Study Abroad

10 FAQs About Studying in German Universities

study in germanyHigher education in Germany is catching pace these days among international student community.

Check out the Study in Germany for International students page for exclusive inof about Germany.

Germany is following a liberal internationalization policy and thus attracting more and more students to its Institutions.

This has been possible because of two important reasons.

  • education in Germany is cost effective compared to other study abroad destinations
  • Germany has started introducing more English taught programs

Some of the frequently asked questions by students looking for higher education in Germany are mentioned below:

1. Admission cycle in Germany

German Universities conduct admissions in Winter and Summer sessions.Winter session application deadlines end by mid July while the summer session deadlines end by mid January.

International students prefer applying in the winter session like Fall is the preferred admission intake in USA.

But there is no restriction in applying for a summer session as well. It totally depends on the fact if your choice of program is offered in the summer session or not.

2. Cost of graduate level program in Germany

Expenses can be divided under major heads like Tuition cost, Semester contribution, Health insurance Living expenses

Tuition costs

Each federal states in Germany is free to fix it’s own tuition cost for the student.

They may also exempt students from paying any tuition fees. But for independent Masters degree program i.e. for the one which is not followed by a bachelors degree tuition fees is charged everywhere in Germany.

This may range form a 650 Euros per semester to several thousand Euros. For private Universities it may be as high as 10,000 Euros per semester.

Semester Contribution

Each student is required to pay this contribution towards student residences, administrative expenses, etc. This is close to 50-250 Euros a semester.

Health Insurance

All students studying in German institution whether an international student or a German nation has get insured with a statutory health insurance organization.

This would cost 480 Euros a semester. This is to be done by all students under 30 years of age.

Living expenses

Living in Germany is expensive compared to asian countries but a little lower than some other European countries specifically the scandinavian countries.

German metro cities are expensive compared to the smaller cities as is the case with any other country.

Students should be ready to spend around 800 Euros a month for living expenses. This however depends on individual living style as well.

3. Is there any possibility to work while I study in Germany?

Part time jobs are available.

Full time students can work for 90 full or 180 half days without a work permit. Students on DAAD scholarships need a prior permission form DAAD to start with a part time job.

One can find a job in the local job portals, newspapers etc. You can take help from your University’s International office help desk to help you find a suitable job.

4. How much can I earn form a part time job?

The wages vary across cities and states.

But generally the hourly rate varies between 6-10 Euros.

You will be paid a little better in the big cities compared to the smaller ones. Note that the part time earning is not sufficient to cover your tuition or living expenses.

5. Can we consider Germany for undergraduate education?

Yes you can certainly consider pursuing an undergraduate degree program in Germany.

In fact you will come across opportunities to get funding also. Funding opportunities are however available for short duration courses, summer internships, research projects etc.

6. What is the duration of a Masters level program in Germany?

The duration of a Masters level program specially an engineering program is 3-4 semesters.

7. How long does it take to complete a PhD program in Germany?

Depending on the subject and project students choose to earn a doctoral title, a traditional or an independent doctoral degree program will take 4 years to complete while a structured doctoral degree program will take near about 3 years to complete.

Most of the students have been opting for an independent degree program but there is a rise in choice for a structured doctoral program too.

8. What are the different types of scholarship available in Germany

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) maintains a database of scholarship program. One can choose a suitable program based on your choice of subject. Scholarships are country specific also.

9. Is it mandatory to learn German language?

It is not mandatory to learn German language for English taught programs. Although it is advantageous to learn the language as it helps you get along with the society.

It helps while you start looking for a part time job during studies and full time jobs later on.

For this you can start taking up German language courses which are offered at all German Universities.

For programs which are taught in German, you need to prove your proficiency in the same.

German proficiency tests recognized at most of the German Universities are TestDaF and DSH.

10. Is it easy to get a post study work permit in Germany

The new Right to Residence act has allowed an unrestricted access to the job market while you are looking for a full time opportunity.

You can stay in Germany for 18 months after graduating to search for a suitable job that fits well with your academic qualification.

So we can not say it is easy, but the new regulations coming in for the purpose are definitely giving a positive vibration to the job hunt scenario.

 

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6 Comments

  1. Sir I have done btech mechanical 75%mtech thermal 65% and having 3 year teaching exp in engg college. I want to pursue PhD in mechanical from Germany.

  2. Many univs dont have tution fees, I guess you failed to mention that. Cost of living for Indians I know come less than 500 euros. Personally I spend 400 euros per month in Dortmund. Social fees which we pay give us a semester ticket which is “free travel in whole state” (for my case whole state). Part time work may or may not require German language. But if you are determined enough you can get a part time job.

    Raghu, I feel you are a bit biased in the case of Study in Germany. You have not touched on many positive points.
    Just my opinion!

    1. Hey Sourabh, Could you please tell me the total amount one needs to pay per month (Please consider every small expenditure like fees,rent,cost for food,travelling and others which one can’t imagine by sitting in other country)? I just want total amount i’ll be in need of.

  3. The number of working days allowed to non EU students is 120 full days or 240 half days.

    Living expenses of 800 euro(of course depends on the lifestyle), but students on lower budget are generally able to manage within 600 euros in Munich(costliest city). Major part in this will be decided by the rent for accommodation.

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