Top Reasons to study in Germany

German universities provide world-class teaching and research facilities for students across the world. Ranking among the best in the world, the quality if education is mostly industry oriented giving. You will earn an internationally reputed degree that will help you get outstanding prospects on the global labor market.

German universities provide academic programs, while universities of applied sciences offer a range of attractive, practice-oriented opportunities. The study programs are a perfect blend of theory and practical aspects of a subject. This will greatly facilitate your career and let you get the best of opportunities.

There are different institutions of higher education in Germany. A major part of these universities belong to the following categories -

Universities (including Universities of Technology, TU) are research-oriented and provide a list of diversified subjects. These can award doctorate degrees. TU universities mainly focus on research-based learning. 90% of the course work is based on research projects, and they also have Industry funds which they can invest in their R&D.

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen, FH) FH universities are primarily focused on the practical approach to learning. The courses are usually 70–80% practice based. These universities have a very strong connection with varied industries. If you are going to do a job right after you graduate, FH is the right one for you.

FH universities usually provide courses in engineering, business administration, social sciences, and design. Having industry tie-ups, they offer possibilities like joint supervision of the professor and a company for a master thesis but do not award doctorate degrees. As a master degree holder from a Fachhochschule university, you are also eligible to apply for a doctoral position at a university.

There are many Good Universities and top cources in Germany for International students.

• Technische Universität München (TUM)- Ranked 61st in the world • Ludwig-Maximilians – Universität München (LMU) - Ranked 62nd in the world • Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg – Ranked 64th in the world • KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie - Ranked 116th in the world • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - 121st in the world 24th place for this in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject. • Freie Universität Berlin – Ranked 130th in the world this year • Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen – Ranked 144th in the world in 2019 • Technische Universität Berlin – Ranked 147th in the world • Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen - ranked 168th in the world • The University of Freiburg - Ranked 186th in the world this year with the US’ Case Western Reserve University, joint 186th in the world this year with the US’ Case Western Reserve University,

It is not compulsory that you have to know the native language if you are planning to study in Germany. You can choose always to choose an English taught program if you are not aware of the German language.

A large number of German Masters degrees are usually taught in English. This makes it more accessible to international students. However, students may need to provide a language test score for studying in Germany, if neither English or German is your first language. This will also depend on the course that you opt for.

Even if your course doesn’t usually require a German test, it is still worth availing the opportunity to hone your language skills while you are studying abroad. Most of the universities offer language courses in parallel to their degree programs. Gaining proficiency in a second language is always a good way to get more out of your international Masters and also showcase the experience on your CV.

The faculty at the German universities comprises of learned individuals who encourage students to pursue their career of choice. Having a practical bent of mind, the way of teaching at the universities is always industry oriented. The faculty is always there ready to help out students as and when required.

The German higher education system is usually characterized by a close connection between learning, teaching, and research. Germany is regarded as one of the world’s most sought after research and higher education nations. Almost, 375,000 international students study at German higher education institutions. It is said that approximately 5,000 international Ph.D. students successfully complete their doctorates here every year, and approx. 46,500 international academics work in German higher More than 15,000 international researchers visit German higher education universities with support from German and EU funding programs.

The Federal Government and the German states have set up the Excellence Initiative (2005–2017) which provide additional support for research activities in various fields at German universities. Higher education universities provide a broad array of research activities, which includes basic research and applied research and development (R&D). Over100,000 of Germany’s more than 400,000 R&D researchers work at higher education institutions and university hospitals.

No minimum age is there for students to study in Germany. For a master degree, 30 -34 is the maximum as getting a visa is difficult after that age for Masters. For MBA, even 40 years is accepted. There is so such restriction for applying and getting admission in German universities for international students. But it is also expected from you to justify your gap years by showing related work experience or activities.

If you are planning a short visit to Germany or travel while studying you may require to apply for a Schengen visa. Germany is one of the 26 European countries that form the Schengen Area having no border controls between them. These countries also issue a common visa that is known as the Schengen visa, and it stays up to a period of 90 days. This is the visa that most students wanting to travel within the Schengen space as tourists or conference attendees will require.

Schengen area countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Program specifics may vary between universities and programs.

• It usually takes a minimum of three years of full-time study to complete a Bachelor degree in Germany program.
• A Masters program in Germany takes normally two years.
• The duration of the Ph.D. is not fixed. It is usually between 2 and 6 years depending on the research field. Ph.D. in natural and exact sciences are usually between 4 and 5 years. In arts and humanities, a Ph.D. is done in 4 to 6 years.

