Study In Germany
Why study in Germany
Germany stands out as a premier destination for international students seeking top-notch education and rich city life. Renowned for its world-class universities and inclusive society, Germany warmly welcomes students from across the globe. With a German study visa, you gain access to exceptional educational opportunities within a strong economy that offers boundless prospects for international students. Notably, tuition fees at German universities are either minimal or non-existent, so students are only required to cover nominal administrative expenses. Moreover, there are abundant funding and scholarship options available to support overseas students. Many programs are offered in English, ensuring accessibility for international students.
Benefits of Studying in the Germany
World-Class Education
Access to 49 universities ranked among the top by QS, ensuring high-quality education.
Lucrative Scholarships
Avail scholarships ranging from EUR 1200 to EUR 9960, easing financial burdens and recognizing academic excellence.
Efficient Visa Processing
Thriving Cultural Experience
Extended Post-Study Work Permit
Affordable Tuition Fees
Top Universities in Germany
Popular Public Universities in the Germany
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Freie University of Berlin
- Technical University of Munich
- Technical University of Berlin
- University of Bayreuth
- Heidelberg University
- University of Hamburg
- University of Stuttgart
- University of Mannheim
- University of Cologne
Universities and Programs
| Universities | Programs |
|---|---|
| Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg | Masters |
| EU Business School | MBA |
| Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | MBA |
| Free University of Berlin | Bachelors |
| Heidelberg University | Masters |
| Humboldt University | Bachelors, Masters |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | |
| Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz | MBA |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | Bachelors, Btech, Masters |
| Leipzig University | MBA |
Study Intakes in Germany
Germany offers two main intakes for students applying to universities:
Intake 1: Summer Semester
- Duration: Between March and August.
- Application Deadline: January 15th every year.
Intake 2: Winter Semester
- Duration: Between October and February or October and March
- Application Deadline: July 15th every year.
| Intake | Study Program | Admission Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | May - September |
| Spring | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | January - May |
| Fall | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | September - December |
Germany Study Intakes for Graduate and Masters Courses
| Higher Study Options | Duration | Intake Months | Deadline to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelors | 4 Years | Oct (Major) & Mar (Minor) | 8-10 months before the intake month |
| Masters (MS/MBA) | 2 Years | Oct (Major) & Mar (Minor) | Varies, check university deadlines |
Cost of studying in Germany
Studying in Germany can be cost-effective, especially at public universities where tuition fees are waived. Instead, students are typically required to pay only an administration fee at the beginning of each semester. However, for those opting for private universities, tuition fees can range from 10,000 to 20,000 euros per year, depending on the program and degree level.
While public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, students should be prepared for other expenses. These include administrative costs such as mandatory social contributions and semester fees. These fees vary among universities, and the services covered by the semester fees also differ. These costs apply to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Germany Private University Fees
| Course | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| Bachelors Courses | €500 -€20,000 |
| Masters Course | €5,000 – €30,000 |
| MS | €300 to €28,000 |
| PhD | €300 to €3000 |
Scholarship to Study in Germany
The cost of education in Germany is reasonable compared to many other European countries. German universities offer many scholarship benefits for international students.
| Name of the Scholarship | Amount (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| The Deutschlandstipendium at German Universities | €3600 |
| DAAD WISE (Working Internships in Science and Engineering) Scholarship | €10332 & €12,600 travel subsidy |
| DAAD Scholarships in Germany for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses | €14,400 |
| DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance | €11,208 |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) | €10,332 for graduate students; €14,400 for Ph.D |
| Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship for International Students | €10,332 |
| ESMT Women's Academic Scholarship | Up to €32,000 |
| Goethe Goes Global | €6,000 |
| WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management | €3,600 |
| DLD Executive MBA | €53,000 |
| University of Stuttgart Master Scholarship | €14,400 |
University Admission Requirements in Germany
Once you’ve identified the study program you’re interested in, the next crucial step is understanding the admission criteria. Before proceeding, it’s essential to ensure you meet the requirements set by the higher education institution for the specific program.
To gain admission to a German university, your qualifications must be recognized by the institution you’ve chosen. This entails having a university entrance qualification, commonly known as Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. If your school-leaving certificate isn’t acknowledged in Germany, you may need to complete a one-year preparatory course called Studienkolleg.
Additionally, some universities may require you to take an aptitude test known as TestAS. This assessment is intended for international students from non-EU countries seeking enrollment in an undergraduate program in Germany.
Language proficiency is another crucial aspect of university admission criteria. If your degree program is conducted entirely in German, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in the German language through tests like Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or TestDaF. Conversely, if your course is taught in English and you’re not a native English speaker, you’ll need to provide IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency.
