The Guide to German Dream
Sandeep Kalapala
Education Management I Strategic Alliances I International Student Recruitment I Education Carrer Counselling I Immigration I Visas I Bussiness Devlopment I ICCC I British Council Certified I
Germany has emerged as a global magnet for international students seeking high-quality education and promising career prospects. Year by year, the country sees a steady rise in the number of foreign students, drawn to its universities due to several compelling factors. The allure of Germany lies in its affordable tuition fees, a plethora of scholarship opportunities, and abundant part-time work options, making it an increasingly popular choice among students worldwide.
Among the diverse cohort of international students in Germany, Indians constitute the largest contingent, standing as the second-largest group overall. This statistic underscores the growing appeal of Germany as an academic destination, with Indian student enrollment experiencing a notable 26% surge in the last year alone, reaching an impressive count of 42,997 during the Winter Semester of 2022-23.
Germany's educational prowess aligns with its robust economy, positioning itself as Europe's powerhouse. Renowned for its strong growth, robust employment opportunities, and formidable export capabilities, the German economy serves as an attractive backdrop for students eyeing career prospects post-graduation. This economic strength is exemplified by its dominance in various industries, including automobiles, information technology, and pharmaceuticals. Some of the Fortune 500 companies housed within Germany, such as Volkswagen, BMW, Siemens, SAP, and Bayer, showcase the diverse range of sectors where career opportunities abound.
Moreover, Germany's global reputation as a leading exporter of machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and household equipment underscores the advantage of studying in a country with a highly skilled labor force. This economic prowess not only enhances the learning experiences for international students but also offers promising avenues for career advancement upon graduation.
The confluence of affordable education, abundant career prospects in leading industries, and a robust economy with a highly skilled workforce solidifies Germany's stature as an enticing destination for international students seeking both academic excellence and professional growth.
Key reasons why Indian students are choosing Germany as their future destination for higher studies?
1. Low Cost of Education: Tuition fees in Germany are comparatively lower than in other countries, making it an affordable option for Indian students.
2. State-Owned and Government-Funded Universities: The majority of universities in Germany are state-owned and funded by the government, ensuring high-quality education at lower costs.
3. Quality Education: Germany boasts one of the oldest and best education systems globally, offering high-quality academic programs.
4. Merit-Based Admissions: Admission to German universities is primarily based on merit, providing fair opportunities to qualified students.
5. Practical Knowledge: German education emphasizes practical knowledge alongside theoretical learning, enhancing students' skill sets.
6. Good Job Prospects: Graduates from German universities have promising job prospects due to the country's strong economy and diverse industries.
7. Post-Study Work Opportunities: Non-EU students are allowed to stay for up to 1.5 years after graduation to search for employment, facilitating the transition from study to work.
8. Indefinite Right of Residence: Graduates can obtain an indefinite right of residence after five years of working in Germany, providing a clear path for settlement and career growth.
These factors collectively contribute to Germany becoming an increasingly popular destination for Indian students pursuing higher education.
Let see the key facts about Germany.
Germany consists of 16 states, with Berlin as the capital and largest city and fourth-largest economy globally. Berlin is renowned as the startup capital of Europe for its technological innovations and engineering, playing a significant role in sectors like automotive manufacturing and renewable energy.
Some of the famous cities in Germany are
Germany's contributions to culture, science, and industry are vast, making it a fascinating country to explore and study.
Does an International Student is Eligible for Part Time Jobs in Germany ?
Yes International students are permitted to work for 120 full working days or 240 half working days annually. A full day constitutes 8 hours daily or 40 hours weekly in Germany, implying that students are restricted to 2.5 full days of work per week during the semester. Typically, student wages range from 8 to 12 Euros per hour, and they have the option to work either on or off campus.
Academic roles are typically classified differently. Taking a position as a student assistant at your college or university does not contribute to the 120-full days limit applicable to international students. Moreover, mandatory internships integrated into your study program also fall outside the scope of the 120-full days regulation.
