One of the largest European countries, Germany – frames a vast variety of landscapes in its tall mountains, green hills, sandy and dry plains, and agricultural pastures. Not only does Germany bestow the world with its uniqueness, it, over the years has developed a robust and superior educational system.

Why study in Germany?

Germany is one of the best countries for education. Over 13 per cent of students from around the globe study in Germany, making it the fourth most attractive study destination for international students. More than 25,000 Indian students study in Germany in the period of 2019-2020.

German education focuses on providing excellent teaching and research. International students can earn highly valued German degrees over a wide variety of courses.

Universities in Germany

Universities in Germany are constantly ranked among the best in the world, and are synonymous to elevated levels of teaching and research. 46 German universities feature in the QS World University Ranking, and of these, 12 universities are ranked in the top 200.

Mentioned is a list of universities Envision Overseas has partnered with-

• Berlin School of Business and Innovation
• Colonge Business School
• EU Business School
• IUBH University of Applied Science
• Lancaster University, Leipzig

Top Courses for Indian Students

Popular courses among Indian students in Germany are –

• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Law
• Economics
• Social Sciences

8 universities of Germany are placed in the QS top 200 for engineering; 10 universities feature in the QS top 200 for mathematics; 15 universities feature in the QS top 200 for natural sciences; 10 universities feature in the QS top 200 for Law and Legal Studies; 9 universities feature in the QS top 200 for Economics; and 6 universities feature in the QS top 200 for mathematics.

Career Outlook

An Indian student is qualified to work in Germany while studying, with consented 120 full work days and 240 half work days per year. A student working as a research assistant or a student assistant is not subjected to a limited number or days or hours.

If a student takes up an internship outside their course – whether paid or unpaid, the number of days spent working as an intern are deducted from the permissible 120 days. However, courses coupled with mandatory internships are not limit bound.

A student from any other country other than any of the European countries cannot to be employed as a freelancer or be self-employed.

Earning potential as an Indian student

An International student has the potential to earn a tax-free sum of €450 per month. An amount exceeding €450 stands liable for tax deduction.

Working in Germany after studies

Finding a job in Germany requires a student to invest their efforts while studying. Knowledge of the German language is necessary to find jobs.

Non-EU students with the desire to work in Germany after completing their graduation can extend their residency permit by 18 months. The student can take up any employment to sustain them during this period, and work without restrained limits.

EU Blue Card

After receiving a job in the desire profile and field of study, the student may apply for a German residence permit or EU Blue Card.

To be eligible for an EU Blue Card the students must be offered a remuneration of at least €53,000 or €41,808 in the fields of mathematics, engineering, physicians, natural scientists and technicians.

Permanent Residence

A candidate can apply for a permanent residency in 2 years from receiving their EU Blue Card.   

Cost of Studying in Germany    

Public Universities

Undergraduate study in Germany entails no cost. Indian students can study at a bachelor’s level with German Public Universities with no fees, much like their German peers. Though education is free, a student has to incur not over €250 for per-semester enrolment, administration, and confirmation.

If the student exceeds the standard study period by 4semisters, they could face fee charges of up to €500 per semester.

Semesterticket – A student would additionally have to pay for a Semesterticket. Public transport expenses are covered for six months with a Semesterticket, however, depending on the nature of the purchased Semesterticket prices may vary.

Private Universities

Private universities use tuition fees to sustain. An international student may pay over €20,000 a year for pursuing a bachelor’s course.

Master’s program

At public institutions consecutive master programs are cost free. The term consecutive applies to a program from a related bachelor’s degree from Germany.

Non-consecutive students pursuing masters degrees at a Public Germany University may pay around €20,000, while at private university the tuition fee could add up to €30,000 per year.

All German universities offer free doctoral tuition for a maximum of six semesters. Ph.D. students must pay €250 for administrative expenses.

Scholarships for International students

Germany’s Academic Exchange Service or the DAAD provides scholarships to international as well as German students to be able to fund their education and living in Germany.

There are 87 scholarships that can be availed as an Indian student deciding to pursue study in Germany. Visiting the DAAD website will help filter the program, level of study, and subject for which scholarship are intended.

