Study in Germany

Did you know that you can pursue a free MBA in Germany? You would be pleased to know that most publicly funded German universities do not charge any tuition fee. However, you need to pay an administration fee at the beginning of every academic year.

With its strong focus on technology, research, and innovation, Germany is a great study-abroad destination for international students to pursue an MBA. If you are seeking an affordable yet high-quality MBA program, read through this article to find out how you can pursue a free MBA in Germany.

Table of Contents

• Top Public Universities in Germany for MBA
• Eligibility Criteria for Studying MBA in Germany
• How to Apply for an MBA in Germany?
• Why Study MBA in Germany?
• Best MBA Colleges in Germany without Work Experience
• MBA in Germany Fees for Indian Students
• Cost of Living in Germany
• Scholarships for MBA in Germany
• What after MBA?

Top Public Universities in Germany for MBA

We know that German public universities do not charge a tuition fee, but students should be clear that they are entitled to charge other fees like application fees, registration fees, semester fees, student passes, etc. In Germany, the duration of a semester is around 5-6 months.

The semester fee can be calculated based on the length of the course. Given below are some of the best tuition-free universities in Germany for an MBA, along with the details of semester fees charged by each of these universities:

Check This: Top Reasons to Pursue an MBA

Eligibility Criteria for Studying MBA in Germany

Germany allows students to pursue an MBA without any prior work experience. While each university has its eligibility criteria, the general criteria for studying an MBA in Germany are as follows:

• A UG degree is equivalent to a German Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline ( A 4-year degree/ A 3-year degree plus a 1-year master’s degree). Few German universities accept a 3-year bachelor's degree to study MBA.
• A valid GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL/GRE score. In Germany, applying for an MBA without a GMAT is possible since most universities only consider a valid TOEFL score.
• You should have a basic understanding of the German language. The majority of German universities offer MBA programs in English; however, a few demand German language proficiency to be eligible for admission.
• A good academic record with at least 60% marks
• Some universities might require candidates to take an entrance exam to be considered for admission.

How to Apply for an MBA in Germany?

To apply for an MBA in Germany, you need to select the institute that you wish to apply for. After selecting your school, determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. German MBA programs usually require the following documents to be submitted as part of the application process:

• GMAT score/ Other test scores
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Mark sheets/ Scorecard of bachelor’s degree
• Copy of valid passport
• Letter of Recommendation (at least two)
• Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation/Essay
• Updated CV/Resume

Why Study MBA in Germany?

Germany offers a wide array of MBA programs and excellent career opportunities. In Germany, MBA courses and curricula are constantly reviewed, revised, and updated to meet the changing demands of the job market. To enhance the students' decision-making skills, the programs combine practical sessions with industrial exposure.

Additionally, students can select from a large pool of universities that offer affordable MBA courses with no prior work experience or GMAT scores. Students are also allowed to work part-time during their program and benefit from several scholarships.

In Germany, MBA degrees are available in various modes. Students can choose to go for a full-time MBA program which takes about 12 to 24 months to complete. Another option is a half-time study program. For candidates pursuing MBA in Germany, it is possible to get an MBA degree via different modes.

Students can opt for the MBA full-time study program, which would take between 12 to 24 months to complete. They can also choose a part-time study program, where they would work for an organization and study in the evenings or during weekends.

Students who wish to continue working during their MBA program can also take up an Executive MBA program. Under this program, there is an agreement between students and employers. Employers provide financial assistance to students as they pursue their degrees. and are also financed by them.

Lastly, students have the option of pursuing their MBA remotely via distance learning, which allows them to study from home.

Best MBA Colleges in Germany without Work Experience

Prior experience is an advantage for pursuing an MBA in Germany, as discussed in the eligibility section. Nevertheless, few MBA colleges in Germany will accept students with no previous work experience. The following are the top five universities in Germany that offer an MBA to international students who do not have professional work experience:

• Technical University of Munich
• Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
• University of Kiel
• University of Tubingen
• University of Ulm

MBA in Germany Fees for Indian Students

German MBAs are cheaper than those in other countries. It is extremely affordable for Indian students to study MBA in Germany due to the gracious education system and the opportunity to work while studying. Students can also apply for scholarships in the country that provide funding to study MBA, which will further reduce their costs. 

