Germany has steadily become one of the most popular study destinations for international students because it has high quality education, affordable tuition, and a strong job market after graduation.
So, if you are just starting to explore your options or you have already decided on a specific program, understanding the entire process of studying in Germany is essential. In this article we have broken down the entire process into 10 steps.
1. Why study in Germany?
When thinking about studying abroad, Germany stands out as one of the most attractive destinations, and for good reason.
Quality of education and world ranked universities
Germany is home to some of the world’s most respected universities like the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and many others which consistently rank high in global education charts.
Tuition free or low cost education at public universities
One of the most compelling reasons international students choose Germany is because of the low tuition cost or lack of it.
Most public universities in Germany offer tuition free education, even to international students. You may only need to pay a small semester contribution fee, which often covers public transport and administrative costs.
Strong international student support
German universities and cities are well equipped to support international students. There are orientation programs, language courses, student services and counseling.
There is a strong system in place to help you adapt and thrive, both academically and socially.
Opportunities for work and stay after graduation
Germany also offers excellent opportunities for international students after graduation. They can apply for an 18 month job seeking visa to find employment related to their field of study.
With a robust economy and a high demand for skilled professionals, many international students go on to build successful careers in Germany.
2. Understanding the German education system
Before applying to study in Germany, it is important to understand how the country’s education system is structured. Knowing the differences between types of institutions and academic formats will help you make informed choices about your study path.
Types of institutions
Germany has two main types of higher education institutions which are traditional universities (Universitäten) and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen).
Traditional universities focus more on theoretical knowledge and research. They are ideal if you plan to pursue academic careers or advanced studies like a PhD.
On the other hand, universities of applied sciences offer practice oriented programs and are better suited for students looking to enter the workforce quickly after graduation, especially in fields like engineering, business, social sciences, and technology.
Bachelor, Master, and PhD structures
Germany degrees are divided into three cycles.
Bachelor’s degree usually lasts 3–4 years and serves as the first academic qualification.
Master’s degree typically requires 1–2 years and builds on the knowledge gained during the bachelor’s program.
PhD (Doctorate) programs are research intensive and can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years, depending on the subject and institution.
Academic calendar
The academic year in Germany is divided into two semesters:
- Winter semester : October to March
- Summer semester (SoSe): April to September
Most degree programs start in the winter semester.
3. Choosing the right course and university
With numerous universities and thousands of programs available to choose from, it is essential to research carefully and make a choice that aligns best with your academic background and career aspirations.
Research programs on related platforms
Make use of a trusted platform like DAAD.de (German Academic Exchange Service) to begin your search. You can filter by field of study, language of instruction, and level of education to find programs that fit your needs.
4. Admission requirements
Before applying to any university in Germany, it is important to know the admission requirements. These vary depending on the level of study, the institution, and the language of instruction.
Academic qualifications
Your previous qualifications must be recognized as equivalent to the German system. For a bachelor’s program, this usually means completing a higher secondary certificate that matches the German Abitur. For a master’s program, a relevant undergraduate degree is required.
Language proficiency
If you have chosen a program that is taught in English, you will need to prove your language skills with a test like IELTS or TOEFL.
For German-taught programs, you must demonstrate proficiency in German with exams like TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Zertifikat, depending on the university’s requirements.
Other specific requirements by universities or courses
Some programs may require a motivation letter, CV, portfolio, or relevant work experience, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.
5. Application process
Applying to a German university involves a step by step process, and understanding the process early on will help you avoid delays or mistakes.
Many German universities use uni-assist, which is a centralized application platform that processes and evaluates international applications on behalf of member institutions. If your chosen university is part of uni-assist, you will need to create an account, upload your documents, and pay a processing fee.
However, not all universities use uni-assist. Some accept direct applications through their own online portals. It’s important to check each university’s website to know which method applies to your program of interest.
6. Securing a student visa
Once you have received your admission letter from a German university, the next major step is securing a student visa.
