Studying in Germany and Ways to Get There

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Germany (Deutschland) is one of the most popular countries among students not just because of its astonishing and excruciating history but also because of its growing economy, stable career opportunities, and amazing student policies. Because of the abundance of opportunities, Germany is ranked third in terms of education and career growth. Most of the courses that are taught in Germany are in the English language, which attracts more international students. In 2014, Germany’s education policy was changed to waive tuition fees for international students for bachelor’s and master’s courses at public universities. There are around 240 public universities in Germany, and there are more than 400 universities in Germany, including private and public universities.

Abolishing tuition fees has reduced a lot of burdens on international students. Tuition fees for a bachelor’s and master’s degree program can range from 30,000 Euro per year to 42,000 Euro per year depending on the course you have opted for your bachelor’s or master’s.

What Makes Germany Different from other European Countries?

Germany has its own attractions in the history of Europe, including monuments, and has contributed to music, art, and culture, which is why it is also called Das Land der Dichter und Danker (the country of poets and thinkers). Germany admires people with great and innovative minds who have independent visions. According to the Germans, innovative and independent thinking improves living standards and improves idealism. Idealism improves the sense of music, art, and culture, which helps people make a living on their own. Germany has its own unique culture with an idealistic approach to life accompanied by beautiful landscapes and amazing weather that make it unique and attractive for many international students.

Programs Offered by Germany

Germany has a lot to offer international students because of its tuition-fee-free education system. There is a wide variety of courses offered by universities in Germany in the fields of science, business, art, music, and culture. The universities in Germany are divided into three sections.

Technical University
University of Applied Sciences
University of Music, Art, and Culture

Technical universities are mostly public universities funded by the government, so there is no tuition fee for international students. These universities offer courses in the fields of science like a Bachelor of Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Computer Sciences, and many more. You can opt for your favorite course according to your area of interest and, of course, the eligibility criteria of that course because that’s the minimum qualification required for being shortlisted. We will talk about the minimum eligibility criteria later on. No tuition fee is required in public universities, so the only fee you have to pay is the semester exam fee, which ranges from 150 euros per semester to 300 euros per semester, which will cost 15,000 INR to 30,000 INR. In most public universities, the maximum it can cost is around 3 lacs per year for the bachelor’s degree program.

Universities of Applied Sciences are slightly different from technical universities because they focus on the more practical implementation of resources, whereas technical universities focus on theoretical and research-based programs. Both universities focus on different aspects of knowledge. Applied universities focus on how to make things happen, whereas technical universities focus on research and talk about why a particular thing is happening. You can research both universities and then decide which suits you the best. If you are more into interrogating and want to find answers to your curiosities, then go for Technical University and if you are into how to make use of existing theorems and knowledge in practical implementation, then go for the University of Applied Sciences. Bachelor’s and master’s degree courses are offered in the fields of business administration, business, and taxes, e-commerce, social media marketing, etc.

Third, at The University of Music, Art, and Culture, there are around 40 cultural universities in Germany, approximately. Courses are offered in fine arts, music, dance, and other cultural fields. Most of these universities are private, so you have to pay the tuition fees for your degree program.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The most important part of applying is to check for the minimum eligibility to apply to German universities.

IELTS score (minimum 6.5 bands)
German language certification (minimum B1 proficiency level)
Blocked Account (11,208 euros) which is around 9.5 Lacs INR approximately which should be in your account, It serves as proof of your financials.

When you start researching your desired degree program and university make sure what’s the minimum GPA they require and their other requirements. You can get the information from their respective university's websites. Start preparing for your application one year before because visa application is a hectic procedure. Have your recommendations, SOP, and application-ready and handy. Germany takes two intakes in a year summer intake and winter intake, Be careful of the deadlines and apply as quickly as possible for early responses.

Financial Expenses and Scholarships

Germany has a good economy, so it is easy for students to get a part-time job in big cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, etc. Students can easily get jobs there and make a living on their own. The living expense in Germany can range from 1000 Euros to 1500 euros per month.

There are plenty of scholarships that can sponsor your education and miscellaneous expenses, including travel and personal expenses.

Some of these scholarships are

Government Scholarships

DAAD Scholarship Germany
Erasmus Scholarship Germany

Non-Government Scholarships

Heinrich Boll Scholarships for International Students
Bayer Foundation awards

University Scholarships

Heidelberg University Scholarships
RWTH Aachen University Scholarships
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Scholarships
Humboldt University International Research Fellowship
Leipzig Graduate School of Management Scholarship

You can check about more Scholarships for international students in Germany on daad.de.

Accommodation

Accommodations are the first thing you have to arrange once you receive the offer letter from the university. It is a bit difficult to find accommodation in Germany at the last minute. So, start early to find a better place.

Student residence halls are most popular in Germany for international students, as it makes them familiar with other international students and strengthens their network. Every university town has student residence halls where students can share bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens together. They can cost from 350 euros per month to 580 euros a month, depending on the location and amenities. Main cities like Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt am Main are a bit more expensive than the outskirts of the city. Public transport connectivity is great in Germany, so you can look for cheaper residences outside the main city if you are extremely cautious about your finances. You can check the official website daad.de for finding suitable accommodation for yourself.

Visa Application Process

The last and the most important step visa application process. Here are the few things you need for your Visa process.

Passport. Make two copies of your passport's front bio page.
German Visa Application Form, two completed and signed copies
Letter of acceptance, and German language certification if required. Submit two signed copies of each.
APS certification
Travel health insurance
4 Visa photos
Academic Transcripts
Resume
Blocked account
Demand draft
Declaration Form for Additional Contact Information