In Germany, private universities charge specific tuition fees for MBA courses. This fee generally ranges between INR 1,21,000- INR 28,30,000 and can vary from university to university. There is no tuition fee for students attending public universities, so they only need to pay a semester fee of approximately 250 to 500 Euros every semester.

Cost of Living in Germany

Students from India can expect to pay around 10,200-12,000 EUR per year for living expenses in Germany. Living expenses will also vary depending on the university's location. Cities like Berlin and Munich, for instance, are slightly more expensive than other parts of Germany.

The table below provides a breakdown of different living expenses in Germany:

Scholarships for MBA in Germany

International students can also benefit from the various scholarship programs listed on the official website of universities or at www.daad.de. The following table outlines the top scholarships for studying free MBA in Germany, along with the amount offered by each of them:

What after MBA?

Following the successful completion of an MBA, students can apply for an 18-month Residence Permit to look for a job related to their specialization. However, students should know that the possibility of obtaining a residence permit to work in Germany completely depends on their qualifications and the field of work.

In addition, Germany has introduced EU Blue Cards that will be issued to citizens of non-EU- countries as proof of their legal stay and employment in the country. EU Blue Cards are only available to candidates who hold a college or university degree and have proof of a signed contract with a German organization that pays a certain fixed salary.

Read More: Top 10 Courses After MBA in 2024

A Germany student visa is required for international students willing to live and study in Germany for a definite period of time. The quality of higher education, research infrastructure, teaching methodology, low-cost studies, and career prospects offered in Germany are incomparable to other countries. This attracts international students from all over the world to pursue their higher education in Germany. 

A Germany study visa is an authorizing official document required to permit non-German nationals to enter and stay in the territory of Germany for the purpose of studying, in a specific intended period. The student visa for Germany from India should be applied at the Embassy or Consulate of Germany. Students required to stay in Germany for more than 90 days (3 months) will be called to also get a Residence Permit early enough after their arrival in Germany. The Germany visa process should be started typically 3 months before the start of planned studies

Students are required to use a blocked account as proof of financial support to increase their chances of getting a Germany student visa. A blocked account is a special type of bank account in Germany for international students to prove enough funds for one year of study. International students should have a minimum of €10,332 in the bank account before applying for a Germany student visa.

Table of Contents

• Why is a Germany Student Visa Needed?
• Types of Germany Study Visa
• When and Where to Apply for a Germany Student Visa?
• How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa?
• Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required for Germany Student Visa
  
  • Language Requirements
• Germany Visa Fees
• Germany Visa Processing Time
• How To Get Your Student Residence Permit in Germany?

Why is a Germany Student Visa Needed?

Germany offers tuition-free education for international students at public universities and also has an affordable cost of living compared to other top countries. Around 37% of the international students in Germany pursue engineering courses with other popular courses being the law, economics, and social sciences. A Schengen visa is needed for a short stay in Germany for a course of duration less than 3 months. For a course that lasts more than 3 months, international students should apply for a German National Visa. International students should plan on getting a blocked account and travel insurance before applying for a Germany study visa. Details about the Germany student visa are given below: 

• A Germany student visa is needed for all international students willing to study in Germany excepts students from European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss nationals
• International students with a German National Visa are required to apply for a Residence Permit to extend their stay in Germany. This should be done while the entry visa is still valid
• A Residence Permit in Germany is valid for 2 years and can be extended depending on the duration of the course

Types of Germany Study Visa

A Germany study visa is issued for a range of study levels and degrees. Students enrolling in a pre-academic measure or a non-academic German language course also require a valid study visa to be able to live and study in Germany. The three types of Germany student visas are listed below:

• German Student Visa (Visum Zur Studienzwecken)
• German Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung)
• German Language Course Visa

German Student Visa (Visum Zur Studienzwecken)

This is the most common type of student visa opted by international students who are already admitted to one of the German universities and are ready to pursue their education at a full-time university program. Students must note that after the first three months, it is mandatory for them to apply for a residence permit in order to continue their studies in Germany.

German Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung)

International applicants require this visa if he/ she needs to be in Germany to apply for university admission in person. The student applicant visa for Germany does not facilitate students to pursue studies in Germany and can only be used for the university application process.

