Why should I choose Germany as my study-abroad destination?
Germany is the home of some of the top universities in the world. Affordability, employability and cultural diversity are a few of the other reasons to choose Germany as a study abroad destination.
Are courses taught in English in Germany?
Yes. Several courses are taught in English for International students.
Do I need an English proficiency test score (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) to get enrolled in an English-taught course?
English proficiency test score is not usually required for students from English – Speaking country. However, English proficiency test score is required by universities for courses that are taught entirely in English. Also, if you are applying for a postgraduate degree and have already completed your undergraduate taught in English, you do not need these scores.
Can I study for free in Germany?
It depends on the study level, country of origin and the state you study in. The tuition fees for public universities were axed originally in 2014, however, have been reintroduced for non-EU/EEA students in 2017 at Baden-Württemberg. However, the tuition fees for undergraduate studies at all the public universities in other states remain free of charge for all students.
Are there tuition fees for higher education courses in Germany?
For post-graduate studies, Tuition fees do exist. If you have studied for your undergraduate in Germany, you will have a subsidised tuition fee for your postgraduate.
What would be the approximate cost of studying in Germany?
On average students spend about EUR 850 – EUR 1300 per month for living costs depending upon their lifestyle preferences and the city they live in.
The average tuition fees for public universities in Germany range between EUR 147 to EUR 1600 depending on the university and the course chosen.
The average tuition fees for private universities in Germany range between EUR 1500 to EUR 35000 depending on the university and the course chosen.
Do I need to get a student visa to study in Germany?
For students from member countries of the EU/EEA, a student visa is not necessary. They need to register with the local authorities in the city of their city.
For students from other countries, who need to get a student Visa. For studies lasting more than 3 years, they would require a national visa.
Will I be able to work as an international student in Germany?
Yes. You are allowed to work as an international student in Germany. However, the number of days is limited to 120 full work days or 240 half work days. This includes voluntary, paid or unpaid work as well. Moreover, while working the legally allowed work days, the students are restricted from doing any freelancing jobs.
However, the students from EU/EEA member states are allowed to work 20 hours per week
What is a German-blocked account for international students?
A German blocked account is a special account in which the visa applicant needs to transfer a minimum of EUR 11208 as proof of funds for their first year of study in Germany. This account will be blocked until the student arrives in Germany. Once, the student is in Germany, they can withdraw a maximum of EUR 934 per month. They will be allowed to withdraw a higher amount if they had deposited an amount more than EUR 11208 in their blocked account.
Do I need to learn German, even if my course is taught in English?
If the instruction of your course is completely in English, you need not hold German language proficiency skills. However, it is advised to learn basic German for your day-to-day interactions and your survival in Germany.
Can I stay in Germany even after I finish my studies?
Yes. As per German law, international students are allowed to extend their residence permit and stay in Germany for about 18 months after their graduation. During these 18 months, the students are allowed to work as much as possible and do any kind of work to support their living. If the students are fortunate to get employment in their professional field within 18 months, then they are eligible to apply for EU Blue Card.
Do I need health insurance as an international student in Germany?
Yes. You will need health insurance as an international student in Germany. Foreign students up to the age of 30 years are eligible for public health insurance in Germany. However, as part of the Visa requirements to enter Germany, you will need proof of health insurance. Hence, you will need to obtain private travel health insurance, until you are properly enrolled in the university.
What are the admission criteria in German Universities?
The basic admission criteria for admission in Germany Universities is proof of recognised university entrance qualification. That is, you need to prove that you have qualified for the basic university qualification equivalent to Abitur.
What is Abitur?
Abitur is the certificate offered by the University preparatory schools in Germany on completing the final examination. Thus, if your high school diploma was issued by the EA/EEU member countries, it is accepted by German Universities. However, if you are an international student from another country, you will need to take up ‘Feststellungsprüfung’ examination after attending the ‘Studienkolleg’ preparatory course.
What are the different accommodation facilities available for international students in Germany?
International students have a variety of accommodation options in Germany. They can choose between the halls of residence, private apartments and shared flats. Halls of residence are the most affordable forms of accommodation that provide great living conditions and socialising opportunities. Shared flats are also more common among international students, while, private apartments are the least preferred owing to the higher rental charges in Germany.