This process is just as important as your academic application, so it is vital to understand the requirements and follow all procedures carefully.
Visa requirements
To apply for the German student visa, you need to submit several essential documents, including:
- Proof of university admission
- Blocked account : You must show financial proof of at least €11,208 deposited into a blocked account in Germany to cover living expenses for one year ( Note: This is optional if you have a scholarship).
- Valid health insurance (public or private) covering your stay in Germany.
- Valid passport, visa application forms, biometric photos, and other personal documents as required by the embassy.
7. Financial planning and funding options
Studying in Germany may be more affordable than in many other countries in the world but careful financial planning is still essential.
Estimated cost of living in Germany
On the average, international students in Germany need around €934 to €1,100 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. Your monthly expenses will typically include rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and study materials.
Scholarships
Several scholarships are available to help ease the financial burden.
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): Offers scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies for international students.
- Erasmus+: Provides financial support for students coming from EU partner countries, particularly for exchange semesters.
- University specific scholarships: Many universities offer their own merit or need based funding which you can apply for directly through the institution.
Part-time job opportunities
International students in Germany are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year without requiring a separate work permit. Part-time jobs in cafes, shops, or university campuses are common, and many international students also find internships related to their field of study.
8. Accommodation
Finding a comfortable and affordable place to live is a key part of settling into student life in Germany. With many options available, it is important to understand what suits your budget and lifestyle best.
Finding student housing
Most international students in Germany live in one of the following housing types:
- Student dormitories: This is managed by student services organizations and are often the most affordable option.
- Private hostels: Some international students go for private student hostels
- Shared flats: A popular choice, especially among older students. Here, you rent a room in an apartment and share common spaces with others.
9. Arrival and integration in Germany
Once you have landed in Germany, there are a few important steps you must take to settle in smoothly. These administrative tasks and orientation activities are essential for staying legally compliant and adjusting to your new environment.
Registering your address (Anmeldung)
Within the first two weeks of moving into your accommodation in Germany, you must register your address at the local resident’s registration office.
This process is called Anmeldung, and it’s mandatory for all residents in Germany. You will need your rental contract and a confirmation form from your landlord. Without this step, you won’t be able to open a bank account or apply for your residence permit.
Opening a bank account
To manage your finances in Germany, you will need a local German bank account. You can choose between traditional banks (like Deutsche Bank or Sparkasse) and online banks (like N26 or Commerzbank).
A German bank account is also necessary for paying rent, receiving salary from part time jobs, or accessing funds from your blocked account.
Getting a residence permit
If your stay in Germany will exceed 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). This should be done soon after you register your house address.
The permit is usually issued for the duration of your studies and must be renewed before it expires.
Orientation programs for international students
Most universities offer orientation programs to help international students adjust to academic and everyday life in Germany. These programs introduce you to university services, course registration, campus facilities, and even social activities.
Participating in these events is a great way to meet new people and become familiar with your new environment.
10. Post study opportunities
Germany not only offers world class education but also provides generous post study options for international students who wish to kickstart their careers in the country.
18 month job seeking visa
After completing your studies as an international student, you can apply for an 18 month job seeking residence permit, allowing you to stay in Germany while you look for a job that matches your qualifications.
During this period, you are allowed to work in any job to support yourself, even if it’s not related to your field of study.
Working in Germany after graduation
Once you find a job relevant to your degree, you can switch from the job seeking visa to a residence permit for employment.
Germany has a strong labour market, especially in fields like engineering, IT, healthcare, finance, and research.
Blue card and permanent residency options
If your job meets certain criteria, such as a minimum annual salary threshold you may be eligible for the EU Blue Card, a work and residence permit for highly skilled non EU nationals.
Holding a Blue Card can speed up your path to permanent residency. In many cases, you may be eligible for permanent residence after 33 months, or even 21 months if you meet language proficiency requirements.
Conclusion
Studying in Germany offers more than just a world class education, it is also a gateway to global opportunities
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