Study in GERMANY for Free: Step by Step Guide for International Students. While, Quality education is a basic human right, that’s what Germany believes. Therefore, German Institutions provide almost free education to everyone all over the world. Meanwhile, This blog guides you from applying for a programme in German Institutions and finding a job in Germany. It deals with every basic question, that can arouse in one’s mind for study in Germany. While, You will find details about bachelor’s and master’s degree application process and which documents need to get a student visa of Germany. What are scholarship options and settlement options after graduation in Germany? Job opportunities and how can you apply work permit are also part of this blog. What is living cost to study in Germany? Either you can study free or without IELTS in Germany? You will go through more details about Germany.
Blog Covers following points to present you important information.
Table of Contents
General information about Germany
It has a population of 81 million people. While, It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Berlin is the capital of Germany. The capital of Germany has the largest train station in Europe. One-third of Germany is still covered in forests and woodlands. Germany is the EU’s largest economy.
While, German economy lies at fourth place in the world behind the US, China and Japan.
Higher Education Institutions of Germany
Most of Higher Education Institutions in Germany offer free studies to international students. The reason behind this is, these institutions receive funds from the state or private organizations.
There are up to 60% of Public institutions for higher education in Germany.
The majority of students’ studies in Public universities because they don’t need to pay the tuition fee.
Private institutions for higher education are up to 30%.
Few Private universities charge a tuition fee. Private universities are most attached to the industrial sector. Students experience more practical Learning when they are studying at private universities.
Types of Higher Education Institutions in Germany
There are approximately 426 higher education institutions in Germany. While, These institutions are divided into 106 universities, 216 universities of applied sciences, 52 colleges of art and 16 theological universities. Every type of higher education institution has particular areas of Specialization in Germany.
German institutions have following 4 categories.
(i) Universities which focus on Science, provide more theoretical information and emphasize on research. These universities offer a wide range of different subjects. Few technical universities have specialization only in the single subject area.
(ii) Universities which focus on Practice, emphasize more on professional application than on theory. The entire semester can be practical exercises with longer project phases.
(iii) Some universities offer courses in creative fields such as music, performing arts, fine arts, filmmaking, writing and media and communication.
(iv) The last category is the dual study programmes offered by universities. A dual study programme combines academic studies with vocational training or practical phases in a Company. This may be an interesting option for people who prefer to learn practically and start their careers quickly.
Intakes and Deadlines
The academic year in Germany (like most other countries) has two semesters, winter semester and summer semester.
There are General deadlines to apply for studies in Germany for both intakes and are mentioned here.
The winter semester starts in September/October each year and you must apply by 31 May of the same year.
If you have graduated from University in the same year, the application period usually extends until 15 July for the winter semester.
The summer semester starts in March/April. If you are applying for the summer semester, you have to send your application before 15 January.
Study a Bachelor’s degree in Germany
There is a total of 1,389 programs taught in English. Unfortunately, opportunities to study in Germany, in English at an undergraduate level are currently fairly limited.
You must learn the German language to study for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany. Though there are some courses taught in both English and German.
At the start, these courses have English as a medium of instruction for the first two to four semesters and then later part of courses is taught in the German language.
This allows you to study in English while improving your proficiency in German, particularly as your university may offer German language classes.
Very few bachelor’s courses have the medium of instruction completely as English. So, You must have IELTS or TOEFL to get admission in these courses.
Application process for Bachelor’s Degree
The university entrance qualification: This is the first thing that is required for you to be eligible to study in Germany, this document is known in German as “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung”. In simpler terms, it is the certificate you receive after completing your higher secondary education.
If your school-leaving certificate is considered to be insufficient, you may be required to complete a foundation course before applying. This foundation course is referred to as “Studienkolleg” in Germany.
Normally, 12 years education is not enough to get admission in bachelor’s degree course in Germany. While, You need 13 years educations to secure admission in bachelor’s degree course in Germany. Therefore, you need to take one year foundation course called as “Studienkolleg”
Let discuss “Studienkolleg” in more details here.
What is Studienkolleg?
Studienkolleg is a preparatory course which prepares you academically and linguistically for studies in Germany. While, Studienkolleg has German as the medium of instruction. Therefore, to be admitted to Studienkolleg, you will always need to show adequate proficiency in the German language.
Keep in mind that you have to decide (in advance) which subjects you would like to study in your bachelor’s course at the university before enrolling in a preparatory college for Studienkolleg.
Normally you have to study for one year this foundation course called Studienkolleg.
Overall you need 13 years of education before you enrol a bachelor’s degree in Germany.
You have 12 years of education at your homeland and one-year foundation course to learn the German language.
Then you will take the assessment test at the end. If you pass the exam, you may then study the subjects you have chosen for your Bachelor’s Degree in German University.
