Student Guide to Germany

Dreaming of studying in Europe and launching a successful career? Germany invites international students with its free education, booming job market, and a post-study work visa to gain valuable experience and land a permanent position.

The German education system is different in many ways from the ones in other countries and the classes are conducted in German. Public universities are financed by the government and do not charge tuition fees or just charge a small amount of money as an Administration Fee at the start of the academic year. The fees paid by students finance private universities in contrast and these can be quite expensive. Germany has a larger number of public universities than private ones. German law says that education should be offered to everyone and everyone should be able to afford adequate education. Therefore, in some areas, the tuition fee was abolished, while in other areas it's very small.

Education in Germany is in some aspects more theoretical than in other countries, with professors spending more hours in lectures. At the end of every term, the students get grades for their final examination and speeches, assignments and practical projects. Depending on the subject the composition of these parts can differ. Practical education can also be offered during internships which are an obligation in some subjects.

Popular Student Destinations in Germany

German universities have an extensive range of programs, with many different study areas and disciplines. The German university system is structured on the principle of cooperation between universities, research institutes, and companies. One of the most popular destinations for students in Germany is studying in Berlin. It has great nightlife and is a hub for culture, art, and entertainment.

The city also has a diverse population and is home to many international companies. Another popular place for students in Germany is studying in Munich. The city has many universities with affordable tuition fees and offers good student services like cheap public transportation, low crime rates, and affordable housing options. Munich also has a large variety of restaurants that offer different cuisines from around the world, making it one of the best places to study abroad if you want to try new foods while learning German at the same time! Berlin is the centre of all the renowned academic institutes. Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in cities like Munich, Baden-Wurttemberg, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg. 

The top universities in Germany are Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich, Free University of Berlin, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the Humboldt University of Berlin (in no particular order). Engineering, Business Studies, IT/Computing, Tourism & Hotel Management, and Visual Communications are the popular courses Indian students pursue in Germany.

Safety in Germany: Germany is generally a safe country, and while crime in Germany exists, it is rather low-scale. Violent crime in Germany is rare. Most Germans don't feel that their safety is threatened by terrorism. The need for security measures in public spaces has also increased in Germany in recent years. As a result, security cameras have become common in public areas and in buses, local trains, and trams. Signs indicate the presence of video monitoring.

Weather: German summers are hot and the winters are cold and snowy, but rains are unpredictable and common during all seasons. The average winter temperature is 3°C and in summers it is 22°C. Maximum temperatures commonly reach -10°C in winter and 35°C in the summer months. The country is divided into 16 states and has an exceedingly varied landscape, so it is difficult to generalize the weather for the whole country.

Lifestyle tips

Germany is a country in central Europe. It is surrounded by several other countries and has the largest economy in Europe. It is bordered by Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria and France. The capital of this country is Berlin. It is also one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The official language of this country is German which belongs to the Indo-European family of languages with around 100 million speakers worldwide. There are many aspects of the German lifestyle that make it unique. The German lifestyle is characterized by its culture and customs.

The German culture is heavily influenced by their history and geography. The country's customs are deeply rooted in their society and have been passed down from generation to generation. Germany is a multicultural country although it has a homogenous bearing. The customs and traditions of people of various backgrounds maintain their distinct identity and so do foreigners residing there. Germans believe in maintaining a globalized outlook.

The Germans are very fond of socializing and like to indulge in interesting conversations. One can take part in several festivals that are celebrated with great fervour throughout the year. Living expenses in Germany are quite affordable so those visiting or planning to settle there permanently need not worry about having to spend too much.

Germans have an obsession with good food and they take their cooking very seriously. They are known for their love of sausages, cheeses, breads, pastries, potatoes, bacon and beer. Soccer is by far the most popular sport in Germany which is no surprise given that Germany won four World Cups in 1954, 1974, 1990 as well as 2014 making them one of just six teams to have ever won four or more World Cups. Read: Safety Tips for International Students in Germany

Indians Students Living in Germany

There's been a surge in Indian students studying in Germany, with their numbers jumping 26% to reach 42,997 in the 2022-23 winter semester. This marks a significant increase compared to the overall 3.7% growth in international students. Indians now represent the largest group of foreign students in Germany, drawn to its renowned universities and affordable education. Interestingly, 60% of Indian students choose engineering, followed by Law, Management & Social Studies (22%), Mathematics & Natural Sciences (14%), and other fields (4%). They primarily enrol in universities (58%), though Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW) are also popular (42%).

