Germany

STUDY IN GERMANY

Germany is a tuition free study destination for the international students and one of the top countries in the world where many QS ranked universities are located.

WHY STUDY IS GERMANY?

Germany is a higher education paradise. Unlike in any other country, in Germany you will find many worldwide ranked universities, countless courses to choose among, globally valued degrees that promise a high employability to you and affordable living costs. Germany has a long and rich history, a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle mixing the modern and the classics, the urban and the rural which will immerse and make you love every second spent here.

Germany is ranked among the world’s top destinations for international students. According to the latest official statistics, there are over 357,000 foreign students seeking a university degree in Germany whereas the number is steadily increasing. Every year, thousands of scholars coming from all around the world trust their education to German universities and reasons for this are obvious.

Low or No Tuition Fees

At the time when higher education is becoming a necessity due to the increased need for highly qualified professionals and cost of attending university are increasing faster, Germany is the only top study destination whose universities charge no tuition fees.
A decision which came into power in October 2014, stated that all international students attending a public university in Germany would be free from paying normal tuition fees. Foreign students will only have to pay few administrative costs like student contribution, student union fee and a public transport ticket which account to around €250 per semester altogether.

Top Ranking Universities

There are some top ranked and world’s best universities in the Germany. Students value these universities for the quality of education, hands-on experiences during their studies, opportunities to improve academically during and after studies and most importantly the safe and friendly environment. They enjoy this worldwide reputation thanks to their recognized teaching and research excellence, build upon a long and rich tradition of higher education. In addition to the traditional top globally ranked universities, there are several other German universities introduced in global rankings every year. Besides being among the best some German universities are also the oldest in Europe.

Travelling Europe on Student Visa

If you are a European student and want to study and live in Germany, you will cherish the same rights as a German citizen and EU\EFTA citizen regarding free entry, the opportunity to study and work without any additional permits. If you are not however a European citizen and you want to study in Germany, you will have to apply for a Visa. Unless you are enrolled on a summer school language program, you will need to apply for a student visa that allows you to reside in Germany for more than 90 days and also get a residency permit to become able to live and move around the country. The residency permit will also allow you to travel visa-free in the whole Schengen Area, which makes for a wonderful opportunity to visit the countries you are interested in within the time-frame.

Once you receive the letter of acceptance from the designated German University, it is recommendable to apply for a student visa at least 3 months prior to your intended departure (the time you are expected to be in Germany). As for the residency permit, all your documentation will be sent to the Immigration Office of the German region where your University is stationed, and after every bureaucratic procedure is done you will be issued the residency permit. In order to obtain the student visa, however, there are certain criteria that need to be met. If you are traveling to Europe on such a permit, you will have to inform the designated authorities prior to your departure.

Many Degree Courses

In relation to having a large number of universities, Germany offers countless degree courses designed to suit everyone’s interests. As an industrialized country Germany has invested a lot in engineering universities and today Engineering programs are particularly valued at German universities. However, there are a lot more study programs offered at these universities and in some of them, they are global leaders like medicine and pharmacy.

Furthermore, the list of traditional courses in German universities is expanding fast as new study fields are emerging accordingly with cutting-edge scientific improvement. Whether you’re willing to study atom or mysterious galaxies in the universe, in Germany it is likely you’ll find a program about it taught by the most regarded professionals in that particular field.

Globally Recognized Programs

Study programs at German universities are modern in terms of their structure and the way they’re delivered to students. They’re designed to meet up the most up-to-date scientific developments running out in the world and educate individuals who can confidently face global challenges.

Their curriculum is subject to constant provision and change aiming to find or create comprehensive approaches to teaching and research. At the end of your course, you will be certified with a degree which is globally recognized and valued. Employers all around the world look upon you with the highest respect because they’re aware of what quality of education you’ve been offered during your studies which makes them ready to hire you and trust you large responsibilities.

Affordable Costs of Living

With a bit of smart financial management and little tweaks to your old lifestyle, the cost of living for international students in Germany is quite affordable. Normally, you would expect higher prices in urban areas as compared to peripheral ones. Rent is the major financial concern you will have to tackle when studying in Germany.

However, there are many options available to you and though the cost of rent varies (mainly depending on the location of the apartment), overall it is not that expensive. To ease your financial burden you can find someone with whom you can share the room and this will cut in half your expenses. The cost of other goods and services like food, amenities, public transport and so on is not high.

Work Opportunities for Overseas Students

The German law states that international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week or 120 full days of a year. It is estimated that more than 60% of current international students work part-time while studying in Germany. You don’t need to possess a qualification in the first place because there is a wide range of jobs available and you will likely find something anyway.

Commonly, students in Germany work as tutors, bartenders, administrative staff, babysitters, etc. Working part-time alongside studying is an option you must seriously consider in Germany, although you may not need additional money to cope with living costs or the type of your course doesn’t include a placement year. Your working experience may increase your future employability, can teach you to add discipline to your lifestyle and live independently.

