Germany has always raised the bar in the field of science and technology. Today Germany is the third most popular study destination among international students. The country welcomes hundreds and thousands of passionate students. Out of the 300,000 international students in Germany, 20,000 are Indian. According to a recent survey, 85% of the international students in Germany are satisfied with the high-quality of education in Germany.

1. Quality education

   The standard of German education is highly qualitative. A well-organized curriculum, under the guidance of diversified professional staff, gives German education the quality that endures. Innovation, creativity, pragmatism, international cooperation and the appetite to learn more are the salient features of world-class German education. Moreover, German universities are highly research oriented.

2. No tuition fees at public universities

   Incentives like subsidized tuition fee at state-funded institutions are provided not just to the domestic students, but also for international students. Hence, every student gets a scholarship in Germany if studying in a public-funded institution.

3. Numerous scholarship programmes

   The unique blend of cultures that the international students make up of, is recognized by the German government. A new set of fresh ideas pool in and contribute to a great deal to various disciplines and the industry with the knowledge. A student with an excellent academic record has its own set of advantages. You can apply for a range of scholarship programmes suiting your financial status and ability. Global Opportunities will help you in finding the best financial aid.

4. A safe and welcoming environment

   The positive energy and the highly disciplined attitude of the people of the country makes it comfortable for the international students to reside in Germany. Strict laws and correspondingly low crime rates make Germany one of the safest countries in the world to live! The fear of the unfamiliar is not the case in Germany. On the brighter side, the support service for international students is among the best in the world.

5. Ease of visa acquisition and residency

   The country has always focused on creating a comfortable and qualitative environment for the students. International students find it rather attractive that Germany invests highly in the educational sector. Much of the of public funds are allocated for education. The entry requirements and visa acquisition for international students are not challenging. Moreover, an international student is permitted to stay in Germany for a period of 18 months after completing their education. They are permitted to do a full-time job during this period which can be extended further depending on the circumstances. International students can easily get a residence permit in Germany.

6. The fourth-largest economy

   Germany gives a tough competition to USA, China and Japan. Factors like great inventiveness, competitiveness, global networking and strong focus on exports have brought Germany to a level that is extremely hard to surpass. Moreover, Germany is the 3rd largest exporter in the world.

7. Excellent employment prospects

   The employment permit and laws in Germany are vast. Laws allow international students to support themselves, make an earning and gain on-ground experience. Foreign students are permitted to work for 190 full days or 240 half days per year. The laws are stringent and work almost immediately against students who are found to violate the employment laws. Universities and institutions offer excellent career prospects and have partnerships with recognized companies. Chances of scoring amazing internship offers and practical/ job oriented work opportunities are high, followed by employment opportunities after completion of the desired studies.

8. A global industrial hub

   Various influential multinational business giants reside in this country. Germany is globally known for its limitless career and network possibilities. The gates of famous industries of Germany are open to the students who are keen. The wide range of interests of the youth is catered to. Industries range from iron and steel, space and aircraft, information technology to textile.

9. World’s biggest country for engineering and research based programme

   Germany is known for its engineering degree courses. With more than 3,500 engineering degree courses and 250 international Master’s courses, the country opens the gateway for ample career opportunities to international students in various fields of engineering. In mechanical engineering alone, the scope of subject areas stretches from automotive engineering to nuclear reactor technology. The country invests nearly €80 billion yearly in research and development (R&D) and promotes the research-based programmes.

10. Strong relations between India and Germany

    The bilateral relation between India and Germany is very strong from all perspectives. This country has also got some popularity as the sole preserver of Sanskrit language because of its research in this language and their patronage of this ancient language. This kind of mutual relations makes the country to give a warm welcome to Indian students who want to study in Germany.

There are over 1,000 courses on offer in Germany that are taught in English, and this is increasing all the time! The various courses available in German Universities nurture and develop the best in the students, training them to encourage an open mind, skills in logic, develop creativity and self-reliance. Universities in Germany are famous for having campuses with students from a diverse range of backgrounds. The university offers its students various options to study in Germany as full-time, part-time, evening Programme, distance and e-Learning.

There are 44 universities in Germany which rank among the world’s best in the QS World University Rankings 2016-2017.Six of the top 100 universities in the world are in Germany, 18 universities are included in the top 250, and 32 universities are counted among the world’s top 500. The capital city Berlin is known as the education hub of Germany.

1. Classical Universities – Germany’s classical universities offer a range of programmes in medicine, law, humanities and natural sciences
2. Universities of Applied Sciences – Almost 160 Universities founded in last 30 years are practical based universities (Fachhochschule)
3. Private Universities: There are more than 80 private, state-accredited universities in Germany, and they are financed and supported by various parties including businesses and foundations. They may also receive some support from the government. But they all have one thing in common: Students have to pay tuition fees.
4. “Technische Universität” /“Technische Hochschule” – Originally, only technical subjects were taught at the “Technische Hochschule” and the “Technische Universität” Art, Film and Music Colleges

1. Technische Universität München All specializations
2. Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München
3. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
4. KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
5. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
6. Freie Universität Berlin
7. Rheinisch Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
8. Universität Freiburg
9. Technische Universität Berlin
10. Eberhard Karls Universität Tingen

German universities offer a wide range of courses and programmes as per the field of interest of the students. Whether it is an undergraduate or postgraduate programme a student wants to enrol in, there are numerous options on one’s platter. The country is particularly known for its Engineering, Management, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics and natural sciences courses. These courses are amongst the most top preferred courses by Indian students studying in Germany.

