Study in Germany: Germany has become one of the top destinations for overseas students looking to study abroad over the years. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, around 20,810 Indian students are currently enrolled in German universities (2021). Germany has world-class education with modern amenities, and a major part of the country’s GDP is devoted to the maintenance of the country’s education system.

In Germany, all state-owned universities (public universities) are free and do not charge students tuition. When it comes to the cost of living in Germany on January 1, 2022, keeping the rate of inflation in mind, the mandatory amount required in the Blocked Account for studying in Germany is €11,172 for an entire year or €931 per month.

Why Study in Germany

Germany, often recognized as a paradise for engineering studies, and one of the most popular study-abroad destination among foreign students for all the right reasons. Germany has world-class universities that offer a various variety of courses, many of which are taught in English. Tuition fees are not charged at public universities in Germany, although an administration fee (between 300-500 euros) is needed at the start of every semester. When compared to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the cost of studying and living in the country is lower. Germany has a strong economy and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union, which is at 4.31%. (Source: Statista 2020)

Education System in Germany

The German educational system puts a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation, making it a fantastic environment for studying. Germany has three different types of schools: public schools, which are free, private schools, which are not free, and vocational schools (employers pay for). Children between the ages of six and sixteen are required to attend public schools, which are supported by the state. Although they are not required, private schools do provide higher educational chances. An alternative to university that can be funded by employers, loans, and scholarships is vocational school.

The classes are conducted in both German and English, and the German educational system differs in many ways from that of other countries. Government funding guarantees that public universities are free of tuition fees or only charge a small administration fee at the start of each academic year. Nonetheless, students who attend private universities need to pay fees, which can be rather expensive. In Germany, there are more public institutions than private universities. According to German law, everyone should have access to education and be able to afford a quality education.

Top Universities in Germany

The best universities in Germany will be discussed in this section. Although public universities are the most sought-after in the country, getting into them is difficult. To be considered for admission to public universities in Germany, your application would need to show high academic achievement and a certificate of German language ability. Applicants have the option of attending private institutions in Germany that offer an equal quality of education but a simpler admissions procedure.

Universities in Germany

QS World University Rankings 2023

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2023

Technical University of Munich

#49

#30

Ludwig Maximilians University Munich

#59

#33

Heidelberg University

#65

#43

Free University of Berlin

#118

#91

Humboldt University of Berlin

#131

#86

KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

#141

#189

RWTH Aachen University

#147

#99

Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)

#158

#156

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

#169

#86

Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg

#189

#113

Top Courses in Germany

While there are many programs in Germany for those who want to study abroad. But Germany is frequently referred to as the paradise of engineering studies. Germany’s technical universities are among the world’s top institutions for studying engineering.

Popular programmes across Germany include

  • Computer Science and Information Technology (IT)
  • Engineering Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Management Studies
  • Humanities and creative arts

Cost of Studying in Germany

Private university enrolment will require payment of tuition fees even though the state of Germany funds public universities. Applicants who choose to enrol at public universities in Germany must pay a semester fee at the beginning of each semester that ranges from 300 to 500 euros. Even better private institutions will charge a higher price for their degree.

Cost of Studying in Germany by University

University

Cost of studying in Germany

Public Universities

EUR 300-500 /Semester

Private Universities

12,000 – 15,000 euros/year

Cost of Studying in Germany by Course

Popular Courses

Cost of studying in Germany

BTech

INR 1.50 Lakhs

BSc

INR 80.0K

MA

INR 1.00 Lakh

MBA

INR 13.12 Lakhs

Cost of Living in Germany

The variety of living expenses usually includes transportation, housing, food, clothing, and leisure activities. Every year, every institution requires that a monthly amount be paid for the student to help with his living expenses in the country as well as for completing his studies. This money is deposited in a Blocked Account, according to the current economic conditions and the relevant fee structure.

keeping for the rate of inflation in mind, the mandatory amount is required in the Blocked Account for studying in Germany is €11,172 for an entire year or €931 for a month as of September 2022. Rent, travel costs, food, clothing, books, health insurance, phone, internet, radio, and TV license fees, as well as leisure activities are all included in this.