It's worth noting that males currently make up 70% of Indian students in Germany, while females comprise 30%. This trend could potentially shift in the future, reflecting broader changes in educational access and aspirations. This significant rise in Indian students showcases the growing appeal of German higher education, highlighting its potential to attract diverse talent and foster international collaboration. Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich are the cities where most Indian students go to study.

Accommodation in Germany

Firstly, you need to decide whether you want to live in university-managed accommodation, or with a private landlord. Choosing university-managed accommodation can also give you a catered or self-catered option. The catered accommodation offers the benefits of your meals being cooked for you and a degree of certainty with meal costs.

If you have an idea about what you prefer, the accommodation office at your university will be able to tell you what accommodation they have available, so that's the place to start. If you are thinking of renting from a private landlord or if your chosen university can't offer you anything in its residential premises, the accommodation office should be able to provide you with a list of private properties and landlords in the area.

Wherever you choose to live, you should make sure that you know your contractual rights and responsibilities. In most cases, you will be asked to enter into a tenancy agreement, which you should read thoroughly before you sign.

Orientation

Orientation week is mandatory for international students so you want to be sure and arrive before it starts. This is the time when you will be introduced to the university and its services, as well as enrol in your classes. You must read your guidebook, which is provided by the college. The guide explains each part of the admission process.

Activities

Along with sports, colleges offer a range of extra-curricular activities as well. Music, drama, science and literary societies are offered in all colleges, and students have opportunities for outdoor education and other leisure activities. Visits to theatres and concerts, to places relevant to the courses of study such as art galleries and museums, religious centres or historical sites, scientific companies and projects are all part of college life.

Requirements to Study in Germany

Students applying for an undergraduate course in Germany have to undertake a one-year bridge programme as it is to compensate for 13 years of schooling requirement in Germany compared to 12 years in India. To be eligible for this bridge course, students from India must have basic knowledge of the German language. International applicants have to take a language test for Germany like TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) or DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination) before they can enrol in a degree programme.

For each course, Indian students will need to meet a minimum German language requirement. Along with that, a minimum academic record of 70% and above in Standard XII will be required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured around 60%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program.

It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purposes, the actual numbers may differ from university to university. The following documents also need to be submitted:

• Attested copies of mark sheets of Standard X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
• At least, two Academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently.
• If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation (LOR) from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume
• Photocopied score reports of language tests and GRE/GMAT (if applicable)
• Portfolio (in the case of students applying for art and design courses or architecture programmes)
• Others (Certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds (Blocked Account)
• Health insurance

Note: Not all higher education degrees are recognized for all study programmes across Germany. If your school-leaving certificate does not directly qualify you for admission to study in Germany, you are required to take a “Feststellungsprüfung”, or assessment test. Check here whether your higher education entrance qualification will be recognized in Germany.

Timeline to Universities in Germany

Most of the colleges in Germany accept online applications. You will have to visit each college's website to apply. In most cases, you will have to make an account on the college website, that requires you to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and stages through this account. Please refer to the website of the colleges of your choice to know the process of applying.

Application fee: All colleges require that you pay an application fee while applying. The fee amount will differ depending on the college and course being applied to, so check with individual colleges about their application fee.

Steps: Given here are the common steps to applying for admission:

• Search for colleges and courses
• Contact schools and visit websites for information
• Narrow down your list of schools
• Take the entrance exams like language tests, GMAT/GRE
• Write SOPs and ask for LORs
• Apply to the colleges which fit your interests
• Appear for video interviews of the colleges that shortlisted you
• If accepted, apply for a German Student Visa

SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. It is always written in the first person and describes the reason for applying to a particular college. It needs to highlight why you are a perfect fit for the college and why the college should accept you. The style of writing could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it should reflect your personality as well.

Essay: Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are an important part of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays, along with a few optional essays. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.

