply for a German student visa, search an accommodation and finally has to buy suitable health insurance that covers your period of stay in Germany. Some masters program also ask students to submit
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal or motivational statement
- Reference letters
However, some institutes also conduct an interview session over Skype.
PhD Admissions in Germany
Types of PhD in Germany
, There are two types of PhD programs in Germany
- The traditional PhD: Students will do research project independently under the guidance of an expert supervisor. The candidate chooses the institution for research. It could be a university or organization.
- Structured doctoral programs – these are international English taught programs. Students will do additional training alongside the thesis. Research is conducted in collaborations and placements with external research institutes.
Intakes and Duration of PhD Program
Admission intakes are open twice a year:
- The Winter semester runs from 1 October to 31 March
- The Summer semester –runs from 1 April to 30 September
The length of your traditional PhD is 4-years and for a structured doctoral program is generally 3 years.
The German PhD process
Whether you visit a study abroad consultant or follow the university instruction, you have to undergo the following process:
PHD fees
PHD tuition is free in all German public universities for up to three years of study. However, students will have to pay tuition fees after three years that is, beyond the standard time-span for your PhD course.
PhD students also pay a semester contribution of €150-200 as administration,, student governance and student services payment.
Application Requirements for PhD Program
Students who apply for a traditional PhD have to contact a supervisor to supervise your thesis.
Applications for structured PhDs are submitted directly to the institution or graduate school.
Entry requirements
- Completion of a minimum of eight semesters of academic study with a final qualification equivalent to a German Masters degree
- Submission of previous higher education degree/s , recognized by the Dean’s Office or Board of Examiners at your university.
- Highly-qualified international students with academic excellence could be admitted onto a PhD with a graduate or Bachelor degree in the fast-track PhD program. In this case, students have to pass an entrance examination.
Language requirements
The language requirements for a PhD in Germany will depend on the program applied.
Structured doctoral programs are taught in English. Students have to qualify an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS with some set scores.
In Traditional PhD courses students write the thesis in German. However, some institutions accept the thesis in other languages. For German-taught PD courses, students need a German language proficiency proof certified through DaF or DSH.
Motivation Letter
Motivation letter is a personal statement by the student stating the main objectives, accomplishments and future prospects, that motivate you to choose this specific doctoral program. You have to connect your future studies with your past education. Motivation letter should be written in less than 500 characters.
Students have to provide the financial stability proof as in case of master’s and Bachelor’s program
Application process
- For Traditional PhD program students require a statement from the doctoral supervisor stating their intent to supervise your thesis
- Students have to submit all their certified copies of certificates and academic transcripts from previous degrees
- Students should provide recognition of your certificates and degrees from the Dean’s Office or University Board of Examiners
- Academic reference letters from at least two professors who have previously taught you
- Interviews
- Structured PhD programs sometimes conduct an interview session with the candidate. The supervising committee takes the interview.
- The selected supervisor will take the student’s interview in case of traditional PhD program Interviews for international students are conducted over Skype.
Like the undergraduate or graduate admission, once you are selected for a PhD program you have to apply for a German Student Visa, health insurance and have to search proper accommodation in Germany
To Know the Cost to Study Medical and MBBS in Germany for Students:
Read the guide to know the Cost of Medical Universities of Germany to get Admission from Pakistan
Once you decide to study abroad, you should keep in mind about the budget that is going to be spent on your studies. It is right that most German universities do not charge any tuition fee, yet for a Non-European student, there are many other hidden costs that have to be paid on time. Let’s count the study cost for a non-European, especially student studying in Germany.
University Application Fees
To study abroad in Germany the student has to first apply at the university. Many universities charge fees for the application. Students applying through uni-assist have to submit a fee for assessment of certificates. The preliminary review of submitted documents generally costs €75 for the first university where the student applies. Moreover, for other universities applications cost €15 per university. Universities in Germany will charge this administration fee to examine the application and documents. After the payment of this fee, the application is processed for further proceedings. There are still some universities in Germany that do not take any application charges
Language Proficiency Charges
Most of the courses taught at the German universities are in German. The student has to learn the basic German language prior getting enrolled in such courses. The language proficiency proof is one of the prime requirements to apply in a German University. A student who wants to take a basic level German course in his country has to pay around Rs.25 thousand to complete the course. Furthermore, the German language proficiency exam itself charges some fees costing around 20 thousand PRs.
