Germany
Why Study in Germany?
Germany has always played a dominant role in Europe, both politically and economically. Even in today’s date, German economy single-handedly provides stability to the Euro zone. Considered to be the hub of engineering and technological knowledge and expertise as well as a robust centre of the literature, music and the arts, Germany continues to attract people from all over the world because of its well-constructed education system. One of the largest countries of Europe, Germany’s impact on the continent as well as the global economy is huge, not just with regard to cutting-edge technology and research for the manufacturing sector but as an important global trading partner raising questions and providing solutions concerning social, political and economic issues. The education system has earned a reputation for producing talent across disciplines that is often in great demand in the international labour market.
The structural variation is largely to do with the emphasis on gaining real world exposure through internships and placements as part of the programme of study. Additionally, a large focus on R&D projects and substantial investment on a macroeconomic scale into Research and Development enables institutions to attract elite faculty and students to further the learning curve of Germany. It’s the perfect blend between theoretical frameworks and practical exposure with strong academic standards adopted to incorporate the best of both elements. Moreover, while the rest of the world is discussing how to make quality education more readily available, Germans have made world-class learning affordable, accessible and available to the large majority of its domestic and international population. When you further read about the universities and colleges there and the kind of education they offer, you will understand why studying in Germany is one of the most attractive options. Today, more and more students are opting to study abroad in Germany.
Top Universities in Germany
Latest statistics indicate Germany to be the 4th most popular destination for studying abroad for international students. There are several reasons to study in Germany, whether it is the world class universities and colleges and their diverse subject pool from which students can choose or the historical cultural heritage in which Germany is steeped.
Some of the most popular and top German Universities include Ruprecht-Karis-Universität Heidelberg, Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität München, Technische Universität München. Every German city has at least one University ranked and recognised amongst the world’s top 250.
Germany has consistently been considered a leader in Science, Technology and Engineering. Hence, the top courses to study in Germany are the following: Mechanical, Structural and Chemical Engineering, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Entrepreneurship and Technology, Renewable Energy, Computer Sciences and Information Systems.
List of Universities in the Germany
- EIIE EURASIA Institute
- FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences
- Internationale Hochschule Bad Honnef Bonn (IUBH)
Emerging Sectors in Germany
As the Euro zone crisis deepened in the aftermath of the global financial crisis as a consequence of financial contagion, Germany’s consolidated service and manufacturing sectors kept Europe afloat. The country’s strong tradition of research and innovation is a huge factor for its favourable economic situation. The 33,000 patent applications are evidence of Germany being at the forefront of European Innovation. Although the biggest 30 corporations such as Volkswagen, BASF, Siemens and Allianz contribute significantly to Germany’s competitive advantage and innovation, there are thousands of SME’s across a diverse range of sectors, particularly from Mechanical Engineering as well as nano and biotechnology that have a substantial impact in advancing innovation and growth. Germany’s comparative advantage lies in designing and manufacturing complex high tech industrial goods that are largely used as capital goods and production technology.
The biggest sectors by far are automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electrical and chemical engineering employing over 3 million people and generating revenues exceeding EURO 800 billion. Automotive manufacturing companies boast around 30% of internal spending on R&D, currently expanding expenditure on innovation in environmentally friendly vehicles, improving diesel efficiency and hybrid drives as well as the implementation of power trains. Like all other OECD countries, the service sector is the major contributor of GDP employing almost 30 million personnel in commerce, hospitality, transport, finance and corporate services. Banking and Insurance is the central pillar of the service sector and is the core supporting system of all manufacturing and development activities.
Anticipating global growth scenarios is a challenging task, however Germany has its foot set on building upon the strong foundation it has created. Industrial economies evolved into service economies and are now evolving into knowledge and network economies. The German economy is embracing all relevant megatrends to provide mobility and security as well as increasing technical efficiencies in bettering power generation as well as improving urbanised societies to be at optimal efficiency. The Energy Efficiency Sector, Energy Storage and Fuel Cell Industry, Nanotechnology as well as the Safety and Security Industries are amongst the anticipated areas indicating strong prospects for the future.