The main academic subject groups relating to overseas education in Germany are:

• Medicine and Health sciences
• Engineering
• Art and music
• Natural sciences and Mathematics
• Law, economics and social sciences
• Linguistic and Cultural studies
• Veterinary medicine, nutritional science, ecology, forestry and agriculture

The Top programmes to study in Germany:

• Engineering— Mechanical, Structural and Chemical Engineering
• Business Management
• Humanities
• Physical Sciences
• Fine and Applied Arts
• Biological Sciences
• Entrepreneurship and Technology
• Renewable Energy
• Computer Sciences and Information Technology

Academic intakes and deadlines to study in Germany Applications for overseas education in German Universities are accepted all-round the year:

• Winter semester or Autumn Session starts in September or October. The application period begins in early May and ends on 15th July

• Summer semester or Spring Session starts in March or April. The application period begins in early December and ends on 15th January

German universities are autonomous that means in Germany there is no set requirement. Each and every university is having its own admission and eligibility criteria for students to enrol in their university. Therefore students are advised to check the university website and their admission requirements before applying for a specific study programme. The requirement of German language while studying in Germany—certain universities/course requires German Language skills, mainly if you are planning to take up a course/ Studienkolleg in German medium. In that case, the student needs to appear for a recognized German language proficiency test like TestDaF [Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test of German as a Foreign Language)] or DSH (Deutschen Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) and submit a proof of German language proficiency. The general criteria for applications in German universities are mentioned below:

English Language Proficiency:

All international applicants are required to take a recognized English language proficiency test. IELTS/TOEFL score is mostly considered by German Universities/institutions. Minimum IELTS Band score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each section is required and TOEFL score between 79 and 101.

Academic Requirements:

Undergraduate study in Germany

• High-school certificate or 13 years of Education is essential
• Academic scores with a minimum 65 % or above in class 12th
• Mathematics in class 12th is prerequisite for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees
• SAT is necessary in some universities

Duration of Bachelor programmes in Germany: An Undergraduate programme has 6 semesters and generally completes in 4 years, including a 1-year programme called Foundation year/Freshman programme/Studienkolleg.

Postgraduate study in Germany

• Recognized undergraduate certificate or 16 years of education is required to pursue Postgraduate in Germany. Some masters programmes accept students with a 3-year undergraduate degree
• Strong academic background (minimum percentage required is 65%)
• Minimum 2-years of relevant work experience after graduation is required for MBA programmes and for certain Masters programme
• Minimum required GRE/GMAT test scores (optional) – GRE is recommended for students who are planning to study MS programmes in Germany taught in English and GMAT if you want to study economics, law, MBA and other management programmes

Duration of Masters in Germany: A master’s programme has 2 to 4 semesters and generally completes within 2 years of enrolling (generally have a duration of 18 to 24 months).

PhD study in Germany

• To apply for a PhD in Germany, a student must have 18 years of education
• A strong research proposal is mandatory to study PhD in Germany
• Acceptance letter from a professor in Germany who is willing to guide you for your research work
• Strong academic background– at least 70% in both Bachelors & Masters if applying to prestigious German universities/institutions
• No GRE or GMAT score is required
• Work experience (if required)

Duration of PhD programmes in Germany: Depending on the topic of your research project, it usually takes 3 years to 5 years to complete your PhD programme in Germany.

Following is the list of documents required for applying to universities:

Bachelors in Germany:

• Notarized copies of class 10th & 12th mark sheet, and certificate
• IELTS or TOEFL score (whichever is applicable, must be notarized)
• Passport copy (notarizeds)
• Proof of pre-university entrance exam (‘if any’, must be notarized)
• One letter of recommendation from the school
• Statement of Purpose

Masters in Germany:

• Notarized copies of class 10th, 12th & under-graduate degree mark sheets (all semester) including backlogs/re-sits (if applicable)
• Official transcripts
• Application Form and application fee
• Application Essays/ Statement of Purpose
• IELTS or TOEFL score (whichever is applicable, must be notarized)
• GRE or GMAT score as per the university requirement (notarized)
• Two letter of recommendation from university or college (compulsory)
• Work experience certificate (if any)
• Letters of Recommendations
• Passport copy (notarized)
• Extracurricular activities certificates

PhD in Germany:

• Notarized copies of class 10th, 12th, under-graduate and postgraduate degree mark sheets (all semester) including backlogs/re-sits (if applicable) Official transcripts of both Bachelors & Masters
• IELTS or TOEFL score (whichever is applicable, must be notarized)
• GRE or GMAT score as per the university requirement (notarized)
• Two letter of recommendation from the university/college (mandatory)
• Work experience certificate (if any)
• Strong Research proposal
• Application essays/statement of purpose
• Master thesis
• Passport copy (notarized)
• Extracurricular activities certificates

Duration of Masters in Germany: A master’s programme has 2 to 4 semesters and generally completes within 2 years of enrolling (generally have a duration of 18 to 24 months).

PhD study in Germany

• To apply for a PhD in Germany, a student must have 18 years of education
• A strong research proposal is mandatory to study PhD in Germany
• Acceptance letter from a professor in Germany who is willing to guide you for your research work
• Strong academic background– at least 70% in both Bachelors & Masters if applying to prestigious German universities/institutions
• No GRE or GMAT score is required
• Work experience (if required)

Note: Appear for standard tests and collate all the documents in support of your application to study in Germany (including your German student visa, which takes 6 to 12 weeks to get sanctioned).