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What is the cost of studying in Germany?

Unlike others, we do not want to shock you when we claim that you can study in Germany free of cost, as the statement is only partially true. Yes, you can study in German public universities with zero tuition fees but the competition to get into these universities is very high. But don't lose hope. Because it is this competition which leads to several private universities and colleges offering education at cheaper costs along with scholarships and other benefits.

So, although German public universities do not charge tuition fees that does not mean students need not pay anything at all. Because apart from the tuition fee, there are other charges per semester including Enrollment, Confirmation, and Administration. However, these are more than affordable as it adds up to approximately 250 euros which is INR 19,500 (approx.).

Apart from these, students can obtain a Semesterticket which is basically a travel pass for students for six months.

Because most of the universities in Germany are public, the charges are more or less limited to the above cost.

On the other hand, private universities are solely dependent on tuition fees but at the same time, they are comparatively cheaper than the other European alternatives. Pursuing a Bachelors degree from a private German university can cost you up to and beyond 20,000 Euros per year.

For Masters from public universities as well, there is no tuition fee but the charge for enrollment, confirmation, administration and the Semesterticket. But for the tuition fee to be zero, it must be considered as 'consecutive', that is, it directly follows on from a related bachelor’s degree gained in Germany itself.

For non-consecutive Masters, the charge is somewhere between 20,000 Euros per year (Public universities) to 30,000 Euros per year (Private universities).

The cost of living in Germany is quite less when compared to other popular study destinations and the major portion of this cost is incurred in accommodation. Students can either reside in student halls of residence or arrange for private accommodation, that is, rent an apartment. The cost in terms of renting an apartment will again vary according to the locality.

Top Courses to Pursue in Germany

Think of Germany and the idea of studying Automobile Engineering comes to our mind. This is partly because Germany is the leader when it comes to Automobile Engineering. But then again, there are so many other options students can choose to study in Germany apart from Engineering.

From generic courses like Management and Business Administration to niche courses like Astrophysics and Biotechnology, and Music Production and Sound Engineering, students can explore any study program they want in Germany.

However, here are the top courses our students pursue in Germany:

• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Media and Communication Management
• International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
• Medicine and related courses
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Psychology
• World Literature and Modern language
• Philosophy
• Bioscience and Biotechnology and many more.

Which examinations/tests are required to apply and study in Germany?

While most foreign countries accept IELTS, PTE or TOEFL test scores for admissions to universities and colleges when it comes to Germany the requirement is a little more specific. Several Public universities in Germany ask for students' score in German-proficiency tests. These are usually compulsory for students to pursue any course in Germany and sometimes students need to appear for both the English-proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE or TOEFL and the German-proficiency tests.

There are several proficiency tests for Germany held by various organisations. These are:

• Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF)
• Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)
• Goethe-Zertifikat C2
• Telc Deutsch C1
• Deutsches Sprachdiplom (Level II)

Depending on the University and Course, students might also have to appear for GRE or GMAT.

It is advisable to consult your study abroad consultant to get updated information about which tests and entrances one needs to appear for before being eligible for admissions.

What about scholarships to study in Germany?

International students can avail financial assistance and funding to live and study in Germany from the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst). These scholarships enable students to study and live in Germany for free or at a more affordable cost. These can be availed by both German and international students of all levels, as well as academics and researchers.

Another source of financial help is Deutschlandstipendium which offers financial and non-material support to high-achieving and committed students from all over the world. Eligible-selected students can avail a monthly stipend of 150 euros per month and another 150 euros by the Federal Government.

Apart from the 300 Euros, several universities and/or private sponsors support Deutschlandstipendium holders by providing concurrent mentoring programs, internships and networking events.

Although the basic criteria to avail the benefits of these funding programs is academic merit, there are cases when the student's overall achievements and social commitments are also taken into consideration.

Visa to study in Germany

Students require a student visa to study in Germany and there are two categories and three types. If a student's study program is of three months duration, they will need to apply for a Schengen visa and if a student needs to stay beyond three months, they must go for the German national visa.

German student visas are further divided into three types:

• German Student Visa which is the standard visa for students who have been enrolled into any German university or college and will begin full-time university programs.
• German Student Applicant Visa is for those students who are required to be in Germany for admissions into any University or College. As the name suggests, this visa is only valid for the admission process and cannot be used to stay and study.
• German Language Course Visa is required to study any German language course in Germany.

After availing the German national visa, students must obtain the Resident Permit for studies before the entry visa expires.

All About Life in Germany

Life in Germany has its uniqueness among the other European nations. Also known as the land of poets and thinkers, a reference to the pool of philosophers and literary personalities from Germany, the present German culture still has several traits of the rich history it has been a part of. With a population of over 80 million, it is home to people from across the globe, who in their own ways have contributed to the Germany of today.

It is also very easy to travel to any other European country from Germany and the efficient transportation system makes it far more accessible.

Over 95% of German residents speak German and hence we always encourage our students to learn the language to adapt and connect better.

The people in Germany are known for being caring and compassionate. As a matter of fact, there is a tradition according to which if you find something that does not belong to you and is presumably lost by someone, you can hang it on any tree nearby so that whoever lost it can find it easily if they return looking for the lost item.

Are you planning for your higher studies in Germany? Let us help you out!