German Universities Admission Requirements for Indian Students

Admission Requirements for for German Universities

Meeting the minimal qualifying standards is one of the first steps toward admission to a German institution for international applicants. Let's examine the primary qualifying standards that the majority of German colleges require:

• Qualifications for Admission to Higher Education

If you meet the requirements for university entry (also known as "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung"), you have a better chance of getting admitted to study in Germany. It is a school leaving certificate that enables you to pursue further education.

You want to ascertain whether your university entrance qualification is recognized. Before being eligible to enroll at a university, you can take a foundation course called a "Studienkolleg" if you don't satisfy the requirements for admittance to German universities.

You can get assistance with this from the DAAD entry qualification database. It will assist you in determining your eligibility to study in Germany.

Also see: Top Reasons to Study in Germany

You can use My GUIDE, a service provided by DAAD, which helps you to find a study program based on your academic background and interests.

• Aptitude Test

You can use the Test for Foreign Students (TestAS) to see if you can handle the courses that are offered in Germany. Universities can compare prospective students' scholastic aptitude by administering the standardized TestAS test.

International applicants seeking admission to a German university's undergraduate program must take the TestAS. While some colleges do not require it, others demand the submission of TestAS results. TestAS recognition varies university-wise.

Also see: Public Universities in Germany    

Documents Required for Admission to German Universities

There are certain documents that you must keep handy before applying to the universities of your choice. The required documents can be found on the university’s website.

Here are the most common documents international students require while taking admission to German universities:

• Valid photo ID or passport
• Completed application form
• Educational Documents
• Transcripts (if required)
• Scores of Entrance Exams (if applicable)
• Language Proficiency test scores
• SOPs and LORs
• Resume
• Other documents

Document requirements can vary depending on the course and university you are applying to.

Suggested: SOP for Germany 

German Language Requirements for University Admission

In Germany, the majority of degree programs are taught in German. As a result, a basic understanding of German is needed of the students. You can demonstrate your fluency in German by sitting for one of the following German admission exams:

• TestDaF: This is available in more than 100 nations. You may take this test from the comfort of your nation.
• DSH: Only some German institutions accept these test results.
• Goethe-Zertifikat C2, the Telc Deutsch C1 examination, and Deutsches Sprachdiplom (level II) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs are usually also recognized by German universities. The German language level required to study in Germany is mostly B2 to C2.

Knowing the German language would not be mandatory if you intend to enroll in an international degree program. In that case, you will then have to take English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Suggested: MBA Scholarships in Germany

What is the Germany IELTS Requirement? 

IELTS is a language proficiency test that is required for availing a student visa for Germany as well as for getting admitted to the university of your choice.

Most universities in Germany accept an IELTS score that is 6 or more. Let us have a look at some of the top German universities and their IELTS band score requirements:

University	Required IELTS score
Technical University of Munich	6.5
University of Cologne	6.0
University of ULM	6.5
Ludwig Maximilian University	5.5
Heidelberg University	6.5
Humboldt University of Berlin	6.5

In addition to the above universities, you can take a look at various other universities across the best student cities in Germany.

Overwhelmed with the array of university choices? Utilize Yocket College Finder to simplify the path to higher education. With a vast database of universities, personalized matching, and a user-friendly interface, streamline your college search abroad! 

Also see: What is the IELTS Score for Germany?

It is important to note that the student profile plays an important role in getting admission to German universities. It is always advisable to have a good CGPA and good scores in language proficiency tests and get relevant SOPs and LORs. An overall good academic record can be very beneficial for students in getting admission to some of the best universities in Germany.

Additional Germany Admission Requirements

Some additional requirements must be fulfilled by international students wanting to pursue higher education in Germany. Wondering what are they? All the information about the additional requirements is summarised below.

1. Student Visa

The most important factor in German university requirements is having a student visa. Visa requirements for students in Germany can vary depending on your home country, the duration of your stay, and the purpose of your stay.

