Germany

Benefits to Study in Germany.

There are several reasons that make Germany the ideal country of study for international students:

⦁ Top-quality courses:

German universities are known for their high standard of education and students can be rest assured that they will be trained to meet the highest standard of academic excellence.

⦁ Less tuition cost:

Public universities or state-run universities do not charge native or international students any tuition fee, so students pay only a small fee towards administrative and service costs. Tuition fees are charged for non-consecutive Master’s degree courses. The amount of tuition fees varies individually.

⦁ Scholarships:

German universities offer several scholarships to deserving meritorious international students under the DAAD – the German Academic Exchange Service.

⦁ English mode of teaching:

Though Germany is not an English-speaking country, the universities do provide many programs that are taught in English.

⦁ Diversity:

Students come from all across the globe to study in Germany. As such, there is a rich, diverse culture in the country, and international students can rest assured that there is a place for everyone.

⦁ Safety:

Germany is known to be comparatively safer than other countries, and since the country maintains political-economic stability, it is an ideal place for international students. Moreover, Germany has one of the best health care systems in the world

⦁ Travel:

If traveling is something you like to do or something you’ve always had on your bucket list, then Germany is the perfect place. Your student ID, or your public transport pass which is usually included in your semester fees, allows you free usage of the public transport in your region. Moreover, as Germany is closely bordered by so many other European countries, it is cheaper and less time-consuming to travel for a weekend away to one of these beautiful countries.

⦁ 18 months Work visa:

For students who hail from countries outside of the EU, a period of 18 months after graduation is granted to them to find employment or prepare for further education. However, you will need to

apply to extend your residence permit if you wish to continue living in the country. Once you’ve found employment, you can apply for a German residence permit or an EU Blue Card.

Tuition fees at German universities

One of the most frequently asked questions among international students is whether it is true that studying in Germany is possible for free. Yes, indeed, many of the state-funded universities offer low or tuition-free programmes which include undergraduate and many of the master’s degree programmes. This applies to both German and international students.

Keep in mind that some of the administrative costs related to your studies will still apply, like the fee for the student union or the price of your transportation ticket. Altogether, those expenses usually do not go higher than € 250 – € 300 per semester.
Even though there are good chances for internationals to get a tuition-free spot at a German university, studying abroad requires a good level of financial security that needs to be proven to German authorities before you can come to study. For example, you will likely need to open a blocked account with €10,332 for a year of your studies in Germany.

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Germany?

Germans believe that education should be free to all, and not commercialized. Moreover, the attraction of free education encourages more Germans to opt for higher education, while also attracting the best minds from across the world to study in the country. The economic and social benefits of offering free education are huge, and as such, public/state-run universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees.

State financed universities in Germany do not charge a tuition fee for EU or non-EU students attending Bachelor’s programs or consecutive Master’s programs. A consecutive Master’s program builds on a previously completed bachelor’s program in the same field allowing students to deepen and broaden the knowledge and skills previously acquired.

You have to complete an undergraduate degree in a specified field to qualify for admission.

Non-consecutive Master’s programs means that the Bachelor’s degree is in a different field than the Master’s degree sought, e.g. MBA programs. Typically there is a tuition cost associated with Non-consecutive Master’s programs.

All programs will require students to pay a small fee for administration costs. While a majority of students attend state-run universities, there is also a minority who attend private colleges. The tuition at private universities is understandably higher, but the quality of education is the same.

Factors to consider while choosing Universities in Germany Choose your program:

Firstly, you need to decide what kind of program you are looking for. You will need to decide whether you are going for a more theory focused program or an applied practical program. You can narrow down your university choice by deciding between Universitäten, Fachhochschulen, and Kunst- und Musikhochschulen.

Application Requirements:

Once you’ve decided on the program, you need to check the application requirements. Many of the major courses in Germany have standard requirements across all universities, so you should check out what the requirements of your target program are. Also, due to the highly competitive environment, some German programs place restrictions on the number of students who can enroll. Make sure to check these details before applying to a program.

Scholarships:

German universities provide several scholarships for international students under the DAAD. Check which ones you are eligible for and apply. You could also check the university’s website for eligibility for scholarships.

Location:

Germany as a whole is a beautiful country. But of course, like most countries, some places are more populated than others. You might prefer studying in a major city like Munich or Hamburg with a large student population. Or maybe you prefer a small, tightly-knit town, Heidelberg, where it is easier to find affordable accommodation. Whichever you choose, don’t compromise on your preferred course of study.