LOR: A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the prospective student to recommend him to the college in terms of that individual's ability to perform a particular task or function. The third party could be a professor, direct manager etc.

Intake seasons Across German Universities 

The main intake season for all German universities is September. So the deadlines would be from February till May across different courses and universities. A few universities offer admissions in March as well. The deadlines for this intake would be from November to January.

Language exams to Study in Germany

TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) and DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination) are the standardized language tests which are required to be taken to get admission to colleges in Germany. You can take the TestDaF at a testing centre in India or in Germany, while the DSH is only administered at German universities. These both follow different formats, structures and result bands. These tests are all different in various ways but many colleges ask for any one of the results. So it's up to the student to decide which exam to appear for. Read: TestDAF vs. DSH - which language proficiency exam to take?

Note: Students wishing to take an international degree programme, which could be Bachelor's, Master's or PhD, do not necessarily have to take a German test. The teaching language in these courses is usually English. To study a degree course in English, an English language exam like the TOEFL exam or IELTS may be required.

General Exams to Study in Germany

GMAT - Since almost all MBA programs in Germany are in English, the language of teaching would be English with a bit of German thrown in. German B-schools like admitting multi-lingual candidates, so it will be a bonus if you know German as well. Because of the bilingual clause, GMAT is the standard exam for getting admitted into business schools. GMAT is used to measure the abilities of the potential MBA aspirant to undertake higher education in the field of business or management. It measures the mathematical, English, and reasoning skills of the student.

GRE - Some universities do recommend or require a GRE score, although it is not a mandatory requirement while considering a Master's in Germany. You will come across many options without GRE requirements.

Repetition and Fee: You can give GMAT an unlimited number of times, subject to five times a year and a gap of 30 days between two tests. 

The cost of living depends heavily on what part of Germany you will be living in, along with how much you will socialise. Some of the basic elements for living as an international student in Germany are:

• Accommodation rent (on-campus or off-campus)
• Groceries and food
• Utilities like power, water, gas, internet
• Phone bills
• Text and reference books
• Airfare for travelling back to India

Other elements which may differ from person to person would be:

• Dining out
• Travel and vacation
• Car rental and car insurance
• Cable TV connection

Cost of Studying in Germany

In Germany, the cost of education is quite low, and at some universities, there is no fee. Most German universities are financed by the state government and just a small amount of tuition fees may be required to be paid. The cost of studying in Germany amount depends on the location of the university as every federal state can decide the amount on its own. If it has enough money to abolish tuition fees, it can choose not to charge any fee or if it needs additional fees, then it may charge a certain nominal amount. Read: Steps to Study in Germany for Free for International Students

States like Bayern, Niedersachsen, Hamburg and Nordrhein-Westfalen charge some amount of tuition fees. All other states do not charge tuition fees. The private universities in Germany are financed by the fee paid by students and the fee here is much higher. Read: Cheap and Affordable Universities in Germany

Living Expenses in Germany

International students looking to study in Germany are required to transfer at least 11,208 euros to prove they have the means to finance themselves throughout the first year of their studies while in the country. This amount will be blocked in the bank until the student arrives in Germany. The student would be allowed to withdraw €934 every month to cover the cost of living in Germany.

Cost of Living in Germany

Average Expense of a German Student	Cost
Rent (including utility costs)	EUR 410
Food	EUR 198
Health insurance, doctor's fees, medications	EUR 100
Transportation costs (car/public transport)	EUR 89
Tuition fees	EUR 76
Recreation, culture and sports	EUR 65
Clothing	EUR 46
Semester contribution	EUR 36
Working materials (books etc.)	EUR 31
Telephone/Internet/radio and TV licence, postage	EUR 32
Other expenses	EUR 144

Cost of Average Everyday Items in Germany

Everyday Items	Cost
1 loaf of bread (approx. 500g)	EUR 2
1 kilogramme of potatoes	EUR 0.99
1 litre of milk	EUR 0.90
1 bottle of mineral water (0.75 litres)	EUR 0.80
1 cup of coffee (in a café)	EUR 2.50
1 glass of beer (in a pub)	EUR 3
1 pizza (in a restaurant)	EUR 7
1 lunch (in the cafeteria)	EUR 2.50
1 T-shirt	EUR 10-50
1 pair of trousers	EUR 30 to EUR 100
1 cinema ticket (with student discount)	EUR 6
1 theatre ticket (with student discount)	EUR 6-30
1 museum ticket (with student discount)	EUR 2-8

Health insurance

Health insurance from private providers in India may be recognized in Germany. You will have to inquire with your health insurance provider and get a confirmation that you are exempt from compulsory public health insurance coverage. This letter of confirmation will be essential in your application process, as only with it will you be permitted to enrol at a university.