Future of German Study

A degree from a German university is a highly respected and valued qualification all over the world. As an indication of this, German graduates enjoy a high employability in the global job market. Thus, once you take your degree many employers will come at you with a bunch of attractive offers to hire you. They trust your professional credits gained through an outstanding education in Germany and highly believe you can help improve their business. Being this much sought-after job candidates, graduates at German universities are some of the highest paid employees.

Benefits of Learning German Language

There are countless benefits of learning German Language. Germany is one of the most powerful economies in the world while the German language is the most spoken native language in the European continent. German companies are global leaders and have an extensive network of branches all around the world.

By speaking the German language you’re setting yourself in a position where they will come at you and will offer you a job. On the other hand, the German language is widely spoken in the world, and this means an opportunity for you to travel the world and going to places you have never been before.

Diverse Community

There are countless benefits of learning German Language. Germany is one of the most powerful economies in the world while the German language is the most spoken native language in the European continent. German companies are global leaders and have an extensive network of branches all around the world.

Germany has traditionally been a hub for other nationals. Nowadays, German nationals live in harmony with many foreigners who came here to work and live with their families. Additionally, German universities attract thousands of international students who look upon Germany as an opportunity to reach their education goals. That said in Germany you will encounter a diverse community, each with its own specifics that will make you see the world from a different angle. Also, you can make a lot of friends coming from all around the world and learn about their customs and traditions.

Historical Heritage

Germany has a long, rich and complex history and its remarks are scattered all across the country. Today, you certainly know less about Germany than you can imagine. The country has been a major player through important stages of humankind’s history. Their natives have given an unmatched contribution to historical, cultural and scientific movements that changed forever the entire course of global history. Studying in Germany is a great opportunity for you to visit most of these cultural and historical gems, hear unbelievable stories related to them and collect unforgettable memories.

Scholarships in Germany

Germany has become a popular destination for foreign students looking for an international education. Germany Universities offer internationally recognized programs at a relatively cheaper cost compared to UK, USA or Australia. Moreover, there are a significant number of available scholarships that allows foreign students to study in Germany for free. Not only is Germany one of the cheapest study destinations in Europe, the nation also has an impeccable international reputation.

Home to many esteemed universities within the latest QS World University Rankings®, Germany offers a growing number of English-taught programs, particularly at postgraduate level. To find out more, take a look at our complete guide to studying abroad in Germany. Below is a selection of scholarships for international students of all degree levels wishing to study in Germany?

Government-funded scholarships to study in Germany

DAAD Scholarships – The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers many scholarships for international students to study in Germany at various degree levels. Click the link to view the DAAD scholarships database.
Erasmus+ – The largest provider of scholarships for study in the EU, Erasmus+ is led by the European Commission, funding international students to study in Europe. It provides grants towards living costs when participating in an exchange program to study in Europe.

Non-government scholarships to study in Germany

Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship – Fellowship sponsored by the Einstein Foundation for postdoctoral research at a university in Berlin. You can find out more about studying a PhD in Germany.
Heinrich Böll Scholarships for International Students – Scholarships for international students at all levels wishing to study in Germany at an accredited institution.
Humboldt Research Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers – Postdoctoral scholarships for scientists and scholars of any subject and nationality. Students from developing and emerging countries may be eligible to apply for a Georg Forster Fellowship.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships – Monthly master’s and PhD scholarships are available for international applicants under 30 who have completed a university degree in their home country. You’ll need to provide evidence of an above-average academic performance, have been actively involved in voluntary work for the benefit of society in your home country, and have an interest in political issues.
Kurt Hansen Science Scholarships – Science scholarships to study in Germany, funded by the Bayer Foundation and open to students who are training to become educators in the field of science.
Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) for Developing Countries – Postdoctoral research scholarships for international students wishing to study in Germany. Funded by the European Commission. More scholarships for students from developing countries are available.
Mawista Scholarship – Scholarships for those studying abroad while taking care of a child, including those pursuing study in Germany.
Deutschland Stipendium – Merit-based scholarships of €300 a month are available to highly talented students enrolled at German universities. Nationality and personal income do not affect your chances of being considered.
The Helmholtz Association – Annual fellowships are available for doctoral and postdoctoral students from around the world, giving them the opportunity to do paid research at a Helmholtz center in Germany.

University-Specific Scholarships to Study in Germany

Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Doctoral Tuition Waivers – Tuition waiver scholarships for doctoral students studying an English-language program at Frankfurt within finance, accounting, mathematics and business administration.
FRIAS Cofund Fellowship Programme for International Researchers – German scholarships for international students to study at Universität Freiburg on a research-level program.
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Masters Scholarships – Scholarships for international students (for all subjects excluding design, public health and public management) enrolled on a master’s program at the university.
Heidelberg University – A range of scholarships for international students, such as the Amirana Scholarship for students from developing countries to study medicine or dentistry at the university.
HHL International MSc Scholarship for Effective and Responsible Leadership – Scholarship opportunities to study management at master’s and PhD levels at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management.
Humboldt University International Research Fellowships – Research fellowship opportunities for international students pursuing research in history, anthropology, law, sociology, political science, geography, economics or area studies at Humboldt University. Look out for the latest round of applications.
Kofi Annan MBA Scholarships for Developing Country Students – Scholarships for up to five international students from developing countries to study a full-time, one-year MBA at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin. Other MBA scholarships available at the school include the ESMT Women’s Academic Scholarship for female candidates.
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids – Post-doctoral fellowships are available to study solid state chemistry at the university.
Ulm University Scholarships for International Students – Need-based scholarships for international students nearing graduation at Ulm University. Funding offered for one semester only.
Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarships – Scholarships for all outstanding international students (of all degree levels and subjects) who have been enrolled in their program for at least two semesters. These scholarships also consider applicants’ financial need, and you should be prepared to get involved with the internationalization of Universität Hamburg.
RWTH Aachen University scholarships – Funding opportunities for international and home students at RWTH Aachen University.

