Study in Germany

This is the first and foremost question any student would have. To answer this question, various aspects need to be considered. Undeniably, the following factors play a key and influencing role in deciding the destination of study.

  • Quality of Education
    • Germany is Synonymous with Quality. This holds even in the field of education. Most universities and colleges are state-funded. Merit is the only criterion for admission & there is no doubt about it. According to German law, universities are not permitted to discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to persons based on race, ethnic group, gender, or social class.
    • Germany is the land of ideas. Education, Science, and research have played a central role in German society. To name a few inventions, Aspirin, Phenol, MP3, Diesel Engine, Tachometer, Electromagnetic radiation, Gauss, Hertz, Ohm, Roentgen, X-ray Crystallography, Automobile, and Zeppelin all come from Germany.
    • What is the worth of Education which lacks the application of knowledge to solve real-world problems? German Education guarantees practical knowledge in addition to a solid theoretical foundation. Above all, it provides a platform to launch a career by making internships compulsory & Bachelor/Master Thesis in an industrial environment.
  • Cost
    • Don’t be afraid! German Education won’t cost you a fortune. You do not have to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth or live the rest of your life repaying study financing debts.

So how much does it cost to study in Germany?

Tuition fees (if applicable)

The German Federal Government has historically funded primary University Education at public institutions. In 2010, 5 of the 16 states of Germany charged tuition fees at state-funded institutions, while 11 of the 16 states still provide tuition-free.

  • No tuition fees in some states
  • € 500 for second-degree or prolonged study duration
  • € 500 even for the first university degree in some states

Look at the university portal for exact details of the tuition fee for the relevant course. This may vary even from course to course in the same University

Semester contribution

All university students must pay a semester contribution, depending on the services it includes. Again, this is university-specific and ranges from €200 to €350. Refer to the respective University portal for exact information.

For an overview, semester contribution may include

– Social fees

Towards social services such as Student dining halls, Student residences, athletic facilities & administrative fees

– Liability insurance

Covers & compensates unintentional damages to 3rd party

– Student Union contribution

Membership fee to the Student Union

– Semester ticket

This ticket permits unlimited usage of public transportation in & around the university town. Depending on the city & range of tickets, the price of this ticket may vary.

Basic living expenses

Though Germany enjoys one of the highest standards of living, its expenses are comparable to those of countries in Western Europe. Living expenses depend largely on lifestyle, city, and type of accommodation. Statistically, Germans spend 1/3rd of their income on accommodation rentals. In summary, a very conservative estimate of €450 is what a student would need for an economical and modest lifestyle.

Living expenses include (Conservative estimate)

– Rent & Utilities : €200

Private accommodation > €300

Shared flat or Student residence around €200

– Internet & Mobile phone – €30

Mobile flat rate – €15

Internet DSL flat rate – €15

A separate section is dedicated to a detailed analysis of mobile & DSL contracts

– Health insurance – €60A separate section is dedicated to a detailed analysis of popular health insurance options

– Food & Drinks – €125

– Miscellaneous expenditure – €50

The above estimate does not include tuition fees, semester tickets, social contributions, traveling, allowances for dining, sports, and anything else.

Financing Studies

As there is no tuition fee or a nominal tuition fee, Universities do not provide any scholarships. International students can apply for scholarships from numerous organizations, such as

DAAD

DAAD provides scholarships only to Graduate students pursuing Masters, Doctoral students pursuing PhD, Post-doctoral work/ research, etc. Unfortunately, DAAD does not offer any financial support to undergraduate students.

    • Politically affiliated foundations
    • Religious institutions
    • Business related organizations
    • Check with the relevant organization for eligibility criteria & apply directly.

Part-Time Work / Student Job

International students can work for 90 full or 180 half working days a year, provided it does not exceed 20 hours a week during the lecture period. The objective of this permit is to allow students to earn while they learn without hindering or distracting them from the primary goal of completing their course of study. Typical student wages range from 10 to 15 Euros an hour.

Paid Internship

Many courses have a mandatory Internship, which could last 3 to 6 months. Students may apply for internships with companies in their field of study. The onus of finding an internship is purely on the student. Professors can be approached for recommendation letters or references.

Paid Project Work / Master Thesis

A good number of Industries sponsor Bachelor/Master’s theses, and some also financially support project work. Students doing Master’s Theses at companies get paid around €600 – €800 per month for a period of 6 months.

Job Prospects

Germany is home to many of the fortune 500 companies. With a robust economy & world-leading position, there is a constant demand for a qualified & skilled labor force. The aging population & market diversification have only fueled the demand-supply gap. According to “The German Engineer’s Association (VDI),” engineer vacancies have risen over the past year by nearly 30 percent. Non-EU students can stay up to 1 year after completing their studies to search for a job.

No matter which part of the world you go to, German qualification will indeed find preferential treatment.

Social Life

Climate

Germany has a temperate seasonal climate. In the West, winters tend to be mild, and summers cool, whereas in the East, winters can be severe, and summers can be very warm.

Environment

Almost 33% of Germany is covered by forest. Germany is very much conscious of preserving the environment. Clean energy is widely promoted through incentives, subsidies & public awareness initiatives.

Demographics

Federal statistics office estimates that the current population of 82 million will shrink to between 65 & 70 million (by 2060), assuming a net migration of 100,000 to 200,000 per year. As of December 2004, about seven million foreign citizens were registered in Germany, and 19% of the country’s residents were of foreign or partially foreign descent. The United Nations Population Fund lists Germany as host to the third-highest number of international migrants worldwide.

In spite of its black history, Modern Germany is welcoming and progressive. Democracy, Equality before the law, and globalization have all resulted in a free and open society that gives dignity, respect, opportunity, and a level playing field even to foreigners.

Geography

Germany is ideally located in the center of Europe, sharing borders with nine European countries: Denmark in the north, Poland and the Czech Republic in the east, Austria and Switzerland in the south, France in the southwest, and Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands in the west.