Required Documents (To study Bachelor’s Degree Program)
While, There are no specific requirements for admission in higher education institutions of Germany. Every University sets its criteria for admission.
General information of documents which may be required by the university are following.
- Complete Application form.
- A school-leaving certificate which qualifies you for university study.
- If the student does not qualify to German standards (which in most cases do not fulfil), Then Students have to pass the German foundation course called Studienkolleg.
- Pass University entrance exam (if required).
- German Language proficiency certificate if the medium of instruction is German.
- Financial resource documents for student support.
- English language proficiency test IELTS or TOEFL.
- Passport-size photographs (biometric specifications included).
- Recent passport.
- CV & Letter of Motivation.
- International health insurance proof.
- Accommodation proof near the university in Germany.
- These are general documents required for admission. Complete information can be obtained from the official website of the university.
Study a Master’s degree in Germany
For admission into the Master’s degree in Germany, you must have been awarded a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Students are required to prove their English language proficiency by scoring at least a 6.0 in IELTS (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or at least 50 in PTE.
It depends on particular university requirements, IELTS is not compulsory, if you show your previous studies are in English.
The minimum age requirement to study masters in Germany is 21.
While, The entry requirements for universities in Germany vary from one university to the next.
Students should therefore make a note of the specific criteria that they need to meet to obtain admission to their chosen university.
So, If you meet the university’s prerequisites, the next step is to submit the online application.
Application process for Master’s Degree
Germany offers a variety of programs at the master’s level to international students. There are many masters courses which are taught in English. Meanwhile, Germany is quite an attractive place as master’s degree quite affordable. While, German universities have award-winning curriculum and have a greater emphasis on students. What best describe master’s degree courses in Germany, you surely have excellent future prospects after completing your studies.
Here are the 8 steps to apply for a Master’s Degree in Germany:
- Find a suitable university and relevant program.
- Check the requirements of a particular course, you are interested in.
- Check language proficiency, English language test can be optional in some universities.
- Upload all the necessary documents and submit your application.
- Wait for the acceptance letter from the university.
- Once you get an acceptance letter, prepare your letter for health insurance.
- Now get your finances in order. As a foreign student, you need to open a bank account in Germany and transfer one year expenses in a German bank account.
- Prepare your file for embassy by attaching all the documents. Book an appointment with the embassy for the interview and collect your student card. Now you are ready to travel by air to Germany.
Required Documents (To study Master’s Degree Program)
- Complete Application form.
- An acceptance letter in master’s course from a German university.
- School/University Leaving Certificate.
- Transcript of Higher Secondary School.
- Transcript of the bachelor’s degree.
- Bank statement for your support during studies in Germany.
- English language proficiency test IELTS or TOEFL.
- Passport-size photographs (biometric specifications included).
- Valid passport.
- CV & Letter of Motivation.
- International health insurance Proof.
- Accommodation proof near the university in Germany.
All documents should be attested before you submit at the embassy. German student visas usually take 6 to 12 weeks to process. You should also ensure you have sufficient time to settle in before the semester starts at university.
Study in Germany without IELTS
You can study in Germany without IELTS if you have done your bachelor’s degree in English.
You can attach the English proficiency letter when you apply for a master’s degree in German universities. While, There are quite a few German universities which accept international students without asking for IELTS.
Here we mention few universities which offer master’s courses without IELTS.
- University of Giessen
- University of Kaiserslautern
- Free University of Berlin
- Braunschweig University of Technology
- University of Siegen
What is Total Cost for Student Visa in Germany?
What is Tuition fee in Germany
Germany offers free study for both EU and Non-EU students. Most public universities have no tuition fee, this is the best advantage of studying in Germany for international students.
Therefore, many international students from different countries want to study in Germany and the ratio of international students is increasing every year.
All students at universities in Germany are bound to contribute around EUR 100 – EUR 350 per semester. It’s not tuition fee, but it covers administrative costs, cafeterias and sports activities at universities.
While, Private universities charge tuition fee for international students. Therefore, Tuition fee charges can be up to EUR 1500 per semester for Non-EU students.
What is Living cost in Germany?
As you know, prices would be high in big cities as compared to small cities. Cost of living is moderate in Germany. You can say it’s not so high and not so low. Living charges are in between as compared to other European countries.
On average a student needs EUR 850 per month to fulfil his/her daily expenses. That is a general idea of per month expenses. After all, it depends upon the individual how he/she wants to live. Expenses can be less or more from EUR 850 depending upon lifestyle.
You can share flats rather than renting the whole flat. It can be cheaper.
Normally students prefer to live in a student hall of residence.
You would pay EUR 250 to EUR 570 for rent per month. While, Your rent can vary depending upon accommodation type and place you choose to live. A big portion of your budget would be spending on rent in Germany.
