Study in Germany

Undergraduate Studies

Students applying for an undergraduate course in Germany have to undertake a one - year bridge program. This is to compensate for 13 years of school education in Germany compared to 12 years in India. In order to be eligible for this bridging course, students from India are required to have an excellent academic record up to Senior Secondary Level (10 + 2) and must have basic knowledge of the German language (G III Level of Max Mueller Bhavans).

After completion of the bridge program, Indian students are required to pass an assessment test in order to get admission into a German institution for the equivalent of the Bachelor’s degree. Students who have successfully completed two years of undergraduate studies may get exempted from the assessment test. However, they have to prove their proficiency in the German language.

Postgraduate Courses

German universities have international courses leading to a Master's degree. Some courses begin with English as a medium of instruction. Students need an Indian undergraduate degree to qualify. Some universities also accept the three years Indian Bachelor’s degree.

PhD Courses

Like in many other countries international students must have a Master's Degree, and must have identified a professor in Germany who is willing to act as their doctoral guide.
Entrance Requirements

Admission to programmes in Germany are granted on the basis of previous academic record. However, for some management courses a GMAT is required, and some engineering programmes require a GRE score. You will need to check the requirements of the university you are applying to.

The IELTS /TOEFL is a standard test required for programmes that have English as a medium of instruction depending on the criteria of the particular University.

The filled applications have to be sent back to the university along with documents required to be attached. The attached documents must normally be authenticated copies of your certificates. You will also have to include authenticated copies of certificates confirming your knowledge of German, if required.

Intakes

The main intake offered by all Universities are:

Winter - September / October, Application Deadlines - from 15th Dec till 31st March
Summer - March / April, Application Deadlines - from 15th Aug till 31st January

Documents Required

1. All academic mark sheets, transcripts, consolidated marksheet, provisional & Degree certificates

2. English proficiency test Score card

3. Statement of purpose

4. Letter of Recommendations (should be in sealed and attested cover)

5. Updated resume

6. Extra-curricular certificates & language certification (German, French etc)

7. GMAT & GRE Score cards (optional)

8. Valid Passport copy

9. Passport size photograph

Please Note: All academic documents, IELTS-TOEFL & GRE-GMAT & passport-front & back should be Notary Attested.

Fees for studying and living in Germany vary depending on the level of study, the state in which the institution is located and whether the institution is public or private. There is generally no tuition fees in most of the universities, however some institutions charge a nominal fee of € 200 to 500 which are termed as social contribution.

Tuition Fee (EUR €)

Public Universities: EUR 1,000 per annum (approx.)
Private Universities: EUR 10,000 – 30,000 per annum (approx.)

Accommodation (EUR €)
EUR 6,000 per annum (approx.)

Other Living Expenses (EUR €)
EUR 6,000 per annum (approx.)

In order to fulfil the visa requirements, the students need to show proof that they have, or have access to, around € 8,040 per year for living expenses.

Student interested to take up full time study in Germany are required to apply for a student visa. It is initially granted for a period of three months. It has to be extended by the authorities in Germany within three months of your stay in Germany. Extension is given for one year at a time till the end of the course.

All International students must leave Germany on completion of the course of study. Students have to fulfil the following requirements before being granted a student visa.

Submit the following documents:

1. Completed Visa Application Form
2. Photographs
3. Visa Application Fee
4. Evidence of Admission
5. Proof of Adequate Financial Resources
6. Health Certificate
7. Academical Records
8. Evidence of English Language proficiency e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
9. Standardized Tests e.g., GMAT, GRE (optional)

The visa is issued when the student is assessed to be a genuine student, who intends to undertake further studies in Germany, abide by visa conditions, and depart on completion of the course. The student should convince the visa officer that his German language skills are adequate for the course he/she is undertaking. That the course is relevant to his/her current academic / professional status. That he/she will comply with visa conditions and leave Germany after completion of the course.

Processing of the visa may take up to eight to ten weeks.

Part - time employment 

A foreign student studying full time at a German institution, is allowed to work for a maximum of 120 days or 240 half-days in a year without having to obtain permission from employment authorities. However, foreign students working 120 days are not allowed to freelance or be self-employed.
Typically, a student wage varies from 5 – 10 Euros per hour i.e., Approx. 150 - 200 euro per week (Rs. 8,000 - Rs. 15,000).

Students could look out for part-time jobs by looking in the local newspapers and job shops as well as the Universities and Colleges career cells where information is available about vacancies. Please note that students are not guaranteed part time employment by the University.

Employment in Germany

Non-EU students are allowed to stay up to 1.5 years (18 months) after the completion of the study to search for a job.

Q. What is the quality of education in Germany?

A. The standard of teaching and research in German universities is ranked among one of the best institutions in the world. German Institutions are amongst the highest-ranking institutions in the world having a close competition with the Ivy League and other reputed British institutions.

Q. Can I study in English language at German varsities?

A. Of course, there are plenty of courses that are taught in English at German varsities. Several UG and PG courses are taught in English.
However, students who have excellent command over the German language may consider taking courses that are taught in German.

Q. Is it compulsory to learn German language to study in Germany?

A. Programs are exclusively taught in English. Therefore, German language skills are not a prerequisite for starting your studies. However, a good command of German will expand your advantage on the job market.

Q. Where can we get more information on education in Germany?

A. For more information, please visit the below websites:
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Website: www.daad.de 
German Embassy Website: http://www.germanembassy-india.org 

Other useful websites:
http://www.campus-germany.de  
http://www.research-in-germany.de  
http://www.summerschools-in-germany.de  
http://www.higher-education-compass.de  
http://www.university-ranking.de