With many best-graded universities and bustling cities packed with history, spirited nightlife, and art galleries, no wonder thousands of young international students are deciding to pursue their studies in Germany. In recent years, Germany has become one of the most popular places to study for international students. To be more exact, it is the third most popular destination!

But what is it that makes Germany such an attractive place for students?

Here are some of the reasons mentioned below:-

1 – Outstanding universities

German universities are famous for providing high-level 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 best, which will be very useful when looking for a job after graduation.

2 – Germany is a safe country

As Compared to other study destinations, Germany is a very safe country. 

No matter if it’s day or night, or if you’re in the city or the countryside, being out and about is fairly safe taking some precautions.

3 – Stable country

Germany is very stable when it comes to its politics and economy. In recent polls, Germany was ranked 9th in the world for its perceived stability. 

Choosing to study in a stable country is a good choice for your future prospects when you finish your studies.

4 – Diversity

Germany is a liberal and welcoming country that is full of diversity.

5 – Wide range of study programs

In Germany you will find more than 1000 programs which are very useful for you.

6 – Practice-orientated studies

Most German universities believe that the best way to learn is by applying your knowledge in practice, so a lot of the study programs – especially at Universities of Applied Sciences – will be very practice-orientated. They believe in more practical knowledge.

7. Lower tuition fees

Universities fees is expensive generally but in Germany, the tuition fee is very low as compared to other countries.

8. Scholarships

In Germany there are many universities that offer scholarships to students which is very helpful for them.

9. Affordable cost of living 

Cost of living in Germany is low as compared to other countries.

10. Staying in Germany

Finally, once you’ve finished your study program at a German university, there is a good chance you will find employment.

Top universities in Germany

Here is the list of universities in  Germany that have been numerically ranked based on their positions in the overall Best internal Universities rankings:-

There are many courses and programs for which you can apply in Germany. A list of the best courses available in Germany is mentioned below:-

1. Medicine and Dentistry

Doctors and dentists are valuable professionals throughout the entire world. Health is seen as one of the most important factors of having high well-being in any country. Because of that, medical occupations are the top paid degrees in Germany.

1. Law

Lawyers are also highly important. Having a good justice system makes a country seem more developed and fair to its people. Whenever we have any legal problems, we are faced with the difficult task of finding a good lawyer.

In Germany, this is not a challenge. Medicine and Law are some of the toughest degrees to get admitted into. The high admittance criteria and the fact that the courses are very challenging makes them so valuable. Lawyers due to their effort to graduate and their importance in society get paid well too

1. Industrial Engineering

The third highest-paying degree is Industrial Engineering. This is a branch of Engineering that works towards making companies and organizations more efficient. It can work with both products and services.

1. Engineering

The standard degree of Engineering encompasses general knowledge from all branches and aspects of the profession.

Engineering degrees are some of the most difficult due to their scientific nature. Engineers need to be highly accurate as small errors could lead to big consequences. That is why they get compensated well too. The yearly average salary for Engineering degrees is €69,850.

1. Mathematics and Computer Science

The science of mathematics has always been valued. Mathematicians deal with the complexities of all that needs calculations. They come up with models and formulas which solve difficult and challenging problems.

In addition, the advent of technology has made computer scientists highly important too. They discover algorithms and models which make it possible for us to communicate and work with each other only throughout a small screen

1. Natural Sciences

Physics, chemistry, and biology are also highly accurate sciences. They assist people in making precise materials, knowing the laws of the natural world, and discovering other organisms. Throughout time these three sciences have made interesting and important findings about the world we live in.

1. Business and Economics

Having the knowledge to manage a company and compile its strategy makes the difference between success and failure. All companies and organizations, whether public or private, need people who know the basics and the intricacies of business and economics.

1. Architecture

Architects design the buildings and structures we live and work in. They plan our space and the way we use it. Their skill does not lie in only coming up with buildings that look good, but in also having them be strong and not prone to collapsing.

