You have decided to study in Germany but you do not where to begin. Look no further for you have landed on the right page. In this article, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about studying in Germany.
At a Glance: Everything You Need to Know About Studying in German
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Fluency in German | Not Mandatory |
| IELTS/TOEFL Tests | Mandatory |
| Part-time Employment Options | Yes, you can take on part-time roles on your student visa |
| College Fees | ~1500 Euro per semester |
| Living Expense in Germany | ~934 Euros per month (will vary depending on your city of habitat). |
| Student Visa | Mandatory for students from non-EU states |
1. What are the requirements for applying to a program in Germany?
A: The most basic requirement for applying to any program in Germany is having a recognized academic qualification. This university-entrance or pre-university certification should be equivalent to the Abitur, a university-entrance certificate offered in Germany if you graduate university-preparatory schools. However, if your certificate is not recognized, you will have to attend a Studienkolleg (or a preparatory course) and pass the Feststellungsprüfung examination.
2. What is Studienkolleg?
A: This is the 1-year preparatory course that you must take if your college leaving certificate is not recognized by German universities. Following the course, you must pass the Feststellungsprüfung examination to be eligible for application to your program of choice in Germany. B1 level proficiency in German is mandatory for pursuing this course.
3. Is it mandatory to learn German for studying in Germany?
A: No. As most German universities provide English-taught courses, fluency in German is not a requirement for studying in Germany unless you are applying to strictly learning courses. However, knowledge of the native language may help you navigate your way around during your time of stay for the duration of your program.
4. Do I need to take the IELTS/TOEFL for studying in German?
A: Yes, English-proficiency tests are a mandatory requirement for applying for a program in Germany.
5. Where can I find the requirements for studying in Germany?
A: The most basic and general requirements can be found on the official DAAD website. For specific application requirements and admission procedure for each program, you need to check the specific program page.
6. Can I transfer my credits from a non-German school to a German school?
A: Rules regarding transfer of credits from another school will vary from program to program and with each university. You will have to check with specific university for the same.
7. How do I know if my college leaving certificate is recognized in Germany?
A: Every year, the DAAD publishes a list of recognized universities on their website. You can check the website to verify if your college is recognized or not.
1. What is the tuition fee in Germany?
A: Government universities in Germany do not need tuition fee. However, you will have to pay a fixed administrative cost. However, if you are applying to a private college, the cost of tuition will differ based on the kind and duration of your program. On an average, depending on the kind of college you are applying to and your program, you will have to pay around ~1500 Euros per semester.
2. What would be my living cost in Germany?
A:The cost of living in Germany will depend on the type of accommodation and your city of stay. For instance, average cost of accommodation at a Students Union Hall of Residence will be around 340.54 Euros, at private accommodation will be around 824.11 Euros, and at shared flats will be around 681.03 Euros. Similarly, if you are staying in cities such as Berlin and Stuttgart, your cost of living will be around 906 Euros, at Hamburg and Frankfurt, your cost of living will be around 1022Euros, and at Munich, your cost of living will be around 114 Euros.
3. Will I get scholarships for studying in Germany?
A: All universities and programs in Germany offer a number of scholarship opportunities at all levels of study. For detailed information, you can check the specific program pages or even the DAAD Scholarship Database for a list of available scholarships in Germany.
4. What kind of transport facilities can I avail of as an international student in Germany?
A: You can use the public transport such as subway/underground (U-Bahn), suburban commuter rail (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.
1. Where can I find visa requirements for studying in Germany?
A: You can check the website of the German Federal Foreign Office or DAAD for latest visa rules and regulations for itnternational students studying in Germany. Besides, you can visit the German Embassy or Consulate at your country to learn more about applying for student visa in Germany.
2. Can I work on student visa in Germany?
A: Yes, the German student visa allows you to take up part-time roles in Germany. Even as an international student enrolled to a full-time program, you can work part-time in Germany for 20 hours a week 120 days full-day in an academic year on your German student visa.
1. Which are the top-ranked programs in Germany?
A: Following are the top-ranked universities in Germany, per Times Higher Education Ranking (2022).
| University of Munich |
| Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg |
| Humboldt University of Berlin |
| Technical University of Munich |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich |
| University of Tübingen |
| RWTH Aachen University |
| University of Tübingen |
| University of Göttingen |
| University of Mannheim |
2. What is ‘Fachhochschulen’?
A: These are the Universities of Applied Sciences that provide you with hands-on learning experiences in Germany.
3. What is ‘Studentenwerk’?
A: These are non-profit organizations that are run by the state and are primarily set up to help with student affairs in Germany. There is at least one Studentenwerkavailable at the local level and helps in the establishment and functioning of student need-specific avenues such as cafeterias and restaurants, helps find accommodation, and provides the BAföG program to finance studies with grants and loans.
To sum up, you are on the right path if you have already decided to study in Germany as it offers the best academic experience that you could have asked for. With its advanced infrastructure, technology, and relevant curriculum, studying in Germany will definitely set you with an edge in the industry. And given that some of the globally recognized schools are located in Germany, you will also have lucrative job opportunities post-completion of your program.
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Book your Free Counselling Session now!For international students who do not speak enough German to enrol in a course that is exclusively taught in German, there are many international degree programmes offered in English. If you browse the International Study Programmes in Germany and look for choices in English, you might find programmes there.
English language proficiency requirements for entrance to German universities: To enrol in English-language courses, international students must exhibit upper intermediate to advanced language proficiency (B2/C1). An IELTS or TOEFL score report is one of these credentials that is frequently accepted by German colleges.
The Test DSH Certificate is the highest level of certification accepted by German higher education institutions as proof of German language proficiency for enrolment in courses (Level 2-3).
You are still able to study in Germany without IELTS. If you completed your undergraduate studies in English, you won’t be required to submit your IELTS scores to a German university.
A student visa from Germany is valid for six months.
