If you’re an Indian student considering studying abroad, you may want to take a closer look at Germany. According to recent data, the number of Indian students studying in Germany has increased by an impressive 26% in the past year, with a total of 42,997 students enrolled as of the Winter Semester 2022-23. In fact, Indians make up the largest group of international students in German universities.
Germany is renowned for its world-class education system, with a focus on engineering studies. State-owned universities (public universities) offer free education to students, as part of their initiative to provide affordable quality education to all. While the admission process may be complex, both international and local students are not required to pay tuition fees, but rather an administration fee ranging from 300-500 euros. When it comes to the cost of living, as of January 1, 2023, a mandatory amount of €11,208 for an entire year or €934 for a month is required in the Blocked Account for studying in Germany.
Study in Germany 2024: Highlights
If you are considering studying in Germany, there are over 140 universities to choose from. The cost of studying at a public university is around EUR 300-500 per semester, while private universities cost between 12,000 to 15,000 euros per year. The average living expense is INR 10.20 Lakhs. Popular courses in Germany include MIM, MS, BBA, and MBA. As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours per week. After completing your studies, you can stay in Germany for up to 18 months on a work visa. The cost of a Germany study visa is Euro 75.
Education System in Germany
The German education system is renowned for its focus on creativity and innovation, making it an excellent destination for students seeking quality education. There are three types of schools in Germany: public schools, private schools, and vocational schools. Public schools are free and mandatory for children aged six to 16, with the state covering the costs. Private schools are not mandatory but provide better educational opportunities. Vocational schools are an alternative to university and can be paid for by employers, loans, or scholarships.
The German education system differs from those in other countries in many ways, and classes are conducted in both German and English. Public universities are financed by the government and do not charge tuition fees, or only charge a small amount as an administration fee at the beginning of the academic year. Private universities, on the other hand, are financed by student fees and can be quite expensive. Germany has more public universities than private ones, as the law mandates that education should be affordable and accessible to everyone.
In summary, the German education system offers a range of options for students, and the government ensures that education is accessible and affordable for all. Whether you choose public or private education, you can be confident in the quality of education and the emphasis on innovation and creativity.
Top Courses in Germany
Germany is known for its exceptional technical universities, making it a top destination for engineering studies. In addition to engineering, popular programmes in Germany include Computer Science and Information Technology (IT), Social Sciences, Management Studies, and Humanities and Creative Arts. Here are some of the top courses you can study in Germany:
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Medicine
These courses offer excellent opportunities for career growth and development in a variety of fields. With world-class education and state-of-the-art facilities, studying in Germany is an excellent choice for anyone looking to advance their education and career.
German Permanent Residence Permit
If you are looking to settle down permanently in Germany, you can apply for an EU Blue Card – Residence Permit as early as two years after receiving your work permit. The EU Blue Card is a permanent residence permit that allows you to work and live in any of the EU states.
To be eligible for an EU Blue Card, you must be offered a job that pays at least €53,000 (~US$57,844) per year. However, if you are a mathematician, engineer, natural scientist, technician, or physician, you can be offered a job that pays at least €41,808 (~US$45,629) per year.
It is important to note that candidates should check with the foreign residents’ registration office for advice on which permit to apply for and what documents they would need as part of the admission process.
Once you have found a job that you would like to accept, you are required to apply for a work permit from your earlier ‘Job Seeking Visa.’ You can remain in Germany while your application is pending.
Overall, obtaining a German Permanent Residence Permit can provide you with the opportunity to live and work in Germany, as well as other EU states, without the need for a visa.
Admission Requirements to Study in German Universities
If you are interested in pursuing higher education in Germany, it is important to note that admission requirements are set very high. The admission requirements for undergraduate (UG) courses are particularly high, with as much as 90% expected for admission. Additionally, students need to have completed at least one year of Bachelor’s study in India and appear for either IITJEE or Fa exam to be eligible to apply for a UG course in Germany.
To prove their proficiency in the English language, students are also required to appear for either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 100 is required for candidates looking to study in Germany.
