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Are you considering studying in GERMANY? Studying abroad in Europe is every student’s dream, and Germany is one of the top destinations for students planning to move abroad. Home to some of the most renowned universities in the world, Germany is a student’s dream destination. World-class education, multi-cultural environments, affordable lifestyle, great food, scenic beauty, amazing nightlife – you get it all in Germany.
Enroll in a global program at a top–ranked university in Germany to experience the best that the educational world has to offer. Some of the most popular courses to study abroad include Business Administration, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Law, Hospitality and Tourism, Accounting, Fashion Design, Film Studies, Social Sciences, etc.
Germany is among the most popular destinations for studying abroad. The number of international students in Germany has been growing steadily over the years. From 2014 to 2023, the numbers have increased by nearly 40%. Here are the top advantages Germany offers that draw students from all over the world.
Country Information – Benefits to be in Germany
Studying in Germany, Visiting Germany or moving for work to Germany, A few reasons for international students to select Germany for studying:
· Tuition–Free Universities – Very Low Fees or Not at All: In times where higher education is becoming a necessity and a costly affair at the same time, Germany is the only top study destination whose public universities charge negligible to no tuition fees from international students. In October 2014, German Authorities gave a decision stating that all international students who are attending a public university would be free from paying standard tuition fees in Germany. According to this law, international students have to pay a few administrative charges such as student contribution, public transport ticket and a student union fee that make around €500 per semester.
· World-Class Universities: According to the official statistics of 2018, there are 429 recognized universities in Germany, out of which 106 are among the list of globally ranked universities. Some of them have been ranked among the world’s best universities consistently. The students value these universities for the quality of education, opportunities to improve academically, hands-on experiences during and after studies in a friendly and safe environment.
· Explore Europe on Student Visa: Students of German universities are entitled to the same travel rights as that of German and European students. However, there are two cases as under; European Students; if you are a European and are living and studying in Germany, you are entitled to the EU/EFTA citizen’s free entry rights. Non–European Students; If you are not a resident of Europe, you are required to get the residency permit. The residency permit then allows you to travel visa-free in the whole Schengen Area, which is a wonderful opportunity to visit the countries that you are interested in within the time-frame.
·Variety of Degrees / Programs: A large number of reputable universities is just one thing; Germany offers many degree programs from every field of education that suit everyone’s interest. Being an industrialist country, German Universities are global leaders in Engineering, medicine, and pharma. But the list is ever-expanding as new fields of study are emerging with cutting edge technologies.
· World Recognized Degree Programs: In terms of their structure and method of instruction, the study programs at German universities are designed to meet up-to-date scientific developments in the world and to educate individuals and make them professionals. You will be certified with a degree at the end of your course, which is valued and globally recognized. Employers all around the world will look up to you with the respect and trust that makes them hire you and trust your capabilities.
· Economical Cost of Living: So now you know that the cost of studying in Germany is very low. But besides that, the cost of living in Germany as compared to other European countries is quite affordable. Though the urban areas are more expensive than peripheral areas. However, through some smart financial management, the cost of living for international students in Germany becomes quite affordable. Rent being the major financial concern, finding an apartment/room in peripheral areas, and sharing it can cut half of your expenses.
· Part-Time Job Opportunities: As per the German Law, international students are allowed to work part-time. As a student in Germany, you can do a part-time job for 120 full days of a year or up to 20 hours a week. More than 60% of international students in Germany do part-time jobs while studying. The part-time job not only helps in adding to your financial leverage but also to your work experience that helps to increase the chances of your future employability.
· Scope for Future: As a graduate of German University, your range for future employment increases many folds. German universities are highly respected, and so are their graduates. German university graduates enjoy a high employability rate in the global job market. So, you can expect a bunch of attractive job offers when you complete your degree from German university as the employers trust your academic credits and professional credibility due to an outstanding education in German Institution.
· Learning the German Language: Starting from surviving in a different culture and country to thriving in it, there are many reasons that learning German is beneficial to you if you are planning to study in Germany. German is one of the most spoken native languages in the European continent. Germany is one of the most powerful economies of the world with its businesses spread worldwide over the globe. Thus, by learning to speak the German language, you place yourself in an advantageous position both in terms of living in Germany and also getting an excellent job inside and out of Germany.