You can use this visa to explore German university campuses, study options, or ways to spend your time while in the country. Student applicant visas are usually granted within several months and are allowed to stay for three months with the option of an additional six months.

German Language Course Visa

This type of visa is required for international students willing to study German language courses in Germany. The duration of these courses is generally three months to one year. The German language course visa remains valid for up to one year.

When and Where to Apply for a Germany Student Visa?

You should contact the German Embassy or Consulate in your country to obtain a visa. Visit the German embassy's website for available dates for the interview and schedule an appointment. The application for a student visa should be made at least three months prior to your arrival in Germany.

It may take up to 25 days for your application to be processed. Following the submission of the required documents, they are sent to the immigration office of your university, where they are approved and then returned to your country's embassy.

How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa?

International students who have received a letter of acceptance from the German university can proceed to apply for a Germany student visa. All necessary supporting documents should be ready for a smooth Germany visa process. The step by step Germany visa process is explained below:

• Students should first locate the nearest German Embassy or Consulate in their home country to get more information about the requirements and to set up a visa appointment
• He/ she should then go to the student visa sections to review all the specific requirements for their respective country and the procedures to set up a visa appointment
• The applicant should then schedule a visa appointment by following the steps described on the official website of the German embassy. This should be done well in advance as a particular embassy could have many visa applications and it could take a longer time to process the Germany visa application form
• Once the visa appointment date is confirmed, the student should check if he/ she has all the documents ready and make sure to have everything together
• Finally, the applicant should get ready for the visa interview and pay the visa application fee of €60.00- €75.00. The payment confirmation should be shown at the time of the visa interview.

Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required for Germany Student Visa

International students applying for a Germany study visa are required to submit certain documents supporting the information they provide. It is mandatory to attach all the documents along with the visa application. Listed below are a few Germany student visa requirements:

• Valid Passport and copy of the passport’s information page
• Germany visa application form
• Letter of admission from a university/ institution in Germany
• Official academic transcripts- Degree certificates and mark sheets
• Proof of German language proficiency
• Proof of finances
• 3 passport-size photographs
• Birth certificate
• Health Insurance
• Proof of payment to the German university/ college
• Demand Draft for the Germany student visa fee
• Applicants should also submit a declaration stating that the information provided is true and complete
• A cover letter should also be attached explaining the reason for the Germany visa application. The student may also be required to attach a German translation of this document

Language Requirements

 When applying for a long-term visa, you will need to demonstrate at least basic German skills. Therefore, you will be required to submit any one of the following test results (the results must not be older than 4 years):

• A1 certificate issued by the Goethe Institute
• KCSE certificate from KNEC
• TestDAF

You must meet this requirement even if you are taking an English-taught course. There will also be a discussion in German in the visa interview at the German embassy, so you will have to demonstrate that you can converse in basic German.

Germany Visa Fees

The Germany visa fees for international students is €75. The fees have to be paid via bank transfer. Cheques and credit card payments are not accepted. International students should send the money order in the name of the Embassy/ Consulate in their home country and it should not be older than two months. In the case of the visa application being rejected, the Germany visa fees are not reimbursed. 

Candidates applying for a Residence Permit on arrival to Germany would have to pay up to €110 and wait for anywhere between 8-12 weeks for it to be processed. International students are therefore advised to apply for a Germany study visa as early as possible.

Germany Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Germany student visa may take approximately 6-12 weeks from the day of application. The Short-stay Germany visa process takes about 15-30 days.

How To Get Your Student Residence Permit in Germany?

The following steps will help you understand the process of obtaining your student residence permit in Germany:

1. Look for a permanent house: After arriving in Germany with a study visa, you need to find permanent housing within a week of your arrival.
2. Register at the Resident’s Office: Your next step is to register this living address with the local resident's office. As soon as you register, you will receive the confirmation of your registration, also called "Meldebescheinigung".

In order to be registered in Germany as an international student, the following documents must be presented:

• You must have a valid national passport or national ID card. The document must demonstrate that you have a valid visa if you are a visa-regime citizen
• Rental contract
• A letter that confirms your living address, issued by your landlord

3. Enroll in studies: In order to participate in courses and get access to university resources, you need to formally enrol at the university. Within the enrollment period, which is indicated in the letter of admission, you must enroll at the university.

