Recently Germany is becoming a magnet for international students from all over the world. Let’s explore some of the reasons why students prefer to study in this amazing country.
Germany is a higher education paradise. Unlike in any other country, in Germany you will find many worldwide ranked universities, countless courses to choose from, globally valued degrees that promise high employability to you and affordable living costs.
Moreover, Germany has a long and rich history, a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle mixing the modern and the classics, the urban and the rural which will immerse and make you love every second spent here.
Not surprisingly, Germany is ranked among the world’s top destinations for international students. According to the latest official statistics, there are over 357,000 foreign students seeking a university degree in Germany whereas the number is steadily increasing.
Every year, thousands of scholars coming from all around the world trust their education to German universities and the reasons for this are obvious.
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Low Or No Tuition Fees
At a time when higher education is becoming a necessity due to the increased need for highly qualified professionals and the cost of attending university are increasing faster, Germany is the only top study destination whose universities charge no tuition fees.
A decision that came into power in October 2014, stated that all international students attending a public university in Germany would be free from paying normal tuition fees. Foreign students will only have to pay few administrative costs like student contribution, student union fee and a public transport ticket which account foraround €250 per semester altogether.
According to a survey we conducted in 2018, 35.3% of prospective foreign students in Germany highlighted low or no tuition fee universities as the top reason why they would attend higher education in Germany.
Top-Ranked Universities
Based on official recordings in 2018, there are 429 public higher education institutions functioning in Germany among which 106 are universities. German universities are above global higher education standards.
Some of them have been consistently ranked among the world’s best universities. Students value these universities for the quality of education, hands-on experiences during their studies, opportunities to improve academically during and after studies and most importantly the safe and friendly environment.
They enjoy this worldwide reputation thanks to their recognized teaching and research excellence, build upon a long and rich tradition of higher education. In addition to the traditional top globally ranked universities, there are several other German universities introduced in global rankings every year. Besides being among the best some German universities are also the oldest in Europe.
Travel Europe on a Student Visa
If you are a European student and want to study and live in Germany, you will cherish the same rights as a German citizen and EU\EFTA citizen regarding free entry, the opportunity to study and work without any additional permits.
If you are not however a European citizen and you want to study in Germany, you will have to apply for a German Study visa. Unless you are enrolled on a summer school language program, you will need to apply for a student visa that allows you to reside in Germany for more than 90 days and also get a residency permit to become able to live and move around the country. The residency permit will also allow you to travel visa-free in the whole Schengen Area, which makes for a wonderful opportunity to visit the countries you are interested in within the time frame.
Once you receive the letter of acceptance from the designated German University, it is recommendable to apply for a student visa at least 3 months prior to your intended departure (the time you are expected to be in Germany).
As for the residency permit, all your documentation will be sent to the Immigration Office of the German region where your University is stationed, and after every bureaucratic procedure is done you will be issued the residency permit.
In order to obtain a student visa, however, there are certain criteria that need to be met. If you are travelling to Europe on such a permit, you will have to inform the designated authorities prior to your departure.
Countless Degree Courses
In relation to having a large number of universities, Germany offers countless degree courses designed to suit everyone’s interests. As an industrialized country, Germany has invested a lot in Engineering universities and today Engineering programs are particularly valued at German universities. However, there are a lot more study programs offered at these universities and in some of them, they are global leaders like medicine and pharmacy.
Furthermore, the list of traditional courses in German universities is expanding fast as new study fields are emerging accordingly with cutting-edge scientific improvement. Whether you’re willing to study atoms or mysterious galaxies in the universe, in Germany it is likely you’ll find a program about it taught by the most regarded professionals in that particular field.
Globally Recognized Study Programs
Study programs at German universities are modern in terms of their structure and the way they’re delivered to students. They’re designed to meet up the most up-to-date scientific developments running out in the world and educate individuals who can confidently face global challenges.
