Study in Germany

What English Level do I need to study in Germany
Since the medium of instruction in most German institutions is English, proficiency in German language is not a necessary criterion for admission decisions to be made. However, a student is expected to show his proficiency in the German language for better living. It is imperative that students have at least a basic knowledge of German. Most German Universities do not expect TOEFL, IELTS or GRE scores. Some universities that offer International degree programs in English might expect a TOEFL/IELTS score, but even that is usually waived if the student’s education has been in English language. Some of the Management schools may ask for a GMAT score. Even in schools where it is not asked, a student with a GMAT score will be given preference over one who has not given the test, provided the score is a good one.

Do I need a visa to study in Germany?

"Student who want to pursue a full time study program in Germany have to apply for a student visa at German Embassy or the Consulate General. Students Visa for Germany is initially granted for three-month duration. The Visa is further extended by the authorities in Germany within three months of their stay in the country. According to the immigration laws in Germany, it is compulsory to get a student’s Visa. In order to apply for a Students Visa for studying in Germany, students have to furnish a number of important documents and submit it along with their application form at the Consulate General or German Embassy. Here is a list of the important documents required for students Visa for Germany.

Students are required to have a valid passport along with 2 passport photographs
Students have to furnish proof of possession of a school leaving certificate, i.e. A-level certificate, permitting them to study in Germany.
Students have to have proof that that they possess German-language skills or that that intend to attend a language course in Germany
Students also must have proof of adequate financial resources to sponsor their study and accommodation fees.
Financial proof (approx. INR 350,000)
Application fee (INR 1,100)
Original degree certificates
Finally students also require a health certificate to prove that they are medically fit."

Where can I find scholarships in Germany?

"Germany offers several wonderful opportunities to build strong academic backgrounds to students from across the world. There are many organizations that offer financial support in the form of scholarships in Germany. The magic phrase in Germany is 'promotion of talent' and here ""talent"" doesn't have to be restricted by boundaries of intelligence or exceptional athleticism. In Germany you will find several government as well as non-government organizations that have set up several schemes so that even foreign students can qualify for educational grants in Germany. The eminent foundations that offer scholarships in Germany expect the recipients to be thoroughly devoted towards making correct use of their financial aids. A list of the most reputed scholarship foundations of Germany is given below-

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
Heinrich Boll Foundation
Friedrich Ebert Foundation
Fulbright Commission
Friedrich Naumann Foundation
Otto Benecke Foundation
Hans Bockler Foundation
Hanns Seidel Foundation
Konrad Adenauer Foundation

Are there public and private universities in Germany ? And German degrees recognised in India?

Most universities and colleges in Germany are public, i.e. they receive funding from the federal government. Some are also financed by the Protestant or Catholic Church. In addition to these subsidised institutions, there are now more than 80 private universities and colleges which confer officially recognised degrees. A majority of these are universities of applied sciences. Most students in Germany are enrolled at public universities. Only three percent of all students attend a private institution, perhaps due to the fact that private colleges and universities tend to charge high tuition fees. The quality of instruction at both types of universities, however, is comparably high. The German system of higher education is quite different from the Indian system. At a German university you can study for one of the degrees (UG, PG or PhD), the level varying according to the disciplines. Many German universities confer Bachelor's and Master's degrees that are internationally recognised. Prior to enrolment at a German institution of higher education you are advised to find out from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) whether and which of these degrees are recognised in India.

Can I work while I am studying? Also should I stay in Germany after my studies?

As you are a full-time student you are allowed to work part-time for 90 days or 180 half days in one year without a work permit. However, you have to contact the respective employment office, which cites and states the necessary conditions. However the nature and type of job may vary. If you are a DAAD scholarship holder and would like to earn some extra money besides studying, you need to get permission from the DAAD first. As a university graduate you can, after completing your studies, remain in the country for a further year to look for a job. A residence permit issued for the purpose of studying can, after a job has been found, be converted into a residence permit for taking up gainful employment. The residence permit which enables you to take up a job may be issued for up to 5 years.