Similarly, those students who are enrolled in English taught courses have to show their good scores in the English language proficiency exam. If the student is able to prepare himself he has to pay only the examination fee. For those students who want to take special courses to prepare for their English language test have to spend around 20-25 thousand PRs. Moreover, there is some assigned fee for the IELTS and TOEFL exam which also ranges between 25-30 thousand PRs.
German Student Visa Charges
Once your application is accepted and you get the admission offer letter, you have to apply for the German student visa as the next proceeding. The fees for German student visa in Pakistan is €60 that is around US$70.This is a non-refundable amount submitted at the German consulate.
Airfare to Germany
Students planning to fly to Germany for studies need money for the airfare. The airline ticket generally cost PRs.80, 000.
Tuition Fees at Public Universities of Germany for Students
German public universities offer free of cost tuition to international students seeking admission in undergraduate programs. Though the tuition is almost free, yet there are many other associated costs which a student has to bear. Remember students who want to study at a private university have to pay higher tuition fees. The private universities charge full tuition fees and that could be around or over 20.000 € per year.
The Reserved Fund
During the admission process, non-EU students are required to reserve 8,640€ in their blocked account. This account is a secured fund for both the student and the state.
Registration and Semester Ticket
Students have to pay some fees per semester for enrolment and administration. This is typically around €250 per semester; however, this is not a fixed amount and varies according to the university. Most students also buy a Semester ticket. A semester-long ticket is available for public transportation in a relatively cheap price. The price varies depending upon the type of Semester ticket you choose. Moreover, if you exceed the period of study like if you are staying in the institute for more than four semesters, you have to pay an additional fee of about €500 per semester.
Besides, these study costs there are many other payments like accommodation, food, entertainment which has to be bear by the student. We will discuss these costs under the title of the cost of living. Students can take advice from their study abroad consultants to learn these costs.
Master’s Study Cost in Germany for International Students 2021
Students can study free of cost tuition in many Master’s programs. In some cases the rules are different. In some institutions, if the students are enrolled in “consecutive” Master’s course (students are continuing their master’s course from a relative bachelor’s degree from Germany), the course applies no tuition fee. Still, students have to pay a little amount per semester for formalities like enrolment, administration and a Semesterticket. On the other hand, these institutions apply tuition fees on “non-consecutive” master’s programs. (Students having bachelor’s degree other than from Germany has to enroll in a paid master’s program). The tuition fee varies according to the university. At public institutes, it costs around €20,000 per year. While at public institutions the tuition fee is a bit high that is around €30,000.
PhD Study Cost in Germany
German universities offer tuition- free PhD programs in almost every university. This tuition- free offer is valid for the first six semesters. PhD students will pay a semester contribution of around €250.
Latest Scholarships and Funding in Germany for Students 2021
There are however many scholarship programs for students which also cover accommodation and other charges. Moreover some institutions also offer funds and loans to deserving students which cut their study cost to a greater extent. You can check the Federal Ministry of Education and Research or BMBF (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung) to get the options
Note: The south-west state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU students in autumn 2017. However, it’s possible that other states will follow this trend in the coming years. Non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg have to pay €3,000 per year as tuition fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Germany
If you’re interested in joining the international student community in Germany but don’t know where to begin, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about studying in Germany we think might help you get started.
This Western European country has gained quite a lot of popularity among international students in the past years. Specifically, the international student numbers have nearly reached 400,000 according to the latest statistics, making Germany the perfect study destination to optimal conditions for international students aiming to pursue their university qualification.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about studying in Germany:
1. Why Should I Choose Germany to Pursue My Degree?
Germany is home to some of the best universities in the world and students love this country due to its affordability, cultural diversity, as well as employability. Some of the universities in Germany are ranked among the top worldwide universities in the major ranking lists ensuring that the education system in the country is top-notch. You will graduate with just the right skills to enter the global labour market with confidence.
You will be able to find any course of your interest in German universities since there is a wide range of options available. You will get to grow academically as well as develop your personal skills. Apart from the academic benefits, you will also get to know what an authentic German experience is like by visiting museums and old castles, attending festivals, climbing a mountain or swimming in a lake. Being an international student in Germany has just so much to offer.
