Study in Germany

Study in Germany

Every year, Germany attracts over 25,000 international students for its renowned study and research opportunities. The appeal lies in its international study programs and exceptional research prospects, offering Indian students a chance to immerse themselves in a highly qualified global community.

With over 300 international degree programs conducted entirely or partly in English, students can explore various disciplines such as Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Business, and Economics. These programs lead to internationally recognized Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even PhD degrees.

Germany’s state-funded universities typically charge low tuition fees, making education accessible to all. Additionally, many institutions provide opportunities for internships or research in industry, enhancing practical learning experiences.

Situated in the heart of Europe, Germany serves as an ideal gateway to explore other famous European destinations. With its central location, students can easily travel to iconic cities like London and Paris, enriching their cultural experiences and broadening their horizons.

Why STUDY IN GERMANY

Germany ranks as the 3rd most popular study destination globally, celebrated for its technological prowess and scientific achievements, epitomized by the revered “Made in Germany” label symbolizing quality.

Its illustrious past and dynamic present underscore Germany’s commitment to delivering top-tier education, attracting a multitude of students annually. The country’s exceptional education system, hospitable populace, diverse cultural milieu, serene ambiance, and elevated standard of living collectively make it a coveted destination for students worldwide.

Recent statistics reveal that Germany hosts over 300,000 international students, with nearly 20,000 hailing from India alone. A recent survey indicates a remarkable 85% satisfaction rate among international students, attesting to the high-caliber education provided by German institutions.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad in Germany:

1. No Tuition Fees: Public universities in Germany do not charge any tuition fees, offering scholarships to both domestic and international students.

2. Qualitative Education: Germany’s education system emphasizes pragmatism, innovation, and international cooperation, ensuring high academic standards and research-oriented study curricula.

3. World’s Fourth-Largest Economy: Germany boasts the largest economy in the European Union and the 4th largest globally, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and global networking.

4. Numerous Scholarship Programs: Students with excellent academic records can access a variety of scholarship programs offered by German universities to finance their studies.

5. Endless Work Opportunities: Foreign students can work for up to 190 full days or 240 half days per year, with ample internship and employment prospects in partnership with multinational companies.

6. Global Industrial Hub: Germany hosts multinational giants like Adidas, BMW, and Siemens, offering abundant career and networking opportunities.

7. Safe and Welcoming Environment: German people are known for their friendliness and discipline, providing a comfortable living environment for international students.

8. Ease of Visa Acquisition: Germany offers moderate entry requirements and permits international students to stay for 18 months post-education, facilitating residency permit acquisition.

9. Leading in Engineering and Research: With over 3,500 engineering degree courses and €80 billion yearly investment in research and development, Germany offers ample career prospects in engineering fields.

10. Strong Bilateral Relations with India: Cultural, diplomatic, and educational ties between India and Germany foster a warm and welcoming environment for Indian students.

Education in Germany for Indian Students

German universities offer over 1,000 courses to international students, fostering holistic development and nurturing their potential. These courses empower students to embrace new opportunities, enhance logical thinking, creativity, and self-reliance.

Program Flexibility: German universities provide diverse study options including full-time, part-time, evening programs, distance learning, and eLearning, catering to the needs of every student.

Types of Universities:
1. Classical Universities: Offering programs in medicine, law, humanities, and natural sciences.
2. Universities of Applied Sciences: Approximately 160 universities founded in the last three decades, focusing on practical-based education.
3. Private Universities: With over 80 private and state-accredited institutions, supported by businesses and foundations.
4. “Technische Universität” /“Technische Hochschule”: Specialized universities for art, film, music, and technical disciplines.

TOP UNIVERSITIES FOR STUDIES IN GERMANY

More than 40 universities in Germany are ranked the world’s best in the QS World University Rankings 2016-17. Six of the top 100 universities in the world are in Germany, 18 universities are included in the top 250, and 32 universities are counted among the world’s top 500.

The capital city of Berlin is known as the education hub of Germany.

