Germany is one of the premier destinations for higher education in world. Apart from the negligible cost of tuition, and the relatively cheaper costs of accommodation and living, Germany has a lot to offer in terms of its history, culture, landscape and geography.
If you are looking for foreign destinations to study, you might have asked yourself this question, “Why study in Germany?”. Even if you didn’t ask yourself that question, or if Germany wasn’t even on your radar, this article will attempt to shed some light on why German is one of the best destinations for higher education.
Germany also has world-class healthcare and infrastructure, along with ample public amenities. The EU nation has a deep and profound cultural heritage and scenic landscapes and architecture, food, and lifestyle, making it ideal for students looking for educational and employment opportunities.
About 12 to 13% of all international students in Germany are Indian. Out of that figure, about 80% of Indian students pursue courses in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects. This article will attempt to list why Germany is an ideal place for international students for higher education.
Table of Contents
- Top Reasons to Study in Germany
- Cheap Universities in Germany
- Eligibility Requirements for German Universities
Top Reasons to Study in Germany
Germany is one of the top destinations for international students, given its excellent track record in terms of the quality of education offered by its universities and its employment rate. Following are some of the reasons why you should consider pursuing your higher studies in Germany:
- High Quality of Education
- Low Cost of Tuition Fees
- Affordable Cost of Living
- Ample Employment Opportunities
- Plenty of Programs in English
- Prestigious Scholarship Programs
- German Art, History, Culture, and Lifestyle
High Quality of Education
Germany is one of the wealthy EU nations, home to the best educational institutions and research and technical institutes. Germany has over 500 universities offering more than 19000 programs across various disciplines. Three of the 400 technical universities are ranked in the top 100 QS World rankings, while twelve are ranked in the top 200. German degrees are renowned, not only in Germany but also the world over.
Low Cost of Tuition Fees
Students in Germany are mostly exempted from paying tuition fees as most German universities are state-funded. However, depending on the type of program, international students may be required to pay enrollment fees ranging from between EUR 8,313 and EUR 16,262.
In Germany, 11 out of 16 states have no tuition fees in their universities, and some states require students to pay a maximum of only EUR 500 as tuition fees.
Germany also has private universities that charge a relatively high amount of tuition fees in comparison the state-run universities. However, the low-cost options are plenty for international students and students from all social classes can hope to study in Germany because of the generally low tuition fees.
Affordable Cost of Living
On average, international students spend between EUR 700 and EUR 800 per month on living expenses. Low-cost accommodation is available for those who need it in student residence halls and flat-sharing accommodation. International students who prefer to rent a private apartment can also do so if they can afford it.
The average costs of living have been detailed in the table below:
| Type of Expense | Cost in EUR |
| Housing | 331 - 930 |
| Food | 135 - 397 |
| Travel | 20 |
| Stationary and study materials | 93 |
| Health insurance | 76 |
| Miscellaneous | 30 |
Ample Employment Opportunities
The unemployment rate in Germany is about 3.6% which means that the EU nation has low employment levels. Germany is ranked at #16 regarding GNI (Gross National Product), making it one of the countries with the highest per capita incomes in the world.
Students can extend their visa up to 18 months upon completing their course to look for a job. Students can work part-time during the period of their course to support themselves. Students are allowed 90 full working days or 180 half working days and earn between EUR 10 and EUR 15 per hour in Germany.
Employability is high in Germany, given that a student assimilates themselves successfully into German society, by speaking the language fluently and observing the social norms. Germany celebrates excellence or meritocracy over patronage, so students from all walks of life can hope to secure a bright future studying in Germany.
Plenty of Programs in English
Though students should learn German while studying in Germany, opportunities are available for international students who are unfamiliar or have trouble learning the local languages. Germany has plenty of universities offering courses with English as the medium of instruction. Some of these universities do not even require an IELTS score, provided the candidate shows proof of English language proficiency.
Prestigious Scholarship Programs
Germany is home to some of the most prestigious scholarship programs. Scholarships are beneficial for meritorious students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. The scholarship programs in Germany benefit hundreds of thousands of students and are recognized the world over. Some of the names and features of German scholarship programs are as follows:
- The DAAD Scholarships: The DAAD Scholarships is the largest financial aid scholarship globally, providing scholarships to more than 100,000 students, both German nationals and international students, for research.
- The Deutschlandstipendium Program: The federal government of Germany created the Deutschlandstipendium Program. The program results from the participation of private and public institutions through foundations, businesses, private institutions, etc. This program has benefited more than 22,500 students.
- The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung: The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung provides scholarships to students who display an awareness of civil responsibilities and are generally inclined towards socio-political causes.
- Heinrich Böll Foundation: The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards scholarships to meritorious students who wish to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects. This program is open to German nationals, international students and refugees.
German Art, History, Culture, and Lifestyle
There is much to learn and discover in Germany regarding German history, culture, and heritage. Germany is, and has been, one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Even though the nation saw an extended period of turmoil, it remains one of the most progressive and technologically advanced nations globally, opening its doors to international students. Germany has been home to some of the most iconic historic figures, both great and terrible.
German literature, art, and music are world-renowned, with figures such as Franz Kafka, Heinrich Boll, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Sebastian Bach. German food and beer are also some of the most diverse globally, with the famous Oktoberfest being conducted every year. Germany has a lot to offer in terms of academics, work, and lifestyle. Germany is also a progressive welfare state with a focus on healthcare and education; hence, people in Germany have access to subsidized healthcare and education. A qualification from a German university is recognized worldwide and can set up the foundations of a bright future for students internationally.
Cheap Universities in Germany
Germany is home to top-notch academic institutions offering diploma, bachelor, master, and doctoral programs to students from all over the globe. Some of the most popular universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. Students just need to incur administration expenses like semester fees, student union fees, etc. Tabulated below are some of the cheap universities in Germany, along with their fee details:
|
University |
Average Tuition Fees |
|
244 EUR/year |
|
|
144 EUR/year |
|
|
364 EUR/year |
|
|
620 EUR/year |
|
|
308 EUR/year |
|
|
354 EUR/year |
|
|
RWTH Aachen University |
No Tuition Fee |
Eligibility Requirements for German Universities
In Germany, admission requirements vary between universities, but there are some general requirements that apply to all top universities. You can apply to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Germany based on the following admission requirements:
- Applicants must have completed class 12th (for UG courses)
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (for PG courses)
- English language proficiency proof is required by providing one of these scores: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
- Proof of German language proficiency (TestDAF or DSH)
- Official Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Updated CV
- Basic IT Skills (for technical programs)