You will not be able to switch to a German public health insurance provider once your studies begin. If your Indian insurance policy is insufficient, you will have to purchase a policy in Germany itself. Many universities offer service packages for international students which include accommodation, meal plans, and a health insurance policy. You will have to check with institutes for such packages.

Scholarships to Study in Germany

Fee waivers are awarded to international students on the criteria of merit and the need for it. Candidates with strong academics, good performance on standardized exams and extracurricular achievements would be eligible for scholarship awards and financial assistance. To benefit from these opportunities, one has to make sure to send all the required documents by particular deadlines. In addition to this, the presentation of the application is also important because one is judged by the image one projects.

Since German institutes are comparatively more generous than other nations, getting a fully-funded education in Germany isn't very difficult. Click here for the complete list of scholarships available within Germany.

Education Loan to Study in Germany

Student eligibility criteria: The first thing is to be aware of whether you are eligible to apply for the loan or not. The general eligibility criteria followed by all the banks are -

• You should be an Indian national
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be seeking admission to professional, technical or other courses of study.
• Most banks maintain that the selected course should be job-oriented
• You must have secured admission to a foreign university institution
• You must be above the age of 18 years or else your parents can avail of the loan

Eligibility of course: You may not get a loan on every course. Here are the kinds of courses that qualify for the education loan.

• For Graduation: Job-oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed universities
• For Post Graduation: MCA, MBA, MS or even diplomas
• These courses could be from foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and central government

Loan amount: If your total fee is Rs 10 lakh, the bank may offer to give a loan of 80% of the amount and you will have to put in the balance 20%. This is called the margin amount. The maximum loan amount for studies abroad is generally around Rs 20 lakh by the bank. If your tuition fee amount is Rs 30 lakh, you'll have to manage the rest of the funds by yourself. Some banks charge a processing fee, while others don't. It may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total loan amount. So if the bank charges you one per cent as a processing fee, that will be an additional cost you'll have to cover. Read: Education Loans for Studying Abroad

Documentation required: You will have to provide the acceptance letter sent by the university reflecting that you have been selected for the course and the schedule of fees. You will also need to show the mark sheet of the last qualifying examination to show your academic record. All banks have different requirements for documentation, so you need to confirm with the bank first.

Repayment: Repayment starts only after the course period. If the student gets employed within one year after completion of the course, the repayment should start immediately after the expiry of one month from the date of employment.

If you do not secure a job within a year of completing the course, then repayment starts irrespective of whether or not you are employed. The loan is generally to be repaid in 5-7 years after the commencement of repayment. If the student is not able to complete the course within the scheduled time extension for completion of the course, he may be permitted for a maximum period of two years. Generally, you will get up to a maximum number of 10 years to repay the loan. Apply: To India's top education loan providers

Conditions

To stay in Germany for more than 90 days as a student, you are required to get a residence permit. You will need to prove to the visa officer that you have had finances for one year. The amount would be €934 per month. A residence permit issued to students is valid for a maximum of two years. It needs to be renewed if the duration of the course is longer than the stated two years.

A Residence Permit costs between €100. It can take a long time to be issued, which is anywhere between eight to 12 weeks. Since this means two to three months, international students are advised to apply as soon as possible. You will have to apply for your visa in person. Visa fees amount to €75 (to be paid in INR). In addition, you should provide two sets of application documents photocopies containing the following documents:

1. Application form
2. Declaration stating the information provided is true and complete information
3. Cover Letter explaining the reason for your visa application. You may be required to submit a German translation of this document
4. Letter of Admission from a German university
5. University Certificates and transcripts - Degree certificates and mark sheets
6. Proof of Language Proficiency (German language test scores). This document is mandatory for the visa process, even if it is not required by the German university.
7. Applicants for PhD studies and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship holders are exempt from this rule.
8. Proof of funds

Work Permit in Germany

According to German visa rules, a student can work 180 days halftime or 90 days full-time in an academic year. Presently, Germany is the only country where a student can do a technical part-time job in a related industry. Some universities also offer part-time jobs on campus called Hi/wi. Students will have to contact the institute's student placement cell to get into this job.