Together with engineers and other professions, architects work to construct spaces that serve our living and working needs. And they get well compensated for it

1. Psychology

Our mental well being is just as important as our physical health. Whereas doctors and dentists look after our bodies and teeth, psychologists take care of our mind. Increasingly, people deal with problems such as anxiety, depression, or just plain overloading stress.

Psychology and its branches train people with whom we can discuss and find solutions to our mental health issues. They prescribe medication and slowly work through to make us healthier individuals. Their job is demanding and the degree that leads up to it is challenging too. 

1. Earth Science

Earth is the planet that we live in and until now we have not yet found an alternative to it. Because of this, we have always been curious about its composition and the way it works. We are also concerned with how it is evolving and how we should take better care of it.

That is what Earth Scientists study. They go through the details of how the earth is composed, its geology, its oceans, and its weather. Particularly now, climate change and how the weather is affecting us is becoming more and more important.

Germany uses the Euro (€) as its currency.

Public institutions in Germany offer their programs for a very less price. Generally, they ask for a registration fee of €50-€250 per semester. Depending on the university of choice, this applies to EU and non-EU students. However, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, institutions can charge a fee of €1,500 per semester for non-EU students. Private universities are expected to set their own tuition fees, so they can charge anything up to €20,000 per year. While choosing your institution, make sure you are aware of fees and budget for yourself.

The expected budget of international students budgets around €800-€900 per month. This should include your rent, food, travel, and entertainment costs. If you live in a big city such as Hamburg or Munich, your living costs may be higher, so be aware of this. In many German cities, discounts are available for students. These apply to museums, art galleries, restaurants, and leisure activities.

Part-time work is a great way for students to earn money whilst they study

How to study in Germany with scholarships?

Germany is the pivot of education for international students not only because of its friendly nature but also because it offers many scholarship programs to students which are listed below:- 

• DAAD Scholarship Programs

The DAAD scholarships are awarded to students who want to get a qualification in a full-time course of study. The applicants should have completed their Bachelor’s degree not more than in the last 6 years and they should have at least two years of proven work experience. The stipend amount of the DAAD scholarship is 850€ monthly for postgraduate students and 1,200€ monthly for doctoral students

• Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships in Germany

The Heinrich Boll Foundation awards approximately 1,200 scholarships a year to ambitious undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students of all subjects and nationalities. These students should be pursuing their degrees at a state or state-recognized universities in Germany. Scholarship receipts are expected to have outstanding academic records and be politically and socially engaged while showing an interest in values like ecology, sustainability, democracy, human rights, self-determination as well as justice

• Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme

The scholarship is made possible through a public-private collaboration where businesses, foundations, or individuals sponsor students with a sum of 150€ per month while the Federal Government adds another 150€ to that amount. This scholarship is awarded by the universities, meaning applicants are required to meet the requirements of individual institutions.

The scholarship is awarded for two semesters but it may also be valid for the time which covers the standard period of study

• Konrad-Adenauer-Sifting Scholarships in Germany for International Students

Students with above average academic achievements with a keen interest in politics are eligible to apply for the Konrad-Adenauer-Sifting Scholarship. This scholarship program aims to promote foreign students and doctoral candidates who have successfully completed their undergraduate studies in their home country. This scholarship is available for students wanting to complete a postgraduate, doctorate, or research program. Priority will be given to students of PhD candidates from developing countries or countries that are going through a political transformation.

• Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany

Erasmus is also a wise choice for international students aiming to participate in a full-time study program in Germany. As an EU-wide grant funded by the member states of the European Union, Erasmus offers financial assistance for one year exchange periods for international students at universities in Germany. In order for you to get the scholarship to Germany, you should be enrolled at a higher education institution and both your home university as well as the German university must have signed the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education

• The Friedrich Ebert Sifting Scholarship

Another option is the Friedrich-Ebert-Sifting scholarship, which seeks to promote social democracy through academic financial assistance. The scholarship is available for foreign applicants who are studying or doing their doctorate in Germany at a state or state-recognized university of applied sciences. These students are expected to have above-average academic achievements. This is a good option for those in the fields of social sciences, politics, or humanities.