International students can apply to varied organizations for a scholarship. For example, DAAD ( (German Academic Exchange Service)) offers scholarships for international students for a range of postgraduate courses at German Universities that aim at providing academically educated young professionals.

You can find information on the various types of scholarships in the DAAD(Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarship database, along with suitable offers. The varied range of degree programs taught in English and German languages are being provided to DAAD scholars. This scholarship is usually open for postgraduate degree courses.

Two years of professional work experience is considered as the preliminary requirement to apply for the DAAD scholarship program. The duration of the course studied under DAAD scholarship needs to be more than 12 months and also less than 36 months.

Some of the benefits of DAAD scholarships are as follows -

• Monthly stipend of 750 Euros is to be given to Postgraduate students • Doctoral degree course students will be receiving 1000 Euros stipend every month • Both masters and doctoral degree course students will also get insurance and health coverage • Both masters and doctoral program students may also receive the travel grant • Free education in German universities • Free accommodation inside a university dorm facility

In the year 2014, 16 states in Germany eliminated tuition fees for undergraduate students in all German public universities. Both domestic and international undergraduates at public universities in Germany can study for free, though a small amount of fees is required to cover administration and other costs per semester.

German universities are usually regarded to be free if it is classified as “consecutive,” which means the courses that are following directions from a relevant bachelor’s degree gained in Germany. But again, there is a small charge per semester for the enrolment, confirmation, and administration, along with a semester ticket.

Tuition fees for “non-consecutive” master’s degrees, for those who have gained their bachelor’s degree elsewhere in the world, differ between universities and maybe around €20,000 (~US$24,400) per year at public universities and up to €30,000 (~US$36,600) at private German universities.

Cost of living which includes food, accommodation, clothing, and entertainment is always on with the EU average and relatively low when compared to other Scandinavian countries.

Apart from the Semester ticket and tuition fees if your institution does charge them), you will need around €850 per month for living. This amount can vary in different cities and also depend on your lifestyle! Student discounts and deals are largely available. If you are on a budget, these can be pretty much helpful. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is always very handy as it can provide a wide range of useful discounts while you’re studying in Germany.

It is legal to work in Germany with a student visa, but students are also restricted to the number of days they can work. This is 120 full days each year or 240 half days. If you take a job as a student assistant or research assistant at your university, it’s not a problem to exceed the 120-day limit.

About 44.3 million people in Germany had a job in the year 2017. This is somewhat more than half of the country’s total population. The number of people who have been employed is rising constantly in the past twelve years. Germany has amazing working conditions for many immigrants. The employees enjoy generous benefits,state-mandated job protection, and also the highest salaries in the world. There are many job opportunities in Germany after Completing MS

Working hours in some of the industries have been reduced to 35 hours/week and holidays of 30 days/year is not uncommon. There’s always a shortage of skilled workers in certain occupations in Germany. These include engineers (mechanical, electrical automotive, and civil), IT specialists, health and social workers and also specific manufacturing positions.

When compared to other countries, Germany is always regarded as a safe country. In a town or by the countryside, you can move around freely here. Germany also offers economic and political stability, which makes it an ideal place for you to study. The latest crime statistics point out the fact that Germany is one of the safest countries in the world.

In major cities like Berlin, the transport system is very modernized and also efficient at the same time. You can also choose from a variety of public transportation options, like buses, trams, trains, and metro links.

Ticketing for these services is also very reasonable. The same ticket can be actually used on any mode of public transport. Day tickets (Tageskarte) and 7-day tickets (Wochenkarte) are a suitable choice if you plan to do a lot of traveling in Germany.

Students in Germany either intend to go for halls of residence or in some kind of private accommodation. When compared to other countries, Germany’s universities do not allocate a room when you register for a particular course. If you’re looking in major cities such as Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, you have to spend a considerable amount of time to find accommodation.

The accommodation options include -

- Halls of residence(or dormitory) -

A room in a dormitory can cost about €160 and €360 per month. Depending on the university you choose, this will include health insurance and also a semester ticket for using local public transport.

- Private shared flats -

Wohngemeinschaften, referred to as WG (private shared flats) are the most popular form of accommodation. Based on where you study, you should have a budget of €150-350 per month for shared flats.

- Living in a flat of your own -

This is the most expensive option and can cost from €400 onwards. When compared to other European countries, Germany is not too much expensive. It is pretty much reasonable.

There are several governmental-funded and non-governmental funded student loan support services. It is created to help you finance your studies in Germany by providing loans usually with zero or very low rates of interest. Furthermore, several German universities have established their own student loan schemes to support foreign students.

