Study in Germany

The Federal Republic of Germany proportionally is a quite small country but its history as well as its actual role in the world is something special. It is not only in Europe that Germany has an important position but it is also an important international trading partner and player, concerning political and economic questions.

German universities have a quite good network with universities all over the world. The universities and technical colleges here accommodate as many international students as possible and also make efforts to support them in many other areas concerning their time abroad. The universities and the graduate degree obtained are well-known globally and show future employers that the student had a firm education and further knowledge. Germany is also a good and attractive country to work in.

Germany gives a lot of emphasis on education to all ; at school level, education is compulsory from the age of 6-15 years. At higher education level, the country offers a wide variety of courses to choose from. Science and Research are the main focus of future development for Germany. In Germany there are three different kinds of advanced colleges or universities:

• The Arts, Film or Music advanced colleges offer practical education in the artistic subjects
• The Advanced Technical Colleges cover the scientific and social subjects.
• The third category is the university. They offer all different kinds of subjects.

Public universities are financed by the government and do not charge tuition fees or just small amounts of money, whereas private universities are financed by the fees paid by students and these can be quite expensive. In Germany, the public universities are more in number as compared to private ones.

Housing is not a problem for students if they start searching early for a suitable accommodation. There is the option of university and privately operated dormitories for regular students. For food they can go to college canteens or they can cook themselves. They can facilitate internet access from the hostel where they stay, by paying additional fee or take advantage of the full internet access offered by university computer labs. Internet cafes are also easily available.

Germany has good transportation system. Students can purchase a valid pass to travel by buses, subways and trams. It is worth mentioning that Germany has one of the best transportation systems in the world.

The country also boasts of many Fortune 500 companies. With a strong economy and growing infrastructure, there is a constant demand for able professionals.

Steps to be considered while applying

• Contact your university’s Registrar’s Office (Studierendensekrekatriat) to receive your application form. Generally, the application form is available on the internet, but in case required it can be sent by post to your home address.
• Ask your university about the documentation you need to submit to apply for the study program or course of your choice.
• Applicants for international degree programs should bear in mind that SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT scores are necessary or are advantageous.
• Fill in your application form and return it to the foreign office of the university or one may apply through a Uni-assist. Uni-assist helps international students with their application in Germany but these are usually paid services.
• For certain study programs which have limited seats, the application has to be sent to a central office. An example would be – medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutics and animal health.
• Don’t forget to attach attested copies of the final certificate (Abitur or similar degree).
• International students also need language proof of ability, right of residence and others.

It is recommended that applications should be sent at the earliest. The deadlines are about half a year before the beginning of the term.

Admission Procedure in Germany
Students from abroad must apply for admission from the university of their choice. For your application, you will require

For a Bachelor’s degree:
A school-leaving certificate (also known as “university entrance qualification”, e.g. High School Diploma, Matura, A-Levels, Bachillerato, Atestat, baccalauréat) or
Proof that you have passed the university entrance examination (if required in your home country)

For a Master’s degree and PhD programs:
Recognition of your university degree from your home country or another country.

English Language Requirement:
All students must be fluent in English to apply to German institutions. Since English is the medium of instructions for many international programs, German is not mandatory. However, international students need to meet a required level of English language competency.

Important documents to be prepared for the admission procedure (expansion option)

A student visa is all you need to start your voyage of knowledge. Initially you will get a visa for a period of up to three months by German Embassy or Consulates General.
The visa will be extended for one year up to the duration of the course by the foreigner’s registration office. One has to register within the first three months of stay in Germany.

The application forms are available free of charge from the Consular Section of the German Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulates General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai.

Visa Application Documents:

• Valid passport with two passport size photographs
• Authenticated copy of a school leaving certificate
• Evidence of previous studies
• If attending a course in German, proof of your proficiency in the German language or an intensive language course of twenty hours a week in Germany
• Proof of adequate funds to finance the period of study
• Proof of registration with a German higher education institution

Tuition fees in Germany are quite cheap when compared to other countries. Most universities and technical colleges are financed by the state and just a small amount is financed by the students. In Germany every state can decide if tuition fees are necessary or if they can be dismissed. To study at a private university or technical college is much more expensive because these are financed only by tuition fees. The fees for these universities can be up to €20,000 per year.

Some of the scholarships available in Germany
Though universities in Germany do not provide any scholarships, as an international student you can apply for scholarship from numerous organisations such as DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) which is a joint organisation of German institutions of higher education and student bodies. The organisation provides scholarship only to graduate students pursuing Masters, PhD for post doctoral work/research etc.

Scholarships to Study in Germany

• DAAD International Scholarship for Artists in Germany
• Yousef Jameel Doctoral Scholarships for Developing Countries
• Residential Fellowships for International Visual Artists in Germany
• DAAD scholarships for Developing Countries Students to Study in Germany