Study in Germany: Find Top Universities, Courses & Scholarships

Studying in Germany can be a fantastic option for international students due to the multitude of benefits it offers, including:

• Affordability: Public universities in Germany typically charge minimal tuition fees, often just a semester contribution covering administrative costs. This makes German education significantly cheaper compared to many other popular study destinations.
• Top-Ranked Universities: Germany boasts several world-renowned universities consistently ranking high in global academic evaluations. Earning a degree from a prestigious German institution can significantly enhance your future career prospects.
• Diverse Programs: German universities offer a vast array of academic programs across various disciplines, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your interests and career aspirations.
• Focus on Research and Innovation: Germany is a global leader in research and development, and its universities actively promote a research-oriented culture. This environment fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and exposure to cutting-edge advancements in your field.
• Strong Job Market: Germany's robust economy translates to a thriving job market for graduates. Having a German degree can be a significant advantage when seeking employment, both in Germany and internationally.
• Cultural Experience: Germany boasts a rich cultural heritage, diverse cities, and beautiful landscapes. Studying in Germany offers the chance to immerse yourself in a new cultural environment and broaden your horizons.

The numerous advantages outlined above make Germany a compelling option for international students seeking a high-quality education, affordability, and a vibrant cultural experience.

The higher education system in Germany  is well renowned and enjoys a high reputation around the globe. There are numerous top ranked universities in Germany that offer degrees which are highly valued. The three types of degrees offered in Germany are:

• Bachelor's Degree: Bachelor's degree is pursued after finishing high school and the title is normally awarded after six to eight semesters (3-4 years). 
• Masters Degree: The master’s title is generally awarded after studying for two to four semesters (one to two years). 
• PhD: A doctoral degree proves a student’s ability to carry out extensive academic research. It includes a written dissertation and an oral exam. There is generally no set time-frame for a doctoral degree. However, most students complete their dissertations within two to five years.

Under the German university system there are 3 types of higher education institutions. Let us take a look at all these types below: 

German universities use the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit system. All course modules, dissertation preparation and work placements are taken into consideration when calculating ECTS credits.

• Students can usually earn 30 ECTS credits per semester and 60 in total for an academic year.
• As one ECTS credit in Germany generally represents 25-30 hours, 180 ECTS credits equal around 3 years worth of study, which is usually the duration of a bachelor's degree. 
• The amount of credits needed for a Master's can vary, depending on the university and subject, but is usually in the region of 180-240. 
• The German grading system is based on the GPA system. Germany uses a 1 to 6 (or 5) point grading system to assess the academic performance of students. 1 being very good performance and 6 being unsatisfactory performance.

Germany boasts a remarkable higher education system, with 400+ universities offering excellent academic programs. Many of these universities consistently rank highly in international rankings, making them attractive options for students worldwide.

Here are some of the top universities in Germany:

These are just a few of the many excellent universities in Germany. Overwhelmed with the array of university choices? Utilise Yocket College Finder to simplify the path to higher education. With a vast database of universities, personalised matching, and a user-friendly interface, streamline your college search abroad!

Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, affordable tuition fees, and strong job market. Here are some of the top courses to study in Germany:

• Engineering

This is the most popular and highly recommended education in Germany, with a majority of engineering courses leading to an MSc. After completing a 12th-grade science or maths course, students choose to specialise in mechanical, automotive, electrical, or biomedical engineering, among other engineering fields.

• Management Studies

Even though engineering is the most common field, management studies is still very popular and one of the best degrees to study in Germany to acquire employment. Major rankings such as FT and QS place the top 100 business schools in the world, including Germany's best colleges offering MBA programs.

• Arts and Humanities

Germany is home to several well-known universities in these fields. Five German institutions are included in the world's top 100 humanities colleges. The good news is that studying in English is an option available to overseas students.

• Computer and IT

Germany ranks highly in computer science education, making it one of the best courses in the nation. Germany is a technologically advanced country; therefore, one of the best things about studying computer science there is that international students have access to high-tech labs and computer stations.

• Social Sciences

German universities are well-designed. International students wishing to pursue a social science course in Germany can look at both graduate and master's degrees. Social science is the best course to study in Germany, as the availability of this program is substantial and available in a wide range of fields.

The most popular programs that students opt to study in Germany are: 

Having discussed the top courses in Germany, what's next? Read on to find out!