• Entering Germany Without a Visa

If you are from the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, you will not need a visa to study in Germany. Similarly, there are a few more countries that fall under the exception of not needing a visa in Germany. You can check out if your country needs a visa in Germany on the Federal Foreign Office website.

• Entering Germany With a Visa

If citizens from your country do need to obtain a visa to study in Germany, you should apply for a student visa as soon as possible. You may usually be issued with a Schengen visa or a national visa. You can apply for two types of visas:

• Student Visa (If you have been already accepted to a German university).
• Prospective student visa (If you are waiting for your letter of acceptance).

The documents required to apply for a student visa include:

• Valid passport.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of sufficient funds.
• Academic transcripts and language test scores.
• If applicable: letter of acceptance from your higher education institution.
• If applying for a prospective student visa: a recognized higher education entrance qualification.

Also see: Is It Easy To Get A Student Visa In Germany?

Since visa procedures can take a lot of time, it is recommended that you start your application well in advance. You can apply for a prospective student visa if you have not yet been accepted to a university and convert it to a residence permit for studying once you are in Germany.

2. Proof of Financial Resources

To obtain your student visa to study in Germany, you will need to demonstrate that you have at least EUR 10,332 (INR 9,27,300) available for living expenses while residing in Germany. A "Finanzierungsnachweis," or proof of financial resources, is the document you require. This document may also be required when you apply for a German residency permit.

There are several methods to demonstrate your ability to pay for your education. The subsequent kind of proof is conceivable:

• Your parents can provide documentation attesting to their earnings and wealth.
• It is guaranteed by someone who resides in Germany permanently that the Alien Registration Office will pay your costs.
• A security payment can be deposited into a blocked account.
• You have a bank guarantee available.
• You can present a scholarship award notification from a recognized scholarship provider.

Also see: Total Cost To Study In Germany

Using a ‘blocked account’ specially designed for students can be very helpful in Germany.  It’s called a “blocked account” because the money deposited into the account cannot be withdrawn until you have arrived in Germany.

Make sure to inquire at the German embassy in your country as to which form of financial proof is required!

Certificate of Registration

In Germany, you have two weeks from the time you find a room or an apartment to register yourself at the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office). After that, a registration certificate attesting to your registration at the specified address will be given to you.

The registration certificate is required for several purposes, such as establishing a bank account, requesting a parking permit, or registering for a library card.

Permit for Residence

A residency permit is not required for students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. Upon registering with the residents' registration office, individuals obtain a certificate attesting to their residency rights in Germany.

You must apply for a residence permit and report to the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) if you are not from one of the aforementioned nations. If an international student has already been admitted to a university, they need a residence permit to study.

You will receive a chip card that can store your fingerprints and passport photo. It serves as documentation of your residency permit.

Also see: Jobs in Germany for International Students

A student residence permit is issued for a period of up to two years. It must be extended promptly before the end of this period. Whether it is extended depends on whether you study regularly, i.e. take exams and gain credit points. The foreigners' office checks whether you are taking your studies seriously and will be able to graduate within an appropriate time frame.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is an essential component of university requirements in Germany. Without it, international students are not allowed to enroll in German higher education institutions. In the case of an accident or sickness, the expenses of medical care and prescription drugs are covered by health insurance. Hence, upon enrollment, international students are required to provide documentation of their health insurance.

The following countries public health insurance programs are also accepted in Germany:

• Member states of the EU
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Morocco
• Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Serbia
• Tunisia
• Turkey

You will need to enroll in coverage in Germany if your domestic health insurance policy is not accepted there. It costs around EUR 110 (INR 9,870) monthly for a public health insurance policy up until the age of 30 or have completed your 14th subject-related semester at university. After that, the monthly premium jumps to EUR 190 (INR 17,060) or more, monthly.

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From the Desk of Yocket

It is very important to understand all the requirements and eligibility to study in the most sought-after cities of Germany before applying. This will smoothen the entire university and visa application process. Once you understand and have met the eligibility, and have the documentation ready, start applying!

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