With the ease of access to information, students are now applying to different universities in various countries. But Germany has recently become a higher education paradise for international students. If you are looking for quality education, a dynamic lifestyle enriched with cultural activities, and a prospective career opportunity, Germany might be the right decision.

High-Standard of Education: German universities are ranked above global higher education standards. Most public universities are date from the Middle Ages, inspiring cultural importance and tradition of high-quality education. These universities excel both from an academic perspective and infrastructure. German universities are steadily rising in global rankings every year.

No Tuition Fees: Germany remains one of the top countries for higher education that does not charge any tuition fees. This is the most vital aspect of studying in Germany. International students should only pay some administrative charges in public universities, accounting for about 250 Euros per semester.

Affordable Living Expenses: With a bit of adjustment, living in Germany is relatively cheap compared to other European nations. Rent is the biggest expense, but students can easily cut down their expenses by finding shared accommodation. Furthermore, travelling, eating, recreational activities are pretty affordable in Germany.

Work Opportunities: According to the German Student Immigration law, international students can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. Around 60% of international students work part-time while studying here. There is a wide range of part-time jobs available for international students. Tutoring, bartending, babysitting, administrative work etc. are available.

Future Career Prospects: A degree from a German university is highly respected worldwide. German graduates enjoy the facility of high employability in the global job market. In addition to this, German graduates are among one of the highest-paid employees in the world. Regardless to say, a German degree is guaranteed to aid a student in getting a good-paying job. According to German law, graduates can stay for an additional 18 months to seek work in the country.

Even though there are no tuition fees in most universities in Germany, the country offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students to cope with their living expenses. Numerous programs provide students with the opportunity of financial aid in the form of a scholarship. Some useful scholarship programs available in Germany include:

DAAD Scholarship Program: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) or the German Academic Exchange Service is a joint organisation of Germany’s higher education institutions. They promote international academic relations. They focus on the exchange of students, academics, and researchers, offering scholarships and funding to international students, graduate students, and scientists in Germany. This scholarship is awarded to students who want to get a qualification in a full-time course of study. The DAAD scholarship offers monthly 850 Euros for postgraduate students and 1200 Euros for doctoral students.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship: Around 1200 scholarships a year are awarded to undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students of all subjects and nationalities under this scholarship program. Good academic results and a keen interest in values like sustainability, human rights, self-determination are considered before awarding this scholarship. EU and Non-EU student allowances vary. Non-EU Masters students are stipend 850 Euros per month, and PhD students receive 1200 Euros per month.

DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Programme: International students are offered 300 Euros per month under this scholarship program. Universities offer this scholarship exclusively, and specific requirements are to be met by students to claim this.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships: Masters and doctoral students with excellent academic results and a keen interest in politics are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Masters and doctoral students will receive 850 Euros monthly for two years under this scholarship program.

At the present moment, the manpower and workforce required to develop the economy of Germany further are not adequate. Germany is facing a skills shortage and needs skilled migrants to meet the labour demand in its industries. Considering the landmass of their country, they have ample space to accommodate immigrants in the country. Migrants are encouraged to come here for work or study and are offered the option of a long-term residence permit or permanent residence after a few years of staying in Germany.

In order to understand the PR process certain factors, need to be clarified:

Duration of Stay: People currently staying in Germany for 5 years or more can apply for permanent residency. For students, a graduate from a German university will be eligible for a PR visa provided that the student has worked in Germany for two years on a residence permit post the completion of his/her studies.

Income & Professional Qualification: Students in Germany with two years of work experience, proof of the job offer, degree of income to facilitate oneself and family, and a strong understanding of local culture can apply.

German Language & Culture: A basic B1 level language proficiency score is necessary alongside understanding German Political, administrative and legal regulations.

Contribution to Pension Insurance: A student should have contributed to the statutory pension insurance of Germany. The duration of the contribution varies with the criteria one belongs to. A graduate student passed from a German institution should have 24 months’ worth of pension insurance contribution.

After all the turmoil of visa processing and university application procedures, it is now finally your time to study in Germany. A few tips and tricks, hints about German culture and how to properly enjoy yourself are listed below:

Punctuality: German people consider punctuality with utmost importance. Some say it is better to reach your desired destination at least five minutes early. Being pünktlich or punctual will also aid in getting good academic results.