Visa for spouse

Spouses and children may be permitted to reside in Germany while you study, but this is conditional. These conditions include having enough and appropriate financing and a living space. Cases are decided on an individual basis at the Germany embassy, and special consideration may be given to your case if you are able to explain your situation to the Consulate effectively.

Pre-departure list

• Book airline tickets
• Arrange accommodation in Germany
• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in Germany
• Arrange your banking; consider buying traveler's cheques
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:

1. Passport
2. Airline tickets
3. Travel insurance certificate
4. Letter of Acceptance by the educational institution
5. Key addresses and phone numbers
6. A bank statement showing proof of funds
7. Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
8. Traveller's cheques, if applicable
9. Medical and immunisation records
10. Academic history and university transcripts

Enrolling at your university

Before starting a course at a German university, you have to enrol. This procedure is called enrollment/registration. Once you're enrolled, only then you may attend courses at your university, appear for exams and receive an academic degree. Enrollment allows you access to all facilities at the university, like the library, sports grounds, and computer rooms. At the end of each term, you have to re-enroll before a given deadline.

Residence permit

You will have to register yourself with the state if your study programme should last longer than 90 days. When applying for a residence permit, be sure to bring the following documents with you:

• Confirmation of registration from your Resident Registration Office
• Proof of private or public health insurance coverage
• Student ID from your German university (certificate of enrolment)
• Proof of financial resources if you didn't provide it when you applied for your entry visa
• Valid passport with visa
• Health certificate
• Rental contract for your accommodation
• Passport sized photos
• Money to pay for the residence permit fee

Homesickness

Homesickness is a predictable problem faced by most students at one point or another. It may occur at the beginning or even well into your year. Homesickness will pass. Be patient. Give it at least two weeks. If you are feeling sad, explain what is happening to your friends. Do not hide in your room; if you do, the feeling will only worsen. Find your counsellor staff with whom you can talk about homesickness or other problems. Homesickness might be made worse by frequent, long telephone calls home. Most homesick students feel more homesick after a call home than they did before they picked up the phone. Try to limit yourself to one call home every week. The sooner you integrate into the university experience, the sooner your homesickness will pass.
Learning basic cooking: Cooking for yourself will save you money. Indian food is expensive in Germany. It will also satisfy your urge to eat 'your food' during moments of homesickness. Indian spices are not commonly available in smaller cities, but there are often shops on campus where you can get ingredients used in most Indian food.

Travel

Each large city offers different modes of public transportation, such as buses, taxis or trains. You might wish to rely on a private car for transportation. Even with the rising cost of petrol, private cars are the most economical and convenient mode of transportation because you get a lot of flexibility and freedom in your car. You can travel wherever and whenever you want and don't have to depend on the schedule of public transport. However, before you buy your car, you will have to use public transportation or ask friends for rides.

Placements

Indian students are used to the concept of campus placements and on-campus recruitment for getting jobs where companies visit campuses and hire graduates. There is no concept of placements in Germany, like most other countries. Most German universities have a Career Services cell, which helps you get jobs and helps you prepare for interviews. They may refer you to companies or help you get in touch with HR managers. The job search is mostly self-driven in European countries, where it is considered your prerogative.

Work visa

After graduating from a German university, international students are granted a residence permit for one year, in which they are expected to secure a permanent job which is relevant to their discipline. If a student finds a job in Germany within this one year, they can then apply for a residence permit with a work permit, at the local Aliens Department or Ausländerbehörde. Read: How to Get a Germany Post-Study Work Visa for Indian Students?

To explore more study options in Germany, click the following links.

• MBA in Germany
• B.E./B.Tech in Germany

Did you find this guide useful? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch with us in the comments below. Candidates looking for assistance with university applications can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website.