Upon completion of studies, if you secure a job, you can apply for a work visa. If you conclude your studies without securing employment, you can opt for a job-seeker visa.
Higher Education System in Germany
In Germany, there are approximately 500 officially recognized institutions of higher education, dispersed across 165 towns and cities in all 16 Federal states. These institutions offer top-notch education to both local and international students. Among these, the majority about 350 are public universities.
The universities in Germany are segmented into three primary categories:
1. Technical University/Technische Universit?t (TU)
2. Universities of Applied Sciences/Fachhochschule
3. Colleges of Art, Film, and Music
The Universities of Applied Sciences constitute around one-third of the total institutions and are highly regarded for their emphasis on training students directly for the job market. German industries eagerly anticipate the annual influx of skilled graduates from these institutions due to their practical, hands-on experience.
On the other hand, Technical Universities and standard Universities are renowned for their innovative teaching methodologies and focus on theoretical knowledge and research. These institutions prepare students for further academic pursuits and advanced research studies.
Enrollment ratio in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Germany is as follows:
? Universities: 58%
? Universities of Applied Science: 42%
Application Process is done trough.
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??????????? uni-assist (for Graduation)
??????????? directly to the university
Which language proficiency certificates are valid for studying in Germany?
The recognized German language certificates for studying at a German university include:
? TestDaF level IV.
? DSH Certificate II or III.
? Assessment test at the end of institutional preparatory classes (for students who have enrolled in language studies followed by the main course, i.e., bachelor’s).
? DSD Certificate of level II (Language diploma of the permanent conference of ministers for education and culture affairs, level II).
? Goethe Certificate C2.
? Telc Deutsch C1 or B2 Hochschule Certificate.
To prove proficiency in the English language, the following certificates are accepted:
? Official Score Report of TOEFL Test with required scores of iBT-88 or PBT-66.
? Official Score Report of IELTS Test with a required group score in IELTS Academic of 6.5+.
It's important to note that certain universities may have their own language proficiency requirements, and not all language tests and scores are universally accepted.
Here the question is how many public universities in Germany accept international students?
In Germany, nearly three hundred public universities extend admission to international students, offering tuition-free education. Additionally, around fifty institutions charge a nominal fee of approximately 1500 EUR annually. To accommodate international students hesitant due to language barriers, German public universities have introduced English-taught programs, thereby attracting talented individuals who were previously deterred from studying in Germany.
The distribution of subject fields among these universities is as follows: Engineering programs constitute 60%, while Law, Management, and Social Studies make up 22%. Mathematics and Natural Sciences encompass 14%, with the remaining 4% falling under various other disciplines.
In terms of admission criteria, only a small number of German public universities decline applications from international students holding a 50% mark threshold.
What is APS and why is it required and Steps for getting a successful APS certificate in India.
The Attestation and Verification Procedure (APS) is a crucial requirement for Indian students aspiring to study in Germany. The process for obtaining a successful APS certificate from India involves several steps:
1. Initiate the process by registering online through APS India’s website ([email protected]). Download, print, and meticulously complete the application form, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Inaccurate or incomplete information may lead to application rejection.
2. Submit the filled-out APS application form along with the required documents and the prescribed APS fee, which amounts to approximately INR 18,000. This fee is to be deposited into the designated APS bank account.
3. Once the documents and form are ready, dispatch them via courier or personally submit them at the reception desk of APS India.
4. APS undertakes thorough verifications, processing only complete applications that have passed the verification stage.
5. Upon the successful completion of verification procedures, officials update the applicant's online profile.
6. Subsequently, five official APS certificates are dispatched via courier to the successful candidates.
Following these steps diligently and ensuring the accurate completion of the APS application is essential to secure a successful APS certificate in India.
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End to End Visa Application Process and steps
The German student visa application process can be a confusing process for many students. The procedures are different from country to country, but you can have a general overview of the main steps you need to go through below.