How much does it cost to study in Germany? Are there tuition fees in Germany?


"Almost all higher education institutions are funded by Federal and State Legislations. German and international students who study in Germany are not charged tuition fees. However, there are some private institutions of higher education and some state institutions offering courses for which fees are charged. The cost of living which includes rent, food, clothing, laundry, personal hygiene, travel, study materials and other expenses like health insurance, telephone and leisure activities is approximately EUR 650 per month. If you study in former West Germany you should estimate about EUR 700 per month. In the new Federal States (former East Germany) it is generally less expensive. There you will need only about EUR 600 per month.

However, do not intend to finance your studies by planning to work part-time in Germany. A student visa is not a work permit, and studying in a foreign country itself is a very demanding task, so there will be little time left for working.

Please note that the above figures are average calculations and the actual costs may differ depending on situations and circumstances prevailing in different cities and your standard of living."

How do I apply to an institution in Germany?

"Your first point of contact should be the International Office DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)of your chosen university. The staff there will be able to tell you everything you need to know about procedures, dates and deadlines, requirements, and the papers and documents that you need to submit. In general you need to take the following steps:

1. search the programme you are interested in
For this you can use the universities websites or for more detailed information’s also you can contact the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
2. contact the institution
send an e-mail to the contact address in the database to ask them all your questions and doubts about the programme; and ask them for a list of documents required for your admission.
3. collect all required documents
you will need to gather all documents required by the university. Some of these must be written by yourself (Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose) and some Recommendations are expected to be from your professors, lecturers or employers. All documents must be in English or translated in English.
4. application
Some institutions accept online applications. Please complete the whole online procedure before sending anything by post."

What are the degrees offered by German institutions of higher education? And What is the weather like in Germany?

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts (M.A.) for non-technical subjects , Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Master of Science (M.Sc.) for technical and science-oriented subjects , Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA), Master in Business Administration (MBA) for economic and business management , Bachelor of Computer Science, Master of Computer Science , Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.), Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), "Diplom" (4-5 years, not comparable with Diploma courses in India) for economic and business management, technical and science-oriented subjects (the famous German "Diplom-Ingenieur") , "Magister" (4-5 years) for humanities and social sciences. Living in Germany also means to cope with seasonal weather changes. The country lies in a rather cool westerly wind zone between the atlantic and the continental climate. Extreme weather changes tend to be rare. The average winter temperature is between 1°C in the lowlands and minus 6°C in the mountain areas. July is the warmest month of the year with an average temperature of 20°C.

Do I need to speak german to study in Germany? And If I want to learn German then is this possible during my stay in Germany? Where can I have my documents certified?

Since the medium of instruction in the international degree programmes is mainly english, you are not expected to have German language skills. Instead a proof of proficiency in english , like IELTS or TOEFL, is often required. Nevertheless the basic knowledge of german language will help u to interact with german students and to find a job. An impeccable knowledge of the German language is indispensable for anyone wanting to study in Germany in courses that are not explicitly offered in English (See DSH-Test and TestDaF). If you are inclined to learn the language in your own country - what we strongly recommend and is more economical - contact the nearest Goethe Institute (Max Mueller Bhavan in India) (www.goethe.de) or the German Department at your university. If the university requests true copies of your documents to be included in your application, you may contact the German Embassy or Consulate General nearest to you. Please submit your documents, including the originals and the copies. For the time taken and costs incurred directly contact the Embassy or Consulate General.

Which documents are usually required for admission in Germany?

"The following documents are generally required:

A certified copy of the certificate/degree for admission to higher education or in other words the foreign high school qualification
A translation (from an official translator) of the high school certificate.
A passport-size photograph
Bio-data with exact information about one's education (schools visited, exams taken etc)
Proof of higher studies attended till now if applicable
Language certificate as proof of required German language knowledge
An officially certified photocopy of the assessment test to determine the eligibility of foreign applicants to studies at institutions of higher education in Germany with subjects and mark list, if the test has been taken.
TOEFL/IELTS or GMAT score cards if applicable."