Your Ultimate Guide to Studying in Germany

Are you tired of the same old routine in your academic journey? We get it, if you’re a student in India, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of crowded streets, honking cars, and hot weather (thanks to global warming). Do you dream of studying in a country that offers a world-class education, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery? Picture yourself studying in Germany, where you can bike to class on a crisp, cool morning, surrounded by picturesque architecture and beautiful green spaces.

With its rich history, diverse universities, and stunning landscapes, Germany is a top destination for students worldwide. But what makes Germany so unique, and why should you consider it for your studies? Let’s explore that in this blog!

Why Study In Germany?

Not only is Germany a stunning country with a rich history and culture, but it’s also a fantastic place to pursue your academic goals. German universities offer high-quality education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a diverse range of programs. And the best part? Many of these programs have little or no tuition fees, which means you can save money while gaining a world-class education.

But let’s talk about the fun stuff! Germany is a country that’s full of surprises and unique experiences. You can explore the Black Forest, hike the Alps, or take a dip in the Baltic Sea. You can visit historic castles, world-class museums, and vibrant cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. And let’s not forget the food – you can indulge in bratwurst, pretzels and what not!

And don’t worry about missing home if you do. Since there is a sizeable Indian population in Germany, you can easily find familiar faces and cultural events to help you feel at home. So, let’s look at your ultimate guide now! 

Best Courses In Germany!

Because of its top-notch educational system, cutting-edge research opportunities, and various programmes, Germany is a popular study-abroad destination for students worldwide. Here are the top five courses to take when studying in Germany:

• Engineering: Germany is known for its world-class engineering programs, which cover a range of disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. Top universities for engineering in Germany include the Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen, and the Technical University of Berlin.
• Business and Management: Germany is home to many world-renowned business schools, offering a variety of programs from undergraduate to PhD level. The University of Cologne, Otto Beisheim School of Management at WHU, and Mannheim Business School are a few of Germany’s top business schools.
• Natural Sciences: Germany is a leading country in scientific research, particularly in fields such as chemistry, physics, and biology. Some of the top universities for natural sciences in Germany include the University of Heidelberg, the Technical University of Munich, and the University of Göttingen.
• Computer Science and IT: Germany has a strong reputation in this field with top universities such as the University of Freiburg, and the University of Bonn offering world-class programs in these areas.
• Medicine: Germany is also known for its excellent medical schools and research facilities. Top universities for the same in Germany include the University of Heidelberg, the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and the University of Freiburg.

Of course, there are many other excellent courses to study in Germany, and it ultimately depends on your interests and career goals. However, if you are interested in any of these fields, Germany should definitely be your top pick!

Plan Your Study In Germany

Now that you are convinced that Germany can be pretty cool. Here is the step-by-step guideline for getting into your dream university there!

1. Choose Your University And Your Course: Make sure you do some research on the various programmes and universities offered before you start applying to universities in Germany. Take a virtual campus tour, research multiple programmes and courses, and look up university rankings. Consider the atmosphere you would thrive in while selecting a university. Which do you prefer—large cities or tiny towns? Do you like to live in the middle of a bustling city or close to nature? Consider the potential employment options when selecting a programme. Examine the German job market and take into account the most in-demand professions.

2. Let’s Talk Documents: Here are some of the key items you’ll need:

• Academic transcripts: You’ll need to provide official transcripts from your high school and any colleges or universities you’ve attended.
• Language proficiency: You’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in German or English by taking an approved language test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Passport: Of course, you’ll need a valid passport to apply to a German university.
• Letters of recommendation: Why not! Some universities may require letters of recommendation from teachers or professors.
• Personal statement: You may be asked to submit a personal statement or essay explaining your motivation for applying to the university and your academic goals.

3. Applying To Universities: Create a profile on the university’s online application portal once you’ve whittled down your list. You can check the status of your application here and upload all of the necessary paperwork. Once you’ve completed the application form, submit it online. Don’t forget to pay the application fee! Upload all necessary paperwork, including your passport, language test results, and academic transcripts. You must now wait until after submitting your application.

4. Visa And Immigration: To apply for a student visa, you will need to have an admission offer from a German university or institution. Make sure to plan ahead and leave enough time for the visa application process. Before applying for a visa, research the requirements for Indian students studying in Germany. You can find this information on the website of the German embassy or consulate in India.  You will need to gather all the required documents for your visa application, including your passport, admission letter, proof of financial support, health insurance, and other supporting documents mentioned above. You can download the visa application form from the website of the German embassy or consulate in India. Make sure to fill it out accurately and completely.

You might need to show up for a visa officer interview at the embassy or consulate. Be careful you adequately prepare for the interview and provide accurate responses to all of the questions. Ensure that you abide by all immigration laws and guidelines. You must be informed of the limitations on your stay’s duration, the prohibitions on working while holding a student visa, and other significant regulations.

5. Living In Germany: Germany’s cost of living might vary based on the city you reside in, although it is typically thought to be less expensive than other European nations. You should budget between 800 and 1,000 euros per month for living costs, which include housing, food, transportation, and entertainment. In Germany, students have a variety of housing options, including shared homes, private flats, and dorms. 

Berlin is a popular choice for students because of its vibrant culture and affordable cost of living. Munich is another great city for students in Germany. It is home to some of the top-ranked universities in the country and has a bustling nightlife and culture scene. Heidelberg, Cologne and Hamburg are also great options for students.

Trains, buses, and trams are all part of the outstanding public transit system in Germany. You may be qualified for subsidised transportation passes as a student, which can save you a lot of money. In Germany, biking is also a common form of transportation, and numerous cities have bike lanes and bike-sharing schemes. 

6. Know Your Financing Options: The fact that most colleges in Germany have either very low or no tuition rates is one of the best aspects of studying there. You will still need to set aside money for additional charges including living bills, health insurance, and textbooks. International students pursuing studies in Germany have access to a variety of scholarships and financial aid alternatives. The DAAD scholarship, which provides full and partial financial aid to students from developing nations, is the most well-known scholarship. You can also inquire about available scholarships with your university or other institutions. Many Indian students in Germany support themselves while they are in school by doing part-time jobs or internships.

Crowdfunding is a fun additional method of funding your education. On platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter, you can establish a crowdfunding campaign to solicit donations from loved ones, friends, and even total strangers who share your passion for your goals.

7. Other Things To Take Care Of: To pay for your bills, such as rent, groceries, and transportation, you will want a German bank account. In order to make an informed choice, it’s a good idea to investigate your options before arriving in Germany so that you can open a bank account.

Within two weeks of your arrival in Germany, you must register with the local authorities as an international student. To complete the registration process, you must bring your passport, visa, and rental agreement to the nearby registration office.

As a student in Germany, you must have health insurance.  Public health insurance, which costs about 100 euros per month and is required for students under the age of 30, or private health insurance, which may be more expensive but provides more complete coverage, are your two options.

Germany Seems To Be Calling You! 

So, if you’re considering studying in Germany, don’t hesitate to take the leap and start your journey towards a brighter future today!

 If you’ve come this far, we are sure you’re now seriously considering Germany as your go-to destination for your education. Need a little more personalised guidance on getting into the right course and college there? We can help! 

Mentoria promises to handhold you during your career discovery journey – from the time you sign up until you get into a career you love. If you haven’t done it already, register now and begin with the first step – a career assessment that helps you discover yourself and your ideal career!