Have you always wanted to study in Germany? Well, we understand why! It really has it all: affordability, beauty, diversity, quality of education and work opportunities.
There are over 300 institutions of higher education and 220 of them have English-taught programs. With almost 400,000 international students there, you will barely feel alone or left out!
From requirements to scholarships, we created a complete guide to study in Germany. All the information you need is now in just one place! Let’s take a look at what you actually need to know:
Why Study Abroad in Germany – An Overview:
In this fantastic destination, you can get your degree for free at public institutions, it does not matter if you are from the EU or EEA!
However, keep in mind that you still have to pay an administrative fee or “Semesterbeitrag”, which is €300-€400 for the whole semester.
The only exception is that in the state of Baden-Württemberg, non-EU/EEA students have to pay a tuition fee of 3,000 EUR/year for.
Not only will you be able to pursue free education but also experience a reasonable cost of living compared to other Western European countries! The typical cost of living as a student in Germany would be €730 – €1,080 /month.
#1 Study in Germany – Admission Requirements
Before applying to universities, you need to check the requirements and ensure that you are qualified.
There is a database called DAAD, which you can use to check whether you meet the requirements for the degree program of your choice in Germany.
Generally, the requirements are as follows:
- A completed application form and motivation letter
- Copy of high school diploma or previous degree
- Translated overview of your grades and transcripts
- Copy of your passport and a passport photo
- Proof of language proficiency
- Proof of financial means. International students need to show that they have €10,332 per year to cover their expenses.
#2 English proficiency requirements to study in Germany:
- IELTS – Minimum score should be 6.5+ but some universities accept 6.0
- TOEFL – 79 -80
- GRE/GMAT (not mandatory for all universities) – 1100+ for GRE/ 500 for GMAT
#3 German Student Visa
If you are planning to stay in Germany for more than 3 months, you have to get both a student visa and a residence permit.
To apply for the appropriate German study visa, you have to visit the Embassy of Germany in your country. Check the official website to know the rules for your specific case.
This is a crucial part of the process! So, make sure you submit the visa application early, about 3 months before the start of your program. There’s also a visa interview, you need to schedule an appointment to meet with an officer.
The fee for a German student visa application is €75 and the processing time for a long-study visa may take from 6-12 weeks, while short-stay study visas are usually given within 15-30 days.
#4 How to Apply & Deadlines to Study in Germany
You can either apply directly on the university’s website or use the official website for international student admission, but keep in mind that not all universities use that.
Applications for winter enrolments need to be made by 15 July, and for summer enrolments by 15 January. But, the deadlines may vary between universities so be sure to carefully check the specific dates for your chosen course!
TIP: It’s best if you apply to more than one university to increase your chances of being admitted!
If possible, submit the application at least 6 weeks before the deadline to make sure you have time to deal with any unexpected issues such as missing documents.
You will get an answer about your application approximately one to two months after the deadline has passed.
#5 Work in Germany: While and After Studying
As an international student in Germany, you are allowed to work 240 half days or 120 full days per year, either during the semester or vacations, except if you find a job at the university or are taking a language/preparatory course. In this case, the rules can be distinct.
For co-ops or internships, if the work placement is mandatory and required by your program, then you can work more hours.
Good news: working in Germany after your studies is possible! Keep in mind that it can be easier to get a job if you speak German.
You can get 18 months of work visa in Germany after obtaining your degree from an institution there. In these 18 months, you can work as much as you like and take any kind of employment, however, it would be best to get experience in your field of study!
Here are the requirements for the work permit in Germany qualify for this permit:
- Prove that you completed a course of studies (university degree)
- Show proof of your health insurance coverage
- Proof of sufficient finances to cover your costs of living
#6 Scholarships in Germany – Where to find
The most common way to find scholarships in Germany would be through DAAD, a database where you can find a list of all scholarships available.
Check out the two popular scholarship programs as well:
- Heinrich Böll Foundation; scholarships to 1400 students of all subjects and nationalities.
- Deutschlandstipendium; financial support to high-achieving students from all over the world.
Ready to start organizing your trip to study in Germany? You’re getting closer to your dream!
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