Study in Germany : Education System, Courses & Eligibility Criteria

study in germany

Study In Germany : Germany, also popularly known as Deutschland, has a rich history with vibrant cities, picturesque countryside, amazing culture and a country dotted with palaces and abbeys. The country has had a wild past and has dramatically impacted the international politics and history. The country is rich of beautiful heritage sites through its stunning cities and gorgeous countryside. If not anything else, its beauty alone can be an excellent reason to study in Germany!

 

If you are planning to pursue your higher education abroad, then Germany is definitely a great choice! The large number of international students in Germany is a proof that the country is an obvious choice for higher education across the world. Study in Germany for international students is highly recommended, thanks to the array of opportunities that follow after pursuing studies in the country.
The universities in Germany have strong ties with its enormous industrial and corporate world, offering promising career opportunities to its alumnus.

A reputed destination for science & research, Germany’s education system offers state of the art institutions, which are mainly divided into universities, colleges of art and music and universities of applied sciences. Although a wide majority of universities are state-owned and financed, there are also a number of top universities managed by churches and private institutions that are officially recognized by the state.

Quick Points to Note Before Applying for Study Abroad in Germany

Capital: Berlin

Major Cities to Study in Germany

  • Frankfurt
  • Berlin
  • Munich
  • Cologne
  • Hamburg

Time Zone: 3.5 hours behind India
Currency: Euro (€)
Language Spoken: German

Living in Germany can be a great experience in itself, here are few tips for studying in Germany

Study in germany

Study in Germany for Indian students

  • As majority of German universities are state-owned, they charge no or very low tuition fees! This is the reason why higher studies in Germany for Indian students are highly recommended. In addition, the state also offers many scholarships and aid to meritorious students. With more than 4000 Indian students already studying in Germany, you might just feel at home!

    The prime concern for Indian students willing to study abroad is the future prospects. Germany is known for its strong economic system, great corporations that dominate the technological world and excellent quality of life.

     

    Here are top reasons why we recommend education in Germany for Indian students:

    Affordability: Germany’s public universities offer education at no tuition fee. Considering that students can also work while they study, Germany becomes one of the most inexpensive countries to study for Indian students.

    Flexible payment plans: While the private universities in Germany do not offer free education for Indian students in Germany, most of them offer flexible payment plans. Students can hence earn while they learn and make up for the fees while they are studying.

    Favorable Visa Policy:  The rejection rate for Indian students wanting to study in Germany is quite low. Indian students can easily get a work-permit post their studies in Germany. The process is simple and inviting and getting a German Visa is not very intricate, unlike the United States or UK.

    Closer to home: Being in Europe, Germany is much closer to home, with standard flight duration of 10 hours. As compared to other countries, Germany is closer to home!

    Language not a barrier: Although German is primarily spoken in the country, most universities offer extensive programs in English. It is recommended to learn basic conversational German but it is not a prerequisite to study in Germany.

    Read: Why Germany as a study destination? 5 reasons!

    Check out this video to have more information on Germany:

    Watch how studying in Germany has opened up new horizons for six students from India, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Russia, Colombia and Great Britain:

Education System in Germany

Kindergarten is the beginning of education, for kids between 3 to 6 years of age. School attendance after this is mandatory for a period of 9 years. Primary education lasts for 4 to 6 years. Secondary education is known as Gesamtschule.

The higher studies in Germany are available in its universities, known as Universitäten. There are two types of universities for higher education in Germany– public and private.

There are over 300 state-regulated universities, around 150 Universities of Applied Science and over 50 colleges of art, film and music. You have a choice of a wide variety of courses offered in the state-of-the-art universities in Germany. Although over 500 international degree programs use English as a medium of instruction, you can even opt for learning German language by enrolling yourself in German Language Courses at the University free of charge.

The education in Germany offers a choice between universities, colleges of art and music and universities of applied sciences. Whereas varsities stress on research and science, the universities offering Applied Sciences focus more on practical approach aimed towards professional competence. On the other hand, colleges of art and music provide courses in the creative and visual arts along with music and performing arts.

Further Reading:  German Education System – An Overview

Top universities in Germany

Germany has many highly acclaimed universities that are attended by several Indian students. Check out the list of top five universities that you can enroll at in Germany –

  1. Technische Universität München
  2. Ludwig Maximilians – Universität München
  3. Ruprecht Karls – Universität Heidelburg
  4. KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
  5. Humboldt Universität zu Berlin

Types of Courses/Degrees for Studying in Germany

From degrees to diplomas to certifications, there’s a plethora of courses in Germany for international students.

