Germany in terms of studying is a destination selected by many. The German higher education universities have different kind of courses to offer. Specialized institutes have different courses to offer such as in research education or arts. It all depends on you which field you want to choose, Germany has a diverse type of schools. This article will be your guide you need to know about things to know before going to Germany to study.
Most of the universities in Germany are public institutions and also have a significant number of English taught degree. Here are the main types of universities in Germany:
- Traditional universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- Universities of technology
- Universities of education
- Universities and colleges of art, music, and film
- Universities of applied administrative sciences
- Universities of the armed forces
- Distance studies universities and universities of cooperative education.
Tuition fees in Germany
For EU as well as non-EU students most of the states in Germany do not charge any tuition fees. The semester fee generally ranges between 40 – 60 EUR. This semester fees also include public transport ticket for the region. Additionally, in some states, this semester fee covers administration costs of your university.
Long-term tuition fees in Germany for International Students
For the students who want three to four semester more than their fellow students to complete their programs, some universities charge around 500 EUR each semester from those students.
This is the one expenditure, the other is the living cost. With tuition fees cost you have to bear living expenses that totally depend on the city you are living in.
University entrance qualification for International Students
One of the main criteria that are needed to study in the German universities is that you hold a university entrance qualification. By this, it is meant that you will be qualified enough that on that basis you will get admission to the postgraduation institute in your own home country. For this, you will be required-
- Firstly, you need a secondary school leaving certificate that is equivalent to the German higher education entrance qualification.
- Secondly, You must hold a proof that you have successfully taken a university entrance exam.
The authenticity of higher education entrance qualification for the applicants belong to non-EU countries-
The International Office or the student registration office at your university will grant the successful admission after checking the authenticity of your higher education entrance qualification. If your certificate is not recognized as equivalent to the German equivalency, then you must take an assessment test.
German/English language proficiency for International Students
If you know German then it is nothing like that but if you don’t then even you can survive over there. If you wished to learn the German language then you can join a language course parallel to your studies. Some of the universities do offer special German language classes for the international students.
English language proficiency required for Studying in Germany
If you are not from English speaking country then you must have to clear English language proficiency test to get admission in any of the German universities. Accepted English language tests are:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
Selection procedures for international students
There is no as such requirement except as mentioned above. Some universities have special academic subject-specific qualifications or require letters of motivation. Do register prior to the expiry of the registration date. Don’t wait until the deadline. For international students, one of the important jobs is to get a student visa and make all the documents required for the admission.
University academic calendar in Germany
At German universities, the academic year is divided into two semesters (winter and summer semester). Dates may vary depending upon the university. Officially the winter term begins on October 1 and ends on March 31 and the summer term begins on April 1 and ends on September 30.
Costs of your study materials for Studying in Germany
Cost of your study material entirely depends upon your course and the subject. Library at your university does offer some of the standard books but important standard work they can’t offer you on loan. So it leaves with only one option of buying. In the market, second-hand books at reasonable prices are available. You can get a good deal over there.
Some of the artistic and medical courses are more expensive than others. On average, on study material, you will be spending around 200 EUR per semester. But for the artistic and medical course books, you might end up spending around 50 EUR per month.
Health insurance for International students in Germany
It is said by the law that every person leaving in Germany must have health insurance. You need to provide the proof of health insurance at the time of university enrollment and at the time of getting a residence permit. So it is advisable to have health insurance before going to Germany to study.
Overall study costs for International Students in germany
Following is the budget list of studying in Germany, including all the study related expenses-
- Per semester fees: 50 – 100 EUR
- Cost of study material: 50 – 70 EUR/month
- health insurance per month: 80 – 160 EUR
- tuition fees (if needed): an average of 2,000 EUR/year