Skill Shortages
Germany is admired all around the world for how well equipped its workforce is in advancing growth and managing crisis. The advantage really is amongst the top executives who responded optimally during the financial crisis and who not only sustained operations but also kept them growing. However, more and more attractive opportunities are opening up across a variety of sectors like health, construction, mechanical and plant engineering, IT, electrical engineering, energy and environment, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering and optics, and aerospace.
Average Incomes
Graduate salaries in Germany are amongst the highest in the world averaging approximately Euros 30,000 per annum for a fresh graduate. Germans are known for their efficiency and effectiveness on the job. They believe in maximum productivity in the 7-8 hours of work. Hence, long hours aren’t a part of the work culture in Germany with working days usually finishing by 4pm.
Education Cost for Studying in Germany
Fees for studying and living in Germany vary depending on the level of study, the state in which the institution is located and whether or not the institution is public or private. When you choose to study in Germany, it becomes important that you know about the cost of higher education in Germany.
Tuition Fee (EUR €)
Public Universities: EUR 1,000 per annum (approx.)
Private Universities: EUR 10,000 – 30,000 per annum (approx.)
Accommodation (EUR €)
EUR 6,000 per annum (approx.)
Other Living Expenses (EUR €)
EUR 6,000 per annum (approx.)
In order to fulfil the visa requirements, the students need to show proof that they have, or have access to, around 8,040 EUROs per year for living expenses.
Note: Living in the eastern parts of Germany can be a little cheaper.
Scholarships to Study in Germany
- Major Intake: September
- Minor Intake: January
Students considering Germany are recommended to begin the application procedure 8-12 months prior to the intake. Scholarship deadlines vary amongst institutions. In order to capitalise on the available Germany scholarships, we advise you to walk into ‘Global Education Ideas’ Global Education Offices as early as possible. We will provide you complete information on the Germany scholarship process.
Admission Process for Study in Germany
To be assured of obtaining the best quality advice about the opportunities available for studying in Germany students should register with Global Education Ideas. After registration all students will be carefully guided through a number of key stages, maximising their chances of getting admission in the institutions of their choice. This is how we, at Global Education Ideas, work on the Germany admissions process –
- Registration
You register with Global Education Ideas and be assured of obtaining the best quality advice. - Profiling
We make an assessment of your academic qualifications, work experience, financial status, career goals as well as life interests and aspirations. - Standardised Tests
We evaluate the requirement of any standardised tests you may need to take or review results that has been already obtained. - University/Course Selection
Together, we shortlist potential universities and courses that match your profile. - Document Editing
We edit the essays, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation and Resume, which have been written by you. - Application Review and Submission
The completed application forms are reviewed before they are submitted to your final choice of universities. - Interview Preparation
We assist in preparation (including mock sessions) for the interviews that you may have with the chosen universities. - Visa Counselling
We assist in preparation (including mock sessions) for the interviews that you may have with the High Commissions or Embassies, as well as the collation and review of relevant documentation for submission of the visa application. - Pre-departure information
We deliver comprehensive information about the country of choice to ensure that you are completely prepared for life at an overseas university.
Student Visa for Germany from India
Here is a list of documents required for Germany:
- Attested copies of X, XII & Graduate Degree (if applicable), Mark Sheets including Backlogs (Re-sits)
- Evidence of English Language proficiency e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
- Standardised Tests e.g. GMAT, GRE (where necessary for the programme)
- Two academic references
- Two references from employers (where applicable)
- Passport sized photographs
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume/CV
- Draft for application fees, if applicable
- Portfolio (for Art, Design & Architecture programme)
- Other Certificates & Achievements of Extracurricular Activities
Note: The documents required for individual universities and individual courses in Germany may vary.
Exams for Studying in Germany
Students have to pass one or more additional tests before they can be considered by most universities for admission. These range from the standardised graduate and college admission tests such as GRE, GMAT and SAT to English Language tests, such as TOEFL and IELTS.
Global Education Ideas offers high quality Test Prep programmes throughout India. Through its high-tech, state of the art teaching centres strategically located throughout the country it offers students preparatory training on the full range of admissions tests that universities need.
Contact Global Education Ideas today for detailed information relating to the tests that may be needed for admission in Germany.