whatsapp

Study in Germany

When it comes to technical and engineering courses (STEM), Germany is second to none. With its excellent reputation in terms of research, technology and innovation, a lot of students apply to Germany for higher education, especially for master’s and PhD. Also, Germany is becoming an upcoming destination for students looking to study an MBA.

The top 10 universities in Germany for the year 2023 as ranked by QS World University Rankings are:

  1. Technical University of Munich
  2. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
  3. Universität Heidelberg
  4. Freie Universitaet Berlin
  5. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
  6. KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  7. RWTH Aachen University
  8. Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)
  9. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
  10. Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg

Here is a list of the top business schools in Germany:

1) Mannheim Business School
2) Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
3) WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
4) ESMT Berlin
5) HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

Types of Qualifications & Their Durations

Type of institution/Qualification Bachelor’s degree (First level of higher education) Magister degree (Master’s degree) – Second level of higher education
University 3 academic years (6 semesters) 1 to 2 years (2 to 4 semesters)
University of Applied Sciences 6-7 semesters involving practical work 3 to 4 semesters
German Colleges of Art and Music 4 academic years (8 semesters) 2 years (4 semesters)
Vocational Academies 3 academic years (6 semesters) NA

Doctoral Studies

German PhDs can be earned from German universities and equivalent institutions. The studies involve independent research and a Rigorosum (oral examination) or a Disputation (defence of the thesis).

The types of PhDs are:

  • Individual and Supervised Doctorate
  • Structural Doctorate
  • Cooperative Doctorate (combination between universities and universities of applied sciences)
  • International Doctorate
  • Special Doctorate

Cost of Studying

Tuition Fees

16 states in Germany made the tuition fees for undergraduate courses free in the year 2014. Currently, domestic as well as international UG students at public universities can study for free, with just a small fee to cover administration and other costs each semester. Therefore, undergraduate courses in Germany for Indian students are practically free (Note: you need to have 13 years of education to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Germany).

Since a large number of higher education institutions are financed by the state, even most Master’s courses can be budgeted without the burden of high fees. Tuition fees may have to be paid for certain Master’s programmes, but they are not as high as other European countries. However, private higher education institutions may mandate higher fees for their degree programmes.

As per the DAAD’s website, the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg has decided to charge non-EU citizens tuition fees of EUR 1,500 per semester for (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma and state examination) degree programmes from the 2017/18 winter semester onwards. The fees do not apply to doctoral students.

Living Costs

The expenses that are incurred to sustain a normal life in Germany, i.e. accommodation, food, clothing and recreational activities, are average as compared to other European countries. They are significantly lower than countries like Luxembourg, Denmark or Switzerland, but rather high compared to countries like Poland, the Czech Republic or Italy.

A German student has expenses of about EUR 819 per month. These include rent, travel expenses, clothing, food, learning materials, phone bill, internet, health insurance, radio and TV fees, and recreational activities. International students’ budget is usually tight. They can spend an average of EUR 725 per month. There are several student discounts that you can avail just by showing your student ID. Students often pay less for tickets to the theatre, museums, cinemas and other cultural institutions.

Why Study in Germany

Germany is a large economy with countless opportunities for international students. Industrial hubs are scattered across the country. It is an emerging destination for international students offering one of the most cost-effective courses to study abroad. Globally known for its research and innovation, it is the only study abroad destination where most of the universities are funded by the government.

  • 11 out of the 16 German states have no tuition fees at all In times when the cost of attending reputable universities is swelling, Germany is the only top study destination whose universities do not charge tuition fees according to a policy implemented by the German Higher Education Policy Institute (2014)
    • Both native and international students attending a public university in Germany are not required to pay stipulated tuition fees
    • International students are only expected to pay a few administrative costs such as student contribution, student union fee and public transport (which account to not more than €250 per semester)
  • Low Tuition Fee at State-Funded Universities Germany is the only top study abroad destination where universities are largely state-funded. A majority of public universities in Germany usually don’t ask for fees or if they charge it is very nominal. Thus, it becomes easy to afford a stay while studying in Germany as students only have to bear the cost of accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance.
  • Top-Notch Quality of Education
    • With over 400 higher education institutions across the country, Germany offers students with the option to choose from more than 14,500 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes
    • As a matter of fact, German universities offer exceptional teaching and research options, which are considered of premium quality
    • Germany is a top-notch destination for courses like Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, etc.
    • The study programs, in terms of structure and delivery, are designed
      • To meet the most up-to-date scientific developments out in the world
      • To build well-informed individuals who can confidently tackle global challenges
  • Wide Range of Courses Studying in Germany allows you an opportunity to choose from a variety of courses such as engineering, physical sciences, biomedical sciences, and management. German universities provide outstanding academic programs, while universities of applied sciences offer a range of practice-oriented options. A lot of universities collaborate with companies to provide the best of theory and practical knowledge which facilitates a successful career start for the students. For those beginning their journey with the language, the German A1 level syllabus is a great starting point.
  • Stay-Back Opportunities International students, post completion of their higher education, can stay back in Germany for 18 months, which makes it an extremely attractive destination.

Find Popular Colleges/Universities in Germany

If your are aspiring to study in Germany and are searching for the best fit university to match your profile, then you're at the right place!

Admission Season and Timeline

Icon

Application Start Dates

The application start date(s) depends on the intake. There are usually two intakes offered in German universities: Winter Intake-September/October (Primary/Main intake); Summer Intake -March/April (Secondary intake)

Timeline icon

Submission of Application

The application deadlines may vary between universities, courses and levels of courses. The application window for the Winter Intake closes by mid-July of the same year; for the Summer Intake, the application window closes by mid-January

Timeline icon

Admission Results

Decisions for the Winter intake are out by September and for the Summer intake by March

Timeline icon

Apply for Visa

It is ideal to apply for the visa for a) Winter Intake – before September end and b) Summer Intake – before March-end. The visa decision is generally notified in around 3 weeks from the date of visa application.

