The German Education System has made necessary provisions to ensure that all students with aptitude receive quality education up to the university level, irrespective of their financial background. A lion’s share of German students attends public schools, as they excel in their academic framework and consistently produce high-performing students.
Mandatory primary and secondary education for all students from 6-15 years has been dictated under the German law. Students have a number of options as to where they wish to receive their high school education such as;
The Education System in Germany continually endeavors to achieve a comprehensive and well-developed outlook towards innovative methods of research and training, to impart students with an adequacy surpassing the global standards.
As per the ruling in 2014, all International students who enroll to pursue their higher education at a public university in Germany, will be exempt from paying regular tuition fees. They would only be required to pay nominal dues to cover administrative costs of about €250 per semester.
International students who wish to attend private schools and universities, here is a brief review of the prevalent study options in Germany across different levels in Euros:
| QUALIFICATION | DESCRIPTION | DURATION | AVERAGE ANNUAL FEES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificates Diploma Advanced Diploma |
Provided by institutions offering specialized technical training to students and preparing them with the required skill sets for their aspiring field of industry. | 6-18 months | €10,000- €25,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Undergraduate programs focusing on academic knowledge in a variety of courses across various disciples. | 3-4 years | €15,000- €30,000 |
| Post Graduate Diploma | Vocational in nature, this qualification aims to develop practical skills of students in a speedy manner. Students can apply after completing their bachelors’ degree preferable in a similar field. It can sometimes be equivalent to a masters’ qualification. | 1-2 years | €20,000- €30,000 |
| Master’s Degree | Postgraduate programs provide a broader view of the subject area and available for coursework as well as research merit. It requires relevant bachelor’s degree from a similar field. | 1-2 years | €20,000- €40,000 |
| Doctoral Degree Higher doctoral degree |
PhD is a premier research award which require a masters’ degree and a pre-approved research proposal by a panel of institute academics for admission. | 3-4 years | €20,000- €30,000 |
*Please note all fee figures are indicative
Many institutions offer variety of financial assistance for International students in the form of
It is recommended to check with universities and get a clear understanding of the aids that are applicable to you. With many students applying for monetary support, International students should commence this process a year prior to the intake session.
Typically, German universities conduct 2 intakes for an academic year:
Depending on the semester you plan to attend, International Students are advised to keep a vigilant check on deadlines and submissions;
Finding part-time jobs in Germany is not difficult, there are numerous types of jobs available that do not require you to have any specific qualification such as
It has been observed that a majority of International students take up part-time work while studying in Germany for their daily expenses or help cover their tuition costs.
The student visa legally allows them to work up to 20 hours per week without an additional work permit.
A number of universities in Germany also have tie-ups with companies to sponsor internships for their students.
These internships may or may not include a stipend but are a great way to gain some International work experience and build your resume.
Though it is not a requisite it would certainly be extremely beneficial to be fluent in German if you plan to pursue a life and career there.
The law in Germany also permits International students to extend their Residence Permit and continue living there for an additional 18 months to pursue work prospects related to their field, after completion of their graduate course.
You can reach out to the Foreign Residents’ Registration Office to find out the additional documents required to be submitted to extend the permit.
You can apply for a German Residence Permit or EU Blue card once you have successfully found a job in your field, which will allow you to continue living and working in Germany.
2 years after receiving this permit you can even apply for a Settlement Permit to become a permanent resident of Germany should you wish to do so.
In order to study in Germany, you will be required to apply and acquire,
To apply for a student visa there are certain requirements to be fulfilled and criteria that need to be met, depending on the local German Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence.
Some basic documents and requirements for the visa application are:
Within 2 weeks of arriving in Germany, International Students are required to register themselves with the local Immigration Office where your university is located. The documents are similar to those required during your Study Visa application process;
Your Residence Permit is valid for 2 years and should be renewed prior to its expiration date.
We understand that students may feel some apprehension since the process of acquiring the visa and pass varies in comparison to the usual, however our expert faculty at OEC will guide and assist you every step of the way offering you the best chance of success.
All you need to do is;