STUDY IN GERMANY

Study in Germany: Germany is the 3rd most popular study destination among international students in the world. Country’s technological innovation and scientific exploration are world-renowned for its quality of products and education. People all over the world consider “Made in Germany” as a seal of quality.

It’s glorious past and thriving present is the provenance of its endeavor in excelling in giving qualitative education which attracts hundreds and thousands of students every year. The outstanding education system, friendly nature of the people, a unique blend of cultures, relaxing atmosphere and high standard of living available there are the reasons why every student wants to study and live in Germany.

According to the most recent statistics, more than 300,000 international students are studying in Germany of which, nearly 20,000 are Indian! As per a recently conducted survey, 85% of the international students studying in Germany were satisfied with the high-quality education provided by the German institution.

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

1. No tuition fees at public universities
   In Germany, education is subsidized by the German government; therefore state-funded institutions do not charge any tuition fee from domestic as well as from the international students. Hence, every student gets a scholarship in Germany if they’re studying in a public-funded institution.
2. Qualitative education
   Pragmatism, innovation and international cooperation are the salient features of world-class German education.
   The German education system is highly qualitative and widely accepted across the world. High academic standards and well-organized study curricula prepared by diversified professional staff ensuring high-quality education in all disciplines. All German universities are extremely research-oriented, which is the embodiment of their qualitative education.
3. World’s fourth-largest economy
   German Economy does not need any introduction. It is the largest economy in the European Union (EU) and 4th largest in the world, following the USA, China, and Japan. Factors like great innovativeness, competitiveness, global networking and a strong focus on exports have helped Germany to achieve this position in the global economy.
4. Numerous scholarship programs
   If students have an excellent academic record, they can apply for a range of scholarship programs provided by the German universities to finance their overseas studies in Germany. Global Opportunities will help students finding the best financial aid.
5. Endless opportunities to work 
   Foreign students are permitted to work for 190 full days or 240 half days per year. Students also get the opportunity to work in an institute, library or other facilities on the campus where they study.
   Germany has excellent career prospects as universities and intuitions have a partnership with multinational companies offering multiple internships and other practical/job oriented work opportunities for students while studying in Germany, followed by employment opportunities after completing their studies.
6. A global industrial hub
   Most multinational business giants have their presence in this country.
   Famous brands like Adidas, Puma, Hugo Boss, Volkswagen, Allianz, Daimler, BMW, Siemens, BASF, Munich Re, E.ON, Bayer, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi are German-based companies. Hence, commodities made in Germany enjoy the highest reputation and consumer satisfaction all over worldwide. This means that there are limitless career and networking possibilities for the students after you complete your studies.
7. A safe and welcoming environment
   German people are very amicable and highly disciplined. An exceptional welcoming attitude of the local populace provides a very comfortable living environment. Also, the support service for international students is among the best in the world.
8. Ease of visa acquisition and residency
   The country’s government invest a large amount of money in its higher education sector, both in quality and infrastructure, aiming to attract more international students in the increasing globalized scenario. The country has moderate entry requirements so that international students can easily apply for the courses that they offer. Moreover, an international student is permitted to stay in Germany for 18 months after completing their education. International students can easily get a residence permit in Germany.
9. World’s biggest country for Engineering and research-based program
   Germany is known for its engineering degree courses. With more than 3,500 engineering degree courses and 250 international Master’s courses, the country opens the gateway for ample career opportunities to international students in various fields of engineering. The country invests nearly € 80 billion yearly in research and development (R&D) and promotes research-based programs.
10. Strong Internal Relations between India and Germany
    There is a strong bilateral relationship between India and Germany like cultural, diplomatic, linguistic and educational. The mutual relationship between both the countries offers a warm, welcome and friendly environment to Indian students who want to study in Germany.

EDUCATION IN GERMANY FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

There are over 1,000 courses German Universities offers to international students. The various courses available in German Universities nurture and develop the best in the students, train them to open their minds to new possibilities, opportunities, skills in logic, develop creativity and self-reliance.

The university offers its students various options to study in Germany as full-time, part-time, evening Programmes, distance, and eLearning.

Various Types of Universities in Germany:

• Classical Universities- Germany’s classical universities offer a range of programs in medicine, law, humanities, and natural sciences
• Universities of Applied Sciences – Almost 160 Universities are founded in the last 30 years practical based universities
• Private Universities- There are more than 80 private and state-accredited universities in Germany several businesses and foundations headed by rich people.
• “Technische Universität” /“Technische Hochschule” – University for art, film and music colleges.

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 Institut 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 programs and several other 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.

FAQs

How much will it cost to study in Germany?

The cost of studying in Germany depends upon several factors like the type of program you choose, the university you attend, the living expenses and the nationality. However, in general the public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs, and the fees for graduate programs are relatively low compared to other countries.

Is IELTS required for Germany?

It all depends upon the university and program for IELTS requirements. Some programs and universities may require proficiency in German, while others may require proficiency in English or both.

Can I study in German for free?

Yes, it is possible to study in Germany for free at public universities. However, unlike many other universities, public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs. However, there are still some additional fees such as administrative costs and contributions to student organizations.

Is Germany good for Indian students?

Many Indian students consider Germany as one of the top destinations for study abroad. Also, Germany is home to many top-ranked universities that offer a high-quality education in various fields, such as engineering, science, and technology.