Germany as a study destination
Germany has long been a top destination for international students, offering a high-quality education, ample job opportunities, and affordable tuition. With its highly respected public universities that do not charge fees for overseas students, Germany is the perfect choice for those seeking an inexpensive study abroad experience. The country’s higher education system is well-regarded globally, especially among Indian students who can benefit from top-notch facilities, various degree options, and excellent employment prospects upon graduation.
Credit system in Germany
German institutions utilize the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit system, which considers all coursework, dissertation preparation, and work placements when calculating credits. Typically, students can earn a maximum of 60 ECTS credits in one academic year, with 30 credits attainable per semester. Completing a bachelor’s degree usually requires 180 credits or three years of study, as each credit is equivalent to 25-30 hours. A master’s degree may vary in credit requirement, ranging from 180 to 240 depending on the university and field of study. The German grading scheme is based on the GPA system, using a scale of 1 to 6 (or 5) to assess academic performance. A score of 1 indicates excellent performance, while a score of 6 suggests weakness. Germany is home to many renowned universities that provide graduates with an advantage in the job market. Here are some notable examples:
There is no tuition fee at the Technical University of Munich
1,500 euros to Heidelberg University
There is no tuition fee at Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich
There is no tuition fee at the Free University of Berlin
No tuition fee at Humboldt University of Berlin
A grant of 1,500 euros was awarded to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
The Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) does not charge tuition
There is no tuition fee at RWTH Aachen University
1,500 euros to the University of Freiburg
The Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen received 1,500 euros
Due to the numerous steps involved, the application process for studying in Germany can prove to be quite complex for international students. However, there is no need to worry, as we have condensed the procedure into 8 simple steps: Begin by selecting your desired course and researching the top universities that offer it. Ensure that you fulfill all necessary requirements and meet the eligibility standards set by the universities. Take German-language classes. Utilize either the Uni Assist Portal or the university’s website to directly apply to your chosen institution. Complete the application fee payment. Plan your finances accordingly for your study abroad journey in Germany. Once you receive an acceptance letter from your preferred university, proceed with applying for a student visa to Germany. Organize your trip and start searching for suitable accommodation in Germany. As this process can be time-consuming and daunting, you may want to consider reaching out to one of our career advisors at Canbridge for assistance in making your journey smoother.
A major advantage of studying in Germany is its extremely low living and educational costs. Below is a breakdown of the overall cost of studying there.
For the majority of normal courses in Germany, international students do not have to pay tuition except for institutions in Baden-Württemberg. Students only have to pay a semester fee, which covers all administrative and other services that they receive. A select number of professional development courses, however, is subject to a fee. Private universities, on the other hand, charge tuition.
The table below provides a summary of the student fees:
| Program | Duration | Average Tuition Fees |
| BBA | 3–3.5 years | 6,000 EUR / year |
| Bachelor of Medicine | 5 + 1 year of internship | 3,000 EUR / year |
| BSc Mechanical Engineering | 3 years | 10,000 EUR/year |
| MSc Computer Science | 2 years | 12,000 EUR/year |
| MBA | 1 year | 35,000 EUR / year |
| M.Eng | 1-2 years | 12,500 EUR / year |
| Msc Economics | 2 years | 5,000 EUR / year |
| MSc Data Analytics | 1–1.5 years | 1,500 EUR / year |
You will need to adjust your lifestyle to determine how much it will cost to live in Germany. In addition to lodging, you’ll need food, shopping, transportation, etc. You’ll need EUR 861 per month to cover living expenses. Take a look at the expense breakdown of a foreign student.
In addition to providing breathtaking landscapes, the best colleges, and a highly developed economy, Germany boasts many lovely cities. Here are the top 5 cities for Indian and international students to study in Germany. Germany provides excellent work-life balance and excellent living quality.
Berlin’s top universities include the Technical University, the Free University, and the Humboldt University.
If you do not hold citizenship from the EEA/EU, Australia, Andorra, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland, the United States, or South Korea and wish to study in Germany, a student visa is required. You can apply for this at a German embassy in your country. The steps for obtaining a student visa are as follows: First, obtain an acceptance letter from your chosen German university. Next, open a blocked bank account to demonstrate your ability to cover living expenses during your studies. Once you have received your acceptance letter, begin preparing the necessary documents for your visa application. These include biometric photos meeting specific requirements. Finally, complete and sign the application form, and submit it along with other supporting documents.
Payment for visa fees can be made through demand drafts. To apply for a student visa in Germany, you need the following documents: the filled-out application, a current passport, two pictures, an acceptance letter from a German university, a transcript of grades, and a language test (in either German or English, depending on the language of your course) Evidence of funds (8,700 euros year) Health protection Verification of the authenticity of the provided documents.
Due to the high cost of education, some international students find it challenging. This is why the German government, universities, and other organizations offer a variety of scholarships to foreign students. It is a great way to pay for college because it helps overseas students with their living expenses. Here are some of the most well-known scholarships in Germany:
Students enrolled in master’s or Ph.D. programs at German universities will receive a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, health insurance, travel expenses, etc.
Scholarships are awarded to international undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Amount/Benefit: Varying depending on the type of scholarship and the institution providing it.
Heinrich Boll Foundation
Mostly foreign students are pursuing STEM-related degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. Up to 1,350 EUR per month in benefits.
Bayer Foundation
Benefit/Amount: Up to 10,000 euros. Awarded to: international students whose studies will include research in Germany.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) scholarships
Foreign students wishing to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in Germany. Up to 1,200 EUR per month in benefits.
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
Foreign students majoring in social or political studies. Amount/Benefit: EUR 1,000 per month.
Fellowship at Mawista
Given to: non-German students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in Germany. Monetary Benefit: Monthly stipend of 500 Euros Employment Opportunities: For many international students, the ultimate aim is to secure a suitable and steady job in a foreign nation. Fortunately, due to Germany’s advanced economy, there are a wide range of job opportunities for foreign students. As an international student, you can look forward to promising employment prospects after completing your studies. Here are some of the top industries in Germany that are in high demand for master’s graduates looking for employment:
| Area of Specialisation | Average Annual Salary |
| Healthcare | 80,000 EUR |
| Data Science & IT | 60,000 EUR |
| Engineering | 46,000 EUR |
| Finance | 61,000 EUR |
| Research | 56,000 EUR |
Students who wish to work in Germany after graduating can extend their residency visa for up to 18 months in order to find employment related to their education. In order to apply for an extended residence permit, you will need:
When you reach the end of your studies, it is important to obtain official documentation from your university that demonstrates your satisfactory completion. This can come in the form of a university degree certificate or proof of health insurance. Additionally, you must show evidence of financial support before beginning your job search during your final semester. The clock starts ticking on the 18-month window as soon as you receive your exam results. While there are no restrictions on what type of job you can hold during this time, it is crucial to apply for a German residence permit or EU Blue Card (which is equivalent to the US Green Card) once you have identified a job that interests you. While your application is being processed, you are welcome to reside in Germany. After two years of holding an EU Blue Card or permanent residence status, you may apply for a “settlement permit” if you wish to remain in Germany permanently.
