Explore the eligibility criteria to study in Germany, one of the most popular academic destinations for international students. With top-ranked universities, excellent research opportunities, and a diverse cultural experience, Germany offers a unique educational experience.
As an Indian student willing to study in Germany, you will need to have access to globally acclaimed and highly ranked universities with great facilities, as well as multiple financing options. research-focused course offerings, a distinguished curriculum, a varied student body, and a unique cultural experience. These characteristics have made German institutions a popular choice for brilliant overseas students looking to advance their academic and research skills. This group of intellectuals includes many Indian students.
Indian students are the third largest group of international students in Germany, according to government data. 17,570 Indian students were studying in Germany during the 2017/18 academic year.
The number of applications to German colleges grows every year. It is critical to understand the country's regulations and criteria before enrolling in a higher education institution in Germany. These include university eligibility, visa requirements, language skill scores, and any other credentials that may be required. It is critical for a student to be prepared to satisfy all of these requirements.
However, for many Indian students, the process of studying in Germany might be difficult. Don't be concerned if you find yourself in this circumstance. We have put together a detailed guide to help you achieve your aim of studying in Germany.
Meeting the minimal qualifying criterion is one of the basic conditions for admission to a German institution as an international student.
The following are the primary eligibility requirements commonly sought by most German universities:
If you have a "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung" or "University entry qualification," you will be able to study in Germany. This is a high school diploma that qualifies you for a university education.
It is critical to find out whether your university entry qualification is recognized. If you do not fulfill the German university entry requirements, you can enroll in a foundation course ("Studienkolleg") before enrolling in a university.
This procedure can be aided by the DAAD entry qualification database, which can help you assess your eligibility to study in Germany.
By completing the Test for Foreign Students, you may determine your preparedness to enroll in university-level courses in Germany (TestAS). This is a standardized exam that helps colleges assess prospective students' intellectual abilities.
For overseas students applying to undergraduate programs at German institutions, the Test AS is necessary. Some colleges require submitting Test AS scores, while others do not. Test As scores are recognized differently at each university.
Students must have certain paperwork in order before applying to universities. These necessary documents are available on the university's website. However, some of the most typical papers required by overseas students for enrollment in German colleges include:
· Valid photo ID or passport
· Completed application form
· Educational Documents
· Transcripts (if required)
· Scores of Entrance Exams (if applicable)
· Language Proficiency test scores
· SOPs and LORs
· Resume
· Other documents
It is crucial to confirm with the institution the exact document needed for the course and program of choice, since they may differ.
Because most degree programs in Germany are taught in German, students must have a certain level of competency in the language. Passing one of the following university entry German language competence tests can prove this:
1. TestDaF - This is offered in over 100 countries. It is possible to take this test from your home country.
2. DSH - This test is only offered in Germany by many universities.
3. Goethe-Zertifikat C2, the Telc Deutsch C1 examination, Deutsches Sprachdiplom (level II) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs are usually also recognised by German universities. The German language level required to study in Germany is mostly B2 to C2.
German competence is not usually necessary if you wish to enroll in an overseas degree program. Instead, you must demonstrate English language competency through examinations such as IELTS or TOEFL.
IELTS is an English language competency exam that is necessary for both acquiring a student visa to Germany and admission to a university.
Universities in Germany often accept IELTS scores of 5 or above. Some top German colleges, however, may have higher IELTS band score requirements. The university's precise IELTS score requirements should be confirmed on the university's website.
University |
Required IELTS score |
Technical University of Munich |
6.5 |
University of Cologne |
6.0 |
University of ULM |
6.5 |
Ludwig Maximilian University |
5.5 |
Heidelberg University |
6.5 |
Humboldt University of Berlin |
6.5 |
It is critical to remember that a student's academic profile is very crucial in the admissions process for German institutions. A high GPA and solid language competence test results, as well as outstanding SOPs and LORs, might be advantageous. A high overall academic record might boost your chances of admission to elite German colleges.
In addition to the normal criteria, students must have numerous extra items in place before studying in Germany. These extra needs are detailed further down.
Obtaining a student visa is the most important criterion for attending a university in Germany. Visa requirements for students in Germany may differ depending on the student's home country, duration of stay, and purpose of visit.