· Learning in Multicultural Community: Germans are one of the world’s most accommodative and welcoming societies. Germany has always been the hub for other nationals traditionally. Germans live in harmony with foreigners from over the world who come to their country for work, tourism, or education. Germany will offer you one of the best multicultural and diverse communities to live in. This helps in learning new things, customs, and traditions and looking at the world from a different angle.
· The Upshot: To sum up, Germany offers you an opportunity to make the most of yourself. Here you can reach your full potential by developing your intellectual abilities and sharpening your skills. In comparison with other countries, if you are out to achieve great things, you will find many doors to your dream future. If you are determined, motivated and committed to growing, Germany welcomes you with open arms.
Details about Educational institutes, Colleges, Universities
Student have lots of institutions to choose from for education in Germany. A desire to pursue higher education and earn a degree doesn’t have to be stressful, boring or something to trudge through especially if you vault over one of the top universities or colleges in Germany.
- Free education: Tuition at public German universities is free. The main exception for foreign students being the universities of Baden-Württemberg, where tuition costs a little per semester. In other regions of Germany, students pay only administrative fees, which covers the cost of transportation, membership in student communities, library membership and much more. Thus, students have the opportunity to get a high-quality and prestigious education for little money.
- Bachelors in English: It is not necessary to know German in order to study here. Some universities offer various undergraduate programs in English.
- Financing of higher education. Germany spends more on higher education (17,487 Euro) than European countries on average (15,571 Euro), moreover, as much as 43% of the funding goes to the development of research centres.
- Architectural monuments: A significant part of higher education institutions in Germany was established during the Middle Ages. For example, one of the buildings of the University of Tübingen is the main attraction of the city — the Hoentübingen Castle, which was built back in the XI century. Classes still take place in these old buildings.
List of Top Germany Universities: (529 Colleges but a few only listed here)
- Trinity College Dublin
- Technical University of Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- University of Freiburg
- University of Göttingen
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- University of Bonn
- University of Tübingen
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Münster
- University of Hamburg
- University of Stuttgart
- Technical University of Berlin
- University of Cologne
- University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
- University of Kiel
- University of Würzburg
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Leipzig University
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Ulm University
- Technische Universität Darmstadt
- University of Marburg
- University of Konstanz
- Germany, Konstanz
- Ruhr University Bochum
- University of Bremen
- Leibniz University Hannover
- University of Jena
- University of Bayreuth
- University of Regensburg
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- University of Düsseldorf
- University of Mannheim
- University of Giessen
- Technical University of Braunschweig
- Bielefeld University
- University of Halle-Wittenberg
- University of Rostock
- Saarland University
- Medical School Hannover
- WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
- Aachen University of Applied Sciences
- University of Paderborn
- University of Applied Sciences
- University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden
- Technical University of Cottbus
- University of Kassel
- Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies
- University of Wuppertal
- University of Kaiserslautern
- University of Greifswald
- Technische Universität Ilmenau
- University of Trier
- Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
- University of Siegen
- University of Trier
- Charité – University Medicine Berlin
- Fern Universität Hagen
- Bauhaus University, Weimar
- University of Fulda
- Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences
- International University Bad Honnef Bonn
- Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
- University of Potsdam
- Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
- Dresden University of Applied Sciences
- Chemnitz University of Technology
- University of Munich
- University of Pforzheim
- Helmut Schmidt University
- Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences
- University of Vechta
- University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
- University of Bamberg
- University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
- Heidelberg University of Education
- Furtwangen University
- University of Passau
- Clausthal University of Technology
- Deggendorf Institute of Technology
- University of Applied Sciences of Zwickau
- Hamburg University of Technology
- South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences
- Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences
- University of Oldenburg
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- Kiel University of Applied Sciences
- University of Applied Sciences Augsburg
- Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin
- HafenCity University Hamburg
- University of Hildesheim
Language Tests or Language requirements
Do I need to pass and ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST to study in Germany? Is the question you must be having in your mind. Let us make it clear and precise for you. If your first language is not English, you’ll need to show excellent language proficiency to apply to a German university. International students in Germany must meet certain standards for their studies, particularly as regards language skills. We are sharing with you the list of English language Tests that are widely accepted by all of Germany for admissions and jobs in 2023.