Their curriculum is subject to constant provision and change aiming to find or create comprehensive approaches to teaching and research. At the end of your course, you will be certified with a degree that is globally recognized and valued.
Employers all around the world look upon you with the highest respect because they’re aware of what quality of education you’ve been offered during your studies which makes them ready to hire you and trust you large responsibilities.
Affordable Costs of Living
With a bit of smart financial management and little tweaks to your old lifestyle, the cost of living for international students in Germany is quite affordable. Normally, you would expect higher prices in urban areas as compared to peripheral ones.
Rent is the major financial concern you will have to tackle when studying in Germany. However, there are many options available to you and though the cost of rent varies (mainly depending on the location of the apartment), overall it is not that expensive.
To ease your financial burden you can find someone with whom you can share the room and this will cut in half your expenses. The cost of other goods and services like food, amenities, public transport and so on is not high.
Work Opportunities For International Students
The German law states that international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week or 120 full days of a year. It is estimated that more than 60% of current international students work part-time while studying in Germany.
You don’t need to possess a qualification in the first place because there is a wide range of jobs available and you will likely find something anyway. Commonly, students in Germany work as tutors, bartenders, administrative staff, babysitters, etc.
Working part-time alongside studying is an option you must seriously consider in Germany, although you may not need additional money to cope with living costs or the type of your course doesn’t include a placement year. Your working experience may increase your future employability, can learn you to add discipline to your lifestyle and live independently.
Future Prospects
Your degree issued from a German university is a highly respected and valued qualification all over the world. As an indication of this, German graduates enjoy high employability in the global job market.
Thus, once you take your degree many employers will come at you with a bunch of attractive offers to hire you. They trust your professional credits gained through an outstanding education in Germany and highly believe you can help improve their business. Being this much sought-after job candidate, graduates at German universities are some of the highest-paid employees.
That said, regardless of your academic field and the country where you’re willing to find a job, your German degree will help you get a high paid and perfect job.
Learn a New Language
Starting from future employability to emotional joy, there are countless reasons why learning German is very beneficial to you.
Germany is one of the most powerful economies in the world while the German language is the most spoken native language in the European continent. German companies are global leaders and have an extensive network of branches all around the world.
Thus, by speaking the German language you’re setting yourself in a position where they will come at you and will offer you a job. On the other hand, the German language is widely spoken in the world, and this means an opportunity for you to travel the world and going to places you have never been before.
Diverse Community
Germany has traditionally been a hub for other nationals. Nowadays, German nationals live in harmony with many foreigners who came here to work and live with their families.
Additionally, German universities attract thousands of international students who look upon Germany as an opportunity to reach their education goals. That said in Germany you will encounter a diverse community, each with its own specifics that will make you see the world from a different angle.
Also, you can make a lot of friends coming from all around the world and learn about their customs and traditions.
Cultural and Historical Heritage
Germany has a long, rich and complex history and its remarks are scattered all across the country. Today, you certainly know less about Germany than you can imagine. The country has been a major player through important stages of humankind’s history.
Their natives have given an unmatched contribution to historical, cultural and scientific movements that changed forever the entire course of global history. Studying in Germany is a great opportunity for you to visit most of these cultural and historical gems, hear unbelievable stories related to them and collect unforgettable memories.
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FAQs
Why is Germany the perfect place to study abroad? ›
International students, in general, agree that Germany is a good study destination. Living in Germany is relatively affordable compared to other European countries. In addition, the country offers a wide range of programs in English. In fact, you don't need to speak German to study at a German university.
Why is studying in Germany free? ›Germany is one of the few countries in Europe where you can study for free, even if you are from Asia, Africa or elsewhere. Germans generally believe that education should not be treated as a commercial product, and that free access to higher education ensures economic growth and welfare for the greater population.
Is it completely free to study in Germany? ›Although you can study for free at public German universities as an undergraduate, there is a charge per semester for enrolment, confirmation and administration. This is typically no more than €250 (~US$290) per semester, but varies depending on the university.