A visa is not required for citizens of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland to study in Germany. Furthermore, nationals of several additional countries may be excluded from requiring a visa. Check the Federal Foreign Office of Germany's website to see if your country is on the list of visa-exempt nations.
If people of your country need to acquire a visa to study in Germany, they should apply as soon as possible. They are usually given a Schengen visa or a national visa.
You can apply for one of two types of student visas:
· Student Visa (If you have been already accepted to a german university)
· Prospective student visa (If you are waiting for your letter of acceptance)
The documents required to apply for student visa:
· Valid passport
· Proof of health insurance
· Proof of sufficient funds
· Academic transcripts and language test scores
· If applicable: letter of acceptance from your higher education institution
· If applying for a prospective student visa: a recognised higher education entrance qualification
To acquire a student visa to study in Germany, you must provide proof of financial resources, often known as a "Finanzierungsnachweis," that you have at least €10,332 to sustain yourself while in Germany. When applying for a residence permit, this document may also be required.
There are several ways to demonstrate financial resources, such as:
· Your parents can submit documents certifying their income and financial assets.
· Someone with permanent residence in Germany can guarantee the Alien Registration Office to cover your expenses.
· A security payment can be deposited into a blocked account.
· You can present a bank guarantee.
· You can present a scholarship award notification from a recognised scholarship provider.
Students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are exempt from the requirement for a residency permit. Instead, when they register with the residents' registration office, they will obtain a certificate proving their right to dwell in Germany.
· If you are not from the aforementioned countries, you must report to the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) and apply for a residence permit.
· International students require a residence permit for the purpose of studying if they have already been accepted to a higher education institution.
· A chip card will be issued to you on which your passport photograph and fingerprints may be stored. It acts as proof that you have a residence permit.
To study in Germany, health insurance is required as part of the enrolling process. International students are not allowed to study at German universities without it. In case of an accident or sickness, health insurance can help cover the expenses of medical care and prescriptions. At the time of enrollment, proof of health insurance is necessary. Furthermore, several nations' public health insurance policies are approved in Germany.
· Member states of EU
· Bosnia-Herzegovina
· Iceland
· Liechtenstein
· Morocco
· Macedonia
· Montenegro
· Norway
· Switzerland
· Serbia
· Tunisia
· Turkey
If your health insurance from your home country is not accepted in Germany, you must enroll in a German health insurance plan. For people under 30 or who have not completed 14 semesters of university education, public health insurance normally costs roughly 110 euros per month. The monthly payment then rises to 190 euros or more.
It is time to submit your university application in Germany once you have acquired and prepared all of the required application materials. Depending on the university's requirements, this can be done online, via mail, or in person. Some institutions utilize the UniAssist platform for online applications, while others use their own. Applications must be sent in PDF or JPG format, regardless of method. Remember that some colleges only accept applications through mail or in person.
After you submit your application, the university's admissions committee will examine it. Due to the large number of overseas applications received by German institutions, application processing might take some time. Within a few weeks, the institution will usually send you an email informing you of the admission decision.
The final step to study in Germany as a foreign student is to arrange housing. It is advised to begin looking for accommodation as soon as possible, as locating a suitable property might take time and may incur additional costs. If you are unable to find a home online, it is beneficial to have a list of services to turn to after you are in Germany to support your housing requirements.
Another option for saving money on housing as a foreign student in Germany is to locate a roommate with whom to share an apartment. If you don't know anyone, you might hunt for someone who is interested in sharing a room with you in online forums for Indian students in Germany. Remember that once you've found a place to live, you must register your address with the local authorities and give a copy of your registered address to enroll in your university course.
Germany is a popular destination for immigrants and provides a variety of visa alternatives to meet a variety of demands. The requirements for these visas differ based on the kind of visa, but often include language competence, education, and job experience. The application procedure can be difficult and time-consuming, but those who are successful can expect a high level of life as well as access to good healthcare and career prospects. Before beginning the application process, those interested in emigrating to Germany should examine the various visa alternatives and make sure they fit the qualifying conditions. They should also seek extra tools and assistance to help them negotiate the procedure and effectively integrate into German culture.
Don't let the complexities of the German eligibility process hold you back from achieving your dreams. Let the experts at Maxxcell guide you through every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards studying in Germany.