Let’s explore some of the reasons why students prefer to study in this amazing country, recently it is becoming a magnet for international students from all over the world, and Germany is a higher education paradise. Unlike in any other country, in Germany, Public & some Private universities are famous for delivering high-quality education - a lot of these universities even rank among the best in the world.
If you decide to study in Germany, it is important to do as much research as possible about the education system, organization, and costs. It will help you to adapt faster and there will be no surprises for you once you get there.
So, once you have made up your mind about studying abroad, you have to know the requirements to study in Germany, prepare your document and certificates, have to attempt and get successfully cleared the tests required, then now you are finally inching toward making your foreign education dreams come true. But now comes the tough part, How to get through the process?
So here are 8 essential steps to prepare for studying in Germany:
STEP 1 – Select the universities and the courses:
Selecting a university is a very important part of the process of studying in Germany. That's why we've made the process hassle-free here by offering counseling through Uni-Access Pvt. Ltd on the selection of universities for students who need help in the step-by-step process. Those who are willing to apply to German universities shall prepare a list of universities available on the DAAD & Uni-Access website based on their profile. Germany has many globally recognized public and private universities, a multitude of courses to choose from, and globally recognized degrees that promise high employability and an affordable cost of living.
Find the list of universities and courses here
STEP 2 - Commence your process by meeting the requirements:
Once you have decided which university and degree program you would like to attend, you should check all the requirements. Please see the university website and admission requirements section for more information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the university directly. It is advisable to read the prerequisites section more than once because entry requirements differ depending on the university and degree type you choose.
The most common problems encountered at this stage are poor timing and missing documents, both of which can lead to delays in admission and rejection of applications. To avoid this, these documents should be prepared in time. For example, sitting for the German language proficiency standardized test you need to take a language course for at least three months. If you start learning German from scratch, it will take much longer.
Further certifications of the document may have similar processing times before being issued. In the event of procedural delays, the preparation of the documents must begin at least four months before the application for a place on the course.
STEP 3 - Get your Language proficiency:
After fulfilling the requirements of the admission process the next requirement is for your language, as most courses are taught in the German language, you will need to submit proof of proficiency in German. You can select to take either the standardized tests which are Test DAF or the university level DSH exams. If your course is offered in English, you will similarly need to confirm your English language ability unless you are a native speaker. The TOEFL or IELTS exams are examples of tests for English. You should be able to search for the language score requirements on the university website. As requirements vary by state and university, spend a decent amount of time doing the research.
STEP 4 - Manage your finances:
Once you've completed the German learning process, it's time to move on to the next step: Managing your finances
In Germany moreover, the public university's tuition fee is free, you only have to pay a small fee each semester for enrollment, confirmation, and administration as well as to manage your living expenses. On average, a Non-EU student spends about €853 per month hence you should show a balance of around €10,332 in a German blocked bank account before applying for a German student visa. You'll have a better chance of receiving the visa if you do this.
You can fund your studies through several financing options listed below:
a) Parental Income
b) Personal Savings
c) Combine-Parents Support & Savings
d) Education Loans
e) Combination-Parents Support + Savings+ Education Loan
STEP 5 - Apply to Universities:
Please select the university you are interested in. Typically students do apply to 8-10 colleges and are considered as a backup option. You can apply directly through the university website and be careful which university you apply to, as every university has an application fee. The majority of universities generally accept applications twice a year, either in the winter or the summer. Winter registrations usually close in mid-July, but summer registrations close in mid-January. Also, keep in mind that different degree programs at the same university may have different deadlines. Carefully fill out the required documents in the application form.
To ensure you don't miss any deadlines, always check the official university website for the exact application dates and materials needed.
Ideally, you should submit your application at least six weeks before the deadline if any missing information requires corrections or additions. Please double-check before submitting and wait until you receive an official acceptance letter from the university. Preferably, you should receive feedback within a month or two of the deadline.
STEP 6 - Make an application for a Student Visa:
If you are from a non-EU and non-EEA country and want to study in Germany as a student, you will need to apply for a German visa for study purposes. Please contact the German consulate or embassy in your country to book a visa appointment. In addition to other documents, the visa officer will require proof that he/she has sufficient funds of €10,236 in a blocked account in Germany and a health insurance policy. The exact requirements for obtaining a German student visa depending on your country of origin. As soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from the German university, prepare the necessary documents for your visa.
Find more information about the German Student Visa here
STEP 7 - Find Accommodation:
Finding a place to stay is a crucial next step after receiving acceptance from a university in the EU. You have several choices available for accommodation – university student apartments/dorms/family flats, private company apartments, or private housing and shared flats offered by landlords.
Your priority should be the university accommodation as it is available at affordable rates and as per your individual/family needs, It should also have nearby access to supermarkets, shops, banks, restaurants, laundry, and other amenities that you may need as a student. You should also confirm the safety of the neighborhood where you are staying.
Due to the shortage of student housing and shared apartments in Germany, it is important to keep in mind that finding a place to live becomes more difficult every year. This has led to a lot of students experiencing extreme stress.
It is advised to give this issue the proper priority because, if you don't find accommodation quickly, it may wind up costing you a lot of time and money to find a solution. As a result, before traveling to Germany, you might try to find accommodation online. Accommodation in Germany for international students is not that expensive but is normal that as a NON-EU student you should strive to find the most financially suitable place for you to live.
Also, read detailed information about accommodation here
STEP 8 - Enroll at Your University:
The final step on the road to an official place in the university you have chosen is to enroll in an accredited course. In this sense, admission takes you from a successful candidate to an admitted student in Germany.
Public higher education in Germany is free of cost, but you have to pay an entrance/registration fee of 150 to 250 euros. In addition, you have to pay for a semester ticket to use public transport for free for 6 months.
You must personally appear at your university's administration office to enroll in your course in Germany and submit the required documentation:
- Your valid passport
- A passport photo
- Your Visa or Residence Permit
- Completed and signed Application Form
- Degree qualifications (original documents or certified copies)
- The Letter of Admission
- German health insurance documentation
- The payment fee receipt
After you enroll in the university, the administration will give you a registration document (ID card) that you can use to register for classes and apply for a residency permit.
Also read: How to Open a Bank Account in Germany
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