Germany is known for providing high-quality education at an affordable cost. International students planning to study in Germany after 12th must be aware of the admission requirements, courses, and scholarships available in the country.
Do you wish to study in Germany after 12th? Germany is one of the top study destinations offering a variety of educational and career opportunities. International students who intend to pursue higher education in Germany can expect a wide range of cultural experiences, friendly natives, and a high standard of education in the country.
Overseas students would be happy to know that several public universities in Germany do not charge a tuition fee. Students only need to pay a basic administrative fee at the beginning of each term. In addition, Germany offers moderate living costs, which further reduces financial strain for international students. If you are willing to study in Germany after 12th, this article is for you!
Table of Contents
- How to Apply to Study in Germany After 12th?
- Study in Germany After 12th Requirements
- Top Courses to Study in Germany
- Popular Universities in Germany
- Scholarships to Study in Germany After 12th
How to Apply to Study in Germany After 12th?
To begin with, students who are looking to study in Germany must know the application process of German universities. Follow the step-by-step process given below:
- Shortlist Universities and Courses
- Find out the Admission Requirements
- Plan your Finances
- Apply
- Buy a Health Insurance
- Obtain a German Student Visa
- Check out Accomodation Options
- Enroll
Shortlist Universities and Courses
Now that you've made your decision to study abroad in Germany, it's time to pick the right course and university for you. Students can choose from over 2,000 programs available on the official website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). In addition, there are around 1,389 programs in English.
Find out the Admission Requirements
Check the eligibility criteria for your chosen German university. Students need to have a recognized higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) to study in Germany.
International students need to appear for the Feststellungsprüfung entrance examination after taking a preparatory Studienkolleg course. However, high-achieving students might not be required to take this course. You must also check the English and German language requirements of the universities.
Plan your Finances
International students need to provide an evidence of sufficient funds to study in Germany. You must prove that you have around €8,700 per year (~US$10,000) to cover your living expenses in Germany. However, you might require more funds depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. Students can expect to spend around €850/US$975 per month on their living expenses.
Apply
You can apply to German universities directly through their official websites. You can apply through uni assist, which is the centralized admissions portal for overseas students. Consider applying for a number of programs and universities to increase your chances of acceptance.
Fill out the application form online and upload the necessary documents. It is advisable to submit your application at least six weeks before the deadline. Within one to two months after the deadline, you can expect to receive a formal acceptance or rejection.
Buy a Health Insurance
You need to purchase a health insurance coverage before leaving your home country. It is required both before obtaining a German student visa and enrolling into the university.
Obtain a German Student Visa
Germany student visa requirements vary by country of origin. On the Foreign Federal Office's website, you can find an overview of which countries require a student visa and which don't.
Check out Accomodation Options
After receiving your visa it is advisable to start looking for accommodation, as most of the German universities do not provide housing facilities for enrolling students. International students spend around EUR 298 per month for accommodation in Germany, excluding the cost of their daily living expenses. Learn more about student accommodation in Germany.
Enroll
You must enroll in order to start your course in Germany and use university facilities like the library. Additionally, you'll have to re-register before each semester begins. Depending on the university, this can cost anywhere between €150 and €250. There is an additional charge of about €180 for a semester ticket. The semester ticket is used to cover public transportation expenses.
For enrollment, you will need the following documents:
- A valid passport (with visa or residence permit)
- Passport photographs
- Completed registration form
- Proof of higher education entrance qualification
- Notice of admission
- Proof of English/ German proficiency
- Proof of statutory health insurance in Germany
- Payment receipt for the semester fee
Study in Germany After 12th Requirements
Admission requirements differ from university to university, so it is advisable for students to check course-specific and country-specific requirements for each institution. Some universities in Germany also ask candidates to provide a letter of recommendation. The eligibility criteria and important documents required for international students to study in Germany after 12th are given below:
- Academic transcripts with at least 60% marks in class 12th
- Completed 1 year of Bachelor’s study in India from a recognized university/ Completed a degree equivalent to the International Baccalaureate
- Cleared the IIT JEE advanced exam ( for students who plan to appear for technology or natural science courses)
- Passed the qualification assessment exam called Feststellungsprüfung (if applicable)
- A completed application form
- Acceptance letter
- English language proficiency test scores
- Statement of purpose
- Passport size photographs
- A valid passport and student visa for Germany
- Proof of financial support
- Health insurance
Top Courses to Study in Germany
German universities offer a wide range of internationally recognized bachelor degrees and diplomas. The following are some of the top courses to study in Germany as well as the top universities to pursue each of them:
| Top Courses | Top Universities |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
| Arts | Free University of Berlin, University of Cologne, University of Freiburg |
| Science | Humboldt University of Berlin, Heidelberg University, Free University of Berlin |
| Commerce | Technical University of Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Bonn |
| Agriculture | University of Freiburg, University of Bonn, Technical University of Munich |
Engineering
Germany is undoubtedly the best country for engineers. German technical education is highly regarded all over the world and holds great value. Students can pursue various programs in this field, including Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics, Bachelor of Engineering in Logistics, Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering in Business and Engineering, etc.