A German Student Visa also known as a National Visa – (Type D visa) can be applied at one of the German Missions in India which is valid for three months and allows you to enter Germany and apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for one year. It can be renewed/extended to let you live in Germany for the duration of your studies. However, before you are allowed to do that, you have to fulfill a set of requirements.
The most important requirements during your Germany student visa process are:
Proof of Financial Resources (Choose one of the following):
Proof of University Admission:
Proof of Conditional University Admission:
Proof of Language Course:
Evidence of Earlier Education:
Additional Requirements:
Note: German Diplomatic Missions in India might request additional documents as needed.
How Much Money Do Indians Need to Study in Germany?
Indian students must have at least €11,208 (around 896,400 Indian Rupee, as of October 2022) to apply for a German student visa. In most cases, you must open a blocked bank account in a German bank and transfer the money there. The other most common method is if you win a scholarship. Either way, you have to settle your finances in India before applying for a visa.
Visa Fee and payment procedure
The German student visa fee for adults from India is €75 and for minors, it's €37.50. The payment, in INR, is made via a Demand Draft during the visa appointment.
The draft should be addressed accordingly, depending on where the application is submitted:
Note: The visa fee, as per the German Missions in India website, should be the basis for the INR amount on the Demand Draft. It's crucial not to use current exchange rates for this purpose as it will result in rejection.
Appointment waits times vary, typically ranging from two days (at most German Missions in India) to 10 weeks (at the German Embassy in New Delhi).
Regarding processing, the duration for a student visa spans from two to six weeks. Remember, the visa fee is non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
There would be a brief interview of the student by an officer at the consulate to assess the genuineness of the student.
You have to submit the student visa application at the German Mission in India responsible for your jurisdiction, as follows:
Must do things after arriving in Germany
1. Registering your address: Once settled in Germany, promptly register your address at the local registration office to obtain a Registration Certificate. This certificate is necessary to activate your blocked account and apply for a residence permit, so it's crucial to complete this step early.
2. Activating your blocked account: After registering your address, open a German bank account to facilitate the transfer of funds from your blocked account. Upon setting up the bank account, you'll receive a debit card or Girocard for accessing your money. A monthly payout of €861 will be provided.
3. Getting health insurance: All Indian students traveling to Germany must obtain health insurance. For those under 30, registering for public health insurance (also known as "statutory") is mandatory.
The costs range from €105.80 to €111.75 per month with various providers:
? TK Techniker Krankenkasse – €105.80
? AOK Baden Württemberg – €107.29
? Barmer – €108.77
? DAK Gesundheit – €111.75
? KKH Kaufm?nnische Krankenkasse – €111.75 for students opting for TK health insurance, a complimentary one-month travel insurance policy is provided.
Those over 30 can only avail of private insurance.
Accepted travel insurance providers in India by the German Embassy include:
? DR-WALTER
? Europe Assistance
? Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company
? Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company
? Bharti AXA General Insurance Company
? Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company
? Cigna TTK Health Insurance Limited
? Go Digit General Insurance Limited
? Future Generali India Insurance Company
? HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company
? IFFCO – Tokio General Insurance Company
How to Get a Student Residence Permit when you reach to Germany?
Since your German student visa is only valid for three months after arrival, you have to get a residence permit Within three months after you travel from India to Germany, you have to.
? Schedule an appointment with the local Ausl?nderbeh?rde (Foreigner’s Office).
To apply for a residence permit, you need to gather the following documents
? One bio metric picture.
? The “Application for Issuance of a Residence Permit” form.
? Your Registration Certificate.
? Proof of Blocked Account.
? Proof of health insurance.
? Proof of acceptance in a German educational institution.
? Submit the documents at the Ausl?nderbeh?rde and apply for a study residence permit.
The residence permit will allow you to stay in Germany for one year, and it can be extended annually for the duration of your studies.