Study / Study in Germany
Germany is one of the most popular non-Anglophone study destinations in the world, and it's easy to see why, with its trendy student cities and low (or no) tuition fees. If you want to study at the postgraduate level in Germany, check out our dedicated guides for master's degrees in Germany and PhDs in Germany.
If you're wondering what you need to do to study in Germany and are overwhelmed by the amount of information available, you've come to the right place. We have broken down the process of studying in Germany as an international student into eight steps. Follow these eight steps in order to keep track of where you are and what you need to do to make your dream of studying in Germany a reality.
Germany, often described as a land of ideas and opportunities, is one of the most sought-after study destinations for international students due to its public universities access to free education. Studying in Germany for free is one of the major factors that has placed Germany on the global education map, as it attracts a large number of international students.
The majority of public universities provide free higher education programs. Tuition fees may apply to some highly specialised courses. When admitted to a Public University in Germany, candidates are only required to pay an administration fee at the start of each year. Tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate courses were abolished at all public universities across the country as of October 2014. Almost all universities in Germany are state-owned, giving candidates the same benefit of no tuition fee, even if they are international students.
Apart from the obvious fact that tuition fees are waived for candidates, students can study in Germany for free. Students studying in Germany would also have access to high-quality education, affordable courses, and the benefits of a strong economy. Students seeking higher education in Germany have the advantage of being able to select from a diverse range of programs and schools. Students can select from hundreds of UG courses offered in the country by a variety of institutions of higher learning, including business schools, art schools, colleges, technical colleges, universities, and universities of technology, which are both privately and publicly funded.
Students who want to study in Germany for free must follow the steps outlined below in order to do so.
It is critical for students who want to study in Germany to be able to choose the course of their choice. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has a database of over 17,000 programs from which candidates can choose, all of which are offered by Germany's top universities. Approximately 88 of these programs are taught in English. As a result, it is always advisable for a candidate interested in studying at one of Germany's public universities to have a working knowledge of the German language before applying. Candidates can check the course content and university information on the official websites of the colleges before applying. Universities in Germany have dual admissions in one calendar year, i.e., in January and February.
Once you've decided on a course, the next step is to look into German universities and enrol in your preferred school. While each college has its own admission requirements, candidates should have their academic transcripts, work experience (depending on the program), GRE/GMAT scores, English test scorecards, LOR, and SOP ready before applying to German universities. Because this article discusses studying in Germany for free, students should be aware that this is most common at public universities in the country. As a result, candidates must have a basic understanding of the German language because they will need it both during their stay in Germany and during the visa application process. There are standardised language tests for non-native German speakers such as (TestDAF) and university level (DSH) exams that applicants may be required to take to demonstrate their German language skills.
In Germany, public universities are free to attend. Students would, however, be required to pay an administration fee at the start of each year/semester. This is a minuscule sum. The Germans take their education system very seriously, and everything is meticulously planned. Every year, every university would request that a monthly sum be provided for the student to facilitate their living expenses in the country as well as for completing his education, this money is deposited in a Blocked Account, according to the prevailing economic conditions as well as the relevant fees structure. This varies by state and is typically around Euro 853 per month, which equates to Euro 10,236 for an entire academic session. This includes their lodging, living expenses, and even travel pass costs.
Students seeking financial aid or assistance can apply for scholarships for studying in Germany as well as an education loan to study in Germany. Students can also apply for part-time jobs in Germany and take advantage of the notable post-study work opportunities in Germany that are available to international students.
The cost of living in Germany is heavily influenced by the student's location. If the candidate chooses to live in one of Germany's famous cities, the cost of living in Germany can range from Euro 400 per month for a single room in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, or even the famous university towns of Heidelberg. These cities do have more affordable options for students in terms of residence halls, but as the country with the third-largest international student population, they are not without shortcomings.
In other words, finding a place in the residence halls would be difficult. To reduce your cost of living in Germany, find a university in a lesser-known city or start early and aim to find a place in one of the cheaper accommodations. The remaining expenses and overheads are fairly consistent across Germany. The mandatory Health Insurance, as well as other uniform expenses, add to the cost of studying in Germany.
Once you have decided on your preferred university, chosen a course of study, and arranged your finances. Your next step is to apply. It is strongly advised to begin the application process several weeks before the official application deadline, as this will allow the aspirant ample time to complete his application form and avoid any last-minute hassle. Candidates seeking an education loan to study in Germany must keep all supporting documentation on hand for ease of application submission. Candidates are asked to provide as much information as possible in order for the application process to run smoothly. Read: Study in Germany: Timeline for German university intake
Candidates must obtain a residence permit or a student visa for Germany in order to stay in Germany for more than 90 days as a student. Candidates must demonstrate to the visa officer that they have sufficient funds in a Blocked Account for one year. The monthly payment would be Euro 861 or Euro 10,332 per year. A student's residence permit is valid for a maximum of two years. If the course lasts longer than the specified two years, it must be renewed. After receiving your university admit letter and successfully applied for a German Student Visa, the next and final step is to depart for Germany to pursue your dreams.
Students seeking financial aid or assistance can apply for scholarships for studying in Germany as well as an education loan to study in Germany. Students can also apply for part-time jobs in Germany and take advantage of the notable post-study work opportunities in Germany that are available to international students.
Candidates only need to fly out and reach their dream destination of studying in Germany once their application has been accepted and their VISA has been stamped. It would be difficult for students who were flying to a foreign land for the first time, but the warm nature of the Germans would make students feel at ease the moment they land. Beautiful scenery, extracurricular activities, and a vibrant nightlife would keep students from feeling isolated in a foreign land. Germany has a thriving industry, and recent graduates can find employment in their respective fields in Germany.
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