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Study in Germany – Colleges, fee, eligibility & Scholarships

Written by  Vishesh Chogtu

Published on Mon, November 29, 2021 10:00 AM   Updated on Sat, February 26, 2022 8:11 AM   16 mins read
Source: Yash Mittra – YMGrad

With so many top-ranked colleges and dynamic towns full of history, bustling nightlife, and art museums, it’s no surprise that thousands of young foreign students are choosing Germany to further their education. Germany has been one of the most preferred study destinations for foreign students in current history. It is, in fact, the third major tourist destination.

It has 426 world-class institutions that draw more than 370,000 foreign students each year, and it is renowned for its tuition-free higher education. 

Why study in Germany?

German universities are well-known for providing high-quality education, with several of them ranking among the finest in the world. If you choose to study in Germany, you can be certain that you will get an education that is much superior to the worldwide average, which will come in handy while seeking work after graduation.

Germany is a highly safe country when opposed to other study locations. It doesn’t matter whether it’s day or night when you’re in the city or out in the country; getting out and about is rather safe provided you take common-sense measures.

When it relates to politics and the economy, Germany is fairly steady. Germany was rated 9th in the world for perceived stability in recent surveys. Deciding to study in a stable nation is a wise decision for your possibilities after graduation.

How to study in Germany?

So, you’ve chosen to study in Germany; now it’s an opportunity to choose the proper degree and institution for you. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a database of almost 2,000 courses, including 1,389 English-language programs. Check that your present credentials are accepted by your preferred institution before applying. You must have a recognized ‘higher education admission qualification’ to study in Germany.


Check Out: How to study abroad for free?


Study in Germany for free

Universities almost everywhere in Europe and the globe collect tuition fees, even if simply from foreign students who come to the nation to study. Even whether you are from Asia, Africa, or elsewhere, Germany is among the few nations in Europe where you may study for free.

Education should not be considered as a commercial commodity, according to Germans, and unrestricted access to higher education assures economic progress and wellbeing for the whole population. There was legislation in the past that allowed public colleges to charge extremely cheap tuition rates of 1,000 euros each year. Tuition fees were removed again in 2014 following years of public outcry. Only a few instances exist now where public colleges may collect tuition fees.

In addition, Germany’s administrations have recognized the economic and social advantages of immigration in recent years. Germany seeks to attract the brightest brains to study and, ideally, remain and work in the nation after graduation. As a result, there are no regular tuition costs for international students. 

Steps to Studying in Germany for Free

Students who wish to study for free in Germany must complete the procedures below to do so. 

  • Course Selection
  • University/College Selection
  • Tuition Costs (if any) and Blocked Account
  • Living and accommodation costs
  • Apply
  • Get your German Student Visa

Study in Germany for Indian students

After graduation or post-graduation, Indian students may explore a wide range of career prospects. With the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, there are plenty of job opportunities for foreign students who wish to stay in Germany after finishing their studies.

When it comes to living in general, Germany, which is situated in the centre of Europe and has a population of over 83 million people, has a rich culture. The nation is full of excitement and great scope for discovery, with approximately 5,000 museums, 6,000 libraries, 44 World Heritage Sites, and a variety of festivals and exhibits, among other things.

Another advantage for Indian students is that particularly compared to other adjacent countries such as France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, the cost of living in Germany is unexpectedly inexpensive. If you’re a student, you’ll save even more money thanks to numerous student discounts.

Study in Germany visa

When it comes to higher quality education, scientific facilities, teaching approach, low-cost studies, and job prospects, Germany is the place to be. As a result, many foreign students continue to feel that Germany is the greatest destination to pursue their studies.

But on the other hand, not every foreigner is immediately able to follow such an ambition. This is because numerous nations are not permitted to enter and remain in Germany without first obtaining a valid German visa.

A visa is the authorized government document that allows a non-German citizen to enter and remain in Germany to learn for a set amount of time.

