Germany

Higher Education in Germany

Germany continues to lure international students due to its excellent education in Germany. German Universities ranks fourth after the USA, UK and Australia in terms of the number of candidates pouring onto its shores to study and later possibly work and settle down. German universities offer high-quality education at a low cost in comparison to that offered by  British, Australian and American universities. In fact, Germany is unarguably the most popular non-anglophone destination for aspiring students from across the globe. Particularly, Indian students have shown keen interest to study in Germany.

Some of the unique programs offered are Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication, Big Data and Machine Learning, Business Engineering, Global Banking and Finance, Sports Management, Design, Communication and Media, Transport and Logistics Management, International Healthcare Management, Aviation Management, Entrepreneurship, E-Business, Hospitality and Tourism Management and more.


Quick Facts

Tuition Fees
Public Universities – Zero Fees
Private Universities – €8000 to €16000 per year
MBA – €10,000 – 20,000 (Entire Program)

 

Post-Study Work Visa
1.5 Years (18 Months)

 

Part Time Work
120 Full Days / 240 Half Days per year (8 Hours per day)

Program Duration
Foundation – 1 Year
Bachelors Degree – 3 – 3.5 Years
Masters Degree – 1-2 Years
MBA – 1-1.5 Years

 

Living Cost
€861 per month (official average)
€11,208* required for Blocked Account
(As per German Consulate)

 

Intakes
September and March

 


Why Germany?

Fully Funded Education at Public Universities

Germany has always emphasised on heavy engineering, manufacturing and digital technology and this has rendered it the status of a unique study destination for overseas scholars. You can study in Germany in any of the following free German universities – Heidelberg University, Free University of Berlin, RWTH Aachen University, Technische Universitat Munich (TUM), Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Hamburg, Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin), University of Stuttgart, Technical University of Dresden (TU Dresden) etc. You can acquire free education in Germany provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Strongest Economy In Europe

It is the largest and strongest economy in Europe, with the highest growth rate and GDP. In 2016, Germany recorded the highest trade surplus worth $310 Billion, making it the largest capital exporter globally. It is one of the world’s largest car producers. Many of the Fortune 2000 companies have their headquarters there, the top being Volkswagen, BMW, Allianz, Bayer etc. Germany is in drastic need of computer, mechatronics and electrical engineers apart from mechanical engineers. Indian students are counted as among the brightest in these fields also due to their command on the English language. Along with technical personnel, they also require business graduates for the expanding multi-national corporations and service sector.

Learn the most widely used international language

Learning German while they study and work better equips students for jobs in several other German-speaking countries like Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and several others in minority including Denmark, Hungary, Poland etc.

Post-Study Work Visa / Stay Back Option

A major attraction for all international students, Germany offers a post-study visa of 1.5 years, which enables them to gain experience of the actual work culture, earn a decent living, find a permanent job, apply for work permits and finally apply for a residence permit / permanent residence (PR) after 3 years.

Work And Earn While You Study

International students are permitted to work 120 full or 240 half days in a year. This way they manage to support the cost and earn back a decent part of their fee. The minimum wage per hour is around 9 euros, even though many jobs pay around 15 euros per hour.

Top Ranked Universities

All German cities have at least one university among the top ranking ones in the world. These offer a socio-culturally rich amalgam of academics of international standard, vibrant and fulfilling life, and a chance of landing a job and settling down in a region that is the sole survivor of the large-scale economic mayhem being witnessed in Europe and elsewhere.

 

Top 20 Universities in Germany

According to Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

LMU Munich
Technical University of Munich
Heidelberg University
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
University of Tübingen
Humboldt University of Berlin
University of Freiburg
RWTH Aachen University
University of Bonn
Free University of Berlin
University of Göttingen
University of Hamburg
University of Mannheim
Technical University of Berlin
Ulm University
University of Würzburg
University of Cologne
TU Dresden
Bielefeld University
University of Münster

 

What is the admission procedure?

Step 1

Course research – Since there are several universities and programs available, you must research before choosing your desired course. Germany is known for its highly specialized courses, including Mechanical Engineering, Automobile, Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Energy.

Step 2

Check requirements – you must check the requirements for the course of your choice. There are different entry requirements applied within the same university, ensure you are reading and following accurately. You can reach the university through email or if you are unsure, contact your counsellor. Once you have your GRE/IELTS score in hand, narrow down on the universities based on your budget, city, profile, and interests.

Step 3

Procure your documents – each course and university require certain documents for applying for an eligibility check. Some German universities prefer you to get your undergraduate transcripts attested before submission. Write a letter of intent explaining why you are passionate about the course and why you are qualified to pursue a degree.

