Germany
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Why Study in Germany?
With more than 409 higher education institutions across the country, Germany provides each student with the possibility to choose more than 14,500 Bachelor and Master degree programmes.
11 out of the 16 states in Germany have no tuition fees at all, while some states require a maximum of only 500€ per year.
German universities and their professional academic staff offer high quality and up to date education in Engineering, Medicine, Science and Economics.
The cost of living, on average, is around 700-800€ including rent, food, transport, health insurance, telephone/internet, study materials and leisure activities.
There are many scholarship possibilities offered for international students to fund their studies by DAAD(German Academic Exchange Service) and also many political and business foundations.
Many universities offer international courses in English language as well. So knowing German to study in Germany is not mandatory but is recommended.
International students are allowed to work for 90 full working days or 180 half working days in a year in order to support themselves. Typical student wages range from 10 to 15 Euros an hour.
Foreign students are allowed to stay for a year after graduation, in the event of looking for a job. Germany offers long-term work opportunities for successful students.
Besides studying, you have the chance to live and explore one of the world’s most developed countries and its unique culture, history and landscape.
Whether you’ll study as an international student, enjoy a beer at Oktoberfest, eat a tasty Würst sausage in Frankfurt or watch a Bayern soccer game, you’ll have an unforgettable experience in Germany.
Cost of studying in Germany
Undergraduate costs to study in Germany
Although you can study for free at public German universities as an undergraduate, there is a charge per semester for enrolment, confirmation and administration. This is typically no more than €250 (~US$290) per semester, but varies depending on the university.
There may be an additional charge to purchase a “Semesterticket”, which covers public transport expenses for six months – the price varies depending upon which Semesterticket option you choose. If you exceed the standard period of study by more than four semesters, you may also face a long-term fee charge, which could be as much as €500 (~US$540) per semester.
Most universities in Germany are public. Private institutions are usually dependent on tuition fees for their funding (though some also receive support from foundations), and set their own fees, which can be anything up to and beyond €20,000 a year (~US$24,400).
The Federal Student Financial Aid Program (BAföG: Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) can be used by both German nationals and EU students, as well as some foreigners under select conditions. Generally, this aid is for those under 30 years old (under 35 if you’re studying for a master’s degree), but exceptions can be made depending on circumstance. The BAföG is usually split in two, with 50% taking the form of a state grant and the other half being an interest-free loan that must be paid back in installments when the maximum period of assistance expires.
Master’s and postgraduate costs to study in Germany
Master’s degrees at German universities are usually free if they are classed as “consecutive” – i.e. following directly on from a related bachelor’s degree gained in Germany. Again, there is a small charge per semester for enrolment, confirmation and administration, plus a Semesterticket. Tuition fees for “non-consecutive” master’s degrees, for those who have gained their bachelor’s degree elsewhere in the world, vary between universities and may be around €20,000 (~US$24,400) per year at public institutions and up to €30,000 (~US$36,600) at private German universities.
For example, Germany’s top-ranked institution, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, lists fees for non-consecutive master’s degrees ranging from €2,500 (US$3,050) per semester for a Master of Arts in American Studies up to €5,000 (US$6,100) per semester for a Master of Medical Education (MME).
At PhD level, tuition is once again free at all universities in Germany – for the first six semesters at least. As at all levels of study, PhD students are also required to make a semester contribution of no more than €250 or so for administration and other costs. You can find out more about studying a PhD in Germany here.
Germany student visa requirements
How to apply for a student visa for Germany
If you need a student visa for Germany, you should apply as soon as possible, breitling replica watch and at least three months before your move to the country. To do this you’ll need to contact the local German embassy or consulate in your home country. The documents you typically need are:- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Two photographs
- Letter showing you’ve been accepted by a German university
- Transcript of academic record
- Certificate of German language proficiency or proof that you intend on attending a language course in Germany (if studying in German)
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Germany (€8,700 per year, which is roughly ~US$10,250)
- Certificate showing you’ve purchased health insurance
- Declaration of authenticity of documents submitted
How to apply for a residence permit
Once in the country, you will have to register with the local Alien Registration Office (Bürgeramt orEinwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks of arrival. Here you must apply for a residence permit for study purposes. The documents you’ll need are similar to those needed for the visa:- Proof of valid private or public health insurance
- Certificate of enrolment from your university
- Proof of sufficient finances
- Valid passport
- Current visa, if you have one
- Certificate of health (if applicable)
- Your tenancy agreement (if applicable)
- Biometric passport photos (if applicable)
- Residence permit fee (check the current rate beforehand to make sure you bring enough money)
