Study in Germany

Higher Education Structure in Germany

Study In Germany

Germany is home to over 350,000 international students, making it the most well-liked non-English-speaking study destination in the world. Over 13 of Germany's top universities rank among the top 250 prestigious universities in the world, and the nation has solidified its position as one of the top 5 study-abroad destinations for international students.

After Canada, the UK, and the USA, the country has established itself as the ideal overseas location for applicants from abroad thanks to its 20,000 courses on a curriculum with a stellar reputation around the world and extremely low tuition rates. China is followed in terms of sending countries by India (6.1%), which is sending students abroad to Germany. The Economic Times reports that the number of international students in Germany has increased from 64,000 in 2020–2021 to 72,000 and most recently to 80,000 in the winter semester of 2021–2022.

Germany has established itself as a world power in the twenty-first century and has the fourth-largest GDP at the moment. This raises points in its favor when it comes to looking for employment opportunities after graduation, which is also demonstrated by its high employment rate of almost 80%. Aside from this, the country is looking more and more promising for international students who want to study in Germany due to the gradual decline in unemployment over the past ten years.

The Perks of Studying in Germany

Germany holds out a lot of promise for people all over the world, offering everything from internationally renowned universities to almost free undergraduate education. One of the draws for foreign students looking to study in the country is the abundance of student support services, scholarships, and thousands of different programs. A few of the benefits of studying in Germany are mentioned below.

  • Most educational institutions don't charge tuition. A small administrative fee of 250 EUR (roughly 20,930 INR) per semester is charged to students.
  • In Germany, there are more than 400 higher education institutions, and 150 of them offer programs and degrees in English. There are about 30 German universities among the top 500 worldwide.
  • In comparison to other countries in Europe, Germany has a very affordable cost of living, ranging from 841 to 1,287 EUR per month.
  • The lowest in all of Europe, its graduate unemployment rate is 5.4%. After receiving their degrees, almost 77% of the graduates land a job in Germany within a few months.

Higher Education Framework in Germany

Under the Basic Law, universities have the freedom to independently oversee their activities related to teaching, research, and scholarship administration. These institutions are required to work with Lander's ministry on administrative matters, such as academic and governmental matters. 

Higher education is offered at German universities, which offer a variety of study options. A limited number of study courses, such as those in the natural and engineering sciences, theology, pedagogy, or similar, are offered by institutions that are comparable to universities.

Diploma Programs

A Diplom degree, such as a Diploma in Psychology or Engineering, is awarded to students who successfully complete certain German study courses by taking a Diploma examination on a single study subject. Typically, the phrase "FH" is included on a diploma that was issued by an Applied Sciences University. The University of Applied Sciences awards diplomas that are equivalent to bachelor's degrees.

Bachelor Programs

The Bachelor degree is the first degree awarded by a German higher education institution. Six semesters, or three full academic years, make up the typical study period, or "Regelstudienzeit," for a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degree programs at universities of applied sciences last six to seven semesters and also incorporate practical training. These courses typically last eight semesters, or four academic years, in German art and music colleges. They are offered at professional academies for three academic years. The 2-year program for a bachelor's degree at a Fachschule.

Master Programs

The master's degree is Germany's second highest level of education. In a German master's degree program, studies are finished in two to four semesters. This period typically lasts four semesters at universities and other comparable institutions, as well as music and art colleges. This spans three to four semesters at Fachhochschulen.

Students must earn 300 ECTS credit points for their master's degree, including the points from their undergraduate degree. A student who has a Bachelor's degree as their previous credential must obtain 360 ECTS points in order to complete a Master's degree.

Doctoral Programs

The PHD degree is the third higher education credential in Germany. The best candidates for the program are accepted, and it is offered in collaboration with non-university research institutes at German universities and other institutions that are comparable. Since doctoral studies are a more in-depth and personalized specialization, there is no set amount of time required to complete them.

Popular disciplines and courses available in Germany

As time goes on, more and more nations are welcoming foreign students in an effort to improve the quality of education there and grow the international student population. Germany, however, is one of the nations that adheres to its commitment to providing top-notch educational courses and programs as time goes on. Germany continues to draw a large number of powerful foreign talent even today, transforming it into a center for gifted international students with top-notch programs that strengthen their academic and research capabilities. The top programs to enroll in in Germany to increase your opportunities on the international market are as follows:

Mathematics and Computer ScienceArchitecturePhilosophy and the Humanities
Business and economicsLawIndustrial Engineering
PsychologyMedicine and DentistryCommerce
Natural SciencesMechanical EngineeringAccounting
DesignPerforming ArtsNursing
ScienceMusicFine Arts
Mass CommunicationSocial WorkInformation Technology
Natural Sciences  

Popular Cities in Germany with the Best Universities

Anywhere you choose to study in Germany will undoubtedly give you the tools you need for success as well as a memorable experience. This is due to the fact that Germany is renowned for both its top-notch universities and its advanced economy. It will always be popular because people travel there to study, work, and start new lives for themselves. A few of the top cities in Germany are mentioned below, along with the reasons to study there.