- There are various English standardized tests admitted at Germany universities. The IELTS is more common, but other standardized tests like TOEFL, PTE, CET, Duolingo, and TOEIC are also accepted. When taking one of these exams, make sure to score high because language proficiency is not only a requirement to proceed with the application further but also adds points to your application.
- IELTS: IELTS is a commonly accepted English test all over the world. The IELTS Academic is accepted by several German universities as a confirmation of English skills. It is required by German institutions for bachelor’s or master’s programs. Moreover, it is widely accepted worldwide and by German institutions as proof of English language skills. IELTS consists of four parts. The minimum score required is 6.0 but in a few cases 5.5 is acceptable.
- TOEFL: TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is accepted by most Germany universities and colleges. It is a standardized test offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). However, different academic institutions accept different TOEFL scores. TOEFL scores are only valid for 2 years and this English test consists of four sections in which 120 marks are equally distributed. In general, the minimum value for the TOEFL Test in Germany is 570 (paper) or 90 (web-based).
- PTE: PTE is accepted by German universities too. You can use your score to follow your university and university applications quickly. PTE Academic enables you to ensure that the fairest score is achieved wherever you take the test. The minimum accepted PTE score is usually 65 across universities in Germany.
- DUOLINGO: Duolingo is accepted for visas in Germany. The DET has been made a permanent offering as a current minimum English language standard for Irish study visas. For a second-level and foundation level or preparatory English course, test takers must have a minimum score of 70.
- CET: CET or Cambridge English Test is also an English proficiency test accepted in Germany. CET is a CEFR examination offered by Cambridge University. However, the Cambridge certificates assess language proficiency at the following levels:
- B1 Preliminary: B1 test is a certificate level that assesses the basic English language skills of a non-native English speaker. The skills are merely required for daily communication and understanding of language.
- B2 First: CEF (Cambridge English First) is a type of certification that shows that an international student possesses good English language skills. Moreover, it shows that the skills are sufficient for working, studying and living in the English-Speaking Country.
- C1 Advanced:CEA which stands for Cambridge English Advanced is a type of certificate that shows that you possess advanced skills in the English Language. And you can live, study and work in a country whose native language is English.
- C2 Proficiency: CEP, Cambridge English Proficiency certificate proves that you have expert level skills in the English language.
- UNICert Test: UNICert is a certification that is CEFR based that is run by Language Teaching Institutes, Institutes of Foreign Languages and Association of Language Centres (AKS) in Germany. This UNIcert test evaluates the skills of international applicants in the English language, however, there are four different levels of proficiency which are as follows: (1) UNIcert® Basis (A2); (2) UNIcert® I (B1); (3) UNIcert® II (B2); (4) UNIcert® III (C1); (5) UNIcert® IV (C2)
- TOEIC Test: TOEIC test is one of the recognized tests that is operated by the Educational Testing Service, ETS. There are few universities in Germany that accept the TOEIC certificates for English language proficiency proof and the TOEIC test has the following sections: Speaking and Writing & Listening and Reading
VISA types and Its Understandings
A student visa is a type of visa required by foreign nationals to study and stay in Germany for the duration of their studies. A student who is not a citizen of Germany but wants to study in Germany requires a Germany Student Visa to fulfil this purpose. Any foreign student who enrols on a course lasting three months or more in Germany will require a student visa.
There are three types of visas meant for people intending to pursue educational activities in Germany:
Type of Student Visa for Germany
- Language Course Visa (Visa for Language Learning)– for educational activities lasting from 3 months up to 1 year to participate in short German language courses.
- Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung)– if you want to study in Germany, but are still trying to find the right program or you still haven’t got the confirmation letter from your university.
- Student Visa (Visum Zu Studienzwecken)– if you have already been accepted to a German university.
Admission & VISA Application Process
Admission process explained in a simplified way
- Apply for a school in Germany
- Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Submit Visa Application & Book Biometric at VAC
- Attend Visa Interview
- Visa Approve or Decline
1. Apply for a school in Germany
- Before you apply for a student visa you will need to apply for admission into the Undergraduate or Graduate program. Applications to different courses and universities in Germany can be made 2 times a year which include Fall/Autumn (April) and Winter (September/October).
- Fall/Autumn Intake: Students who miss out on Winter Intake can apply for Fall/Autumn intake in April. It ends in July / August. This Intake will have fewer courses on offer by the Universities. Academically it makes no difference if either of the intakes is chosen. The deadline for Application for most Universities will fall in mid-January for Summer Intake.