Known as matriculation, this process requires the submission of a list of documents to the student affairs office (Studentensekretariat) of the university you will be attending. You will also be charged a semester fee before receiving your ID, password, and ID card.

International students who wish to enroll at a university in Germany must provide the following documents

• National Passport/national ID Card
• Confirmation of admission to the university
• German University Entrance Qualification, or any equivalent qualification that allows you to start studies at a German university
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Student Health Insurance

4. Obtain a residence permit to study: Once you’ve been enrolled in the university, you need to get your visa extension by applying for a residence permit through the local Foreigner’s Authority (Einwohnermeldeamt”).

To apply for a residence permit in Germany for studies, you need the following documents:

• Application for a residence permit, duly completed
• Your national passport/national ID card. Your valid visa must be shown on the document if you have entered with a visa.
• You must provide proof of your permanent address in Germany
• Confirmation of registration
• Rental contract
• Your landlord's letter of confirmation of your permanent address
• Recent passport photos
• Evidence of financial sufficiency (Provide the same evidence you submitted when you applied for the visa)
• Proof of admission to studies. (certificate of enrollment/ confirmation of admission)
• Proof of payment of the application fee. Application fees range from 56-100 euros for first-time applicants to 49-96 euros for extension applications. There is a 28.8 euro fee for Turkish students.

The overall cost of studying in Germany is much lower when compared to other study abroad destinations. Most of the public universities in Germany do not charge a tuition fee. Therefore, a large number of international students enroll in top-notch German institutions every year to pursue their higher education.

Germany is one of the study destinations that ensures high employability with affordable study costs. The German universities are known for offering fast unique and emerging courses that are globally recognized. In this article, you will get complete details about the cost of studying in Germany, including the cost of education, living expenses, and more.

Table of Contents

• Study Cost in Germany for International Students
  
  • Undergraduate Germany University Fees
  • Masters in Germany Cost
• Living Expenses in Germany for International Students
• Germany Visa Fees
  
  • Germany Visa Fees in Indian Rupees
  • India to Germany Flight Cost
• Other Expenses for Studying in Germany

Study Cost in Germany for International Students

Among all the European countries, Germany is one of the countries that provide free higher education for students across the world. Hence, the overall cost of studying in Germany is very reasonable for international students. The German tuition fees for international students were made free to enhance the learning opportunities for students in Germany. Few universities charge tuition fees from the students which are considered to be minimal and affordable.

Undergraduate Germany University Fees

Students are required to pay the semester contributions, transportation tickets, and several other student support services. The literal tuition fees for the students are free in most of the public universities and charged affordably by some other colleges. Several other fees paid to the university vary for each university and level of study. 

The fees charged on the enrollment and administration in the college are around EUR 250. The Transportation ticket is charged to the student for the transport expenses per semester that ranges around EUR 500. Several German universities provide financial assistance to the students through scholarships, grants, and loans to overcome their financial difficulties.

Masters in Germany Cost

The Postgraduate tuition fees vary for each university between EUR 20,000 - EUR 30,000. MS in Germany cost is free for the students securing consecutive degrees in Germany. The tuition fees for the doctorate studies are completely free for the students Which enhances the research-based study opportunities in Germany. 

• The cost of MS in Germany for Indian students vary for each university that ranges between 11,825 - 2,74,000 rupees
• The cost of MBBS in Germany is completely free for students across the world. Such aspiring students have to be aware of their living costs in Germany.

Germany, being the home of several best universities provides a free-of-cost education in several sectors with globally valid degree certificates. The universities charging fees also provides several scholarships for the students to enhance their financial availability for the academic expenses.

Living Expenses in Germany for International Students

Though the study cost is free in Germany, students cannot avoid the living expenses. The cost of living in Germany is comparatively expensive than the other cities across the world. This can be handled by proper budgeting of expenses by the students. Following table provides the various living expenses in Germany, along with estimated costs:

Germany Visa Fees

This is another important expenses involved in the total cost of studying in Germany. Germany Visa fees depend on the country of origin and type of visa applied. The German student Visa cost of the application will be around EUR 80. Students are required to submit some of the documents for the visa application. They can also apply for a residence permit for a residential stay in Germany which costs around EUR 110. This is another way of choosing living options.