The documents you’ll need are:

  • Proof of current private or governmental health insurance is required.
  • Your university’s enrollment certificate
  • Evidence of adequate financial resources
  • a valid passport 
  • a health certificate (if applicable)
  • Your tenancy contract (if applicable)
  • Photos of biometric passports (if applicable)

Top Universities in Germany 

The prominence of German universities in worldwide university rankings is one of the numerous arguments for selecting Germany as a study location. The Germans treat their system of education extremely seriously, and public universities in Germany are heavily sponsored by the government. Another of the reasons for the huge number of foreign students wishing to study in Germany is because public institutions do not cost students the normally prohibitively costly tuition price, instead of charging just an administrative fee at the start of each academic year.

The top 10 universities in Germany are:

RankUniversityPopular Courses Offered
1Technical University of MunichBE/BTechMSMBAMArchMIM
2Ludwig Maximillian’s University, MunichMBABE/BTechBBAMIMMSBSc
3Heidelberg UniversityBE/BTechMSMIMBSc
4Humboldt University of BerlinMSBE/BTechBScBBAMIM
5Free University of BerlinBBABE/BTechMIMBScMS
6Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)MSMIM
7RWTH Aachen UniversityMIMMSBScBE/B.Tech
8Technical University of BerlinBE/BTechMSBBAMArchMIMBScMA
9Dresden University of Technology (TUD)MS
10University of TuebingenMSMIM

Are universities in Germany free?

In Germany, all government institutions of higher learning are free, including the country’s top universities. Unlike other nations that charge exorbitant tuition fees in response to strong demand from students, Germany’s top-ranked institutions charge the very same tuition as the rest: zero.

Abroad study in Germany

In the last decade, India has seen an increase in the number of students attaining education in Germany. With continuous advancements in the area of education, as well as a rise in the level of life, many Indian families are now able to contemplate enabling their children to continue their education in Germany.

  • While private colleges in Germany are primarily funded by student tuition fees, state universities in the nation do not charge tuition for either of their Bachelor’s and/or Master’s programs. Both native and foreign students are subject to this requirement.
  • Germany is among the few non-English speaking nations that offer English language classes. Most institutions, particularly in the sectors of engineering and technology, provide Master’s university courses in English specifically for overseas students.
  • The DeutscherAkademischerAustauschdienst (DAAD) – the German Academic Exchange Agency – and the Deutschlandstipendium provide great scholarship opportunities for overseas students.
  • The country is home to many of the world’s best institutions and is well-known for its intellectual brilliance.
  • Engineers will find plenty of career prospects in Germany, which is largely centred on and powered by its manufacturing skills. Furthermore, since this nation invests heavily in sophisticated research and strategic components, the need for STEM expertise is projected to stay strong for many years.

Requirements for study in Germany

Now that you’ve chosen your objective, it’s time to figure out how to get there. You should look into the criteria for admission to the university of your choosing.

To do so, go to the university’s website and attentively read the part on admissions requirements. If required, take notes and devise a strategy for completing each requirement one at a time. If there is anything about the processes that you don’t comprehend, don’t hesitate to contact the institution by mail and offer them a few inquiries.

Students from India who want to pursue a degree in Germany must provide the supporting information:

  • Entrance Qualification
  • Transcript of Grades
  • Proof of Language Proficiency
  • ID or Valid Passport Copies
  • Letter of Motivation (Optional)
  • Recognized Bachelor Degree (for Masters)

Cost of Study in Germany

MS in Germany costs between 2,76,700 and 9,34,800 INR a year and is one of the most important elements that influence a prospective student’s destiny when applying to one of Europe’s educational hotspots. This covers tuition, living costs, and other costs. Other expenditures incurred by students during the preparatory period before coming to Germany, such as the price of preliminary exams, visa processing, and so on, must also be considered.

Expense TypeCosts (INR)
English Language Proficiency Test – IELTS/TOEFL (one-time)12,000/14,500
Visa Application Fees (one-time)4,786
Airfare (one-time)26,700 – 36,300
Health Insurance (yearly)40,756.95
Application Fees (one-time)Up to 12,000
Tuition Fees (yearly)24,288 – 25 lacs
Books and Material (yearly)Up to 1 lac
Accommodations (yearly)33,000 to 7 lacs
Food and Beverages (yearly)22,000 to 26,000
Total2,76,700 to 9,34,800

Study in Germany Visa Requirements

If you reach Germany on a national visa, you must apply for a German residency visa for academics at the Foreigner’s Office to prolong your stay. While your entrance visa is still active, you should do so.