Step 4

Submit your application – create an account through the university website and upload your documents. You must apply individually to your preferred course and university. Most Universities charge approximately € 50 for applications or some free.

Step 5

Accept the admission letter.

 

Eligibility 

Some of the common eligibility criteria to get into top universities:

Postgraduate eligibility requirements

  • Bachelor degree in relevant subject
  • 60% in relevant UG degree
  • Average GRE score of 310-320, depending on the university
  • Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL
  • Work experience, if applicable
  • A1 German language

Undergraduate eligibility requirements

  • Passed 10+2 exam with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as core subjects.
  • Some universities might require students to submit an aptitude test.
  • Successfully completing the first year of a bachelor program from a recognized university in India in the relevant subject field or a foundation course in Germany.
  • Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL.
  • A1 German language

 

Documents required 

To enrol in a master’s degree, you must have a relevant bachelor’s degree recognized by German universities. The following are the list of common documents required by universities:

  • Online Application Printout – the application form submitted on the university portal.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency – TOEFL, IELTS, if required.
  • Degree Certificate – a recognized 4-year bachelor degree
  • CV – updated resume
  • Letter of Motivation – a letter stating your purpose of study in the respective course.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation – a recommendation from professor and work colleague.
  • German Language Proficiency – certain universities ask students to produce A1 level German certification or higher.

 

Types of Visas

Indian students require a visa to enter and stay in Germany for the duration of the course. You get a national visa that is intended for longer studies. Whereas for short courses, you receive a Schengen visa, which is valid for 3 months and cannot be extended. The following documents required to receive a student visa are:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of funds
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Academic transcripts
  • A letter of acceptance
  • Statement of Purpose for visa

There are three types of German Student Visa:

  1. Language course visa – German Language Course lasting from 3 months to 1 year.
  2. Student Applicant Visa – If you have not got a formal admission letter from the university, you need to apply for a prospective student visa valid for 3 months that can be extended to 6 months.
  3. Student visa – It is a long-term visa given to students who have a letter of acceptance from a German university.

 

Cost of tuition and living expenses

Most state universities offer tuition-free study programs as the government decided to provide access to every student. The only university payment you need to take care of as an international student is semester contribution. As for private universities, they remain competitive by charging pocket-friendly fees.

Living expenses for students in Germany are relatively lower compared to countries like the US, UK, or Switzerland. The average monthly living expenses of a student in Germany is around € 600 – 1200 per month, includes expenses like accommodation, books & materials, lifestyle and others. The total cost of living depends on factors like the location and type of lifestyle. International students are allowed to work for 90 full working days or 180 half working days in a year earning 10 to 15 Euros an hour.

 

Job Opportunities 

A degree in Germany will provide you with an 18-month work permit visa. The country has a plethora of opportunities to offer for any field of graduation. The country has a 38-working hour per week requirement with a minimum of 18 holidays a year. Being a computer science graduate, you will be eligible for several IT-based jobs like technical analyst, data scientist, data engineer, System Engineer, Software Architect, Software Developer, etc.

The top employers recruiting a computer science graduate from Germany are:

  • SAP
  • Amazon
  • Bosch
  • Zalando
  • Deutsche Bank
  • IBM
  • Lufthansa System
  • Jevix

 

FAQs

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for a master’s degree?

A: Each university and course have different criteria, but the most common is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Check thoroughly the institute website for the relevant course to find exact requirements.

Q: Is learning the German language important?

A: Yes, the language plays an important in living and securing a job. Although most of them are English speakers, learning the basic German language will help you a long way.

Q: Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for applying to courses?

A: Not if you are a native speaker of English or if you are going for a German taught program. Otherwise, you will need to prove your English language skills through one of these exams.

Q: Will I be allowed to work as an international student in Germany?

A: Yes, you will be allowed to work part-time while studying your course for a limited period.

Q: What are the most affordable cities in Germany?

A: Some of the most affordable cities to live in in Germany are Frankfurt, Bielefeld, Bonn, Dresden and Berlin.

Q: Are international students eligible for the scholarship?

A: Yes, there are plenty of scholarships available in Germany for international students, like DAAD scholarship, Erasmus+, university scholarships.

Q: Can international students get admission to public universities?

A: Yes, anybody can get admission to state-funded universities with relevant experience, and documentation proving the purpose of pursuing the course in the university.

Q: Can I stay in Germany after my studies?

A: Yes, Indian students can stay in Germany and look for a job for 18 months after graduation. You must apply for a residence permit, and you will be eligible to search for employment.

Q: Is it difficult to find a job in Germany post-graduation?

A: No, it is not difficult, but challenging as it is in any country. Having good professional contacts and seeking a university employability team will help you find the relevant job.

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