Germany Visa Fees in Indian Rupees

India is one of the Schengen Area Member States that has succeeded in an agreement with Germany. The German study visa cost is the same for all the member countries and it is applicable also for India. Depending on the currency exchange rates, the Germany visa fees from India range around 4,786 rupees.

India to Germany Flight Cost

India is the global hub of air transport with several flights departing to the study destination of Germany from important metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The minimum cost of the flight was around 17,000 - 20,000 rupees. February is considered to be the cheapest month for German travel with June and July as the costliest.

Other Expenses for Studying in Germany

The cost of studying in Germany also includes some other expenses like health insurance and blocked bank account. Let us understand each of them in detail:

• Health Insurance: Having health insurance in Germany that covers your health emergencies is very important. Before you arrive in the country, the authorities check if you have health insurance. Thus, this is another expense you'll have to make while studying in Germany. On average, student health insurance plans cost between €80 and €150 a month.
• Blocked Bank Account: Students from abroad need to open a blocked account in Germany. To study in Germany, students must demonstrate they have enough money to survive for a year. Typically, students are required to show about $10,000 for a year. A withdrawal of €895 per month will be permitted for a year.

There are various study in Germany requirements that international students must know before pursuing their higher education in Germany. Some of the major requirements include academic transcripts, English language proficiency proof, German language proficiency proof, copy of Ppassport, entrance qualifications, etc.

Apart from the above mentioned requirements, students must have a health insurance and a student visa in order to study in Germany. This article details all the admission requirements for studying in Germany. In addition to this, you will understand how to apply to the German universities, deadlines, fee structure, and more.

Table of Contents

• Germany Admission Requirements for International Students
  
  • Germany Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
  • Is IELTS required for Germany?
  • German Language Proficiency Test Results
  • Aptitude and Entrance Qualifications
• Health Insurance Requirement
• Where and How to Apply to a German University?
• Application Deadlines of German Universities
• Cost of Education in Germany for International Students
  • Undergraduate Germany University Fees
  • Masters in Germany Cost
• Living Expenses in Germany

Germany Admission Requirements for International Students

International students are required to submit the documents mentioned by the German universities. The educational qualifications are to be decided by the university and it is completely based on the student’s choice of course. The students have to fulfill German education requirements to go through the admission process. The Germany college requirements are based on the student's home country and course option. A student visa is one of the essential study in Germany requirements. 

Germany Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students

As an international student, one has to buy a student visa for completing his admission procedure and to achieve a seat in the university. They will be getting a confirmation letter from the university after submitting the initial documents. Such a confirmation letter is to be submitted to the German Embassy for the application for a student visa. There are two types of visas depending on the admission stage and notification.

• Prospective Student Visa: Visa applied by the students before receiving the admission notification
• Student Visa: Visa applied after the admission notification for the course applied in the university.

Is IELTS required for Germany?

The Language of instruction in most of the universities is German and several programs are taught in English. Many of the English-taught programs are, particularly at the postgraduate level. Students are required to submit their English Language Proficiency Test results to the university for their application. Not only IELTS, but TOEFL test results are also accepted by several universities. The IELTS score for Germany is completely based on the university and course options. The minimum scores to be achieved by the students vary for each university. The IELTS requirement for Germany Student Visa is variable and test results are to be submitted beforehand of student visa application.

German Language Proficiency Test Results

The language of instruction in most of the universities in Germany is German. International STudents are required to submit their German Language Proficiency Test result proof for the application. Though the students opt for English-taught programs, the students should learn the basics of the German language for better communication. Some of the German Language Proficiency tests accepted by the universities are the Test of German as Foreign Language (TestDAF), Goethe Institut German Language Diploma (GDS), and German Language University Entrance Examination (DSH).

Aptitude and Entrance Qualifications

Aptitude and Entrance Qualifications are among the important study in Germany requirements. Most of the German universities prescribe aptitude tests as the entrance qualification. TestAS is the standard exam that is considered by most of the universities in Germany. It is mostly conducted to test the aptitude knowledge of the students joining undergraduate degrees. Master’s in Germany requirements does not include aptitude tests for admission. The scanning of the tests varies for each university and it is an obligatory requirement for bachelor’s admission in Germany.