Germany Visa

If you’re granted by the university you’ll get a confirmation letter from the institute where your next duty will be described that means you’ll have to be prepared for admission with all the requirements. Before going to do this you must have to confirm your student visa. The time you’ll get your student visa within you should gather all the mandatory documents you may need in admission procedures. And also you can create a block bank account which must be required by the admission board as a proof of your financial ability to study and live there.
 
While you’ll apply for a student visa to the German Embassy you may need to submit a document of health insurance along with other documents. So ensure a health insurance before applying for the visa.

Germany provides two types of visa:

  • Schengen visa (for study up to three months)
  • German National Visa (For study more than three months)

If you take a German National Visa and enter into Germany you’ll need to apply for residence visa to extend your eligibility in Germany. You must have to apply before expiring your entry visa.

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German Study Visa Types

On the basis of your study course you may get the visa for the course of undergraduate, graduate, exchange or postgraduate and this may include the pre-academic measure or non-academic language course.

Based on study course Germany offers three types of visa:

  • German Student Visa. This is the standard student visa for international students who have been admitted to a German university and are ready to start their studies at a full-time university program.
  • German Student Applicant Visa. You need this visa if you need to be in Germany to apply for university admission in person. This visa doesn’t allow you to study in Germany, it’s only valid for the university application process.
  • German Language Course Visa. You need this type of visa to study for a German language course in Germany.

German Student Visa This type of visa is given to the international students who have been permitted to study in the German universities for the full-time course.

German Student applicant visa: this type of visa is offered for the student who think of apply for admission in person. It’s only for the university application process, but doesn’t include study in Germany.

German Language Course Visa: this type of visa is given to the student who need to complete German language course in Germany.

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Visa Application Documents

Filled out and signed national visa application form.
Valid national passport.
Two photocopies of passport.
Certificate of birth.
Marriage certificate. (If applicable).
Child’s certificate of birth. (If applicable).
Recent passport-style photographs. (Up to 3).
Photocopies of previous German residence titles. (If applicable).
Previous Schengen visa (If applicable).
Previous German resident permit (If applicable).
Proof that you can cover your living expenses.
Admission to a university in Germany
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Living Expenses:

10,236 EUROS FOR ONE YEAR

Before you begin your studies, you will have to prove that you have enough money to support yourself. The document you need is called a “Finanzierungsnachweis”, or proof of financial resources. You are asked for it when you apply for a visa. At the latest, you will need to present it when you apply for a residence permit in Germany. In most cases, applicants have to prove that they have around 8,800 euros (starting from 01.01.2020 10,236 euros) at their disposal for one year. The new amount has to be already presented for visa applications starting from 01.09.2019. For more and BINDING information, contact the German embassy or German consulate in your home country!

There are a number of ways to show that you can finance your studies. The following forms of proof are possible:

  • Your parents can submit documents certifying their income and financial assets.
  • Someone with permanent residence in Germany can guarantee the Alien Registration Office to cover your expenses.
  • A security payment can be deposited into a blocked account.
  • You can present a bank guarantee.
  • You can present a scholarship award notification from a recognised scholarship provider.

Make sure to inquire at the German embassy in your country as to which form of financial proof is required!

 

APTITUDE TEST:ASSESSING YOUR CHANCES OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS MORE REALISTICALLY

With the Test for Foreign Students (TestAS), you can realistically assess your chances of completing your degree programme successfully. The TestAS is a standardised exam which allows universities to compare the scholastic aptitude of their prospective students. Each university recognises the test results differently. The test is comprised of three parts: the “onScreen” language test, the Core Test and “subject-specific test modules”.

HEALTH INSURANCE:VALID HEALTH INSURANCE IS REALLY IMPORTANT

If you’d like to study in Germany, you have to have health insurance. You will need to present proof of health insurance when you enrol at university and apply for a residence permit. Make sure to take care of your health insurance status before you come to Germany.

Next steps:

Check the site of the German Embassy or Consulate General in your country of residence for additional requirements in your country, www.diplo.de/addresses, and book an appointment.

  1. Complete and print out the visa application form using https://videx-national.diplo.de/videx/
  2. Bring your application form along with supporting documents with you to your appointment
  3. After approval from the Embassy or Consulate General, get your visa sticker in your passport
  4. Apply for your residence permit at your local foreigners office after arrival

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