English is used as the medium of instruction for the courses, which are referred to as international study programs. Therefore, students looking for English-taught courses should search under "Internationals" or the area that specifically mentions their course. Additionally, some courses offer the chance for students to complete a dissertation in German, for which they must first demonstrate their proficiency in the language. German universities have fairly strict admissions policies. They are:

• For Undergraduate Courses: Up to 90% are anticipated for undergraduate programs, in addition to a bachelor's degree program in India. To demonstrate your proficiency in the English language, you must also submit your IELTS or TOEFL results. For those wishing to study in Germany, a minimum TOEFL score of 100 or an IELTS score of 6.0 is required.
• For Postgraduate Courses: Students should have at least 70-75% from a reputable Indian university to be considered for PG courses. Additionally, you must take the GRE, which is required and approved by several universities; a score of more than 300 should suffice.

Now let us discuss the intakes in Germany so that you know when to apply.

There are two main intakes in Germany for international students: winter intake and the summer intake.

• Winter intake: This is the primary intake in Germany, with most programs starting in September/October and ending in February/March. The application deadline for the winter intake is usually in July or August.
• Summer intake: This is a secondary intake with fewer program options compared to the winter intake. Summer intake programs typically start in March/April and run until September.

The Germany application process can be quite confusing for international students because of multiple steps involved. But you do not have to worry as we have broken down the application process in 8 simple steps:

• Find a course that you want to study and then find the best university for that course. 
• Meet all the requirements and eligibility criteria that have been laid down by the universities. 
• Learn German language.
• Apply to your desired university through Uni Assist Portal or directly via the University website. 
• Pay the application fee.
• Arrange finances for your studies in Germany.
• Apply for a student visa to Germany after receiving your acceptance letter from your desired university.
• Look for accommodation in Germany and plan your travel. 

Well, what's next? Let us discuss the most important aspect of studying abroad - costs.

Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and relatively low costs.

Here's a breakdown of the costs of studying in Germany:

Tuition Fees in Germany

• Public universities: Public universities in Germany are generally tuition-free for all students, including international students. However, there is a semester fee that covers administrative costs, public transportation, and student union services. This fee typically ranges from EUR 100 - 350 / INR 8,970 - 26,900 per semester.
• Private universities: Here is an estimate of the tuition fees for international students in German private universities:

Living Cost in Germany

The cost of living in Germany varies depending on your lifestyle and the city you choose to live in. However, you can expect to spend an average of EUR 700 - 1,000 / INR 89,680 - 62,780 per month.

Additional Costs to Study in Germany

• Health insurance: All students in Germany are required to have health insurance. The cost of health insurance varies depending on the provider, but it typically costs around EUR 80 - 100 / INR 7,170 - 8,970 per month.
• Visa application fees: There is a fee to apply for a student visa to study in Germany. The fee currently costs EUR 75 / INR 6,740.
• Travel costs: You will need to factor in the cost of travel to and from Germany, as well as any travel within the country during your studies.

To fend off the costs of studying in Germany, consider applying for scholarships. Need assistance with checking your loan eligibility and applying for it? Utilise Yocket's personalised Loan Advisor!

Germany has many beautiful cities offering amazing landscapes, best universities and a highly developed economy. The quality of life in Germany is brilliant and there is a great work-life balance. Here are the 5  best cities to study in Germany for Indian and international students. 

Berlin 

• Average Cost Of Living: 854 EUR/month 
• Top Universities: Humboldt University of Berlin, Free university of Berlin, Technical University of Berlin

Munich

• Average Cost Of Living: 900 EUR/month 
• Top Universities: Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian, University of Munich, University of Mannheim

Frankfurt 

• Average Cost Of Living: 950 EUR/ month
• Top Universities: Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management 

Hamburg 

• Average Cost Of Living: 850 EUR/ month 
• Top Universities: University of Hamburg, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg School of Business Administration

Aachen 

• Average Cost Of Living: 1,100 EUR/ month 
• Top Universities: RWTH Aachen University, FH Aachen University 

Stuttgart

• Average Cost Of Living: 1,600 EUR/ month
• Top Universities: University of Stuttgart, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart Technology University of Applied Sciences

You will need a German student visa if you are not a citizen of countries like - EEA/EU countries, Australia, Andorra, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland, the United States and South Korea.

Here's the step-by-step process for applying for a student visa in Germany: 

• Get an acceptance letter from your desired German university.
• Open your blocked account. When applying for a visa, you can provide evidence that you can meet your living costs by opening a blocked bank account.
• Prepare the necessary documents for your student visa application as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. 
• Procure photos that meet biometric photo requirements. 
• Fill out the application form, print it, sign it, and submit it along with the other documents. 
• Schedule an appointment for your visa interview.
• Pay the visa fees in the form of a demand draft.  

