Education in Germany
According to 2018 statistics, Germany is the largest economy in Europe and the fourth largest globally. More than 350,000 international students are studying in Germany since 2017. The country offers over 400 universities and about 14,500 bachelor’s and master’s programs. 11 out of 16 states have no or very low tuition. German universities specialize in exact sciences, medicine, engineering, and economics. You can study in Germany in German, English, or both languages. Knowledge of the German language is optional for studying in Germany. If you will study in English, it is enough to submit one of the IELTS or TOEFL certificates. However, since most undergraduate programs are in German and English-language programs are more expensive, knowledge of German is an advantage.
Undergraduate studies in Germany
In Germany, it is possible to get a bachelor’s degree in two ways, and it lasts for three years. First, since complete secondary education in Germany is 12 years, it is impossible to be admitted directly with a certificate. For this, you must go through a preparatory program called “studienkolleg” in Germany. The number of colleges of this type is 1 per state and only in German. After completing this program, you can be admitted to bachelor programs at German universities. Direct admission to undergraduate programs with a certificate is possible only in private universities. Tuition fees for private universities in Germany start from around 10,000 euros, depending on the university.
Master in education in Germany
Most students who want to study in Germany apply for master’s programs. There are numerous master’s programs available in English. You need to get a language certificate in English or German according to the language you will study. This is IELTS or TOEFL in English and TestDaf in German. Universities in Germany place particular importance on GPA when applying for master’s programs, as most English-language programs are competitive. Easy admission to universities in Germany is possible with at least an 80-85+ GPA. A master’s degree in Germany must correspond to the major you studied in your bachelor’s degree. State universities especially pay special attention to this point.
Scholarship in Germany
DAAD provides opportunities for young people to gain international education and research experience within and outside Germany. Most foreign DAAD scholars are master’s and doctoral students. Scholarship opportunities are available to graduates. Because they have achieved their first academic achievements and can benefit from the scholarship better than students in the initial education period. The scholarship package offers scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Scholarship programs in Germany
Summer language course scholarship in Germany. Students who have completed two years of undergraduate studies but not the last year can apply for this course. First-year graduate students can even apply. The fields funded by this scholarship are related to language, specialization, or country studies. The total amount of the scholarship is determined as a one-time 1575 € (regardless of course choice). These courses take place within 3-4 weeks.
- EPOS is considered a master’s scholarship for specializations related to development policy. This scholarship is for graduates. To apply for it, graduates are required to have at least two years of work experience. The scholarship lasts from 1 to 3 years, depending on the qualification. The costs covered by this program include a monthly stipend, insurance costs, and travel costs. You apply directly to the university of your choice.
- ERP is a master’s scholarship in the field of economics. Only final-year students and university graduates can apply for the scholarship. This scholarship covers the financial costs of economics-related majors in higher schools and a monthly stipend of €850, insurance, and travel expenses. Graduates are also given an additional payment. This program covers 18-24 months.
- There are also scholarship opportunities for graduates with art, architectural design, and music qualifications.
What is included in the scholarship?
Most DAAD scholarships fully finance the stay in Germany. This includes a monthly stipend (usually 750 Euros/month), medical and accident insurance, and travel expenses.
Do I need to know German to apply for DAAD scholarship programs?
Except for the “Summer Language Course” scholarship program, knowledge of the German language is not mandatory in other programs, and applications are also accepted in English. Suppose you win a scholarship for an English-language program for a Master’s, 7-10-month research, and doctoral scholarships. In that case, the DAAD arranges a German language course for you in Germany before your studies. Participation in these courses is compulsory, and the DAAD covers costs.
Should I apply for a scholarship or a university first?
You are not required to be admitted to a German university when applying for a DAAD master’s scholarship program. If you already have an acceptance letter from the university, you can add that acceptance letter to your documents.
How many specialties can I apply for?
You must list three qualifications in your master’s scholarship application. We recommend that you show three majors to have an alternative option if you are not accepted into the first major.