The Top 10 Universities in Germany are:

  • Technische Universität München
  • Ludwig-Maximilians – Universität München
  • Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
  • KIT, Karlsruher Institute für Technologie
  • Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin
  • Freie Universität Berlin
  • Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
  • Universität Freiburg
  • Technische Universität Berlin
  • Eberhard Karls Universität Tingen

TOP COURSES FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

German universities offer a wide range of courses and programs as per the field of interest of the students. Whether it is an undergraduate or postgraduate program, there are numerous options available to students. The topmost preferred courses by Indian students studying in the Country are Engineering, Management, Computer science, Mathematics, Natural sciences, and Biotechnology.

The main academic subject groups relating to overseas education in Germany are:

  • Medicine and Health sciences
  • Engineering
  • Art and music
  • Natural sciences and Mathematics
  • Law, economics and social sciences
  • Linguistic and Cultural studies
  • Veterinary medicine, nutritional science, ecology, forestry, and agriculture

Top Programs to Study in Germany:

  • Engineering— Mechanical, Structural and Chemical Engineering
  • Business Management
  • Humanities
  • Physical Sciences
  • Fine and Applied Arts
  • Biological Sciences
  • Entrepreneurship and Technology
  • Renewable Energy
  • Computer Sciences and Information Technology

STUDY ABROAD IN GERMANY: WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY

Academic intakes and deadlines to study in Germany

Applications for overseas education in German Universities are accepted all-round the year:

  • Winter semester or Autumn Session starts in September or October. The application period begins in early May and ends on 15th July
  • Summer semester or Spring Session starts in March or April. The application period begins in early December and ends on 15th January

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION IN GERMAN UNIVERSITIES

There are no proper rules and requirements set up by the German universities for the students. Every university has its own admission and eligibility criteria for students want to enroll in their university. Therefore students are advised to check the university website and their admission requirements before applying for a specific study program.

If the student is planning to take a course in German medium, then he/she needs to appear in a recognized German Language Proficiency Test like TestDaF [Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test of German as a Foreign Language)] or DSH (Deutschen Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) and submit a proof of German language proficiency.

The general criteria for applications in German universities are mentioned below:

English Language Proficiency:

All International applicants are required to take recognized the English language proficiency tests (IELTS/ TOEFL) to get admission in the college. Minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each section is required and the TOEFL score between 79 and 101.

Academic Requirements:

Undergraduate study in Germany

  • High-school certificate or 13 years of Education
  • Minimum 65 % or above score in class 12th
  • Mathematics in class 12th is prerequisite for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degrees
  • SAT is necessary for some universities

Duration of Bachelor programs in Germany: An Undergraduate program has 6 semesters which generally completes in 4 years, including a 1-year program called Foundation year/Freshman program/Studienkolleg.

Postgraduate study in Germany

  • Recognized undergraduate certificate or 16 years of education is required. Some masters programs accept students with a 3-year undergraduate degree
  • Strong academic background (minimum percentage required is 65%)
  • Minimum 2-years of relevant work experience after graduation is required for MBA program and several Masters programs.
  • Minimum required GRE/GMAT test scores (optional) – GRE is recommended for students who are planning to study MS programs in Germany taught in English and GMAT if you want to study economics, law, MBA and other management programs

Duration of Masters in Germany: A master’s program has 2 to 4 semesters which generally completes within 2 years of enrolling (generally has a duration of 18 to 24 months).

Ph.D. study in Germany

  • A student must have 18 years of education
  • A strong research proposal
  • Acceptance letter from a professor in Germany who is willing to guide you for your research work
  • Strong academic background– at least 70% in both Bachelors & Masters if applying to prestigious German universities/institutions
  • No GRE or GMAT score is required
  • Work experience (if required)

Duration of Ph.D. programs in Germany: Depending on the topic of your research project, it usually takes 3 years to 5 years to complete your Ph.D. program in Germany.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST FOR APPLYING IN GERMAN UNIVERSITIES

Following is the list of documents required for applying to various German universities:

Bachelors in Germany:

