Study in Germany
Germany has established itself as a major destination for Indian students seeking an international educational experience. With world-class instruction and facilities, Germany invests heavily in the upkeep of its educational system. The majority of state universities are tuition-free, with the exception of Baden-Württemberg. Hundreds of programs are also available in English and their quality is improving with each passing year. An impressive 20 German universities have also made it into the list of top 500 universities worldwide.
The German Education System
The German education system is dedicated to cultivating creativity and innovation, which makes it an appealing destination for students. There are three distinct types of schools in Germany: public schools (where education is free), private schools (education is not free), and vocational schools (employers pay for). Students between the age group of six and sixteen have to attend public school which is mandatory and fees are covered by the state. Private schools are not mandatory but do provide excellent educational opportunities. If a student opts for a vocational school instead of a university, costs can be paid through a combination of employer contributions, loans, or scholarship funds.
The German education system differs from those found in other countries, as teaching is conducted in both English and German. Public universities are funded by the government and they do not charge tuition fees from students except a minimal administration fee – whilst private universities charge tuition fees, and their fee structure may cost you more. Although there are fewer private universities available than public ones, Germany’s laws indicate that everyone should have access to education, no matter their finances.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, admission to foreign universities will continue under normal conditions.
Our Guidance in the admission process
We will walk you through the entire admission process: from choosing a university and preparing documents to enrollment and obtaining a visa. We are always in touch and ready to answer any questions. www.seekingadmissions.com experts will always objectively assess your situation and suggest the most suitable university options.
Germany is considered a mecca for engineering studies and therefore is a popular study-abroad destination among international students. With world-class universities, offering a wide selection of courses, many of which are taught in English. Public universities in Germany are an attractive option as they do not charge tuition fees. A nominal administration fee needs to be paid at the start of every semester. Furthermore, the cost of living and studying in Germany is much less expensive than in the US or UK. The country provides an excellent economic outlook and has one of the lowest unemployment rates within the EU.
Study in Germany 2023: Highlights
Universities in Germany | 140+ |
Average Living Expense | INR 4.0-4.5 Lakhs |
Part-time work for international students | Allowed (20 hrs/week) |
Work visa in Germany post-study | 18 months |
Popular courses in Germany | Computer Science and Information Technology, Engineering Studies, Social Sciences, Management Studies, Humanities and Creative Arts |
Top Universities in Germany
Universities in Germany | QS World University Rankings 2023 |
Technical University of Munich | #49 |
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich | #59 |
Heidelberg University | #65 |
Free University of Berlin | #118 |
Humboldt University of Berlin | #131 |
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | #141 |
RWTH Aachen University | #147 |
Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) | #158 |
Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg | #169 |
Admission requirements for German Universities are very high, typically requiring a score of at least 90% for consideration. Indian applicants wishing to pursue an undergraduate degree must have completed one year of Bachelors study and sat either the IITJEE or FA exam. Furthermore, they must possess English Language Proficiency Certification such as IELTS or TOEFL in order to demonstrate their proficiency.
For Post Graduate programs: students are expected to have received at least 70-75% from a reputed Indian University. Moreover, to strengthen their application, it is beneficial for them to take GRE and obtain a score of above 300 even if the institution has not asked for it. Additionally, they must also possess an English Language Proficiency Certification like IELTS or TOEFL before they can apply.
International study programmes are created exclusively for international students and all classes are taught exclusively in English. If a student is not fluent in German, they should not opt for courses taught in German and must instead look under the “Internationals” section. However, some courses offer an option allowing students to write their dissertation in German, provided students need to demonstrate their proficiency before enrolling.
If a student is willing to learn German language skills, it is essential to access certified resources. If you are residing in India, the Max Muller Bhawan is the premier institute for such learning and TesDaf certification is a must. The level of proficiency that a student needs to clear is specified on the university’s website, as it varies depending on the percentage of classes conducted in German.
Admission Timeline For German Universities
When we talk about intake season, the academic year is divided into two semesters – Summer and Winter. Our experienced study aboard counsellors are available to help with university admissions.
Summer Semester | starts in March/April |
Winter Semester | starts in September/October |
Rolling Admissions | colleges review applications as they’re sent in |
Top German Cities Preferred by International Students
German universities have a wide range of programs, with different study sectors and disciplines. German university system is based on a framework of collaboration between universities, research institutes and businesses. Most popular German Cities preferred by international students are Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg, Cologne and Frankfurt.
Student Visa For Germany
You must apply for your German Student Visa in person and pay the fee of €75. Furthermore, you should provide two sets of application documents. Mentioned below is the list of documents required:
- Valid passport
- Copy of your passport’s information page (A4 size copy)
- Application form
- A declaration stating the information provided is true and complete information
- APS Certificate: Mandatory component November 2022 onwards
- Cover Letter explaining the reason for your visa application. You may be required to submit a German translation of this document.
- Letter of Admission from a German University
- University Certificates and transcripts – Degree certificates and mark sheets
- Proof of Language Proficiency (German language test scores). Applicants for PhD studies and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship holders are exempt from this rule.
- Proof of funds
- 3 passport pictures according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months
- Demand Draft for the Student Visa Fee
Work While Studying In Germany
International students traveling to Germany to study can work for a maximum of 120 full days or 240 half days in a year, and not exceeding 20 hours per week during term time. The Federal Employment Centers’ local offices, or the student assistance departments at the university, can provide assistance in finding suitable job opportunities in Germany. However, during vacations, international students can undertake full-time employment. As of January 2022, the minimum wage for working in Germany has been set at €12 euros per hour.
Post-Study Work Visa In Germany
Students who have finished their education in Germany are eligible to stay and work over and above the permitted duration of the German Study Visa. To do this, they can apply for an extended 18-month Job Seeking Visa, also known as a post-study work visa. During this period, they are free to engage in any kind of employment to support themselves.
Job Opportunities In Germany
Most students opting to study abroad are keenly conscious of their return on investment (ROI). International students studying in Germany expect the best for the money they spend. Considering the high cost of studying abroad, a potential good ROI is definitely an incentive for them.
Popular Job Sectors in Germany
Germany has a diverse economy with a variety of job sectors. Here are some of the most popular job sectors in Germany:
Automotive Industry: Germany is well-known for its automotive industry, with companies such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen all based in the country. Jobs in this sector include engineering, design, manufacturing, and sales.
Information Technology (IT): With the rise of digitalization, the IT sector in Germany has grown significantly. Jobs in this sector include software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and project management.
Healthcare: Germany has a highly-regarded healthcare system, which creates a high demand for healthcare professionals. Jobs in this sector include doctors, nurses, medical researchers, and administrators.
Finance: Germany is home to some of the largest banks and financial institutions in Europe. Jobs in this sector include banking, investment management, accounting, and financial analysis.
Engineering: Germany is known for its high-quality engineering education and has a strong reputation in this field. Jobs in this sector include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and environmental engineering.
Renewable Energy: Germany has made significant investments in renewable energy and is a global leader in this field. Jobs in this sector include renewable energy project management, engineering, and installation.
Education: Germany has a strong education system and is home to some of the world’s top universities. Jobs in this sector include teaching, academic research, and administration.
These are just a few of the most popular job sectors in Germany, and there are many more to explore.