Education costs in Germany
Annual tuition fees in public universities range from 500-1000 euros, and in private universities range from 5000-30,000 euros. Students who have completed their bachelor’s studies within three years can continue their 2-year master’s studies or obtain a residence and work permit in Germany by finding a job within one year.
In Germany, a student’s monthly expenses, such as accommodation and food costs, range from 650 to 750 euros. In addition, with the 180-day (part-time) work permit granted to students in Germany, students can further reduce their tuition and living expenses. Students can stay in university dormitories, private dormitories, or student houses. Accommodation fees range from 300 to 400 Euros.
One of the requirements for students who want to apply for higher education in Germany is to know German or English at any level.
Students who have completed secondary school in his or her country can also study in Germany. They can continue their bachelor’s studies in Germany by passing only one year of foundation year or primary education. 5 main reasons to study in Germany
Studying in Germany has several notable advantages.
- a) By starting your studies in Germany, you get the title of a student of one of the best universities in the world. Five universities in the top 100 in various international ranking lists are in Germany.
- b) Education in public universities is accessible not only for German citizens but also for international students. The cost of education in Germany is more affordable than in other countries.
- c) Diplomas of German universities are recognized in all over the world. You can build a more comfortable career in any country with these diplomas.
- d) Work in Germany – allows international students to work part-time. You can help yourself financially by working 20 hours a week.
- d) Getting a German visa – after graduation, you are given an 18-month work visa.
The most ideal Universities in Germany
University of Stuttgart
Technical University of Berlin
University of Bremen
University of Erfurt
University of Giessen
Technical University of Hamburg
University of Hannover
Gisma University of Applied Sciences, etc.
What documents are required for admission to German Universities?
For undergraduate studies
- High school graduation certificate (transcription)
- Identity card
- Photograph
It should be noted that admission to German state universities is not possible with a Certificate of Education in Germany because secondary education in Germany is 12 years. For this, students who get 11 years education must undergo a preparatory program called “studienkolleg” in Germany, and this program is in German.
It is worth emphasizing that it is possible to study at private universities in Germany with a certificate. However, the annual tuition fee of these universities starts from 10,000 euros on average.
In another form, you can apply for studies in Germany with your transcript during this period after studying in your country in any specialty for 1 or 2 years for bachelor’s studies in Germany.
Get a visa to Germany.
TYPES OF STUDENT VISA FOR GERMANY
The German education system is the most sought-after country, with a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs offered to international students. At the same time, it is among the countries that allow international students to work while studying. In this way, you can contribute to your budget, which is an essential criterion for studying abroad. You can find the types of German student visas and necessary documents needed to study in Germany in our article.
GERMANY STUDENT VISA
Compared to other visa types, the German student visa shows some differences. The mandatory point for a German visa is the period of residence in Germany. It can be obtained as a Schengen visa for a short stay of less than 90 days or a national visa for a long-term stay of more than 90 days.
If you are going to study in Germany, the type of visa you need to apply for is a National Visa (type D). There are types of study visas that you must specify when applying.
The student visa type depends on the study you want to receive in Germany. The German Consulate issues student visas in three different categories:
Study visa (Studienvisum): If you have received an acceptance letter from any university in Germany, you should apply for this type of visa.
Language Course Visa (Sprachkursvisum): You should apply for this type of visa if you will participate in study programs from 3 months to 1 year or if you will learn German for a short period.
Student Candidate Visa (Studienbewerbervisum): If you want to study in Germany but have yet to decide on a study program and, therefore, have yet to receive an acceptance letter from any university, you should apply for this type of German student visa.
GERMANY STUDY VISA
A student visa, one of the types of student visa, is a type of student visa that international students who have completed their preparatory studies in Germany or wish to study at a German university should apply. When applying for this visa, an important criterion is your admission to the institution where you will study. After getting a 3- or 6-month entry visa, you can get a 1- or 2-year residence permit when you go to Germany.
GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSE VISA
If you are going to Germany to study the language, this is the type of German student visa you should apply for. This type of visa is issued for a maximum period of 9 months. At the same time, there is no possibility of extending the term, except in exceptional cases established by law.