For postgraduate (PG) courses, students are expected to have at least 70-75% from a reputed Indian University. They are also required to appear for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is accepted by some universities, and a score of above 300 is recommended. Appearing for the GRE can also boost a student’s profile even if the university has not requested it.
It is important to note that courses meant for international students are called International study programmes and are taught in English. Students looking for courses exclusively in English must look under the section specified above for their course or under ‘Internationals’. Unless a student has sound knowledge of the German language, there is no point in opting for courses taught in German. Some courses also have the option of doing a dissertation in German, for which students need to prove their efficiency in German beforehand.
Timeline for Admission to German Universities
Universities in Germany can have a particular intake season or opt for rolling admissions where the selective university won’t have a deadline. The academic year is divided into two semesters, the Summer Semester and the Winter Semester. Candidates can get in touch with Shiksha Study Abroad counselors who primarily assist with university admissions.
The Summer Semester starts in March/April, while the Winter Semester starts in October/November. For rolling admissions, colleges review applications as they are sent in. It is important to note that the admission process can take some time, so it is recommended that students begin the process as early as possible to avoid any delays.
Overall, the admission requirements for German universities are rigorous, but with proper preparation and planning, it is possible to gain admission to a top university in Germany.
Scholarships to Study in Germany
If you are looking to study in Germany, merit-based scholarships offered by universities can be an excellent way to reduce tuition costs. However, you must have an outstanding academic track record to qualify for higher-value scholarships. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the primary sources of funding for studying in Germany. DAAD not only helps you find a suitable college but also offers various scholarship options based on your chosen field of research. In addition to DAAD, you can also explore German university scholarships available on our website to study in the country.
Education Loan for Studying in Germany
If you are planning to study in Germany but are worried about the high cost of living and tuition fees, you can consider taking an education loan. Many banks and financial institutions offer education loans for studying in Germany. These loans can cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and other related costs. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Education loans for studying in Germany are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
- The loan amount can vary depending on the bank or financial institution and the course you are pursuing.
- The interest rate on education loans for studying in Germany is usually lower than that of personal loans.
- The repayment period for education loans can range from 5 to 15 years, depending on the bank or financial institution.
- Some banks may require a co-signer or collateral for the loan.
Taking an education loan can help you pursue your dreams of studying in Germany without financial worries. However, it is important to carefully consider the terms and conditions of the loan and ensure that you can repay it on time.
Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Germany
As an international student studying in Germany, you are allowed to work part-time for a total of 120 full or 240 half days in a year. During the term, you cannot work for more than 20 hours per week. However, you can work full-time during vacations. The German Study Visa provides you with the option to work part-time without the need for a separate application. As of January 2022, the minimum wage for working in Germany is €12 per hour. This makes part-time work a viable option for international students to support themselves financially while studying in Germany.
To summarize:
- You can work for a total of 120 full or 240 half days in a year
- During the term, you cannot work for more than 20 hours per week
- You can work full-time during vacations
- The German Study Visa provides the option to work part-time without a separate application
- The minimum wage for working in Germany is €12 per hour as of January 2022
Post-Study Work Visa in Germany
After completing your education in Germany, you can apply for a post-study work visa to extend your stay in the country for an additional 18 months. This visa, also known as the Job Seeking Visa, allows you to search for employment related to your field of study. During this time, you can work as much as you want and take up any kind of employment to support yourself. This visa provides an excellent opportunity to gain work experience in Germany and potentially secure a longer-term work visa or even permanent residency.
Study in Germany FAQs
Before deciding to study in Germany, there are some important things you should know. The admission process can be challenging, but you can seek assistance from Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors to help with university admissions. It is crucial to have all the necessary documents in place for the university admission letter. Additionally, for the German Student Visa, you must have sufficient funds in your Blocked Account, which should be slightly more than prescribed to cover bank charges. It is also recommended to have some knowledge of the German language. Above all, enjoy the process!
If you are an Indian student interested in studying in Germany, you will be pleased to know that Germany is one of the most popular study destinations for Indians. The country is home to world-class universities that offer a wide selection of courses, many of which are taught in English. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, but there is an administration fee that needs to be paid at the beginning of every semester. Germany also provides affordable education, a multitude of course options, job opportunities, and immigration options.