Choosing a German Roommate: As an international student, you may find many difficulties in understanding cultural elements or day to day tasks. Getting a German roommate can offer a range of benefits. You can learn a lot about the country in a very efficient way.

Getting to Know Each Other: Making friends is often difficult for international students as they are not accustomed to the culture or the language. But students are generally very friendly towards international students and don’t be afraid to approach new people.

Enjoy Sundays: German people consider Sunday as a day of relaxing. Generally, they spend their Sunday’s spending time with family, and many shops are closed. So, take a day off and enjoy your Sundays with friends!

German Universities provide free education to not only their domestic students but also to international students from around the world. Thus, people from different backgrounds travel to Germany for studying about their respective paths of careers. Popular courses based on demand, job prospects and other relevant factors are:

The most significant advantage of studying in Germany is that there are no Tuition Fees for international students for most university courses. Unlike the UK or the US, expensive university courses restrain many international students from pursuing their dreams. But in Germany, students can freely select their universities and courses without the burden of tuition fees. However, private universities, which are less than 10% of the universities in Germany, charge a fee that ranges between 2,000 -18,000 Euro per year

Compared to other Western European nations, Germany’s living costs are relatively moderate. On average, a student can easily get by on 800 Euros per month. Living expenses can be slightly higher depending on specific regions like Hamburg or Munich but much less than expensive cities like London or Paris. Rent is the biggest expense which can easily be reduced by finding share accommodation. A student’s average expenses can be listed as below:

German Universities tend to follow international standards when considering student applications from domestic and international students alike. Typically, there are three intake periods in German universities. Spring Season starting from January to April, the Summer Season beginning from May to August, and the Autumn Season from September to November. On a generalised note, the following table shows the documentation required for German universities. However, it should be noted that these documents may change according to different universities.

There are some important aspects for students to follow before coming to Germany for higher study. It can be a daunting task for students to manage study requirements and legal papers. We provide all the necessary assistance in preparing visa application. There are two main prerequisites for getting a Visa in Germany. These are:

Sponsorship: Around 10,350 Euros (Subject to change as per German Immigration rulings) must be deposited in a blocked account with an approved bank in Germany for a period of one year. Proof of transaction is compulsory. This may require a few additional documents as:

• Letter of commitment and evidence of your parent’s income records and financial assets.
• Letter of declaration through which your parents confirm that they will be paying for your stay in Germany for the study period.
• Scholarship certificate that must show the amount it covers. (If applicable)
• Bank guarantee that is issued to the student by a recognised German bank.

Visa Application Requirements:

• Visa Application Form
• Visa Application Fee of 75 Euros (Subject to change as per German Immigration rulings)
• Photographs
• Copy of Passport
• Approval letter from a university
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivational letter
• Notarised copy of all academic certificates
• Medical Insurance which covers for the period of 3 months
• IELTS Certificate that is taken within the last 24 months

These are the main requirements for getting a visa in Germany. A few other documents may require as per university instructions.

Numerous universities in Germany are considered top tier in QS world rankings. Germany maintains an overall high standard of education quality in all of its public universities. Around 48 universities in Germany are considered among the very best in the world. Two hotspots for the best universities in Germany are Munich and Berlin, with LMU and TUM accordingly.

A student must fulfil the mentioned requirements to become eligible to apply to German Universities

International English Language Test:

• A student must acquire IELTS 6 score or equivalent.

Undergraduate Eligibility:

• High School qualifications
• Grades from previous education
• Entrance qualification

Masters’ Eligibility:

• A first academic degree (undergraduate)
• An English or German language certificate
• Job experience (if applicable)

The Following documentation is typically required while applying for a Permanent Residency in Germany.

• Valid Passport
• Proof Documents displaying ability to maintain personal costs without public funding (Family, accommodation & Insurance)
• NO valid reason for deportation.
• Mandatory Health Insurance
• Previously acquired Visa documents
• Proof of educational and professional qualifications
• Proof of accommodation

Reading about all these things can be overwhelming. Let us help you ease into things with direct communication from our team members. You can also hear directly from the students who are living in Germany.