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Study in Germany 2023

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Study in Germany

Why to Study in Germany as an International Student?

As an international student in Germany, you’ll gain far more than just the quality education German universities have to offer. Germany has always been an attractive place to study in, some of the main reasons for that are:

  • Most public universities in Germany offer tuition free education, so that foreign students don’t have to get in debt to get a degree and a high quality education.
  • World class education is offered by internationally recognized academic staff and highly skilled professionals in several disciplines, including science, engineering, medicine, law, business, and arts.
  • The cultural diversity will make you see the world differently and enable you to grow as a person, while creating long-lasting relationships with other students from all over the world.
  • You’ll practice speaking the German language (spoken by over 185 million people worldwide) by socializing with local friendly Germans and having real life conversations.
  • Endless opportunities in case you decide to stay in Germany after you graduate to live and work there.
Table of Contents

Available Languages to Study in Germany

Depending on the study programme you choose, there are three main study languages in Germany:

1. German only
2. English only
3. English and German

Living Costs for International Students in Germany

Before making the decision to go to Germany and pursue a degree, it is important to get informed about living costs and expenses. The cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable compared to other European countries.

Here are the essential monthly expenses for an average international student in Germany:

Category

Fees

Tuition Fees
None
Semester Contribution
€150 – €250 per semester
Accommodation
€350 – €500 per month
Public Transport
€80 per month
Study Materials
€30 per month
Food and Drink
€165 per month
Utilities and Bills
€215 per month
Entertainment
€68 per month
Health Insurance
€103 – €111 per month (public)
Clothing
€50 per month

Requirements for the Eligible Applicant to Study in Germany

  • Higher Education Entrance Qualification : To apply at university programs and college in Germany, you need a higher education entrance qualification known as ‘Abitur’  while for qualifications for a university of applied sciences, secondary school graduates receive what is known as ‘Fachhochschulreif’.
  • Free Short Preparatory Courses : Short preparatory courses are offered to international students, those who need recognition of an early education to enter university, and individuals in need of knowledge in a specific field related to their study programme. 
  • The short preparatory courses to study in Germany, include: Propaedeutic Courses, Test for Academic Studies (TestAS) and Foundation courses (“Studienkolleg”)
  • Proving Your German Language Proficiency : Most of the universities in Germany offer study programmes in German language, therefore, German language proficiency is needed to apply for studies in such programmes. But it is not mandatory for several international programmes, those who have English only study programmes. Some universities offer a combination of programmes of both German & English languages and for such cases both proficiency are necessary.
  • Proving Your English Language Proficiency : If you choose to apply to study in English only programmes in Germany, or English-German combined study programmes, proof of English language proficiency is required upon applying. The following are recognized examinations you need to qualify-
    • TOEFL
    • IELTS

General Requirements for University Admission in Germany

The generalized list of documents required to apply for university admission in Germany as an international student includes

  • Completed Application Form (Soft and Hard Copy)
  • Proof of Certified Copies of Certificates
    • University entrance qualification/school leaving certificates,
    • Official academic records or transcript,
    • Certificate (document showing the overall average grade achieved),
    • Diploma (document proofing the academic title achieved, e.g. “Bachelor”, “Master”),
    • Diploma supplement,
    • Language certificates, 20 Essential Guide to Studying in Germany For Free
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    • Certificate of applicant’s earlier educational background (educational, professional, extracurricular training, and so on)
    • Certificate of other volunteer activity.
      *Certificates ought to be translated by a registered translator and officially certified (notarized), in order to be acknowledged as eligible. *In order to be recognized as certified true copies, certificates must include:
    • Confirmation that the copy is identical with the original (Beglaubigungsvermerk),
    • Signature of the certifier,
    • Official seal stamped on the copy
  • Recognition of Earlier Qualifications
  • Proof of German Language Proficiency
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of GRE/GMAT Required Level of Test Results
  • Proof of Health Insurance Coverage
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
  • Passport Photo
  • Passport Copies
  • Motivation/Cover Letter
  • Recommendation/Reference Letter
  • Essay

When to Apply for Higher Education Sector in Germany?

The study calendar for Universities (Universitäten) 

  • Summer semester time: April to September (lectures begin: 15 April) 
  • Winter semester time: October to March (lectures begin: 15 October) 

For Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) 

  • Summer semester: March to August (lectures begin: 15 March) 
  • Winter semester: September to February (lectures begin: 15 September) 

Semester vacation/break (non-lecture period) 

  • Summer: end of July to September 
  • Winter: end of February to mid-April

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