- Winter Intake: It is the primary Intake for Germany. It starts in September / October and ends in February / March. All the Universities in Germany offer a large number of courses for Winter Intake. For most Universities, the application deadline will fall in mid-July for Winter (September Intake).
- Once you received notification of admission, Offer Letter, then you can proceed with visa application processes. Please note, a student visa may be issued no more than 90 days prior to the start date mentioned on your OFFER LETTER.
2. Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Now that you have been admitted and you receive a document called Offer Letter from the institution’s international student office. You will be instructed to pay some fees to confirm your admission to the institution. Pay the fees from your bank account for safer transactions and then get Final Offer Letter from the college.
- You should have done your medical test for getting the Final Offer Letter from institution. It’s not mandatory until informed but it is advised to get medical done.
3. Submit Visa Application & Book your Biometric at VAC
- The next step is to submit your Visa application. Go to the German Embassy or Consulate in your country.Locate the German Embassy in your country and go there to submit your application. You should go there and ask for more information on the application process and set up an appointment. If there is no German Embassy in your country, then go to the German Embassy/Consulate in a neighbouring country or application centre to which the German authorities have outsourced the visa applications. Review all the required documents. Before you go to your appointment, make sure you have all the documents ready. You can find specific document requirements for your country on the official websites of German Embassies.
4. Attend Visa Interview
- Now is the time to wait for reply from High Commission and based on your application, biometric and details you will be asked to submit documents (if required). Or else a short interview may or may not be conducted.
- Prepare for the visa interview. Make sure you prepare for the German student visa interview by looking up common interview questions online. In addition, you should have the visa application fee payment confirmation with you at the time of the interview.
5. VISA Approve or Decline
- The processing time for a German student visa can usually take up to 25 days. However, it also depends on the German Embassy as well as the country you’re applying from. In some instances, it may also take up to 6-12 weeks, with the longest processing time being 3 months.
- After the interview, they can either approve or decline your visa depending on your performance and how well you comply with the visa application process. Once you’ve completed all of the steps above and have received approval for an international student visa to German, your embassy will return your passport to you with your new visa in it.
Applying for Student Visa?
Understand the procedure and then only start the visa application process. You are expected to apply three months in advance of your trip. It takes about four to eight weeks to get your visa if you do not forget to submit any documents or have to re-submit them. Here are the steps for applying for your Germany student visa:
Eligibility Criteria for Germany Student Visa: To be eligible for a visa to study in Germany you must fulfil the following conditions:
- You must provide proof of identity – A valid passport & 1 MRP photo.
- You must provide evidence of being enrolled in an eligible educational program in an authorized educational institution that is accredited by and registered.
- You should be accepted into your course or University degree and have paid your fees or have proof of scholarship.
- You need to submit proof of health, a medical report – medical examination and X-ray.
- You must show proof that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, travel and living costs in Germany as well as for your return transportation.
- In case you have dependents, such as a spouse and children, you must provide proof of your financial ability so as to support their living costs, regardless of whether they intend to accompany you to Germany or not.
- You must possess appropriate English language proficiency, as is required for your course of study.
- Proof that you can fund the expenses of studying in Germany (tuition and living costs). That can be a bank account in Travellers Cheque, or Fundings through education loan.
- You must be of good character and meet the mental health criteria. You must provide evidence of not having a criminal record.
- Additional documents can be required by the visa officer upon the visa interview.
- Appear in person in the visa interview.
- Be cautious about your passport validity- it needs to be valid for your entire period of stay, including the expected extended period.
- Bear in mind that an incomplete visa application can be refused.
- Do not stick your photographs in the visa application form.
- Don’t take anyone with you to the Embassy or Consulate during a visa interview.
- Every applicant is authorised to take legal actions against the embassy or consulate decision on her/his visa application.
- Getting your Visa For Study Purposes is important, instead of a Tourist Visa -because it gives you the opportunity to get a residence permit once in Germany REMEMBER that a Tourist Visa cannot be extended further while in Germany, in case you need to stay longer.
- If the applicant is considered to represent a risk for the security and public order of the Schengen Area the visa will be rejected
- In case of visa rejection, the applicant gets informed about the main reason for a rejection.
