Study abroad in Germany for students

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.