Arts
Germany is home to a variety of study programs in art and humanities that allow you to delve into your creativity to the fullest. In addition, German universities offer an array of design and multimedia courses that are crucial for any business to remain competitive in today's complex market. Some of the major programs include Bachelor of Arts in Advertising, Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Games, Bachelor of Arts in Photography, and many more.
Science
Physics, chemistry, and biology are other great disciplines to consider in Germany if one has just finished their schooling and wants to study science in Germany after 12th. Universities in Germany are very research-intensive, and they invest a lot in science and technology. Some of the major courses in this field include Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biotechnology, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, among many others.
Commerce
German Universities provide globally recognized degrees in the areas of economics, finance, business, management, and accounting. Therefore, there are endless opportunities for students who wish to pursue courses in this field. Some of the key programs include Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in International Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science in International Business Management, among others.
Agriculture
A variety of agricultural and forestry study programs are available in Germany, involving both theoretical and practical aspects. Germany's quality agricultural education can help you master techniques that deal with soil erosion, conservation of natural resources, maintaining fertile lands, agricultural production etc. A few of the important programs in this area are Bachelor of Arts in Agribusiness, Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture, and many more.
Popular Universities in Germany
With its highly regarded education system, excellent industrial interface, research-driven environment, and multi-cultural aspects, Germany has become one of the favourite study abroad destinations for students willing to study abroad. The country is home to a number of higher education institutions that offer high quality education at affordable tuition rates. Let us now take a look at some of the top universities in Germany for international students:
- Technical University of Munich
- Free University of Berlin
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- Technical University of Berlin
- University of Mannheim
- University of Hamburg
- University of Cologne
- University of Bonn
Scholarships to Study in Germany After 12th
In addition to the fact that studying in Germany is quite affordable due to its minimal tuition fee and moderate living costs, students can also benefit from a number of scholarships offered by a majority of German universities. The following table provides an overview of some of the best scholarships to study in Germany after 12th:
| Name | Maximum Amount Per Student |
|---|---|
| BrokerFish International Student Scholarship | 1,000 USD |
| The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program | 1,000 USD |
| Global Study Awards | 10,000 GBP |
| Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship | 33,800 USD |
| Go Clean Scholarship | 3,500 USD |
BrokerFish International Student Scholarship
The main purpose of this noteworthy scholarship, initiated by Broker Fish, is to assist people from around the globe in finding and purchasing International Health Insurance. It is solely intended to assist international students in saving money during the academic year and helping them achieve a successful future. Students who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree from Germany are eligible for this scholarship.
The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program
This prestigious scholarship is sponsored by Financial Sumo. It was created to relieve students of their college fees and is awarded to one deserving candidate annually. This scholarship is applicable for students willing to pursue undergraduate and post-graduate studies in Germany.
Global Study Awards
The British Council, Study Portals, and ISIC have partnered together to award this distinguished scholarship. This scholarship is designed to encourage students to study abroad, explore different countries, and experience new cultures. Students who wish to plan their undergraduate studies from Germany can apply for the Global Study Awards scholarship. Each year, it is awarded to two candidates based on merit.
Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India awards this renowned scholarship. Applicants selected for this scholarship will be provided with financial assistance for pursuing higher education abroad from accredited universities. The candidates who want to study in Germany at the undergraduate level will be eligible for this scholarship. A number of students can benefit from this scholarship, as a maximum of 100 such scholarships are awarded per academic year.
Go Clean Scholarship
The Go Clean scholarship is awarded to students who are dedicated and hardworking. It is available to applicants who plan to complete undergraduate studies in Germany. For candidates to be considered for this merit-based scholarship, they must write a 500-750 word essay explaining how to keep the environment green and clean. It is offered to one deserving candidate in an academic year.
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