What is the benefits of studying in Germany? ›Ans. Germany provides free higher education to all the students irrespective of their backgrounds. This is the biggest reason why study in Germany is popular among international students. Other benefits of study in Germany include top ranked universities, good job prospects, low cost of living etc.
What is the best country to study abroad in? ›- Italy. With its amazing food, sexy language, beautiful art, and dynamic history, Italy is the most sought-after destination for aspiring study abroad students. ...
- Spain. Spain boasts historic festivals, siestas, and flamenco dancers. ...
- England. ...
- France. ...
- Germany. ...
- Australia. ...
- Japan. ...
- China.
Germany is well known for many things. It has a strong economy, it is the birthplace of classical music and philosophy, it has a rich culture, and it is known for its scenic beauty. Additionally, Germany is known for its engineering and automotive industry, as well as its precision manufacturing.
Is Germany free for international students? ›The German free tuition system is available for all foreign students, regardless of their country of origin. The only exception is the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg, which, at the end of 2017, reintroduced tuition fees of 3,000 EUR/year for non-EU/EEA students.
How is Germany for international students? ›Germany is highly popular among international students. This is mainly because of the country's many excellent universities, its dynamic student life and good funding options. If you have decided to come to Germany, read on to find out how you can plan your study visit and what help is available.
How does Germany afford free college? ›1971 Germany's Social Democrats develop system of state financial assistance that effectively rids universities of tuition fees. 1976 Legislation introduced that legally prohibits the charging of tuition fees. 2005 Legislation prohibiting tuition fees challenged and overturned as unconstitutional.
Which country study is free? ›Nordic nations Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden all offer opportunities to study free or at low cost: In Norway, university study is available free of charge to all students, regardless of study level or nationality.
Does a baby born in Germany get citizenship? ›
Yes. A child born in Germany (on or after 1 January 2000) can acquire German nationality, even if neither of the parents is German. The only precondition is that one of the parents has been legally and habitually resident in Germany for eight years and has a permanent right of residence.
What are free German courses? ›- University of Cologne.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
- Goethe University Frankfurt.
- RWTH Aachen University.
- University of Münster.
- Ruhr University Bochum.
- University of Duisburg-Essen.
- Universität Hamburg.
Germany is famous for having high-quality and best academic and practice-oriented programs and all of this is low tuition or no-tuition fee at all. Another reason to choose Germany is the enjoyable level of freedom, security, as well as the rich culture, history, and diversity characterizing it.
How do I write a motivation letter for a German Embassy? ›In this part of the letter, you can take a two-pronged approach. First, you should talk about what makes Germany superior in comparison with other countries. You can write about the economy, technology, energy efficiency etc. After this, you need to get more specific and explain why you wish to study in Germany.
Which country sends the most students abroad? ›According to UNESCO, the world's two most populous nations, China and India, send the most students overseas. China leads the way by a considerable distance with just under 700,000 students studying abroad. India is second with 189,500 while the Republic of Korea is in third place with 123,700.
Which country is difficult study? ›Which country has the hardest education system? South Korea, Japan, Singapore are a few countries which have one of the hardest education systems.
Which European country is best for international students? ›- #8 - Denmark. 🌍 ...
- #7 - Sweden. 🌍 Ranked #11 in the world. ...
- #6 - Spain. 🌍 Ranked #10 in the world. ...
- #5 - France. 🌍 Ranked #8 in the world. ...
- #4 - The Netherlands. 🌍 Ranked #7 in the world. ...
- #3 - United Kingdom. 🌍 Ranked #6 in the world. ...
- #2 - Switzerland. 🌍 Ranked #5 in the world. ...
- #1 - Germany. 🌍 Ranked #3 in the world.
- Germany Has 1,000 Varieties of Sausages!
- The Most Popular German Surname is Müller.
- Beer is a Food in Bavaria.
- Germany Loves Bread.
- Gummy Bears are a German Invention.