2. Are There English-Taught Degree Courses in Germany?
There are numerous International Degree Courses taught in English for international students who do not have sufficient knowledge of the German language to enrol in a course entirely in German. You may find programmes in English if you go through the International Study Programmes in Germany and search for options in English.
3. Do I Need to Pass TOEFL or IELTS for an English-Taught Course?
If you are a native speaker of English, you will not be required to provide either one. However, you will need TOEFL or IELTS in order to apply for a programme that is entirely in English at a German university. Additionally, if you are applying for a postgraduate degree programme and already have an undergraduate degree in an English-taught course, then you will not be needing TOEFL or IELTS.
4. Do Higher Education Institutions in Germany Charge Tuition Fees?
Tuition fees at all public universities were officially removed in the year 2014, however, they were reintroduced in the year 2017 in the state of Baden-Württemberg for non-EU/EEA students. These fees are set at €1,500 per semester and students pursuing a second degree will be required to pay €650 per semester. Students coming from Erasmus member states are exempt from these fees.
Additionally, in the other states of Germany tuition fees for non-EU/EEA member states have not been reintroduced yet, which means undergraduate-level tuition at all other public universities remains free of charge. Note, however, that students will still be required to pay a small administration fee per semester which usually does not exceed €250.
On another note, in comparison to other popular study destinations, tuition fees are relatively low in Germany.
5. How Much Money Will I Need to Study in Germany?
Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite affordable. It has been estimated that in order to cover your living expenses as an international student in Germany, you will need approximately €861 (around $1,002 US dollars) per month, which accumulates to €10,332 per year (around $12,024 US dollars).
One of the largest expenses you will face while being an international student in Germany is your monthly rent, taking into consideration that the prices for other basic needs such as food, clothes, and entertainment are in accordance with the EU average.
6. Do I Need a Student Visa to Study in Germany?
Citizens coming from member countries of the EU/EEA do not need a visa to study in Germany, however, they do have to register with the local authorities at the city they will be studying, once they arrive, to obtain a certificate that proves they are allowed to reside in Germany for the duration of their studies.
If you are not a national of EU/EEA member countries, then you will need to apply for a student visa in order to enter Germany and pursue your degree. For studies lasting more than 3 months, you will need a national visa. Make sure to apply as early as possible so you avoid any potential processing delays.
7. How Do I Apply for a Student Visa to Germany?
You are supposed to apply for the German student visa at the German Embassy/Consulate in your home country. You will be required to set up an appointment at the Embassy, gather all the required documents for a German student visa, attend the interview on the appointed date, and wait for the decision.
Make sure to prepare for the interview accordingly and be on time. You might want to check out these commonly asked German visa interview questions and tips.
8. Will I Be Allowed to Work as an International Student in Germany?
Yes, you will be allowed to work part-time while being a full-time international student in Germany. However, the working days are limited to 120 full work days or 240 half days of work only. This limited number of working days also applies to voluntary work placements, either paid or unpaid. Additionally, while working the legally allowed number of days, foreign students cannot be self-employed for work as freelancers.
On the other hand, if you are a full-time student from member states of the EU/EEA, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
9. Do I Need to Open a German Bank Account?
Opening a German bank account while you are a student in Germany would be advisable since you will be needing it when it comes to renting a flat or applying for insurance. There are payments you can’t make in cash, therefore you will need to debit the money.
If you are an international student coming from non-EU/EEA countries, you must prove you have enough financial resources to cover your expenses in Germany. To do so, you can open a German Blocked Account, which is the most commonly used account for international students in Germany. The annual amount for the blocked account is €10,332, as of 2021, and students can withdraw a maximum of €861 per month.
10. Do I Need to Know German If My Study Programme Is in English?
If the instruction language of your study programme is entirely English, then you will not need to possess proficient German language skills.
11. Can I Stay in Germany After I Finish My Studies?
The law allows international students to stay in Germany and look for a job for 18 months after they have graduated. However, initially, you must apply to extend your residence permit. During these 18 months, you can work as much as you want in any kind of employment in order to support yourself. If you succeed in finding a job in your professional field and are granted a legal contract, then you are eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card.