• Completed application form 
• Valid passport 
• Two photographs 
• Acceptance letter from a German University 
• Academic transcripts 
• Language proficiency test results (English or German, depending on the language of your course) 
• Proof of funds (EUR 8,700 per year ) 
• Health insurance 
• Declaration of authenticity of documents submitted 

In the last bit, find out the prospects during and after studying in Germany.

The average cost of studying can be a little hard to manage for some international students. This is why the German government, German universities and various other institutions give out various scholarships for international students in Germany. The scholarships cover the cost of living for international students and are an amazing way to fund studies. Take a look at some of the most popular scholarships in Germany:

1. DAAD Scholarships 

• Awarded To: International students pursuing masters or PhD in German Universities 
• Amount/ Benefit: Monthly stipend to cover living expenses, health insurance, travel expenses, etc.

2. German University Scholarships 

• Awarded To: International students pursuing bachelors/masters/PhD. 
• Amount/ Benefit: Varies with the nature of  scholarship and the granting university

3. Heinrich Boll Foundation

• Awarded To: Mainly international students pursuing bachelors/ masters/ PhD in STEM fields. 
• Amount/ Benefit: Up to 1,350 EUR per month

4. Bayer Foundation 

• Awarded To: International students planning to carry out research studies in Germany. 
• Amount/ Benefit: Up to 10,000 EUR

5. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships 

• Awarded To: International students wanting to study masters or PhD in Germany. 
• Amount/ Benefit: Up to 1,200 EUR per month

6. The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung 

• Awarded To: International students studying social or political subjects. 
• Amount/ Benefit: Funding of EUR 1,000 per month 

7. Mawista Scholarship 

• Awarded To: International applicants planning to choose Germany study abroad to pursue Diplomas and  Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees.
• Amount/ Benefit: Funding of EUR 500 per month

Germany is a popular destination for international students. With a growing demand for skilled workers, it offers many job opportunities for international students after graduation. International students travelling to Germany to study are allowed to work for a total of 120 full or 240 half days in a year, with a minimum wage set at EUR 12 / INR 1,080 per hour.

Here are some of the sectors with promising job prospects for international students in Germany:

• Engineering: Germany is a global leader in engineering, with a strong focus on innovation and research. Engineers are highly sought-after in various fields, including mechanical, electrical, automotive, and chemical engineering.
• Information Technology (IT): The IT sector in Germany is booming, with a high demand for skilled professionals in areas like software development, data science, and cybersecurity.
• Healthcare: With an ageing population and a focus on advanced medical research, Germany has a thriving healthcare sector. International students with degrees in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and biotechnology can find numerous job opportunities in hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Finance: Frankfurt, Germany's financial hub, offers numerous job opportunities in the banking, finance, and consulting sectors. International students with degrees in business administration, finance, and economics can find attractive career paths in this sector.
• Renewable Energy: Germany is a leader in the renewable energy sector, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental protection. International students with degrees in environmental science, engineering, and related fields can find promising job opportunities in this growing sector.

Here’s a quick look at the top in-demand sectors to look for job opportunities in Germany after a master's:

Begin your job search early, learn German, network with professionals in your field, and build a strong professional dossier. All these tips can smoothen your job search!

Students from non-EU countries who wish to work in Germany after graduating can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months to find work relating to their studies. To apply for the extended residence permit, you’ll need:

• Passport.
• University degree certificate or official document from your university confirming that you completed your studies.
• Document proving you have health insurance.
• Proof that you have means of supporting yourself financially.

The 18 months begin as soon as you receive your final exam results, so you should start looking for employment during your final semester. In these 18 months, you can take up any kind of employment to support yourself. As soon as you’ve found a job role you’d like to accept, you should apply for a German residence permit or EU Blue Card (similar to the US Green Card). You can reside in Germany while your application is pending.

If you’d like to stay in Germany and become a permanent resident, you can apply for a ‘settlement permit’ as early as two years after receiving your permanent residence permit or EU Blue Card.

German universities promise academic excellence for international students both in terms of quality and affordability. Therefore, pursuing your education in Germany is an incredibly lucrative option for study-abroad aspirants. So, go ahead, weigh your options, and get ready to pursue your higher studies in Germany! If you need end-to-end expert guidance in your study abroad journey, connect with our Yocket professionals and get personalised sessions to resolve all your doubts