- Make sure for your trip to Germany to be scheduled early enough so you will have the needed time in a disposition to enrol in university.
- Original documents can be required upon arrival at the airport.
- Germany study visa is not automatically given – so you have to wait for up to 4 MONTHS to get a response from the Embassy or Consulate and there is no guarantee you will be granted a visa.
- The application form can be downloaded freely on the website of the Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Passport remains at the Embassy/Consulate during the entire process of visa proceeding.
- Visa appointments should be made only through the online system. (not by phone, e-mail, fax or in-person)
- Visa Fee will not be reimbursed in case of visa refusal.
Dos and Don’ts for Germany Student Visa Application: You need to remember the following dos and don’ts while applying for German student visa.
Dos
- Apply for a student visa at least 5 weeks in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for the application procedure to be completed on time for you to join your course.
- Remember that if you are applying online, you can only apply for your visa a maximum of 180 days before your course starts.
- Fill up your visa application form carefully with all accurate details..
- Submit all the required supporting documents along with your visa application form.
Don’ts
- Do not present false documents for your visa.
- Do not provide any false information.
- Do not hide or misrepresent facts in your visa application.
Financial requirements, Finances & Cost of Living
How much does it cost to study in Germany? Germany remains the most preferred among most international students when it comes to popular study-abroad destination options. However, proof of clear available funds is required to pursue studies in Germany to cover tuition and living expenses.
- How much are the tuition fees in Germany?
- How to prove funds for Germany?
- How much does student accommodation costs in Germany?
- How much does it cost to live in Germany?
- What financial support is available to international students in Germany?
- How much are the TUITION FEES in Germany?
- Germany is one of the most popular destinations for university study but, like the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, it is not much expensive.
- The majority of higher education institutions in Germany are financed by the state. There are generally no fees for Bachelor’s courses or most Master’s courses at state higher education institutions. Tuition fees may have to be paid for certain continuing education Master’s programmes, but they are not particularly high compared to other countries. Private higher education institutions may demand more substantial fees for their degree programmes.
- The Federal State of Baden-Württemberg has however decided to charge non-EU citizens tuition fees of €2,500 per semester for (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma and state examination) degree programmes from the 2022/23 winter semester onwards. These fees do not apply to doctoral students.
- The fee in private colleges for bachelors starts from €7,000 and goes up to €25,000. For masters starts from €10,000 and goes up to €40,000.
- How to prove FUNDS for Germany?
- In order to pursue your studies in Germany, proof of sufficient funds is required to cover tuition and living expenses. You can prove to fund with the following:
- It serves as a guarantee that you can afford the cost of studying in Germany. Since January 2023 you are expected to demonstrate funds of €934 per month / €11,208 per year.
- Proof of the amount must be provided for visa applications submitted as of September 1st, 2019. Acceptable forms of proof include proof of parental income, an allocated amount on a blocked account, or proof of receipt of a recognised scholarship. For further information please contact the German Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- BLOCKED ACCOUNTS: International students have to use a blocked account to fund their studies in Germany. The money you transfer to a blocked account cannot be accessed until you enter the country. It is important to request the necessary documents early on. The completed forms, together with a copy of your passport, must be certified by a German diplomatic mission in your home country before submitting them to the bank of your choice. Banks charge a fee of between €100 and €250 to set up a blocked account. Once you have arrived in Germany, you will be issued with an EC card which you can then use to access the money. The account may only permit the withdrawal of a certain amount per month (for students currently 934 euros).
- Student loan documentation or the sale of a large asset, but documentation of the sources of funds must be provided
- Proof you paid for tuition and housing.
- How much does the student ACCOMMODATION costs in Germany?
- Student halls of residence owned and maintained by Studentenwerk (Student Services Organization) are present in every university town. This is the most affordable type of accommodation, averaging around €340 per month. The 181,000 placements are in high demand, and it is, therefore, advisable that you apply for this housing as early as possible. This is done through the website of the Studentenwerk administration local to your chosen university.
- Types of Student Accommodation: Numerous types of housing are available from Studentenwerk. The cheapest and most sociable option would be a room on a floor with a communal kitchen, bathroom, and living space. You could also opt for self-contained apartments with between two and seven bedrooms. For a more private residence, there are single and double apartments available which are also a little pricier. Price also fluctuates depending on the level of furnishing. You can apply for housing with basic furnishing, typically entailing a bed, desk, wardrobe, and shelving, or even unfurnished for a cheaper price.
