About Germany
When it comes to technical and engineering courses (STEM), Germany is second to none. With its excellent reputation in terms of research, technology and innovation, a lot of students apply to Germany for higher education, especially for master’s and PhD.
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.
Doctoral Studies
German PhDs can be earned from German universities and equivalent institutions. The studies involve independent research and a Rigorosum (oral examination) or a Disputation (defence of the thesis).
The types of PhDs are:
- Individual and Supervised Doctorate
- Structural Doctorate
- Cooperative Doctorate (combination between universities and universities of applied sciences)
- International Doctorate
- Special Doctorate
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
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
Cost of Studying
Tuition Fees
16 states in Germany made the tuition fees for undergraduate courses free in the year 2014. Currently, domestic as well as international UG students at public universities can study for free, with just a small fee to cover administration and other costs each semester. Therefore, undergraduate courses in Germany for Indian students are practically free (Note: you need to have 13 years of education to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Germany).
Since a large number of higher education institutions are financed by the state, even most Master’s courses can be budgeted without the burden of high fees. Tuition fees may have to be paid for certain Master’s programmes, but they are not as high as other European countries. However, private higher education institutions may mandate higher fees for their degree programmes.
As per the DAAD’s website, the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg has decided to charge non-EU citizens tuition fees of EUR 1,500 per semester for (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma and state examination) degree programmes from the 2017/18 winter semester onwards. The fees do not apply to doctoral students.
Living Costs
The expenses that are incurred to sustain a normal life in Germany, i.e. accommodation, food, clothing and recreational activities, are average as compared to other European countries. They are significantly lower than countries like Luxembourg, Denmark or Switzerland, but rather high compared to countries like Poland, the Czech Republic or Italy.
A German student has expenses of about EUR 819 per month. These include rent, travel expenses, clothing, food, learning materials, phone bill, internet, health insurance, radio and TV fees, and recreational activities. International students’ budget is usually tight. They can spend an average of EUR 725 per month. There are several student discounts that you can avail just by showing your student ID. Students often pay less for tickets to the theatre, museums, cinemas and other cultural institutions.
Why Study in Germany
Germany is a large economy with countless opportunities for international students. Industrial hubs are scattered across the country. It is an emerging destination for international students offering one of the most cost-effective courses to study abroad. Globally known for its research and innovation, it is the only study abroad destination where most of the universities are funded by the government.
- 11 out of the 16 German states have no tuition fees at all In times when the cost of attending reputable universities is swelling, Germany is the only top study destination whose universities do not charge tuition fees according to a policy implemented by the German Higher Education Policy Institute (2014)
- Both native and international students attending a public university in Germany are not required to pay stipulated tuition fees
- International students are only expected to pay a few administrative costs such as student contribution, student union fee and public transport (which account to not more than €250 per semester)
- Low Tuition Fee at State-Funded Universities Germany is the only top study abroad destination where universities are largely state-funded. A majority of public universities in Germany usually don’t ask for fees or if they charge it is very nominal. Thus, it becomes easy to afford a stay while studying in Germany as students only have to bear the cost of accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance.
- Top-Notch Quality of Education
- With over 400 higher education institutions across the country, Germany offers students with the option to choose from more than 14,500 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes
- As a matter of fact, German universities offer exceptional teaching and research options, which are considered of premium quality
- Germany is a top-notch destination for courses like Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, etc.
- The study programs, in terms of structure and delivery, are designed
- To meet the most up-to-date scientific developments out in the world
- To build well-informed individuals who can confidently tackle global challenges
- Wide Range of Courses Studying in Germany allows you an opportunity to choose from a variety of courses such as engineering, physical sciences, biomedical sciences, and management. German universities provide outstanding academic programs, while universities of applied sciences offer a range of practice-oriented options. A lot of universities collaborate with companies to provide the best of theory and practical knowledge which facilitates a successful career start for the students. For those beginning their journey with the language, the German A1 level syllabus is a great starting point.
- Stay-Back Opportunities International students, post completion of their higher education, can stay back in Germany for 18 months, which makes it an extremely attractive destination.
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.
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 master 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.