Germany is one of the most sought-after developed countries by international students. Besides its attractive urban life and beautiful landscapes, Germany also offers world-class education with globally recognized qualifications. Many international students come to Germany to study at renowned universities and have the opportunity to earn a high salary after graduation. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact the Expert Education team for assistance with your studies in Germany!
Universities and Available Courses
Germany is home to around 20,000 study programs at over 400 state-recognized higher education institutions. When you choose to study in Germany, you have the opportunity to choose between private and public higher education institutions.
However, the education system in Germany is slightly different compared to other countries. Here are the degrees offered in Germany:
Bachelor’s Degree – 3 – 4 years , Allows you to enter the job market at a lower level.
Master’s Degree – 1 – 2 years , Provides specialized qualifications in one or two fields of interest.
State Examination An exam that allows someone to obtain a professional degree and work in a specific field. Applicable fields include dentistry, physical therapy, teaching, law, medicine, pharmacy, etc
Germany has high-quality public and private universities with good reputations. Here are some well-known universities in Germany:
Here’s a list of universities in German, among many others!
| University | Location | Most Popular Study Programs |
|---|---|---|
|
Technical University of Munich |
Munich |
Aerospace, architecture, chemistry, civil engineering, environmental engineering, electrical engineering |
|
Humboldt University of Berlin |
Berlin |
Chemistry, engineering, law, medicine, economics, philosophy |
|
Heidelberg University |
Heidelberg |
Business, sports, communication, education, psychology |
|
Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin) |
Berlin |
Physics, mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, agriculture, social culture |
|
Technical University of Berlin |
Berlin |
Chemical engineering, mathematics, physics, environmental engineering, electrical engineering |
|
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management |
Frankfurt |
Management, business administration |
Costs, Scholarships, and Living Expenses
Regarding tuition fees, there is an advantage when pursuing higher education in Germany, as students do not have to pay fees for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs if they study at public higher education institutions.
However, in Germany, students must pay a semester fee, which refers to payments to the Student Representation Body. Semester contribution fees may vary depending on the institution, ranging from 100 to 350 Euros. This fee includes a semester ticket, which allows students to use public transportation in the area for free. However, not all universities cover the cost of the semester ticket within the semester contribution fee.
Health Insurance
International students must apply for health insurance in Germany if their health insurance from their home country is not valid in Germany. Public Health Insurance in Germany costs about 110 Euros per month, and this insurance is valid for individuals under 30 years of age and those who have not exceeded 14 semesters of study. Beyond that, insurance costs can increase to 166 Euros per month.
Scholarships for Studying in Germany
In general, it is rare to receive funding from institutions in Germany due to the narrow selection criteria. However, Germany does offer various ways to fund study programs. For example, the DAAD offers scholarship programs for German students as well as undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students.
Living Expenses in Germany
The cost of living in Germany can be considered quite expensive but lower compared to other countries like Denmark, Luxembourg, or Switzerland. For international students, rent will take up a significant portion of expenses, but it varies from one location to another. Costs can range from 290 Euros to 560 Euros for accommodation and can reach 867 Euros in cities like Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Düsseldorf.
Here is an overview of living expenses in Germany: (Euro)
- Rent (including utilities) – 410
- Food – 198
- Health insurance, doctor fees, medication – 100
- Transportation (car/public transport) – 89
- Tuition fees – 76
- Recreation, culture, and sport- 65
- Clothing – 46
- Semester contribution – 36
- Study materials (books, etc.) – 31
- Phone/Internet/radio & TV license, postage – 32
- Other expenses – 144
However, you can still save on living costs in Germany by working part-time and adopting a frugal lifestyle. If you are interested in continuing your studies in Germany, the Expert Education team will help you achieve that dream.
Admission Process
Germany offers a relatively easy admission process depending on whether the international student is an EU or non-EU citizen.
You should check whether your university entrance qualification is recognized in Germany. The DAAD admissions database can help you find out by entering the country where you graduated.
When submitting documentation to apply for studies in Germany, you must provide officially certified German translations.
The required submissions from your side when applying are:
- Your passport photo
- A copy of your passport showing your name and photo
- An official copy of your language certificate
- An officially certified copy of your university entrance qualification
- Officially translated and certified transcripts of your grades
- An official copy of all previous university certificates you may have.
If you need help applying to a German university, contact the Expert Education team who will be happy to assist you!
Study & Beyond – Life in Germany
Germany offers a safe environment for its citizens, including those who visit for study and work purposes. The land of poets and thinkers is also a land of freedom. Those living in Germany are entitled to freedom of belief and equality, expression and press, and the freedom to be themselves, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, or origin.
The country is famous for its research and innovation, as well as its stunning locations. For example, international students can visit the CheckPoint Charlie Museum, symbolizing the Cold War. Then, the Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens in the Citywest District, with its magnificent gardens and outdoor sculptures, the 18th-century Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin’s Jewish Museum, and the German Museum of Technology, located on the former Anhalter railway yard.
Germany offers more than just study and work scenarios. It’s an adventure you don’t want to miss!
FAQ
The visa officer may want to know the reasons for your decision to join your chosen university in the UK. You may also be asked questions such as:
- Why did you choose the UK for higher studies?
- What course did you choose and why?
- How is the chosen course relevant to your previous studies?
- Where is the university or college located?
- Will you return to the UK for further studies if you obtain a degree from the UK?
Many students at universities study and work in the UK. You can take on part-time jobs. As an international student, there may be restrictions on the number of hours you are allowed to work. The sticker in your passport should indicate the permitted working hours (usually up to 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays). Additionally, your university will provide information about the working hours guidelines so that you can dedicate sufficient time to your studies.
After meeting the university’s minimum English language requirements, you can enroll in courses to further improve your language skills. Check if your university offers language support facilities to help enhance your speaking, listening, and writing abilities.
You can expect class time to range between 15 and 25 hours per week. However, the exact number of hours depends on your subject and university. Additionally, you can often find schedule expectations listed in the program description on the university’s website.
A UK student visa includes free medical care, including emergency treatment or hospital stays. This means you don’t need to obtain health insurance while studying in the UK. As an international student, you are also eligible for discounted dental care with an NHS dentist.
