Germany

Europe (Schengen)

About

With over 400,000 international students choosing Germany every year, it has established its position as one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in the world. According to the QS Rankings 2023, a whooping 46 German universities are ranked among the best globally.

Unlike many other study destinations, public universities in Germany charge little tuition fees, even for international students. Over 90% of students studying in Germany attend public universities, where tuition fees are either minimal or completely waived.

Germany is a global leader in research and innovation, investing over 3% of its GDP in R and D annually. For students, this means access to tech-enabled labs, exciting research opportunities, and collaborations with major industry players. And with over 1,000 research institutions, including the Max Planck Society and the Fraunhofer Society, there’s no shortage of chances to participate in groundbreaking projects.

What the Germany offers

No or low tuition fees at public universities

Strong economy and job opportunities

Research and innovation hub

Scholarships for international students

World-class education

Post-study work visa

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World-class education at affordable cost: Germany is home to some of the world’s best universities, with the Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg, and Humboldt University of Berlin ranking among the top.
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Diverse range of program: With over 2,000 English-taught programs in engineering, business, arts, and sciences, there is a wide variety of fields to study in Germany.
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Innovation and research opportunities: Germany is a global leader in research and innovation, investing over 3% of its GDP in research and development annually.
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Work and stay-back options: International students in Germany can work for up to 20 hours/ week while studying. After graduation, you can apply for an 18-month post-study work visa to find a job in Germany.
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Cultural diversity and travel opportunities: With over 400,000 international students, Germany is a multicultural hub where you’ll meet people from all over the worl
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Scholarships and financial support: Organizations like DAAD offer numerous scholarships to international students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and all other costs of study in Germany.
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High quality of life: Germany is known for its high standard of living so as a student, you’ll enjoy access to affordable healthcare, student discounts, and a vibrant cultural scene.

To apply to study in Germany, international students have to meet specific academic, language, and documentation requirements. For bachelor’s programs, you’ll need a recognized high school diploma equivalent to the German Abitur. For master’s programs, a relevant bachelor’s degree is required, and for PhD programs, a master’s degree and a research proposal are necessary. Language proficiency is also a key requirement. German-taught programs typically require proof of proficiency through tests like TestDaF or DSH, while English-taught programs require IELTS or TOEFL scores. Additionally, you’ll need to submit documents such as transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, and proof of financial resources (€11,904 in a blocked account). Some programs may also require entrance exams or interviews. For one-on-one support, reach out to Times, the trusted Germany student visa consultants to navigate your journey smoothly.

Required documents

Student visa
Valid passport
Academic transcripts and certificates
Proof of language proficiency
Completed application form
Statement of purpose (SOP) or personal statement
Letters of recommendation
Proof of financial means
Motivation letter
CV

Intake sessions

Germany offers two main intake sessions for international students: the Winter semester and the Summer semester. The Winter Semester begins in September or October and is the primary intake, with most programs starting during this period. The Summer Semester, which starts in March or April, is a secondary intake with fewer programs available.

Winter intake

October

March

Summer intake

April

September

Student Visa Type	Purpose	Cost	Allowed stay duration
Student visa	Allows you to study in Germany after you have been accepted to a German educational institute.	€75	2 years ( can be extended for 2 more years too)
Language course visa	Lets you stay to participate in a German language course for a duration of 1 year.	€75	Upto 1 year
Student applicant visa	This visa is granted If you still haven’t been accepted in a German educational institution or are waiting for a response regarding your application.	€75	Initially 3 months but extendable up to 9 months
German resident permit	Once you have been accepted into a German educational institution, you will have to get a student residence permit to enroll.	€110	1-2 years

For most part you will require:

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Valid passport
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Acceptance letter from a recognized university
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Proof of sufficient funds
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Health insurance
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Language proficiency test results
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Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Health examination reports
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Proof of residency
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Motivation letter

Job opportunities in Germany

Students pursuing their studies in Germany can work part-time up to 20 hours per week to support themselves financially. After graduation, international students can apply for an 18-month post-study work visa too. Germany’s strong economy and demand for skilled workers in sectors like engineering, IT, healthcare, and business creates ample job opportunities. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are major hubs for industries such as technology, finance, and automotive engineering. Germany provides a supportive environment for international students to gain work experience and build long-term careers.

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