Study in Germany
by Genevieve M. Blaber
Are you interested in higher education but don't want to settle for a school that's near you -- or even one that's in your country? Then you might want to consider studying in Germany. By studying in Germany, you'll place yourself in the midst of a nation rich in culture and history. You'll also find, that for all of its natural beauty and historic buildings, that Germany is a country on the cutting edge of technology and business, making it the perfect destination whether you're interested in the sciences or liberal arts.
And of course, there's nothing like Germany's beautiful countryside. Thanks to its temperate seasonal climate, you'll enjoy mild winters and cool summers for the most part, though eastern Germany boasts more extremes in temperature.
Living Green
If environmental studies is your calling, then Germany is the place for you. Widely known for its environmentally conscious populace, the nation has committed to a number of new environmental standards and green initiatives, including recycling programs, renewable energy, low emission standards, biodiversity, wind farms, and solar power. Though Germany's environment is anything but perfect -- there's still high carbon emissions and pollution in the Baltic Sea -- it's a good place for environmentally-minded students to head. They'll get to see green initiatives first-hand and maybe lend their own helping hand in the process.
BMWs and GDPs
If you're interested in a business education, then studying in Germany is something to consider. With the largest national economy in all of Europe, Germany's leading gross domestic product (GDP) is the automobile. The country is home to 37 companies that are listed on the Fortune Global 500; this includes, Volkswagen, Deutsche Bank, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, BMW, and Adidas, amongst many others. You'll also be able to visit cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hanover, where prominent international trade fairs and congresses are regularly held. Thanks to all this and more, you'll be able to see top companies in action while learning with some of the best minds in the business field.
Always on the Move
As you can tell by some of the prominent business that are headquartered in Germany, this nation is well-known for its contributions to the transportation world and indeed, engineering in general. From its wind farms and luxury cars to its high-speed trains, Germany is near the forefront of technology and transportation. Germany is also well-known for its various research institutions which are all connected to the university system in some way. The most prominent amongst these research institutions are the Fraunhofer Society, the Max Planck Society, and the Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft.
A Taste For More
There's also Germany's rich cuisine to be considered. Varying from region to region, there's always a new German dish to be made and tried. Germany is also known for adopting various international dishes into its cuisine, so you'll definitely get experience with foods from other nations as well.
Before you settle on a school in your native country, consider Germany and all the possibilities it holds. But better yet, get started on your school search now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scholarships available?
Yes. The DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, provides an extensive database of available scholarships.
Can I stay in the country after I have finished studying?
Students from the old European Union member states are allowed to stay in the country after school. All other international students can remain in the country for one year once they have completed their studies to find a job. Graduates can work 90 full or 180 half days a year while looking for post-graduate employment. When that happens, the residence permit can be converted into a temporary residence permit, and after five years of employment in Germany, individuals can receive a permanent residence permit.
Can I work while I am studying?
International students in Germany can work up to three months, or 90 days, during an academic year.
Do I have to speak the country's native language to study there?
No. Many of the international degree programs in Germany are taught in English.
What are the average tuition and living expenses?
Some schools don’t have undergraduate tuition fees and only slight enrollment or confirmation fees, but some German states have in the past few years introduced tuition fees. The tuition costs typically reach up to 500 Euros per term, plus another 100 Euros or more for enrollment or confirmation fees as well as other student fees. Rent is 240 Euros a month, on average. Most international students live on 645 Euros a month, which includes rent, food, clothing, health insurance, telephone, and leisure activities.
What are the housing options available?
Housing options for international students in Germany range from single rooms (you'll share the kitchen, bath/shower and water closet with others) to single or double apartments. Guest houses/student hotels are available for students who need accommodations temporarily, typically for one to several days. Furnished and unfurnished housing is available.
What are the Visa application requirements?
Students apply for a student's visa or for a visa as an applicant for a university place, which are valid for three months. The biggest difference between the two is that individuals can apply for a student's visa if they have notification of admission to study. If that has not arrived - and it often takes time - individuals can apply for a visa as an applicant for a university place by showing confirmation that you have applied to a university in the country. You will need to contact the Germany Embassy or German Consulate General in your country. To get a visa, applicants need a passport as well as a notification of admission or confirmation of your application from your German university or university of applied sciences. Individuals also must prove that they can pay for their studies in Germany. That can be done in several ways: present your parents' income and financial circumstances, pay a security into a blocked account in Germany, deposit an annually renewable bank guarantee at a bank in Germany, or declare commitment in line with the German Foreigners Act made by a person with sufficient assets or income. Once in Germany, individuals must convert those visas into a residence permit for studying.
What exams will I need to take to get into schools in this country?
Most students will need to take the TestDaF, which can be taken outside the country, and the DSH, which is offered in Germany, if their programs require German proficiency to be admitted.
What is the application procedure to study in this country?
Be prepared for a lengthy process, with visas taking several months to be issued, and for the possibility of having to send applications to several addresses, including the university, uni-assist (an association of German universities) and the ZVS, also known as the state clearing centre for the allocation of study places, depending on your course of study. For some students, depending your country, you have to have studied for two years or take an assessment test. If you are from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and from some other countries, you do not need a visa to enter into Germany.