Timeline icon

Academic Session Begins

There are usually two intakes offered in German universities: Winter Intake-September/October (Primary/Main intake); Summer Intake -March/April (Secondary intake)

More About Studying in Germany

Education System in Germany

The German education system covers the following levels: Early Childhood Education Primary ... Know More >

Entry Requirements for German Universities

In this article, you will find University entrance qualifications, language skills, visas ... Know More >

Student Visa Assistance for Germany

As a Non-EU national, you will require a visa to enter ... Know More >

Top Universities in Germany

When it comes to technical and engineering courses (STEM), Germany is second ... Know More >

Cost of Studying in Germany

Studying abroad is a dream for many students; but often, the kind ... Know More >

Upcoming Intakes to Study in Germany

Are you planning to study in Germany? If you are, it would ... Know More >

Job opportunities for international students in the Germany

Germany is renowned for its automobile industries like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, ... Know More >

Scholarships to International Students in Germany

With a world-class education, low tuition costs, excellent infrastructure, leading research opportunities ... Know More >

Visa, Study & Work Overview

Student Visa for reaching Germany

Visa Application Process

Fees for Visa

Euro 75 = Rs 6,482.10

As a Non-EU national, you will require a visa to enter and pursue your undergraduate, MS, Ph.D., or MBA in Germany.. Read more

Study and Work in Germany

Part time jobs in Germany

120 days

a year

You are allowed to work a total of 120 full or 240 half days in a year…
Read more >

Work permit after study in Germany

18

Months

Germany is renowned for its automobile industries like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Opel, Porsche…
Read more >

Other Top Destinations

Our Students Stories

Trending Articles

Top 5 Countries for Undergraduate Studies in 2024

It is a dream for many students to pursue their undergraduate studies in a foreign country. ... Read More >

Google Reviews

Kanika Aggarwal

Manya – The Princeton Review has been of great help and support to me right from evaluating my profile and finalizing the universities to visa preparation. They helped me select the top-ranked universities suited to my profile and were very proactive in clearing all my doubts. Manya guided me through every step in the process ... read more >

Shiva Teja

I have taken the Consulting Services from Manya – South Extension. It’s almost a year ago when I first visited the place. I took a few English classes in GRE. My trainer was very helpful in familiarizing the pattern of questions and helped a lot while preparing for the exam. I thank Manya – The ... read more >

Ruchira Ghosh

Manya the Princeton review has helped me a lot in the whole process of selecting my universities to apply for the visa. The counsellor and the support staff have been cooperative. They really made the whole process easy. In the end, I was totally satisfied with the service.

FAQ's

Can I stay in Germany after I complete my studies?

Yes. After completing your studies in Germany as an international student, you can apply for a residence permit to stay in the country and seek work for an additional period of 18 months. If you gain work in Germany within this time you should make sure that you extend your visa, residence or work permit to ensure you are living in the country legally.

Do I need to speak/know the German language before enrolling for the university program in Germany?

Ideally, it’s not required and not mandatory for a student to have any level of proficiency in German while applying or before applying to study in Germany. However, it’s recommended that you have the proficiency to make your stay in Germany smoother.

Are courses in German universities taught in German or in English?

Generally, Germany offer 100% English taught courses at both bachelors’s and master’s levels. However the basic level of proficiency i.e. A1 and A2 may be required. But if a student is looking for Bilingual Course (50% English and 50% German), you may be asked for B1 and B2 level of German proficiency.

 

Is GRE/GMAT required to apply in Germany?

GRE is required by few universities, especially for Mechanical engineering courses. GMAT is generally required by universities offering MBA/MIM degrees. There are universities wherein you can apply without GRE/GMAT, but its’ strongly recommended that you take the test.

 

What are the common mistakes made by the applicant’s pre, post and during the application process to study in Germany?

Some of the common mistakes made by Indian applicants are:

  • Starting application late even if the universities have rolling deadlines
  • Not reporting scores on time through official channels
  • Exceeding the word limit of the LORs and not answering the SOP as per the instructions
  • Not arranging the transcripts and PDC/Degree certificates on time. Some universities in India give transcripts in about a month
  • Extending the CV content to more than 2 pages

What are the top courses one can opt to study in Germany?

Germany is a top destination for Engineering courses, courses related to sciences like Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Physics, and Chemical Sciences. Students can also look to go for MBA or Masters in Management or a course in statistics.

Upcoming Webinars/Events

  • 12-Nov-24
  • Delhi
  • 5:00 PM Onwards

Harness the Power of AP: Choose the Right Subjects and Know Key Deadlines

Taking an AP can be very beneficial for a student as it boosts their college application massively. Having a score of 3 or more on a scale of 5 signifies that a student has acquired university-level knowledge while still in school.

Address: PAN INDIA

Book Your Slot >
  • 16-Nov-24
  • Delhi
  • 5:00 PM Onwards

Crush the December SAT with Tailored Tips from High Scorers

To help students improve their odds of scoring high on the SAT, we are hosting an exclusive webinar with Dr. Mercy Hazarika, Test prep expert at Manya – The Princeton Review.

Address: PAN INDIA

Book Your Slot >
  • 19-Nov-24
  • Delhi
  • 5:00 PM Onwards

Want an MBA from the USA

It is a popular saying that the world is the oyster for someone who completes MBA especially if the student has done it from the USA, home to top B-schools.

Address: PAN INDIA

Book Your Slot >