You can extend your language course visa if you are accepted directly from the university in your city.
Student Visa
If you are going to study academically in Germany but have yet to be accepted by any university, you should apply for this type of German student visa. However, you must receive conditional admission to apply for this visa type. When you go to Germany with conditional admission, you must have completed the preparatory course within 24 months. After that, you have to be admitted to the university.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA APPLICATIONS
- Documents required for a short-term visa application of less than 90 days
- Your visa application form
- Your passport (must be valid for at least three months after completing your studies in Germany)
- one biometric picture of you
- Documents showing your financial situation
- Your registration certificate for a course with at least 20 lessons per week in Germany
- Your diploma or student certificate
- Information about your parent’s place of residence
- Documents required for a long-term visa application of more than 90 days
- two visa application forms
- Your passport with at least one year of validity
- Your three biometric photos
- Acceptance letter from an educational institution
- Receipt showing that the course fee has been paid
- Your residential details
- Your diploma or student certificate
- Documents you will submit for German student visa applications for educational purposes must be submitted in duplicate along with the original.
In Germany, the phrase belongs to the education system (dual education system – Duale Ausbildung). The training qualifications are regulated by the state (staatlich anerkannte Berufe), and the training itself includes not only the acquisition of theoretical knowledge at school (Berufschule) but also the acquisition of practical skills in the enterprise (Tätigkeit im Betrieb). More than 600,000 Ausbildung jobs are offered in Germany every year
Resume for Ausbildung
A CV in Germany has a standard format and consists of the following documents:
- Cover page with photo and contact information (Deckblatt).
- Letter of motivation (Anschreiben). The motivation letter should not be larger than an A4 page and should be written specifically for the company to which the CV is sent. After reading the motivation letter, the employee must be sure that you are a suitable candidate, i.e., an ideal motivation letter should contain all the necessary information about the candidate, their qualifications, and why they want to take Ausbildung at this institution. If you can boast of any success relevant to your chosen position, you can mention it in the motivation section. Many managers only read the motivation letter and look at other documents if it interests them.
- Biography (Lebenslauf): The biography includes all previous education and workplaces chronologically, briefly describing the duties performed. Includes information about your biography, marital status, special abilities (such as a driver’s license or language skills), and hobbies (optional).
- Official documents (Zeugnisse et al.) and letters of recommendation (Empfehlungsschreiben): Official documents include high school leaving certificate or higher education diploma (optional), diplomas, certificates, as well as Arbeitszeugnisse (letters of recommendation from previous workplaces).
In addition to official documents, letters of recommendation from work or places of employment (such as professors or teachers) can also be included. All official documents must be translated into German by a sworn translator. Government agencies may require an apostille. You can translate the recommendation letter yourself, but it is better if a sworn translator also does it. The quality of the translation is essential: the documents should sound like German rather than an automatic translation from Google.
All documents must be included in one PDF, 3-53-5 MB in size at maximum. A cover letter is repeated as text in the body of the letter when sending a CV by email. Some enterprises require documents to be uploaded to particular sites, and special requirements are set for forming documents, for example, each document separately. This form is typical, primarily for large enterprises.
Education in German universities is conducted in two semesters a year, winter and summer. Bachelor’s education in German universities that provide education within the framework of the Bologna process is three years. However, this period can be 3-5 years in some specialties. The duration of bachelor’s studies varies depending on the program, and it can last 1-1.5 or 2 years.
Conditions of application and admission to German universities
In the German education system, applications are sent to each university separately. This causes many universities in Germany to set different admission requirements. Although the admission requirements of the universities are similar, the university you wish to study may require different documents.
Generally, students applying to German universities must take the TestDaF or DSH exam and achieve a minimum success rate of 65%. Only some universities in Germany require knowledge of the German language. Each university has different practices, and although some universities generally accept students who do not speak German, students must have a minimum of B1 German as visas are not granted to students whose German language is below B1.