Career/ Jobs after studying in Germany

Germany is the house of the world’s biggest companies and is a major powerhouse in the global automotive sector. Some of the largest German powerhouses include Daimler, Volkswagen, BMW, Allianz, Bosch, Siemens, Deutsche Telekom and more. 90% of businesses in Germany comprise small and medium enterprises, providing 2/3rds of all employment opportunities in the country. 

Germany has one of Europe’s lowest unemployment rates. 

There are numerous kinds of jobs in Germany for Indians and other international students that you can take a closer look at.  Here is the list of the jobs available in Germany for Indian and international students:-

1. Banking & Finance- 83, 371 Euros 
2. Telecom- 72, 626 Euros 
3. Insurance- 82, 554 Euros
4. Consulting- 75, 956 Euros 
5. Engineering- 71, 134 Euros 
6. Utilities- 71, 747 Euros 
7. IT- 72, 582 Euros 
8. Transport- 72, 020 Euros 
9. Legal- 65, 907 Euros
10. Medicine- 71, 169 Euros

Application process to study in Germany 

Germany is one of the most popular country for higher education with the best available courses and with low tuition fees.

Here is process that you should follow for applying for course in Germany

1. Choose a university in which you want to study
2. Check the requirements required for admission process in the college
3. Get your finances in order
4. Now apply for the course or the programme you want to study
5. Before you leave your home country you should ensure you’ve purchased health insurance to cover you during your stay in Germany. This is required both before you enroll and before you get a student visa and/or residence permit. 
6. Get a German student visa 

The requirements for obtaining a student visa for Germany depend on your country of origin. You can find an overview of the countries for which a student visa is or isn’t required on the Foreign Federal Office’s website

7. Find accommodation 

Once you’ve gained a place on a course and your student visa, it’s advisable to start looking for accommodation, as unfortunately, most German universities do not offer accommodation to enrolling students.

8. Enroll 

You must enroll before you can start your course and use university facilities such as the library.  You’ll also need to re-register before the start of every semester. This usually costs between €150 and €250, depending on the university.

Study In Germany FAQ

Q1. I wish to settle in Germany, how long do I need to stay there to be a permanent resident?

Ans- To become a permanent resident, at first, you need to apply for a permanent residence permit. The permanent residence permit, popularly known as a Settlement permit is issued after you have lived in Germany for a specified period. The majority of the time the duration is 4 years, however in some instances, you can get it quicker.

Q2. Can I bring my immediate family with me while studying in Germany?

Ans-Yes, but you need to cover up all expenses and get proper approvals

Q3. How long does Visa work and what rules and regulations do we need to follow for a work visa?

Ans-Schengen visa or Student visa works for studies that last up to 6 months.

Q4. How do I apply for a student visa to Germany?

Ans –

• You need to locate the nearest German embassy/consulate and book an appointment.
• Apply for Health insurance.
• Fill in the application form.
• Keep all visa application documents ready.
• Prepare for your visa interview.
• Take a demand draft for visa application.

Q5. How much money will I need to study in Germany?

Ans-International students must possess a bare minimum of 861 EUR monthly or 10,332 EUR Annually in the Blocked bank account.

Q6. Do I need to open a German bank account?

Ans – Yes, you do need to open a Blocked Account. A blocked account is a kind of German bank account for international students to prove that they have sufficient funds to survive in the country over their study duration. Since the average living costs round up to 861EUR/month hence an amount of 10,332EUR(for 12 months) must be present in the account. This serves as the year’s living cost. This is essential for your visa application process

Hence we can conclude that Germany is the best international destination for students who are willing to pursue higher education abroad.