12. Do I Need Health Insurance to Study in Germany?
Yes, you do need health insurance in order to study in Germany. Moreover, foreign students are entitled to public (statutory) health insurance, which means degree students up to the age of 30 are eligible to register with a public health insurance provider instead of a private one.
Additionally, if you need a visa to enter Germany, you will be required to provide proof of health insurance as part of the visa requirements. In this instance, you will have to obtain private travel health insurance until you are properly matriculated in your university and eligible to take up public health insurance.
13. What Admission Criteria Do German Universities Have?
One of the main criteria to apply for admission at a German university is proof of a recognized university entrance qualification, which means you need to provide proof you have passed a university entrance exam that is equivalent to Abitur.
Basically, Abitur is a certificate obtained after passing a final examination offered by university-preparatory schools in Germany, and it formally enables students to attend university. So, if your high school diploma was issued by member countries of EU/EEA, then it will be accepted by German universities. Additionally, if your diploma was issued by other countries, you might have to undergo a ‘Feststellungsprüfung’ examination after attending a preparatory course known as ‘Studienkolleg’.
14. Where Can I Find Accommodation in Germany?
As a foreign student in Germany, you may opt for numerous accommodation options, such as German halls of residence, private apartments, as well as shared flats. Student halls are one of the most affordable forms of accommodation while offering great living conditions with plenty of socializing opportunities. Sharing rent is also quite common among international students while getting a private apartment is one of the less affordable accommodation choices.
15. Can I Bring My Family While I Am Studying in Germany?
Yes, you can bring your family, such as your spouse of children, with you if you have a residence permit in Germany. If your stay in Germany is longer than one year, you have the possibility of applying for a family reunion visa. However, you must also provide proof that you have enough financial resources to support them without the need of social assistance.
Learn more about bringing your family to Germany while studying.
16. How Can I Travel Around Germany If I Don’t Have a Car?
Travelling around Germany is pretty simple even if you do not own a car. This is due to its very comprehensive and efficient public transport.
Public transport in Germany includes the subway/underground (U-Bahn), suburban commuter rail (S-Bahn), trams, as well as buses.
17. What Is ‘Studienkolleg’?
Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory course for students whose school-leaving diploma is not recognized by German universities. During this course, students learn subjects of a particular degree programme as well as the German language, for five days a week, aiming to get a passing score of the final assessment examination. After they pass the final examination, they are eligible and qualified to apply for a degree programme at a German university. In order to attend a ‘Studienkolleg’, your German language skills need to be at the B1 level.
18. What Is ‘Fachhochschulen’?
Universities of Applied Sciences also known as ‘Fachhochschulen’ are designed to maximize the practical experience. They are perfect for those who are interested in gaining as much practical experience as possible. In addition, most of its degree programmes are in the fields of engineering and hard sciences. However, just like other universities, they also offer Bachelor and Master’s degrees excluding PhD titles.
19. What Is ‘Studentenwerk’?
Studentenwerk is a state-run non-profit organization that helps with student affairs in Germany. Every Studentenwerk is organized at a local level to cover one or more universities. This organization acts in the interest of students organizing and running cafeterias, restaurants, accommodation, and also provides the BAföG program to finance studies with grants and loans.
You can also go through this glossary of terms for studying in Germany.
20. Which Are the Most Affordable and Most Expensive Cities to Live in Germany?
Some of the most affordable cities to live in Germany include Bielefeld, Frankfurt (Oder), Halle, Krefeld, as well as Passau. Meanwhile, the most expensive German cities to live in, among others, are Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Bonn.
Learn more about the average prices in both categories in the articles below:
- The cheapest German cities to live in.
- The most expensive German cities to live in.
21. Can I Get a Scholarship to Cover My Expenses?
Yes, there are plenty of scholarships available in Germany for international students. Those include government-funded scholarships, such as the DAAD Scholarship or Erasmus+, non-government scholarships, as well as German university scholarships.
22. How to Apply for a Postgraduate Programme in Germany?
Applying for a postgraduate programme in Germany follows more or less the same process as applying for an undergraduate programme. This means that in order to be accepted to a post-graduate programme, be it Master’s or PhD, your university degree (from your home country/another country) must be formally recognized by the German university you’re applying to.