Cost of Living in Germany

Average living cost for an Indian student in Germany is €10,200. The cost varies significantly in more expensive areas around Germany; a student living in Munich may spend on an average €12,000.

Accommodation

Living in a shared flat is a fairly cheaper alternative; an international student can spend €280 on an average for an accommodation of this nature.

The average monthly expenditure for a student residing in a student hall is €234.

 Other living expenses

 Other miscellaneous expenses a student has to incur while staying in Germany are –    

• €168 for food
• €42 for clothes
• €94 for transport
• €31 for telephone, internet and TV license
• €20 for work/study materials
• €61 for leisure activities

Note: the cost mentioned sourced from DAAD

Education System on Germany

Secondary education in Germany focuses on engaging students intellectually, shapes them to be independent decision makers, and socially responsible citizens.

Education bodies at the level of secondary education prepare students for university entrance qualification. With this qualification a student can apply for further studies with a higher education institution in Germany, or may pursue professional education and training.

Tertiary Education is provided to students that have secured qualifications in levels of secondary education in Germany or globally; deeming them fit to pursue higher education through the German education system.

Education providers in Germany that exemplify higher education are –

• Universities “Universitäten” and Equal Institutions.
• “Technische Hochschulen”/”Technische Universitäten”.
• “Pädagogische Hochschulen”.
• Theological colleges.
• Universities of Applied Sciences “Fachhochschulen”.
• Art and Music Colleges.
• Higher Education Institutions for Federal Armed Forces.
• Higher Education Institutions Offering Dual Studies “Berufsakademie” (BA).
• “Fachschulen” and “Fachakademien” are continuing vocational education institutions located in Berlin.

Higher Education Degrees in Germany

·        Bachelor Degree is the first Higher Education Qualification in Germany and typically included 3 academic years

• Universities of Applied Sciences – offers Bachelor studies over a period of 3 years with practical work
• German Colleges of Art and Music – offers degrees over a period of 4 academic years
• Professional Academies – offers degrees over a period of 3 academic  years
• Fachschulen Bachelor degree – offers degrees over a period of 2 years

Second German Higher Education Qualification

• Master degree – Denotes second level of German higher education, which includes 2 -4 semesters.
• Universities and equal institutions  – Impart degrees after 4 semesters of academic studies
• Colleges of art and music – Impart degrees after 4 semesters of academic studies
• Fachhochschulen – Students earn their degrees after completing 3 to 4 semesters.

Higher Education in Germany other than bachelors and master programs

·        Diplom

·        Magister

·        Staatsprüfung – State Examination

·       Additional and Follow-Up Study Courses for Postgraduate Students

·        Colleges of Art and Music

Third German Higher Education Qualification

PhD Degree – is the third level of higher education in Germany. There is no period set for the completion of a Doctorate program.

Visa Application in Germany

An international student can get a student visa, if they have received a letter of admission from any Universities of Germany or any institution that is equally recognised. A candidate with a student visa can take up a full-time course or a foundation course in Germany.

Courses that an International student can take with a German student visa

• Full-time academic studies
• German language courses for studies
• State preparatory college ‘Studienkolleg’
• Propaedeutic course
• Mandatory preliminary internship

Other Visa requirements include

• Students are required to share their certificates of earlier education
• Health insurance coverage of up to €30,000 and valid up to 3 months
• A letter motivating a student to enrol in the university
• Visa payment proof
• Proof of English language proficiency

Do’s and Don’ts with a student visa

• A student can apply for a student resident permit, if they haven’t completed their studies during the validity of their visa.
• A student can work for 120 days if they have a student visa. This holds true for jobs taken up in the academic institution.
• Residence permit for jobs after graduation is awarded to students that have successfully completed studies in Germany. A student can stay in Germany and search for a job over a period of 6 months. During this time a student may get a temporary job while pursuing permanent job opportunities.

With a German student visa an international student cannot

• A student cannot take a job that engages them for 240 working days a year.
• A student should not neglect their class room sessions, falling which they may stand the risk of having their visa cancelled.

Validity of the German student Visa

• A German student visa is valid for 3 months, during this period a student may apply for a residence permit.
• The permit is valid for a 2 years; a student may apply for an extension to their existing residence permit depending on their period of study.