STUDY IN GERMANY
Why Study in Germany?
Did you know that Germany has around 450 state-accredited universities and 17,500 degree programmes? The public universities in Germany waive off fees for many of their Bachelors and Masters programmes making it practically free of any fee and affordable for international students.
The University tradition of Germany is respected, making it a sought-after study destination for years to come. With a whopping 10 mn people coming from foreign countries, Germany has its fair share of global diaspora and offers international students a safe and secure environment. Contrary to popular belief, many bachelor’s and master’s programmes are also offered in English.
Here are a few facts you should know if you choose to study in Germany as an International Student:
When you study in Germany, your profile has a better chance of standing out in the job market. A German degree is in demand for many industry-specific roles, opening some niche employment segments.
Studying in Germany will expose you to a host of world-class research and development opportunities.
The German innovation and research have none to match.
Germany is home to brands like Mercedes- Benz, BMW, and Bosch.
With numerous beaches, mountains, museums, and an eclectic mix of metropolitan cities with bars and restaurants, it is a heady mix of medieval meets modern, offering something for everyone.
Education System in Germany
The German Education system is unique and is known for its technological innovations and a strong base in academic research and development. Innovation and research are the prime factors that drive their economy and make it a favorite study destination for STEM graduates or graduate aspirants.
The education system in Germany varies from State to State and is regulated by individual States. They adhere to local laws and can define their own policies and rules.
| SN | Degree | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachelor's degree | 3 years |
| 2 | Master's degree | 2 years |
| 3 | Doctorate/PhD | 3 to 5 years |
Cost of studying in Germany
Studying in Germany costs less than most European countries as it is tuition-free in public universities for a large number of courses. A nominal amount could be charged as an administrative fee for studying in public universities. Private universities are not free, but international students can explore scholarships provided by colleges and institutions.
| Country | Bachelor's degree | Master's degree |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | Tuition-Free: There may be an administrative fee ranginng between €250-€350 | Tuition-Free: There may be an administrative fee ranginng between €250-€350 |
| Private Universities | €20,000 | €20,000-€30,000 |
Scholarships in Germany for International students
The DAAD or the German Academic Exchange Service is an organization that provides support for undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral students to study in Germany. There are plenty of scholarships available for international students. If you are an international student, your chances of getting a visa are high if you:
Have excellent academic proficiency and good grades in school
Are engaged in civic activities.
Fall under specific criteria to qualify for a scholarship like socio-economic or family-based criteria.
Apply from a lesser-known foundation instead of well-known scholarships.
Student visa to study in Germany
A student visa is necessary to study in Germany, for which you must apply well in advance. You can apply for a visa at the German Diplomatic mission in your home country. As an international student, there are two types of visas that you can apply for.
Prospective student visa: The prospective student visa, as the name suggests, is issued to students who have not received any notification for admission from their desired universities. It is valid for a period of three months and can be extended for a period of six months. As the admission notification comes, you can apply for a student resident permit.
Student visa: You can apply for a student visa once you get your admit from the university of your choice. It would be valid for three months from the date of issue.
The visa application fee is around €60-€75 and may vary from country to country as exchange rates may differ.
Student insurances to study in Germany
An insurance policy would cost somewhere around €110-€190 per month, depending on your age, pre-existing conditions, and where you are on your education journey. Proof of insurance is to be presented at the time of enrolment. You can either take public or private insurance as follows:
Public insurance: Public insurance costs around €105-€110 (one-time premium) in Germany for students. These are standard costs for both native and international students. Most of these providers have tie-ups with top insurance companies and provide better coverage.
Private insurance: While public insurance is an option for students studying in Germany, some international students who apply for language and preparatory courses are not eligible for public insurance. In such a case, private insurance is mandatory, and they cost around €30-€35 a month (can go up to €50).