Germany is officially the Federal Republic of Germany. It is also known as Deutschland. The country in central-western Europe is a federal parliamentary republic that includes sixteen states, and has eighty-two million inhabitants, making it the most populous member-country of the European Union and why international students study in Germany.
Also significant is the fact that Germany is the most popular choice for immigrants, after the United States of America. Germany is the country that has seen one of the highest numbers of international students going there in recent years. Also, Germany is the most popular choice for immigrants after the United States of America.
The most essential focal point is the cost-effectiveness of the courses and programs both at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. The state funds most of the education system and thus the study is tuition-free. Private universities are exempted from this facility.
Though their charges are nominal and most of the students get themselves enrolled in public universities in Germany. Besides, it offers a diversified range of scholarships in Germany through different channels.
Home to some of the most renowned institutes, Germany not only helps you get a quality education but also shapes your entire personality.
The pleasant weather, outdoor activities and diverse culture make you balance your study with your leisure.
The importance and emphasis on extensive research orientation and practical exposure along with a theoretical background by highly qualified professors and research persons enlighten your career.
The overall safety of Germany, easy and hassle-free working opportunities during and after the course of the program, easy transportation, and cost-effective lifestyle are some of the most popular reasons to study abroad in Germany.
Student in Germany
As we already know, the education offered is of a very high standard in Germany and is cheap. International students can get tuition-free education. Also, since universities in the country function under the government, no compromise is made in any aspect of maintaining the high standard of the academic environment and output, whether at the undergraduate level, at the master, or the research level.
Besides, Germany has become a top choice for international students, students get to experience the best of many vibrant cultures, and they become educated, open and broadminded individuals. The summers in Germany are especially beautiful and add to the charm of living in Germany.
Work and Study in Germany
For a large number of international students, this option is why they are attracted to Germany the most. International students have free access to the German job market, and we have already discussed how rich it is. For students of non-EU or non-EEA countries, there is the option of working while studying, for one hundred and twenty days a year. The earnings could very well be six to ten euros every hour.
Often, international students take up jobs in libraries or other facilities within their educational institutions. Students can, with the necessary permissions and paperwork continue working after graduation.
It is therefore not a surprise that a large number of Germany’s international students are Indian. For Indian students, the weather, the life and the educational and professional opportunities that the country offers are too lucrative to be ignored. The only requirements for Indian students are to have all paperwork in place and to be determined to come out with flying colours from a world-class system of education.
While study and work can be done separately, what if there is an option that will give you industry experience and would also cover your academics? Turns out, there is. There are dual study programs in Germany that allow candidates for industrial training and theory education in one degree, and the final assessment will also be done on both aspects of the program, i.e. Theory and Practical.
On completion of your study program, the residence permit also gets expired. Based on your course, you might get a stay-back permit for up to 18 months after your studies. You should and must find a job before the completion of the program, or during your stay-back period if you want to continue working after your studies.
Study in Germany for Free
Most public universities in Germany do not charge any tuition fees to students, as they are government-run institutes. Students are just required to pay nominal administration charges. Barring a University or two, there are tuition fees to Study in Germany at a public University. Students might have to pay around 350$ for administration and application fees. For Private Universities, one can rely on Study in Germany Scholarships. To know more about Universities in Germany where you can study for free, check out: study in Germany for free
Health Insurance to Study in Germany
German Law requires every individual in the country to have medical coverage. International students are not any exception to that law. Apart from some exceptions for EU students, every international student should have Health Insurance coverage. There are two types of Health Insurance in Germany:
- Mandatory public insurance
- Private Insurance
Keep in mind that you will need to be covered at the time of applying. Students from the EU and EEA (European Economic Area) can apply with their ongoing Health Insurance.
Study in Germany in English
There was a time when international students kept Germany off their lists because of the language barrier. Germany was quite rigid about ensuring that students who went to the country to study had a certain level of proficiency in German. Necessary certifications were needed to prove that.
However, lately, they have relaxed their language-related norms a lot, and many colleges and universities in Germany now offer graduate and post-graduate programmes in English. This has opened up the country to international students, and they have been taking full advantage of a very high standard of the education system.
Other Language Requirements to Study in Germany
English Language Requirements:
- TOEFL: 550 (For PBT test) / 213 (For CBT test) / 79-80 (For IBT test)
- IELTS: 5-6.5 score based on Course and University
German Language Proficiency:
If the University asks for German Language Proficiency, here are the proof of tests you can provide to Universities:
- Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF)
- German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD)
- Goethe Institut German Language Diploma (GDS)
Academic Structure in Germany
The primary responsibilities of supervising the educational system and functions in Germany lie with the federal states. Kindergarten education is optional for students between three and six, but the federal states offer it to every child.