- The First Oktoberfest Was a Wedding.
- JFK Was Not a Jelly Donut.
- Germany Has the World's Largest Cathedral.
Germany is a diverse country with many attractions! The combination of old world charm and modern urban cities make it an ideal destination for travelers. With a wide array of food, accomodations and drink options, Germany is traditionally less expensive to travel to than its other European counterparts.
What makes Germany different from other countries? ›Germany is known for its long and rich history, one that has put it at the forefront of European thought, politics, and art for over 1,000 years. This history has shaped a culture that combines predominantly Christian values with literature, art, philosophy, logic, reason, and, of course, a love of beer and sausages.
Which university in Germany is free? ›
It is one of the popular public universities in Germany for international students. Known as the Free University of Berlin, this public university was founded in 1948. Students get the best education with proper hand on practice at an affordable cost. FUB is ranked among the top universities in the world.
How much money do I need to study in Germany? ›However, you would be required to pay the semester contribution fee that is charged for the student union, public transport, and administrative costs. But all these are kept minimum, approx. 300 Euros per semester. If you are getting enrolled in a private university, then it will cost you around 30,000 Euros per year.
Is Germany good for foreign students? ›Germany, due to its high academic level and free public universities, is one of the most popular destinations for students to study abroad in in the world. There are hundreds of universities in Germany that have free or very low-fee tuition programs available for international students.
How is student life in Germany? ›Student life in Germany entails a great balance of work and study; students get ample opportunity to study and work in the country. The legally allowed number of working days (half a day) for foreign students also includes voluntary internships, whether the internship is paid or not.
What do I need to study abroad in Germany? ›- Your passport with visa or residence permit.
- Several passport photos.
- Completed registration form.
- Proof of higher education entrance qualification, either original certificates or officially certified copies and translations.
- Notice of admission.
- Pro #1: Free college would expand access to education. ...
- Pro #2: A more educated population would have economic and social benefits for the country. ...
- Pro #3: Students would be free to follow their passions and abilities. ...
- Pro #4: Free college would help repair historic inequities.
This resulted in some of the cheapest college tuition fees in Germany at the time. In 1971, tuition fees were reduced to zero by Germany's social democrats, who developed a state financial assistance system. The focus of this system was to provide quality education to all classes regardless of their economic status.
Is free college a good idea? ›Research shows that free tuition programs encourage more students to attend college and increase graduation rates, which creates a better-educated workforce and higher-earning consumers who can help boost the economy.
Can a poor student study abroad? ›So will you be able to study abroad even if you don't have sufficient money? The precise answer is – yes, you'll definitely get to do that!
Which country is best for full free scholarship? ›Germany. A particularly popular country for admission among students from all over the world. No wonder: In Germany almost all universities are free of charge and the country's largest scholarship fund — DAAD — provides a scholarship to cover living expenses.
Does Germany provide free education for Indian students? ›
The cost of studying in Germany is free in Public Universities. However, students would be required to pay an administration fee at the start of every year/ semester. This is a negligible amount.
What happens if a tourist gives birth in Germany? ›Since 2000, children born in Germany to foreign parents acquire German citizenship at birth in addition to the foreign citizenship of their parents, on the principle of jus soli (Latin for "right of the territory").
How much are children paid in Germany? ›Child allowance is paid up to a minimum age of 18 or, alternatively, up to the age of 25 if the dependent is undergoing schooling or training or higher education. As of January 2022, for the first and second child, child allowance is 219 euros per month. For the third child it is 225 euros.
How long do you need to live in Germany to become a citizen? ›To be eligible for naturalization, a person has to have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possess the appropriate residence permit. Foreigners who have successfully completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization after seven years.
What is the cost of living in Germany for students? ›Students in Germany usually spend roughly 850 Euros every month on average as living costs. You will require approximately 10, 300+ Euros annually in living costs and close to 40% of global students will want to find student residences owing to lower costs hovering around 300 EUR per month.
