6 Simple Steps To Apply To Study In Germany
Study In Germany
Steps To Apply To Study In Germany
A decade ago, people would have thought about moving to Germany to enjoy its rich culture and experience the nature of the land that gave birth to the most extraordinary historical leaders. However, nobody could have imagined this nation as a destination for higher education. But the time has changed, and the tables have turned. The country now sees a surge of international students who wants to Study In Germany. The count has increased from 301350 in the winter semester of 2013/14 to 416437 in 2020/21. The enhanced technology used in the education system and the 0 costs. Tuition fees are the prime reasons that draw students to apply for a student visa to this nation.
However, like many students, I was not aware of the application process to study in Germany. A friend of mine who is associated with a Travel Insurance company cleared my doubts. Here are the steps to take:
Select a university
The first step involves choosing an appropriate academic program from the German academic exchange service DAAD portal. The websites have approximately 2000 courses, of which almost 1400 are conducted online. Unfortunately, the country does not offer enough opportunities to undergraduate students who want to pursue their education entirely in English. On the other hand, if a student is ready to get warmed up studying the first two semesters in English and get a grip on the language to pursue further education in German, then they have ample study choices.
Check the admission necessities
Education in Germany might be free, but the admission process is a thorny fence to cross. Enrolling in a chosen academic institution without meeting its basic requirements is impossible. Therefore, one must ensure that the latest academic charters are recognized by the university chosen to study.
Here are some of the essential qualifications every university in Germany looks for:
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Must have the DAAD-certified higher education qualification
The higher education qualification or Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) must match the one mentioned in the DAAD database. A high school diploma and school leaving certificate are usually sufficient for undergraduate education, but it may change with the country from which the student hails.
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High Score in the Feststellungsprüfungentrance examination
Non-European students with average academic grades may need to participate in the Studienkolleg program to pass the Feststellungsprüfung entrance examination. However, the chosen few with excellent academic reports may bypass this stage.
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High grade in the Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugangand the TestDaF
The applicant must prove their proficiency in the German language through high scores in the German language entrance exams for university education called Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang and the TestDaF.
Students who meet these basic qualifications can enrol in a German university.
Arrange the finances
The country will not stamp a candidate’s student visa unless there is solid proof to show that the applicant can cover the living cost in the country. Thus, one of the first Pre-departure Services one should take care of is gathering proof to spend €8,700 each year. Otherwise, the dream of studying in Germany could be shattered. This European nation is strict about finances because of Germany’s high cost of living. Usually, students spend close to €900 each month for food commutation and living.
There are multiple readily available scholarships that students can avail to support their studies and living cost in Germany.
Apply for the course
There are two ways to apply for the university. one is directly through the university website, and the other is through DAAD supported international student admission portal – www.uni-assist.de.
Germany enrols international students twice a year
- Summer – ending on 15thJuly
- Winter – ending on 15thJanuary
However, these dates may change according to the academic program.
Each university sets out its specific document requirements for enrolment though most of them include the following:
- Previous academic degree or high school diploma certification
- A translated summary of the courses pursued and the respective grades attained
- Certificate of language proficiency
- A copy of the passport
- A passport-sized photograph
At the time of admission, students may need to provide some additional details:
- Filled admission form
- Certificate of health insurance
- Visa permitted by the German Government
- Semester fee payment receipts [if applicable]
Sort out health insurance
Health insurance is the other requirement that must be checked even before applying for a German student visa. A resident of the EU and EEA region might have it covered through their home nation’s Public health security. Obtaining a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can ease the process. However, if health insurance is not covered in Germany, getting it covered might cost between €960 and €1920 a year for applicants below 29 years; a day older and the prices may increase. Moreover, private insurance is mandatory for any candidate aged over 29 years.
Obtain a Visa and find accommodation
Visa
The Visa requirements change with the country from which a student belongs. The Foreign Federal Office portal can provide details on the country-specific requirements for the German student visa.
Accommodation
Unfortunately, German universities do not bear the cost of Accommodation for students. Thus, it has to be managed by the learner himself. The fee for accommodation in Germany varies with the region and the type. It may range between €290 and €560 each month. Cities in western Germany, like Dusseldorf, Cologne, Munich, and Hamburg, are more expensive than in the east, like Berlin.
Parting thoughts
Booking a seat in the preferred university in Germany for further education is not complicated. One must prepare beforehand and keep all senses open to get their student’s id. That is all it takes.