Germany has been the traditional hub of education for most of the countries across the world. The German degrees are highly valued and validated by several global institutions. It also ensures growth and employability for the students in and around Germany. The study in Germany requirements are comparatively less and the application process is very flexible as well. Students can apply for the desired university easily with needed documents in hand with the student visa for German studies.

Health Insurance Requirement

Health insurance is compulsory for Indian students in Germany. Hence, you should obtain health insurance in order to be covered in case of an emergency in Germany. Please note that you must obtain your student health insurance coverage before enrolling into the German university. Students from abroad have two major options available for getting a health insurance to study in Germany:

• Public/ Private health insurance from Germany
• Private insurance from home country

As soon as they arrive in Germany, students must contact a German health insurance provider to obtain their health insurance certificate. Indian students can also contact DAAD in India or the student councils (Studentenwerk) of the university they plan to attend.

Where and How to Apply to a German University?

Students from abroad can apply to German Universities through the Uni-assist platform or directly through the official website of the university. Firstly, you need to check if you meet all the eligibility requirements of the university and your chosen course. Often, even if you meet the admission requirements, you will not be eligible for direct enrollment.

Many degree programs in Germany have a restriction called Numerus Clausus (NC). Based on these restrictions, there will be a selection process. By applying to multiple German universities at once, you can avoid being rejected because of course restrictions. The GPA (grade point average) is an important criterion for admission to German universities. A higher score will increase your chances of admission to your dream university in Germany. International students also need to appear for certain entrance examinations to study in Germany.

Application Deadlines of German Universities

The following options are available to students planning to enroll in German universities:

• Applications for winter enrolment must be submitted by the 15th of July
• Summer enrolment applications must be submitted by January 15

The deadline for submitting applications varies from one higher education institution to another. Always check the deadlines and begin the application process as early as possible. This could be of benefit to you if something unexpected happens or if you have to resubmit a few documents.

Cost of Education in Germany for International Students

Among all the European countries, Germany is one of the countries that provide free higher education for students across the world. Hence, the overall cost of studying in Germany is very reasonable for international students. The German tuition fees for international students were made free to enhance the learning opportunities for students in Germany. Few universities charge tuition fees from the students which are considered to be minimal and affordable.

Undergraduate Germany University Fees

Students are required to pay the semester contributions, transportation tickets, and several other student support services. The literal tuition fees for the students are free in most of the public universities and charged affordably by some other colleges. Several other fees paid to the university vary for each university and level of study. 

The fees charged on the enrollment and administration in the college are around EUR 250. The Transportation ticket is charged to the student for the transport expenses per semester that ranges around EUR 500. Several German universities provide financial assistance to the students through scholarships, grants, and loans to overcome their financial difficulties.

Masters in Germany Cost

The Postgraduate tuition fees vary for each university between EUR 20,000 - EUR 30,000. MS in Germany cost is free for the students securing consecutive degrees in Germany. The tuition fees for the doctorate studies are completely free for the students Which enhances the research-based study opportunities in Germany. 

• The cost of MS in Germany for Indian students vary for each university that ranges between 11,825 - 2,74,000 rupees
• The cost of MBBS in Germany is completely free for students across the world. Such aspiring students have to be aware of their living costs in Germany.

Living Expenses in Germany

Though the study cost is free in Germany, students cannot avoid the living expenses. The cost of living in Germany is comparatively expensive than the other cities across the world. This can be handled by proper budgeting of expenses by the students. Following table provides the various living expenses in Germany, along with estimated costs:

Student accomodation in Germany is one of the most crucial aspects of studying in Germany for international students apart from getting accepted into a university. There are various types of accommodation available in Germany for international students. Students from abroad typically spend about EUR 298 per month for accommodation in Germany, excluding their daily expenses.

Students will require a residence permit to stay in Germany for more than 90 days or 3 months. Students will also have to prove funds to the visa officer that they have enough finances to sustain themselves for one year. The required funds amount to EUR 853 per month or EUR 10,236 per annum. Once issued, the residence permit is valid for two years. The residence permit will have to be renewed once the two year period is up if the course opted for by the student is for more than two years.