Is learning German easy? ›Getting Great at German
German might not be as familiar to English speakers as Spanish, but it's still one of the easiest languages to learn. Like Spanish, it's also a phonetic language, which makes pronunciation easy to figure out.
Knowledge of German is not a must
There are a large number of international degree courses at German universities. As a result, you do not need to know German to study in Germany.
Germany is famous for having high-quality and best academic and practice-oriented programs and all of this is low tuition or no-tuition fee at all. Another reason to choose Germany is the enjoyable level of freedom, security, as well as the rich culture, history, and diversity characterizing it.
Is Germany good country to study? ›Germany is an acclaimed global higher education hub and it has numerous globally ranked universities and numerous courses to choose from. Moreover, Germany is one of the popular non-Anglophone study destinations, globally.
Why should I go to Germany? ›Germany is a diverse country with many attractions! The combination of old world charm and modern urban cities make it an ideal destination for travelers. With a wide array of food, accomodations and drink options, Germany is traditionally less expensive to travel to than its other European counterparts.
Is Germany a good place to study and work? ›
Germany is known for its innovation in the field of engineering and automation. It is one of the best European countries with the lowest unemployment rate; studying and working in Germany is an attractive option for most international students across the world.
Why should you be given a student visa answer? ›Answer to the point. For 'why' you can answer as one of the following: I am passionate about that *subject* and want to gain more knowledge in it. There are not many experts in this *field* in India, The knowledge I gained while studying in *college name* will help me stand out once I return to India.
Why Germany is best for Masters? ›German universities are famous for delivering high-quality education - a lot of these universities even rank among the best in the world. By choosing to study in Germany, you can be sure to get an education that is well above the global average, which will come in very useful when looking for a job after graduation.
What are the questions asked in Germany visa interview? ›Other questions might be:
Who Lives With You Now And What Do They Do? Who Will Take Care Of Your Business/House/Property When You Are Visiting The Schengen Area? Why Do You Think The University Is Giving You A Scholarship? Why Do You Think We Should Give You Visa To Study In Schengen Area?
The German free tuition system is available for all foreign students, regardless of their country of origin. The only exception is the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg, which, at the end of 2017, reintroduced tuition fees of 3,000 EUR/year for non-EU/EEA students.
How do I write a motivation letter for a German Embassy? ›In this part of the letter, you can take a two-pronged approach. First, you should talk about what makes Germany superior in comparison with other countries. You can write about the economy, technology, energy efficiency etc. After this, you need to get more specific and explain why you wish to study in Germany.
What are 5 interesting facts about Germany? ›- Germany Has 1,000 Varieties of Sausages!
- The Most Popular German Surname is Müller.
- Beer is a Food in Bavaria.
- Germany Loves Bread.
- Gummy Bears are a German Invention.
- The First Oktoberfest Was a Wedding.
- JFK Was Not a Jelly Donut.
- Germany Has the World's Largest Cathedral.
Should you consider studying in Germany? The answer should definitely be YES!. However, remember it's not as easy as it might seem, there are many challenges attached to it. But trust me these challenges are worth taking it which comes along many opportunities.
Who visits Germany the most? ›Dutch tourists spent the most nights in Germany, with over 4.7 million overnight stays recorded in 2021. Next in line were Swiss and Polish guests.
Is Germany good for international students? ›Germany, due to its high academic level and free public universities, is one of the most popular destinations for students to study abroad in in the world. There are hundreds of universities in Germany that have free or very low-fee tuition programs available for international students.
How does Germany offer free college? ›
1971 Germany's Social Democrats develop system of state financial assistance that effectively rids universities of tuition fees. 1976 Legislation introduced that legally prohibits the charging of tuition fees.
How is student life in Germany? ›Student life in Germany entails a great balance of work and study; students get ample opportunity to study and work in the country. The legally allowed number of working days (half a day) for foreign students also includes voluntary internships, whether the internship is paid or not.