The first step is to determine if you’ll need a visa to study in Germany as a foreign student, and if so, what sort of visa you’ll require based on the duration and type of your studies.

  • A Schengen visa is required for studies lasting up to three months.
  • A German national visa is required for studies lasting longer than three months.

The most important requirements during your Germany student visa process are:

  • Visa Application Documents.
  • Duly filled out and signed a national visa application form.
  • Your valid national passport.
  • Two photocopies of your passport.
  • Your certificate of birth.
  • Your marriage certificate. (If applicable).
  • The birth certificate of your kid.  (If applicable).
  • Your recent passport-style photographs. (Up to 3).
  • Photocopies of prior residency titles in Germany (If applicable).

Study in Germany on Scholarship

Scholarships are financial assistance rewards given to students to assist them in paying for education. A scholarship might be a one-time payment. Many college scholarships are renewable, allowing students to receive funds each semester or school year. 

  • The German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst), assists German and foreign students in obtaining funds to attend university in Germany for free or at a reduced cost.
  • German and foreign students of all levels, as well as professors and researchers, may apply for DAAD scholarships to study in Germany. You may use keywords, study level, place of origin, and topic to locate appropriate scholarships to study in Germany.
  • Another valuable commodity is the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, or BMBF (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung), which maintains a website devoted to scholarship opportunities in Germany.

Check Out: MS in Germany


Study in Germany for Masters

In Germany’s master’s education, a standard European framework created as part of the Bologna Process is followed. This implies that German master’s degrees are ‘second cycle’ credentials, meaning that they normally come after a bachelor’s degree (first cycle) and may help students prepare for a PhD. (third cycle).

In Germany, the majority of master’s degrees are taught courses (postgraduate research is undertaken at the PhD level). A sequence of academic units or other program elements will be completed, followed by an autonomous dissertation or project.

Top Universities for Masters in Germany

  • Technical University of Munich
  • University of Heidelberg
  • Charite – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
  • University of Tubingen
  • Humboldt University Berlin
  • University of Freiburg
  • RWTH Aachen University

Check Out: MBA in Germany


Study in Germany for MBA

Germany as a degree in business location provides a diverse selection of MBA programs as well as long-term job chances. Because of its high-quality education, reasonable courses, and strong economy, professionals seeking to play the role of prospective managers are considering studying for an MBA in Germany.

Students attaining education in Germany have the advantage of selecting from a diverse range of programs and institutions. Students may pick from hundreds of MBA courses provided around the nation by private and public higher education institutions such as business schools, state schools, colleges, trade schools, colleges, and universities of science.

Top Universities for MBA in Germany

  • University of Mannheim
  • Leipzig University
  • Witten/Herdecke University
  • EU Business School (Germany)
  • Munich Business School
  • Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Study in Germany for PhD

German universities and specialized research centres, which pioneered the PhD in the 19th century, continue to provide innovative, tuition-free postgraduate programs. According to the European qualification system created as part of the Bologna Process, a doctorate is a third-cycle degree in Germany.

Although German PhDs adopt the Bologna Process model, they are unique; Germany does not see the PhD as just the third step of a course of study but as a distinct research accomplishment.

In Germany, the academic year is divided into two semesters; the actual start and finish dates may vary based on your school. Whether you are pursuing a standard PhD (usually four years) or a structured doctorate program, the duration of your PhD will vary (typically 3 years).

Top Universities for PhD in Germany

  • LMU Munich
  • Technical University of Munich
  • Heidelberg University
  • Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
  • Humboldt University of Berlin
  • University of Tübingen

Check Out: MBBS in Germany


Study in Germany MBBS

When it comes to studying medicine in Germany, you may be shocked to find that MBBS is not a degree type that German institutions offer. Instead, students strive to pass the state test to graduate.

Alternatively, there are bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in health sciences that do not route to approval to practice as a medical practitioner in Germany but do prepare you to research a variety of health-related themes. Many overseas graduate institutions may be of interest to individuals interested in undertaking doctoral research and earning an academic doctorate title.