- Private Accommodation: There is also the opportunity to rent accommodation from a private landlord or estate agent. Prices fluctuate greatly depending on the location and quality of the apartment, however, the price of housing in Germany averages around €350 to 560 per month (although in major urban centres the price could be higher). To save on costs, consider living with roommates in a flat share.
- Housing Portals: There are a few portals that are helpful.
- HousingAnywhereis partnered with 170+ universities across 65 countries to help their students find accommodation abroad. In addition, they incentivize students to sublet their rooms and apartments to incoming students whilst they are away. Find affordable accommodation in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich.
- Uniplacesis a housing portal that offers a fresh approach to booking student accommodation online. It’s fast to book, safe to pay, and lets you browse through thousands of trusted properties in Europe’s best student cities, including Berlin and Munich.
- comoffers over 1 million beds in Germany and other countries around the world. Their website is free to use and offers a dedicated team of expert accommodation consultants and price match comparisons. They also have formal contractual relationships with every landlord on their site for an added layer of security for you.
- How much does it cost to LIVE in Germany?
- The expenses that arise in the course of leading a normal life, i.e., for accommodation, food, clothing and recreational activities, are called living costs. They are about average in Germany compared to other European countries, that is to say they are significantly lower than in countries like Denmark, Luxembourg or Switzerland, but rather high compared to countries like Poland, the Czech Republic or Italy.
- On average, a German student has expenses of €900 per month. That includes rent, travel expenses, expenditures for food, clothing, learning materials, health insurance, telephone, Internet, radio and TV licence fees, and recreational activities. (Added to this is the semester contribution, which varies between higher education institutions.) International students usually have less money at their disposal than their German fellow students: on average, they can spend €725 per month. If you have affordable accommodation and are careful with your money you will manage easily with this sum.
- TIP:There are a number of discounts for students. If you can show valid student ID, you will often pay less for tickets to the theatre, museums, opera houses, cinemas and other cultural institutions.
- What financial support is available to INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS in Germany?
- Financial aid comes in many formats: Scholarships, Grants, Assistantships, and Work–Study Schemes. In Germany, there are 2 main ways that students can fund their studies–scholarships and financial aid. There are many ways and possibilities to finance your studies. Those who claim that they cannot afford to pay for their studies are not familiar with the many financing options that students in Germany have.
- Scholarships: A scholarship is a type of non-repayable financial support that EU and international students can apply for if they meet specific requirements – these requirements will differ depending on the scholarship you’re applying to.
- Erasmus+ scholarship: Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme for education, youth, and athletics. Erasmus is also a good choice of a scholarship for international students willing to study full-time in Germany. Erasmus offers financial aid for one-year exchange periods for international students at participating universities in Germany. The amount of money you can get from the Erasmus+ scholarship depends on the country you’re going to be studying in. It is not available for Asians.
- DAAD scholarship: The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarship is one of the largest financing institutions for international students. The scholarship programme has helped finance around 2 million student’s studies in Germany and is a joint organisation made up of Germany’s higher education institutions. If you have completed a Bachelor’s degree in the last 6 years and have at least 2 years of work experience, you’re eligible to apply for a DAAD scholarship. If you’re accepted, you’ll receive €850 monthly if you’re a postgraduate student, or €1,200 monthly if you’re a doctoral student.
- Study Foundation of the German People scholarships: The Study Foundation of the German People is one of the oldest organisations awarding scholarships for international students in Germany. These scholarships are for outstanding students that are expected to make great contributions to society and who excel academically or artistically.
- Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) scholarship: The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) scholarship is a programme specifically for international students who are looking to complete further postgraduate study in Germany. Accepted students for this scholarship will receive a monthly scholarship of €850 (€861 as of August 1, 2020) over 2 years for Master’s students, and €1,200 for PhD students. Students will also be able to get fees related to their studies refunded – up to €1,500 per semester.
- Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) scholarship: The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung scholarship is for German and international students who are taking their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD studies in Germany and have socio-political goals. Students who get accepted will receive up to €744 per month, as well as a flat-rate student fee of €300.