After this level, it becomes mandatory for all students to attend school for nine years. The secondary schooling system in Germany has three different levels- one for the most talented and meritorious children, another for those who are at the intermediate level, and one for those who want vocational education.
Some of the best universities in Germany are run by the government and do not charge fees. International students who want to study abroad in Germany can avail of academic education that is tuition-free.
Masters in Germany
A major part of international students moves to Germany to pursue their master’s degree. In Germany, a wide range of specialisations is available for international students at the master’s level. One of the main requirements is to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent to get admission to a master’s education in universities in Germany. You can find complete information here: Masters in Germany
Renowned Universities in Germany
Among the renowned universities and technical schools, a few of Germany’s best universities are as follows
- Technical University of Munich
- Free University of Berlin
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- RWTH Aachen University etc.
- Engineering universities in Germany
The engineering universities in Germany provide quality education in all fields of engineering. Studying in Germany is an excellent choice, as it will undoubtedly teach International students far more than course material. Here are Germany’s top universities for Engineering :
- Technical University of Munich
- University of Stuttgart
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Technical University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- Technical University of Dresden
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- University of Freiburg
- Darmstadt University of Technology
- University of Erlangen Nuremberg
You can explore more here: Engineering in Germany
Best MBA Colleges in Germany
MBA universities in Germany are counted among the best business schools in the world. The main benefit of pursuing an MBA in Germany is that you will get plenty of options. This wide range of specialisation will help you to find something that will be the perfect choice for your career goals. Here are the best universities for MBA in Germany:
- Technical University of Munich
- Frankfurt School of Management
- ESMT Germany
- HHL Leipzig Graduate business school
- Mannheim Business School
- WHU Germany
- GISMA Business School Germany
- University of Cologne Business School
- ESCP Germany
- EU Business School Munich
- Business School Pforzheim
- European Business School
Living In Germany
Although the image of Germany internationally is that of a country full of serious and hardworking people who do not know how to enjoy life, the facts are quite the opposite. First and foremost, Germany is a country of beautiful landscapes and lakes. Also, there is everything that a young international student would need to enjoy staying and studying for getting a degree. Contrary to the backdated belief, student life in Germany is full of excitement and fun!
Living Expenses & Cost of Studying in Germany:
It’s been widespread that students pay a nominal charge for their living. Most of the top universities in Germany provide residential facilities. The accommodation help desk will guide you thoroughly if you have any doubts. Else you might also hire a rented room.
Besides lodging, food, basic utilities like electricity, phone bills etc., and books might cost you around 650 to 700 Euros on average. You must remember in this context that this price varies significantly when it comes to big and small cities. Choose a simple lifestyle to save overall costing.
However, occasional dining, driving and visiting the numerous spots that Germany offers must be a mandate to balance the hectic academic life.
Which is the Best Student City to Study in Germany?
For international students who want to start their studies in Germany journey earlier, a bachelor’s is the perfect way to approach it. Many students from all over the world look forward to studying in Germany once they finish schooling. No matter what the background is, there are programs for science, commerce and art students.
A large number of English-taught courses in Germany are for Masters, however, that is rapidly changing over the past few years.
Favourite Student Cities in Germany
The capital of Germany is Berlin, and it is also the largest metropolitan city in the country. Other cities that are famously known across the world are:
- Berlin
- Frankfurt
- Munich
- Dresden
- Stuttgart
- Bonn
- Leipzig
- Hannover
These are a few of the crowded best student cities in Germany.
Study in Germany Requirements
Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Students
The admission process for Undergraduate Programs is quite competitive for Universities in Germany. The score-based merit can go up to as high as 90% in the 10+2. In some courses, students need to complete the first year of their UG courses in India or appear for IIT JEE or Fa exam to be eligible to study in Germany for a UG program.
Basic English Language Proficiency is also required, such as IELTS or TOEFL. A fixed minimum required score is asked by the College / University you apply to, and you should check all the requirements before the final application.
Eligibility Criteria for Post-Graduate Students
To apply for a Master’s Degree, the basic requirements remain the same. English and/or German language proficiency are required as mentioned above. Average IELTS and TOEFL requirements are greater or equal to 6.0 and 100 respectively.
For the PG course, you will need around 70-75% scores in your bachelor’s Degree. If you are asked to take the GRE for admission, the required score would be more than 300.
Conclusion
Germany is the world’s third-largest exporter of goods. It has a highly skilled labour force and a large capital stock. Among all the member countries of the European Union, Germany has the lowest youth unemployment rate. The country has very low corruption levels and has the world’s highest labour productivity. It was Germany that introduced the Euro, in 2002. Germany, therefore, has one of the most stable economies in the world.