All immigrants in Germany are required to have insurance through your stay. You can’t enroll in a university if you don’t have health insurance coverage. The good thing about being fully insured is that if you have health problems, you can go visit the doctor and get hospital services knowing that you won’t have to pay the large medical bills out of your pocket.

There are two types of health insurance in Germany -

• The mandatory health insurance (public)
• Private health insurance

German healthcare - It is compulsory for all residents to have some form of health insurance in Germany. Legally, all official residents need to be insured for hospital and outpatient medical treatment through state or private health insurance in Germany.

In Germany, you can make the most of yourself and explore new opportunities. You can develop your intellectual abilities and personal skills freely and also aim to reach your full potential. If you are there to achieve great things, with determination, motivation, and commitment, many doors – will open both during your studies and after your studies.

Germany is a multi-ethnic, open and friendly country. The population of 82 million people includes around 12% of immigrants. Traditions and modernity are well integrated, and its citizens are fun-loving people. Many of its cities still have the historical scars of war. But places, like the capital Berlin, also have seen a cultural, economic and architectural revival while others have maintained their original charm.

All of the German cities have something amazing to offer, starting from museums, festivals and historic buildings to fashionable shopping districts, lively music scenes and clubs. Food in Germany can be healthful but it is also not limited to traditional heavy fare, and you’ll find good products to suit all tastes. The food display is different and multi-cultural. Some of the popular cuisines include Turkish, Greek, Thai and Chinese- to name just a handful.

Germany possesses various spectacular highlights which speaks volumes about the diverse landscapes in the heart of Europe.

Some of the beautiful Places to visit in Germany • Cologne • Hamburg • Dresden • Munich • Regensburg • The Mosel Valley • Görlitz • Bamberg

History, culture, and natural beauty perfectly describe the essence of vacationing in Germany. The historic cities and small towns, along with an abundance of forests and mountains make it an attractive destination for visitors. People who wish to sightsee or experience the art and culture of this place should travel to metropolitan areas like Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg.

People looking for recreational activities must visit places like the Bavarian Alps, the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest. Grand old cathedrals and grand palaces are everywhere across Germany. Some medieval towns are still intact, many centuries, old traditions, including traditional Christmas markets, festivals, and fairs, still continue till date. At the cultural heart of Germany, Berlin, is home to fine museums and galleries, while nature lovers will find a world of happenings in Germany’s great outdoors.

Processing of applications for Germany visa for Indians usually takes 15 days but also might extend up to a maximum period of 30 days. In case of a requirement for additional documents, the processing time might take up to 60 days.

• For studies that go up to 3 months, you need a Schengen visa.
• For studies that last more than 3 months, you need a German national visa. If you enter Germany with a national visa you have to extend your stay by getting a German residence permit for studies at the Foreigner’s Office. You should do this while your entry visa is still valid.

There are three types of Germany student visas you can apply for -

- German Student Visa -

This is the official student visa for international students who have been admitted to a German university and are ready to start their studies at a full-time university program.

- German Student Applicant Visa -

You need this visa if you require to be in Germany to apply for university admission. This visa doesn’t allow you to study in Germany. This is only valid for the university application process.

- German Language Course Visa -

You need this type of visa to study for a German language course in Germany.

If you have received your information about admission to university or a foundation course, you should apply for a student visa. Student visas are normally valid for three months. Within these three months, you will have to apply for an extended residence permit at the Alien Registration Office in your university town.

In order to avail different opportunities for work after study in Germany, students need to apply before the residence permit for the duration of education in Germany expires. This means that candidates generally apply for a German residence permit in the final year of education in Germany

In fact, Germany’s liberal attitude towards incoming international student extends past graduation. Students are allowed to work during their studies, and regardless of their employment status, international graduates can continue to live and work in Germany for up to eighteen months after they finish.

EU Blue Card -

With this card, you can move around the various constituent EU countries and avail an even greater number of employment opportunities. The EU blue card for Germany is a residence title for specific purposes; it provides evidence for the legal stay of a citizen from a non-EU-country in an EU- member state for the purpose of working. The EU blue card is valid for the duration of the working contract but at the beginning, there is a maximum of 4 years. When receiving the EU blue card for the first time it is valid for a maximum of 4 years or for the time of the working contract plus 3 months.

Bringing family and dependents along spouses are given the same rights as the spouse is already in Germany. Therefore, if the spouse in Germany has the right to work, the spouse who comes to join him or her will also have that right. But also note that only work permit holders can apply for the dependent visas.

They will need these in order to convert visas into long-term residence permits in Germany. Whether your spouse will be allowed to work in Germany depends on your own status. However, after three years in Germany, your spouse will be able to apply for an unlimited work permit.