Germany Student Visa

You must obtain a residence permit or a German study visa in order to stay in Germany as a student for longer than 90 days. A student visa for Germany costs €75. In that case that all of your documents are in order, the processing time may last up to 25 days. Sometimes, applicants are asked to submit more or different documents. For such situations, the Germany Student Visa processing time may increase to 12 weeks. 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.

Student visa requirements for Germany

You will have to apply for your German Student Visa in person. Visa fees amount to €75 (to be paid in INR). In addition, you should provide two sets of application documents containing the following documents:

  • Valid passport
  • Copy of your passport’s information page (A4 size copy)
  • Application form 
  • A declaration stating the information provided is true and complete information
  • APS Certificate: Mandatory component November 2022 onwards
  • Cover Letter explaining the reason for your visa application. You may be required to submit a German translation of this document.
  • Letter of Admission from a German University
  • University Certificates and transcripts – Degree certificates and mark sheets
  • Proof of Language Proficiency (German language test scores). Applicants for PhD studies and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship holders are exempt from this rule.
  • Proof of funds
  • 3 passport pictures according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months
  • Demand Draft for the Student Visa Fee

German Permanent Residence Permit

Once a candidate has found a job that he would like to take, he must submit an application for a work permit under his previous “Job Seeking Visa.” While the application is being processed, the candidate may stay in Germany. Also, the candidate can apply for a “EU Blue Card” – Residence Permit as soon as two years after receiving his work permit if he/she intends to live permanently in Germany (PR in Germany).

For countries in Europe, a permanent resident status card is known as the EU Blue Card. The candidate will be able to work and live in any Eu country, though, if he or she decides to apply for an EU Blue Card. A job must pay at least €53,000 ($57,844) yearly, or at least €41,808 ($45,629) yearly for mathematicians, engineers, natural scientists, technicians, or doctors, in order for the applicant to be qualified to apply for an EU Blue Card.

For guidance on which permit to apply for and what documents they would require as part of the admissions process, candidates are recommended to consult the foreign residents’ registration office.

Admission Requirements to Study in German Universities

German universities have very strict admissions requirements. Up to 90% of applicants are expected for UG courses. Also, in order to be eligible to enrol for a UG course in Germany, students must either complete one year of bachelor’s-level studies or take the IITJEE or Fa exam. Students must also take the IELTS or TOEFL to prove their knowledge in the language.

For PG courses: Students must receive at least 70–75 percent of their grades from a reputed university. Also, they must take the GRE (some Universities require them to), and a score of at least 300 is acceptable. Also, even if the University has not requested it, a student’s profile can be enhanced by showing up for the course. In addition, IELTS (6.0) or TOEFL (100) is also required.

English is the language of instruction for the courses designed for international students, which are referred to as international study programmes. So, students seeking courses taught only in English must go either under the section for their course that is listed above or under “Internationals.” There is no use in choosing to take classes taught in German if the student does not have a good knowledge of the language. Additionally, certain courses allow students to complete a German dissertation, but they must first show their knowledge of the language.

Students who want to learn German must do so from reputable sources; in many countries, this means just getting in touch with Max Muller Bhavan and clearing TesDaf. The amount of German-language instruction in classes determines the level that must be passed, which is normally stated on the university website.

Timeline for Admission to German Universities

Universities can choose to have a specific intake season or choose rolling admissions, when the selective university would not have a deadline. The academic year is divided into two semesters, summer semester and winter semester, when we talk about the admissions season.