While other daily charges like food, clothes, bills, travelling and entertainment are not too much. Your food and drink expenses can be around EUR 170 to EUR 200 per month.
Public transport charges EUR 70 for one month pass for students.
How much Bank statement is required for German student Visa?
Education is free in Germany for international students. But you have to show money in your account to support yourself during the study period in Germany.
As a foreign student, you need to open a bank account in Germany and transfer year expenses to a German bank account. Your living expenses per year would be around EUR 10,230.
Then you attach the bank statement of your German account with your application for a visa in the embassy. Once you are in Germany, you can use this amount the way you want to use it.
Scholarships in Germany
For international students who want to study in Germany, there are three scholarships available.
Government-funded scholarships:
The two government-funded scholarships are DAAD Scholarships & Erasmus+. International students can apply these scholarships.
Non-government scholarships:
While, Non-government organizations offer scholarship programmes. These organizations collaborate with universities. International students are eligible to apply for these scholarships.
German university scholarships:
Universities offer scholarships to students in a particular field of study. You can visit the university website to avail this scholarship.
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Germany Scholarships
- Scholarships for Effective and Responsible Leadership in Germany
- Ulm University Germany Scholarships
- Merit Scholarships for International Students at Universität Hamburg
- RWTH Aachen University Scholarships Germany
How to stay in Germany after Graduation for International Students?
A student works hard to complete his education. Once he achieves a milestone, he wants to stay in that specific country after graduation.
Let see what Germany offers to those students who have completed their studies or going to finish their studies in near future.
While, International students from Non – EU background need a visa to stay legally in Germany.
It’s positive news if you are looking to extend the visa. While, You can get 18 months job search visa after completing studies. Meanwhile, You have to apply for a job search visa before your previous visa expires.
You are allowed to work on a job search visa, till you get a permanent job. So, You can start your own business also to convert your job search visa into a business visa. Business visa is issued for 3 years at start and can be extended later.
Job Opportunities for International Students in Germany
Germany is the largest economy of Europe, while it is 4th largest economy of the world. So, there are a lot of job options for international students.
You need to support yourself during studies by doing part-time jobs. After questioning different people about how to find a job in Germany, you must start searching for it without wasting time.
While, You can work as news distributor, bartender, dishwasher, waiter and many more to support yourself in study period. Germany allows students to work 20 hours per week to support themselves.
Meanwhile, There are jobs available in all fields of study in Germany. Register yourself on large web portals in Germany according to your study background and job skills.
The famous portals for finding jobs such in Germany are Federal Employment Agency, Monster, EURES, Academics, Stepstone, Jobs in Germany, Jarcco, etc.
Additionally, you can always get to know about job opportunities in Germany from the people who are recruiting individuals to work in Germany.
More importantly, if you have learned the German language during the study period. It can boost your CV and can enhance your chances to be recruited from big companies.
How to apply work permit in Germany after study?
Once you have found a full-time job, you can convert your residence status into a work visa.
An employer can start your application and submit all necessary documents.
An individual can also start his/her application for a work permit. Application of work permit can be submitted online or you can personally submit in migration office. so its time to fulfill our ambitious to study in Germany for free.
The following documents should be attached for successful application.
- Signed application form
- Passport Size photographs
- Job offer Letter from Employer
- Health Insurance letter from employer
- Police clearance Certificate
- Valid passport
- Update Resume
- Letter for Accommodation proof in Germany
- Receipt of visa application
- Copy of current residence permit
Why to Choose Germany for Study?
So, These are important reasons and we think you should consider Germany for your study destination.
- After successfully graduating, you will be eligible to apply for an 18-month post-study residence permit, through which you can take advantage of career opportunities in Germany.
- Free Universities for International Students.
- Free German Language Classes.
- Almost every field of study is offered in Germany.
- Excellent Job Opportunities.
- Internationally recognized degrees.
- Dual education system. It combines the best features of practical and theoretical education in one single course.
- Germany is a place for young learners and researchers.
Free Universities in Germany
Most German universities are public, so you will only have to pay an administration fee, which usually costs between 100 – 350 EUR/semester. So, There is no tuition fee.
- University of Stuttgart.
- University of Mannheim.
- University of Bremen.
- University of Cologne.
- University of Hamburg.
- Humboldt University of Berlin.
10 Free Universities in Germany for International Students
So, Here is list of top ranked universities which charges very low tuition fee.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich: average tuition fees 258 EUR/year.
- Heidelberg University: Average tuition fees 20,000 Euro/year.
- Technical University of Munich: average tuition fees 258 Euro/year
Finally, You can approach Consult Studies Abroad for Guidance about scholarships, University admissions, and much more useful information. Because We prepare a strong Scholarship Application by emphasizing Personal statements and Motivation letters. Meanwhile, We Prepare Scholarship Applications for all countries.
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