Name of the CityReasons to study there
MunichMunich is an added bonus for international students because it is home to two of Germany's top universities, Ludwig Maximilian University and Technical University of Munich.
BerlinThere are about 20 private, professional, and technical universities in Berlin, with five major public universities. Some of the best business schools in the world are located in Berlin. The vast array of degree programs and courses available to students allows them to tailor their education to their interests. They also have access to some of the top academics in their fields.
FrankfurtThe high caliber of instruction provided by Frankfurt's esteemed universities is ideal for the bright, young minds who want to learn as much as possible.
StuttgartThis city provides students with the best environment for learning and career advancement because it is one of the most robust industrial areas. This is especially true for those studying engineering. You've probably heard about its renowned universities, which provide students with the hands-on and academic training they need to succeed.
DresdenThere are top-notch universities in Dresden that provide ideal learning environments and opportunities for advancement. Students have the opportunity to acquire their theoretical knowledge and practical skills at the prestigious Dresden universities. Students have many opportunities to intern at various modern technology businesses in Dresden, where they can put their skills to good use.
AachenUniversities in Aachen are renowned for providing excellent education and high standards of scholarship. Students who are interested in the study of science and technology should consider visiting this city as a major hub. Aachen is home to the RWTH Aachen University, one of the most esteemed institutions of higher learning. 
HamburgNumerous prestigious universities with thousands of students from around the world attending them can be found in Hamburg. In essence, Hamburg offers degree programs in almost any field of study, including social sciences, the arts, music, engineering, and design. Modern facilities and equipment are provided by universities, and top-notch professors and instructors help students develop their skills.

Average Monthly Expenses in Germany for International Students

When studying in Germany, you can anticipate receiving a top-notch education. It is even free at the majority of universities. That's right, the majority of schools provide their education entirely free of charge, regardless of where you live in the world. Of course, there are a few exceptions, primarily private schools or study programs for students who have had professional experience. It's a good idea to know that if you choose to continue living and working in Germany after graduating, you can frequently deduct previous tuition costs from your taxable income.

Comparing Germany to other Western European countries, living expenses are relatively low. 800 euros a month on average is enough to support students. Although they are in no way comparable to cities like Paris or London, rents in some major cities, like Hamburg or Munich, can be expensive, especially if you have some flexibility in where you want to live.

Students’ Visa Requirement

Obtaining a residence permit or a German study visa is necessary if you plan to study in Germany for longer than 90 days. An educational visa from Germany costs €75. In the event that all of your documents are in order, the processing time may last up to 25 days. It happens frequently that applicants must submit more or different documents. In such situations, the Germany Student Visa processing time may increase to 12 weeks. The duration of a student's residence permit is no longer than two years. In the event that the course lasts longer than the allotted two years, it must be renewed.

Here is the list of documents students need to have to apply for a student visa in Germany.

You must physically apply for your German student visa. The cost of a visa is €75 and must be paid in INR. Additionally, you need to submit two sets of application materials that include the following files:

  • Authentic passport
  • A4-size photocopy of the information page from your passport
  • Form of application 
  • A statement confirming the accuracy and completeness of the information provided
  • APS Certificate: Required starting in November 2022
  • The purpose of your visa application is explained in the cover letter. You might be asked to provide a translation of this document into German.
  • Admission letter from a German university
  • Certificates and transcripts from the university, including mark sheets and degree certificates
  • German language test results as evidence of language proficiency. Candidates for PhD programs and recipients of Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are exempt from this restriction.
  • Evidence of financial capability
  • 3 passport photos that meet biometric requirements and are no older than six months
  • Request for Payment of the Student Visa Fee
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For international students to enroll in German universities, they must be fluent in either English or German, or both. IELTS score of 6.5 and a TOEFL score between 69 and 80 are requirements for study in Germany.

In Germany, the most sought-after courses are Power Engineering, Management and Technology, International Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics, and Optical Technologies.

Germans believe that education should not be made into a business, so there are no or very low tuition costs in German educational institutions.

Two academic terms—winter and summer—are offered for admission at universities in Germany. The deadline for winter applications is July 15, while the deadline for summer applications is January 15.

Software developers, programmers, electronics engineers, nurses, and IT consultants are among those with the highest demand for employment in Germany.

The application procedure is not simple. To get help with college admissions, however, you can speak with one of our Shiksha Study Abroad counselors. It is crucial to have all the paperwork ready for the university admission letter. It's crucial to have enough money in your Blocked Account for the German Student Visa (a little bit more than required, but not enough that bank fees won't be taken out).