Summer Semester

starts in March/April

Winter Semester

starts in September/October

Rolling Admissions

colleges review applications as they’re sent in

  

Top German cities preferred by students

 With a wide variety of academic areas and disciplines, German universities offer a wide choice of programs. The foundation of the German university system is the concept of collaboration between academic institutions, research organizations, and businesses. The top German cities that foreign students favour include, among others, Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg, Cologne, and Frankfurt Am Main.

 

Scholarships to study in Germany

Universities’ merit-based scholarships are yet another excellent way for applicants to reduce their tuition costs. To receive better value from scholars, students must have an extraordinary academic record, though. The German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD, is one of the main organizations that can help you pay for your studies in Germany. Depending on your chosen discipline or area of study, the organization assists you in finding a number of scholarship choices in addition to helping you limit down a list of appropriate institutions. You may also search our website for other scholarships for study in Germany than those offered by DAAD.

Education Loan for studying in Germany

The expense of attending school abroad is one of the biggest disadvantages. But frequently, a profitable investment will lead students to turn to banks and other financial institutions and choose to take out education loans in order to study in Germany.

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Germany

International students are permitted to work a total of 120 full or 240 half days each year while studying in Germany. During the term, a student is not allowed to work more than 20 hours a week. During breaks, students can start working full-time. The German Study Visa includes the opportunity for international students to work part-time there; a separate application is not necessary. The minimum wage for jobs in Germany is set at €12 per hour as of January 2022.

Post-Study Work Visa in Germany

After completing their studies, students who received their education in Germany are qualified to seek jobs there. This is additional time to the study period allowed by their German study visa. Students can apply for an extended 18-month Job Seeking Visa, also known as the Post-Study Work Visa, in Germany to find employment linked with their studies. The candidates are free to work as much as they want and pursue any type of employment over these 18 months in order to support themselves.

Job prospects in Germany (ROI)

The majority of students who want to study abroad are worried about their investment’s return (ROI). Students naturally seek to get the most value for their money. Due to the high cost of studying abroad and the potential for a significant return on investment, many students choose to do so. Although it is challenging for us to predict the job market for after you graduate. The most popular jobs in Germany are highlighted in this section.

 Most frequently sought jobs in Germany

Software developer and programmer

Electronics engineer, electrician

Healthcare workers and nurse

IT consultant, IT analyst

Economist, business administrator

Account manager, client consultant

Production Assistant

Sales representative, sales assistant

Sales manager, product manager

Architect, structural engineer

 Popular Job Sectors in Germany

According to a thorough assessment by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the German economy is expected to increase by 4.1% in 2022 and 2.4% in 2023. (OECD). Hence, even if the pandemic’s impacts have been severe, we may still have faith in a promising future for the employment sector.

Top job sectors in Germany for foreign students include

  • Building & Construction Sector
  • Electrical and Electronics Industry
  • Health Sector and Medicine
  • Information Technology and Telecommunications
  • Mechanical and Automotive Sector

Germany is home to a range of multinational companies such as

Adidas

Allianz

BASF

Bayer

BMW Group

Bosch

Continental

Daimler

Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Post

Haribo

Hugo Boss

Lidl

Siemens

Volkswagen

The average salary in Germany – By Job

Executive Management & Change

$132,000

Legal & Paralegal

$126,000

Legal Department

$120,000

Airline

$106,000

Logistics, Operations & Purchasing

$92,000

Compliance, AML, KYC & Monitoring

$91,000

Study in Germany FAQs

  • Q. What should I know before deciding to study in Germany?
    The admission process is not easy. It is important to have all documents in place for the university admission letter. For the German Student Visa, it is important to have sufficient money in your Blocked Account (slightly more than prescribed which would be deducted as bank charges). Know a little German. And above all enjoy the process.
  • Q. How can student study in Germany?
    Germany is one of the favourite study destinations for Foreigners. Germany is home to world-class universities offering a wide selection of courses many of which are taught in English. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees but have an administration fee that needs to be paid at the start of every semester. The country also provides affordable education, a multitude of course options, job opportunities, and immigration options