Can I bring my family along with me to Germany While I am studying?
Yes. You can bring your spouse and/or Children with you while studying in Germany if you have a residence permit in Germany. If your study duration is more than a year, you can apply for a family reunion visa. However, please note, you need to provide proof of finance to support your family without any social support.
What is a studienkolleg?
Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory course to be undertaken by students whose high school diploma is not recognised by German universities. During this course, the students will be learning subjects related to a specific degree course and the German language. After successful completion of the course, the students are eligible for a degree program at German University. However, please note that for a student to undergo the Studienkolleg course, they need to have German proficiency at the B1 level.
What is Facchhoschulen?
The University/ies offering Applied sciences is known as Facchhoschulen which focuses on practical training. Most of the programmes in these universities are from Engineering or hardcore science domains. Like all other universities, these universities also offer Bachelor’s, Master and doctorate courses.
What is Studentenwerk?
It is a state-run not-for-profit organisation that supports student affairs in Germany. This organisation works in the interest of the students by running cafeterias and accommodations, and also offers BAföG programs to finance studies with loans and grants.
Which are the best cities for international students to study in Germany?
Some of the most affordable and best cities for international students in Germany are Bielefeld, Frankfurt (Oder), Halle, Krefeld, as well as Passau.
Are there scholarships available for international students to study in Germany?
Yes. There are a wide variety of scholarships available for international students in Germany, both government and non-government. The government scholarships include DAAD Scholarships and Erasmus+. There are also scholarships provided by individual Universities in Germany for international students.
What is an Anabin Database in Germany?
It is an authorised German database in Germany, that provides complete country-specific information about the recognition of school leaving certificates in that particular country.
What are the entry requirements for different degrees in Germany?
Like all other countries, Universities in Germany offer Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees. For Bachelor, the students should have a valid school leaving certificate, while for a Master’s they should have completed Bachelor’s in the relevant subject and for a Doctoral, a Master’s degree in the relevant subject.
What are the different entrance exams that are required to study in Germany?
| Entrance Exam | Degree – Entry requirement |
| GMAT/GRE and TOEFL | For a Master’s degree |
| Abschlussprufung | For music and art colleges |
| Feststellungsprüfung | After completing Studienkolleg, for entry into Bachelor’s degree |
| Test für Ausländische Studierende | International students to enrol in undergraduate studies in Germany. |
What is the different glossary of terms that international students should know to study in Germany?
| Glossary terms | Meaning |
| Aufenthaltstitel | “German Residence Permit”- This is required for international students to stay and study in Germany if their course duration is more than 3 months. |
| Ausländerbehörde | Foreigner’s registration authority- a public body in charge of issues related to foreign residents in Germany |
| Agentur für Arbeit | Federal Employment Agency – responsible for job and training placements in Germany. |
| Beglaubigung | Original Education document or the Transcripts. |
| “Blockveranstaltung” | Intensive study course that offers several consecutive days of teaching sessions. |
| Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) | Federal Education and Training Assistance Act” – The German Act to support students studying in German institutions to provide funding in case of failure to pay their living costs. |
| Doppelstudium/Doppeldiplom | Study programmes that offer the students to study two different courses simultaneously – one in Germany and the other in abroad university. The double degree is Doppeldiplom. |
| Duales Studium | A Study programme where you can combine standard academic studies with practical work inside a company. |
| Einwohnermeldeamt | Resident’s registration office. As an international student, you need to register your living address with them within 2 weeks of your arrival in Germany. |
| Fakultativ | It is an optional or non-mandatory study course. |
| Grundstudium | Foundation studies |
| “Akademisches Auslandsamt” | International office of the university to provide information and guidance to international students regarding academic studies |
| Klausur | Written Examination |
| Obligatorisch | Mandatory course |
| Orientierungswoche | Orientation days |
| Regelstudienzeit | Course semester |
| Semesterwochenstunden | The number of hours, you have to dedicate in a week to seminars and lectures. |
| Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung | Central admissions office for study degrees in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. |
| Fachstudium | Study subjects |
| Vorlesungsverzeichnis | Course prospectus |
| Zugangsvoraussetzungen” | Study course requirements |
| Zulassungsbescheid | University offer letter |
If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?