Eligibility Requirements for Residence Permit in Germany
To qualify for any of the residence permits in Germany, you must meet specific criteria, which include:
- Valid Passport: Possession of a valid passport from another country.
- Clean Criminal Record: No criminal record.
- German Proficiency: Proficiency in the German language at least at the B1 level.
- Health Insurance: Having German health insurance.
- Health Check-Up: A health check-up confirming your fitness for study and work.
- Financial Stability: Being financially stable with the capability to support yourself and your family.
- Employment Letter: If employed in Germany, a letter from your employer stating the job offer and job description.
- Proof of University Admission: If studying in Germany with a German student visa, proof of admission into a university.
- Marriage Certificate: Required if joining your spouse in Germany.
Germany Student Visa Requirements
Academic Transcripts and Certificates
Provide transcripts and certificates of your academic qualifications.
GRE or GMAT Scores
German Language Proficiency
Additional Requirements
University Interview
English Language Proficiency
Educational requirements to study in Germany include,
| Higher Study Options | Minimum Educational Requirement | Minimum Required Percentage | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL Score | Backlogs Information | Other Standardized Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelors | 12 Years of Education (10+2) + 1 Year of Bachelor’s degree | 75% | German language proficiency B1-B2 level in each band | Up to 10 backlogs (some private universities may accept more) | The minimum SAT score required is 1350/1600 |
| Masters (MS/MBA) | 3/4 Years of Graduate Degree. If it is a 3-years degree, students must have done 1 year of PG diploma | 70% | Overall, 6.5 with no band less than 6 German language proficiency A1-A2 level | GRE 310/340 and GMAT 520/700 and work experience of 1-3 years may be required for Engineering and MBA programs, respectively |
How to apply for a German student Visa
Follow these simple steps to register for the German student Visa
Check Your
Eligibility
Gather Required Documents
Online
Application
Await
Approval
Travel to Germany
Germany Student Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a German study visa can vary, taking up to 6 months in some cases. This duration is influenced by factors such as the country from which you are applying and the workload at the German embassy or consulate. You can track the status of your visa application after submission
Germany Student Visa Cost
The cost of a German student visa ranges from 75€ to 120€ for adults and from 37.5€ to 50€ for minors. This fee must be paid online at the time of application.
Cost of Study in Germany
| Higher Study Options | Average Tuition Fee per Year | Visa Fee | Living Expenses for 1 Year/Proof of funds for 1 year | Is opening a bank account in the country required to show proof of funds? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelors | Public universities: 150 to 1500 Euro/Semester (6 months) - Private universities: 11,000 to 15,000 Euros per annum (approximately) | 75 Euros | 11,208 Euros | The student needs to open a blocked account of 11,208 Euros to show proof of living expenses |
| Masters (MS/MBA) |
Germany Post-Study Work Visa
Over 60% of international students in Germany opt to work part-time to cover their living expenses. Scholarships, parental income, student loans, personal savings, and part-time work are ways to finance studies in Germany. For the student applicant, the work authorization is as given below:
- The student must be over 18 years of age.
- International students in Germany can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days of the year.
- Working as a research assistant or student assistant at your university will not count towards your limit.
- Overseas students on a German visa can work full-time in Germany during their regular university breaks.
- If you are considering part-time work while studying abroad in Germany, it is recommended that you find a job related to your field of study. This way, not only do they stand to gain in terms of covering their living expenses, but they can also use the work experience to earn credits toward their studies.
Spouse
In general, spouses are given the same rights as students in Germany. Therefore, if the student in Germany has the right to work, the spouse who comes to join them will also have the same right. But also note that only work permit holders can apply for the dependent visas.
- They can also work additional hours if their job is mandatory under specific regulations.
- Even an unpaid internship during the semester break will be considered everyday work and subtracted from the 120-day credit balance.
- Required mandatory internships that are part of the course do not count.
- Non-EU students cannot work as freelancers or be self-employed when studying in Germany.
- Those aiming to work longer than the 120-day limit must obtain specific permission. The foreigner’s registration office [Ausländerbehörde] and the local employment agency [Agentur fur Arbeit] issue these permissions.
Germany Post Study Work Visa
International students who complete their education in Germany can apply for a post-study work visa. This visa is sanctioned for a period beyond the duration of your study. After the post-study work visa, an 18-month job seeker visa will be allotted. If your employer allows you to continue working, the work visa is extendable depending on the tenure. Students may get a residence permit even if they get a job offer for part-time employment, provided that the expected salary is sufficient for their subsistence.
Suppose a student wants to stay in Germany and become a permanent resident. In that case, he can apply for a settlement permit as early as two years after receiving the permanent residence permit or EU Blue Card.
FAQs