Table of Contents

• Cost of Student Accomodation in Germany
• Types of Student Accommodation in Germany
  
  • Student Halls of Residence
  • Private Accommodation
  • Flatshare or “Wohngemeinschaft”
• How to Find Accomodation in Germany as a Student?
  
  • Studutenwerk and the Student Council
• Conclusion

Cost of Student Accomodation in Germany

According to the German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD, students spend about EUR 900 every month in Germany. International students roughly spend around EUR 298 a month on accommodation, excluding day to day expenses. Cheaper accommodations amount to approximately EUR 218 per month for students in Germany.

Students can also rent apartments; however, these can be expensive and can vary depending on the location of the residence. On average, students will have to shell out EUR 400 a month to live in apartments. In metropolitan cities, the cost of living in a private apartment will be even higher. In terms of student accommodation in Berlin, the cost of living in an apartment can be as high as EUR 800 a month.

Types of Student Accommodation in Germany

Depending on how much a student is willing to spend, there are many options for student accommodation in Germany. Germany is home to many student halls of residence located close by to the university. Students can also opt for private accommodation if they so choose. The third option available to international students (which also accounts for 30% of accomodation for international students) is flatshare or “Wohngemeinschaft '' as the Germans call it. The types of student accommodation in Germany are listed below:

• Student Halls of Residence
• Private Accommodation
• Flatshare or “Wohngemeinschaft”

Student Halls of Residence

The student halls of residence are a popular option for international students in Germany. They are a low-cost investment and have the convenience of being located very close to the university (universities). Student halls of residence provide students with great scope for socialization.

These residence halls are run by a student body or a self-administering committee that regulates and oversees certain rules of order and acts as a link between the student union and the student residents.

The types of student halls can also vary depending on what the city’s student union is offering. Students can opt for single rooms, shared rooms, single apartments, shared apartments, and apartments for disabled students. Accommodation in student halls of residence is done on a first-come-first-serve basis. Students should make sure that they waste no time applying for the same as soon as they receive their university acceptance letter.

Private Accommodation

For students that can afford it, private accommodation is the way to go. Apart from enjoying their own space and time, students living in private apartments will not have to subject themselves to the rules of student unions. Compared to other places in Germany, private accommodation can be costly in cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Main.

Finding private accommodation is entirely up to the student's discretion if they choose to opt for the same. Students opting for private accommodations will have to search for a place, speak to the owner, and be ready with the deposit amount before flying out to Germany for higher education.

Flatshare or “Wohngemeinschaft”

Perhaps, the most popular option for international students looking for accommodation in Germany is Flatshare or “Wohngemeinschaft”. As many as 30% of all international students in Germany opt for this option. Flatshare involves finding accommodation, finding a flatmate and sharing rent, as well as utilities with them.

Common spaces will include the kitchen, the living area, bathroom and balcony. This option gives a student all the benefits of a low-cost accommodation while ensuring a relatively good amount of privacy. Like private accommodation, students have to make all their arrangements before moving. It also helps for students who will also have to make sure to contact their potential flatmates in advance.

The cost of the various types of student accommodation in Germany are detailed in the table below:

How to Find Accomodation in Germany as a Student?

There are instances where students arrive in Germany without making prior arrangements for accommodation. Even then, such students need not panic as they can seek the help of student-run organizations and government bodies to help them find a place to stay.

Studutenwerk and the Student Council

Studutenwerk is a not-for-profit, state-run organization for students or organized locally across many cities and townships in Germany. They act as a database of free accommodation, and students can seek their help in finding a place of residence. Studutenwerk and the student council of many universities offer students temporary housing during their initial stay in Germany.

Students can also look at the German Youth Hostel Association, an association of 536 youth hostels in Germany. The per-night accommodation charges amount to between EUR 12 to EUR 37, and students will have to pay a membership fee of EUR 7.

Conclusion

To sum it up, studying in Germany is not an expensive nor a complicated affair. Students need to do their due diligence when choosing the most suitable type of accommodation for them. Germany has some of the best amenities for students globally, apart from being a centre for high-quality education, academic research and design.

Do you know that it is possible to pursue MBA in Germany without GMAT? Germany is quickly becoming the top destination for international students looking to acquire a graduate degree in business studies. While most business schools in Germany make it mandatory for students to present GMAT (or GRE) scores to accepted into their MBA programs, certain universities accept students without GMAT scores.