Let’s have a look at those in detail:

Bachelor Degrees in Germany

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Engg)

Subjects: Electrical engineering, Innovative engineering, Civil engineering, Precision engineering, Materials engineering

Bachelor in Arts (BA)

Subjects: International business, tourism, photography, international hotel management, economics and business administration

Bachelor in Science (BSc)

Subjects: Marketing, Business and management studies, digital business and data science, auditing and consulting, mechanical engineering, applied chemistry, textile and clothing management and other sciences.

Post Graduation in Germany

Postgraduate studies in Germany are very popular among the international students, thanks to the bright career opportunities that open up post the studies.

Master of Engineering (M.Eng)

Masters of Engineering in Germany subjects: Aeronautical management, electrical engineering and embedded systems, design and development of mechanical engineering, architecture, electrical technologies, civil engineering international students.

Masters of Science (MSc)

Masters of Science in Germany subjects: Finance, Data analytics and Data design, Supply chain management and engineering, Photonics, International Marketing, Data engineering

Master in Business Administration (MBA)

One of the most-vouched for program for postgraduate studies in Germany, MBA in Germany is available as a 1-year, 2-year, executive and online program. Students can choose from variety of specializations like Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship Management and Human Resources.

Doctorate Degree in Germany

Doctoral degrees are available for various field including Social science, molecular science, geography, systems neuroscience, international development studies, and mathematical science.

Check out the list of programs to study abroad in Germany

 

Exams to Study for Masters in Germany

Depending on the program and the university you choose, there are different qualifying exams to study in Germany. These exams generally include an aptitude test and a language test. Few universities also require a valid score on a specialized test for education in Germany for international students. This test is conducted at the university level and differs from university to university. Few universities also demand a qualifying test in German language.

The most popular exams for students looking to study in Germany are as follows:

GMAT

TOEFL

Further Reading: Germany – List of Exams

Application Process for Study Abroad in Germany

The application process can get overwhelming, especially if you have to apply for multiple universities with varied requirements. The requirements for applying in Germany differ for EU and non-EU students and so do the deadlines for winter and summer terms. The process of pursuing higher education in Germany for Indian students can be quite tedious, given that the grading system for two countries is not similar.

Read in detail:  How to apply for a University in Germany

Cost of Studying in Germany

One of the best things about higher education in Germany is its no to low tuition fees. Most of the universities in Germany belong to the state hence they offer free or minimal fee for studies. One has to pay only administrative fees each year. If the student manages to secure a position in any of the public university, study in Germany is free for Indian students, just like students from other part of the world. Students just have to pay a nominal semester fee (around 250 to 500 Euros) per semester.

Further Reading: Cost of Study in Germany

There’s an option to study and work in Germany for international students.  The study visa in Germany allows you to work for 90 days or 180 half days in a year. You can also stay in Germany for a year after your graduation to find a job and if you are successful, you can even get a permanent residence permit!

Further Reading: How to get a Job in Germany- Working While Studying in Germany

There are also few scholarships available for Indian students willing to study in Germany. These can be full or partial scholarships and are awarded to meritorious students based on their academic records, university and course selected and the strength of their scholarship essay.

Read more: Scholarships for Studying Abroad in Germany

 

Visa Process to Study in Germany

TASK

WHEN TO START

Choosing a program for studying in Germany

At least 18 months before the actual program commence date

Appearing for qualifying exams like GMAT/TOEFL

At least 12 months before the actual program  commence date

Gathering necessary documents

At least 15 days before you start applying

Applying for universities with scores and other documents

At least 6 months before the actual commence date

Applying for scholarships

As soon as you receive admission confirmation

Applying for Visa

At least 3 months before the actual commence date

Booking a flight

 

As soon as you get an appropriate Visa

Finding a student job/internship

 

As soon as you get an appropriate Visa

Looking for accommodation

 

At least 1.5 months before you reach Germany

Refer the following links for more information on higher education in Germany:

Important German Terms

Higher Education Institutions of Germany

Do’s and Dont’s in Germany

Grading System in German Universities

Accommodation for Students in Germany

FAQs

Check out the Timeline of application process to study in Germany:

Study-in-Germany-timeline

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