- CBS scholarship: The CBS scholarship is offered to international and EU students who attend our university as we believe in the potential of young people and want to support them in shaping their future. Up to 4 CBS scholarships are awarded per campus each semester to students who receive outstanding results during high school, or their first degree. Through the scholarship, we aim to make it easier to attend CBS for students who might otherwise not be able to study at a private university. If the requirements are met, students who have successfully completed the application will receive a scholarship of up to 25% on tuition fees.
Work Opportunities and Work environment
Currently, Germany has announced that there will be a temporary lift in the current work hour restrictions placed on international students in Germany. As it stands, international students that are authorized to work off campus are currently allowed to do so for less than 20 hours per week, this number will now grow to 40 hours per week.
- Work while studying in Germany: Studying and working is perfectly OK in Germany. However, there are limits to how many hours you can work before being required to pay full insurance contributions. In order not to lose your status as a student, the amount that you are allowed to work full-time outside of the lecture period is limited to 182 calendar days (26 weeks) within one year of employment.
- Types of employment/student jobs available for students in Germany: For starters don’t worry about working while studying. It’s very common in Germany, especially among international students, and there are many opportunities to consider. As a student, you have even more options than “normal” employees. Example, you can work as a student trainee or intern. The sticking point is usually the obligation to pay social security. In turn, your marital status, income, and type of employment count towards this.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The time it takes to get a visa for Germany depends on several factors, so there’s no set answer. In general, visas can take anywhere from two weeks to six months or more to process, depending on where you’re applying from.
- Go to the German Embassy or Consulate in your country.Locate the German Embassy in your country and go there to submit your application. You should go there and ask for more information on the application process and set up an appointment.
- If there is no German Embassy in your country, then go to the German Embassy/Consulate in a neighbouring country or application centre to which the German authorities have outsourced the visa applications.
- Review all the required documents.Before you go to your appointment, make sure you have all the documents ready. You can find specific document requirements for your country on the official websites of German Embassies.
- Prepare for the visa interview.Make sure you prepare for the German student visa interview by looking up common interview questions online. In addition, you should have the visa application fee payment confirmation with you at the time of the interview
- In Germany, you are allowed as a full-time student to workup to 20 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours a week during the summer break. That sounds fair enough.
- A good way is your network: Ask your flatmates, fellow students, and friends about job opportunities. Best case scenario, they can recommend you and you’ll already know what to expect. Otherwise, there are job portals like stellenwerk.de, appjobs or Young Capital that filter jobs according to the city and feature up-to-date listing. CBS enables its students to work in a wide variety of areas, be it in teaching as a student assistant or in different departments of the administration. In addition, the CBS Career Service Centre has many current job advertisements for CBS students in its own job portal.
- International students have their own set of regulations, which govern how long they can work before their taxes and social contributions rise. For EU nationals, the limit is 20 hours per week during the semester. For students coming from outside the EU, the limit is either 120 full days, or 240 half days every year.
- You may not spend more time working than you do studying. Otherwise, studying is no longer your main occupation. Therefore, as a student, you may not work more than 20 hours a week during the lecture period. You may work more during semester breaks: Students are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week for 26 weeks during the period of one year of employment (note that this does not have to correspond to a calendar year). In this case, it has no effect on your “student” status with regard to social security.
- There are some exceptions to the 20 hours rule mentioned above. Academic jobs are usually categorized differently. If you take a student assistant role at CBS, this won’t count towards the 120-full days limit that applies to international students. In addition, mandatory internships that are a part of your study programme also are exempted from the 120- full days rule.
- The amount of your income plays a role in several aspects. On the one hand, it affects your student status: It’s not the amount you’re earning, but the amount of time you’re working. (see question 1: How much can I work as a student in Germany?). Another aspect of income are taxes: If you exceed certain limits, you will be liable for wage tax (for example, as an employee) or income tax (for example, as a working student or self-employed person). In any case, you should file a tax return for each year in which you study and work in Germany. The respective income limits and tax-free amounts also depend on your age and marital status. Your income is also important for your health insurance. To remain in the family health insurance and be exempt from paying your own health insurance contributions, you may not earn more than 5,400 euros per year in a part-time job. The minimum wage in Germany is around 9 € per hour. Higher-skilled student positions could offer a higher pay range from 11-20 € per hour. Side jobs such as babysitting, catering, and working in a cafe or a restaurant mostly pay somewhere around the minimum.