In this article, we will explore various universities in Germany that offer MBA degrees without GMAT requirement. In addition, we will look at other requirements you may need to meet for pursuing an MBA in Germany without GMAT scores.

Table of Contents

• Top Universities for MBA in Germany without GMAT
• MBA in Germany
• Study MBA in Germany without GMAT
• How to get an MBA in Germany without GMAT Scores?
• MBA in Germany without GMAT scores for Free
  • Part-time or Distance MBA in Germany without GMAT scores for free
• Cost of living in Germany for international students

Top Universities for MBA in Germany without GMAT

The table below contains a list of business schools offering MBA without GMAT scores in Germany. The duration of the course, admission requirements and GMAT requirements are mentioned as well:

Some business schools in Germany have the submission of GMAT scores as an option for students. Students will have to make sure that they stand out in terms of the admission requirements in those situations.

MBA in Germany

Most MBA degrees in Germany are generally for a duration of 1 to 1.5 years. However, executive MBA degrees are for two years. The courses are available to students on a full-time, part-time or online basis. Germany is home to over 50 colleges and universities offering MBA degrees, with five universities ranking within the top 250 business schools globally (according to QS Global MBA rankings). What makes education so viable for students in Germany is the low cost of quality education that universities offer.

A few key pointers for students wanted to study MBA in Germany are listed below:

• The minimum qualification required for an MBA in Germany is a bachelor’s degree with at least three years of work experience (for Indian students)
• An MBA degree in Germany may amount to between EUR 14,722 and EUR 36,454

Aspirants need to remember that while German universities have low-cost tuition fees and living in Germany is affordable, getting accepted into German universities involves certain criteria that students must meet. Besides exceptional academic scores, candidates will need to show GMAT (or GRE) and IELTS (or TOEFL) scores for admission to German business schools.

As mentioned above, certain business schools and situations offer MBA in Germany without GMAT scores. The next section will detail the scenarios where students can get admissions into German business schools without showing GMAT scores.

Study MBA in Germany without GMAT

Certain business schools in Germany accept students into their MBA programs without a requirement of GMAT scores. Provision of GMAT scores may also be optional in some business schools. These institutions look at students' academic profile, work experience and extracurricular achievements when granting admissions into their MBA programs.

How to get an MBA in Germany without GMAT Scores?

For universities in Germany offering MBA programs without GMAT scores, the minimum requirement for a student will be a Bachelor’s degree. If a student does not have a valid GMAT score or has performed poorly in the exam, the following criteria will apply for studying MBA in Germany without GMAT scores:

• Exceptional Academic Grades: Aspirants will need to have exceptional academic grades at the undergraduate level.
• Relevant Work Experience: Most business schools prefer to admit students with a certain level of work experience. Some schools require three years while others require five years of work experience in the related field.
• Letters of Recommendation: Securing letters of recommendation from previous academic institutions and ex-employers are fail-proof methods of impressing the admissions office.

MBA in Germany without GMAT scores for Free

Certain business schools in Germany offer MBA programs without GMAT requirements for free. While the cost for tuition is free, international students may be asked to pay a nominal fee per semester towards semester fees, student union fees, and sundry expenses. Below are a list of business schools in Germany offering MBA programs for free:

• Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
• University of Kiel
• University of Tubingen
• University of Stuttgart

Part-time or Distance MBA in Germany without GMAT scores for Free

For students that are unable to commit to a full-time MBA program, some business schools have the option of choosing a part-time MBA program or an online MBA program, depending on which business schools offering either part-time or distance learning MBA courses:

Cost of living in Germany for international students

Germany is renowned world-over for its top-class quality of education, exceptional academic and research facilities, and vibrant landscape and culture. Compared to other educational destinations like the US and UK, Germany is relatively cheap in terms of education and living costs. Before heading out to Germany to study, students need to note the expenditures involved with studying in Germany. The following tables consist of the list of expenses per month for a student in Germany:

According to the official German visa website, students spend EUR 850 on living expenses in Germany. While applying for an MBA in Germany without GMAT, students will need to prove to the visa office that they have a minimum of EUR 10,236 in their bank account to qualify for a German student visa.