Top Universities for Medicine in Germany

  • Heidelberg University 
  • Rwth Aachen University 
  • Lübeck University 
  • Witten/Herdecke University 
  • Magdeburg University

Study in Germany after 12th

To begin, all candidates must choose the program they want to pursue and research which colleges offer that subject. It’s important to note that German university admissions are quite tough, so you’ll need to get at least 90% in high school. In addition, the student must take the JEE or finish one year of their bachelor’s degree in their home country, as well as take IELTS and TOFEL.

Requirements to Study in Germany after 12th:

Make careful to examine the criteria for each as well as every institution and course since they differ. To gain admission to a German institution, students may be required to take entrance examinations or Skype interviews. Above all, you must be aware of the requirements for studying in Germany.

Here is a compiled and generalized list of qualifying requirements for Indian students interested in studying in Germany after completing their 12th grade: 

CategoryMinimum Requirement
​​AgeYou must be at least 18 years old.
12th standard mark sheetA minimum of 90% in a relevant subject combination is required.
English Proficiency TestAccording to your university’s rules, you must get the minimum needed score on your English proficiency test(s).
SAT/ACT ScoresRanges from 400-1600. The minimum requirement varies depending on the subject and the institution. 

Without IELTS Study in Germany

If you haven’t been able to take IELTS, don’t have the required results, or will be unable to present your language ability scores for other reasons, the best alternative is to enrol in a German institution that does not need IELTS and enrol for your desired degree there.

  • The university will need a “Language/Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI)” from the academic institution where you previously finished your program.
  • If a student has a bachelor’s degree and English was the medium of communication for that degree course, IELTS is not necessary.
  • If English is your natural language, you may study in Germany without taking the IELTS exam.
  • You will be entitled to apply for a program at a German institution without presenting English proficiency results if you have completed your bachelor’s degree in English as a subject, such as BA English Literature.
  • To assess an applicant’s English language skills, several colleges perform an audio-video interview.

Is the German language compulsory to study in Germany?

If you are intending to study MS in Germany, you are not required to know the local language. In German universities, you may pick an English-taught MS program. Many reputable, well-known private and public universities provide English-taught programs with world-class education systems, both for a price and without one.

Knowing the original language allows you to speak effectively with native people, live a comfortable lifestyle in the surrounding area, and obtain a job quickly, allowing you to cover your expenditures.

German (Deutsch) is extremely similar to English, therefore it is not difficult to learn. It is a very lovely and tranquil language, and it also has a lot of benefits if you live or intend to live in Germany once you complete your studies.

Benefits of study in Germany

German universities are above global higher education standards. 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.

  • In Germany, there are no tuition costs at public colleges.
  • Staff and facilities in higher education that are world-class 
  • Globally known degrees
  • Great career chances in English-taught programs
  • An opportunity to learn about many facets of German life.
  • Choosing to stay in Germany after completing your studies 

FAQs

✅ Can I study in Germany for free?

Ans: Everyone can study in Germany tuition-free!
That’s right: Germans, Europeans, and all non-Europeans can study in Germany free of charge – without tuition fees. It does not matter if you are from the EU or EEA. This applies to almost all study programmes at public universities

✅ Is Germany cheap to study?

Ans: Not only can you study for free in Germany, but it is also a pretty affordable country. The average costs of living for students range between 700 – 1,000 EUR/month, including accommodation. Find out more about expenses (including health insurance) for students in Germany

✅ Is studying in Germany easy?

Ans: German is an incredibly difficult language to learn, with a very different grammatical structure than English. There is a very particular rhythm to writing in German, and it is hard to learn that if you did not grow up writing the language.

✅ Is German hard to learn?

Ans: How hard is it to learn? German is considered a difficult language to study by English learners, with its long and winding words, four noun case endings and three grammatical genders and the pronunciation gives every muscle in your mouth a good workout. … German is a very descriptive language.

✅ How much students earn in Germany?

Ans: Students in Germany can earn up to €450 (~US$491) per month tax-free. If you earn more than this, you will receive an income tax number and have automatic tax deductions from your salary.

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Vishesh Chogtu

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