  • Notarized copies of class 10th & 12th mark sheet, and certificate
  • IELTS or TOEFL score (whichever is applicable, must be notarized)
  • Passport copy (notarized)
  • Proof of pre-university entrance exam (‘if any’, must be notarized)
  • One letter of recommendation from the school
  • Statement of Purpose

Masters in Germany:

  • Notarized copies of class 10th, 12th & under-graduate degree mark sheets (all semester) including backlogs/re-sits (if applicable)
  • Official transcripts
  • Application Form and application fee
  • Application Essays/ Statement of Purpose
  • IELTS or TOEFL score (whichever is applicable, must be notarized)
  • GRE or GMAT score as per the university requirement (notarized)
  • Two letters of recommendation from university or college (compulsory)
  • Work experience certificate (if any)
  • Letters of Recommendations
  • Passport copy (notarized)
  • Extracurricular activities certificates

Ph.D. in Germany:

  • Notarized copies of class 10th, 12th, undergraduate and postgraduate degree mark sheets (all semester) including backlogs/re-sits (if applicable) Official transcripts of both Bachelors & Masters
  • IELTS or TOEFL score (whichever is applicable, must be notarized)
  • GRE or GMAT score as per the university requirement (notarized)
  • Two-letter of recommendation from the university/college (mandatory)
  • Work experience certificate (if any)
  • Strong Research proposal
  • Application essays/statement of purpose
  • Master thesis
  • Passport copy (notarized)
  • Extracurricular activities certificates

Students should appear for the important standard test and collate all their important documents in support of their application to study in Germany which includes their student visa, certificates, thesis, etc.

Intakes in Germany

Universities in Germany have diverse deadlines for application. However, these two general timelines are broadly applicable if you wish to study in Germany:

Intake 1: Summer Semester – The summer semester is between March to August. The application must be submitted prior to January 15th every year.

Intake 2: Winter Semester –The winter semester is between September to February or October to March. The application must be submitted prior to July 15th every year.

Work Authorization for students

Student Applicant: Over 60% of international students in Germany opt to work part-time towards covering their living expenses.

Ways of financing studies in Germany include scholarships, parental income, student loans, personal savings and working part-time.

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Germany

Indian students planning to pursue their higher education in Germany are generally concerned about the course and also the cost of living in Germany. Research students can avail themselves of several Ph.D. scholarships in Germany that cover most of their research and living costs. Scholarships are also available for Indian students willing to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in top German universities. Listed below are some of the best scholarship for Indian students in Germany.

  1. DAAD WISE Scholarship Program
  2. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
  3. Heinrich Boll Scholarships
  4. Kofi Annan MBA Scholarships
  5. ESMT Women’s Academic Scholarship
  6. Goethe Goes Global Scholarships
  7. EMS Undergraduate Scholarship
  8. WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management International Scholarships
  9. Master Scholarships at University of Stuttgart
  10. DLD Executive MBA Scholarship

Documents Required to Avail Scholarship in Germany for Indians 

Here are some standard documents required to apply for scholarships to study in Germany for Indian students: 

  • Offer letter from the university
  • Transcript of all previous educational qualification
  • Passport size photographs
  • Transcripts of language proficiency tests and other entrance
  • Resume
  • LOR (Letter of Recommendation)

Cost of studying in Germany

Overseas students can study for free at public universities in Germany. However, there is an enrollment, administration and confirmation charge per semester that must be paid by them. This varies depending on the type of university – private or public and the chosen course.

Do note that only public universities offer free education. Their admission criteria includes fluency in the German language.

Study ProgramAverage Tuition Fees in €
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree€500 -€20,000 yearly
Postgraduate Master’s Degree€5,000 – €30,000 yearly

 

Cost of living in Germany

On average, to cover your living expenses in Germany you will need around 861 euros per month (around $1,002 US dollars) or 10,332 euros per year (around $12,024 US dollars). The prices for food, accommodation, bills, clothes and entertainment are basically in line with the EU average.

For further guidance and assistance with visa applications, please reach out to us.

Interested in studying abroad?

Request Information