4 Things You Need to Study in Germany

There are many reasons why you might want to study in Germany. While it’s not perfect, Germany can boast some of the oldest Universities and continuously running scientific institutions in Europe like the University of Heidelberg, the University of Leipzig, The Max Planck Society, and Frauenhofer Institutes. Some of which have produced Nobel laureates, contributing to science and industry alike. Germany places a premium on education which is heavily subsidized, making tuition just a few hundred euros per term. Other reasons are that Germany is generally open, tolerant, and safe. Social mobility is also very attainable and German degrees are internationally recognized and respected. Whatever your reason for wanting to study in Germany, here are four things you need to know before you make the big decision.

Requirements for Studying in Germany

The German education system is quite different from many other systems in the world. Testing starts early and students get evaluated quite early on their abilities which determines the type of high school they will attend.  This in turn (usually but not always) determines whether they go to a university of applied sciences or an academic university. Both of which have implications for later careers (though this is changing).

If you happen to know of one and can transfer to graduate from one, that might be your safest bet coming from high school.

If you’ve already graduated from high school and you still want to apply to a German University, you can certainly still do so. However, you may have to attend “Studienkolleg” or a kind of international foundation school which brings you “up to speed” and assesses whether you can effectively compete in the German higher education system. Fortunately, there are scholarships you can apply to as Germany is eager to attract bright young minds.  One such organization offering scholarships is the DAAD. 

This same applies for if you want to get a graduate degree, though this process tends to be much easier once you have a bachelor’s degree. You can find out more about the German education system in general here.

How Much does it Cost to Study in Germany?

As mentioned above, education in Germany costs a fraction of what it can cost in places like the UK or the USA. All while still being generally high in quality and experience. There are of course still some costs. Germany is a Federal Republic, and as such, allocates a lot of power to its states. Educational standards and fees are set by the states themselves, however, most fees never exceed a few hundred euros per semester term.

Fortunately, you can just go to the website for whichever institution you are looking into and their fees should be right on the website. You can search for terms like “Studiumgebür” or “Studienbeitrag”.

Important to note is that depending on your situation, you may have to get what is called a “Sperrkonto '' or blocked account. This is an account intended to show the German government that you have enough funds to meet your basic needs as a student. The sum of this can be quite high to put down all at once and is now between 8,000-12,000 euros. However there are ways to avoid this. If you can show, for example, that you have regular support from your parents to study, they may waive the need for a blocked account. Another option is to fill out a “Verpflichtungserklärung”or certificate of obligation. This certificate can be filled out by parents or any individual who “accepts full responsibility” for your financial well being during the course of your studies. This can be a great loophole because it can get you in the door. Once you are here, there are also plenty of part-time jobs for students you could pick up to at least cover rent and basic costs. So keep an open mind, think resourcefully, and feel free to contact us for more help and information on the matter!

Graduates from Germany are highly sought after all over the world, usually for their specialized knowledge but also because they tend to speak several languages, are well-traveled, and can have a diligent work ethic.

What documents are needed for studying abroad in Germany?

Germany is a very bureaucratic country. If you plan to study in Germany, it’s best to start finding a place where you can store physical original copies of documents like a box or archival folder, as well as download an app where you can store digital copies. Backing them up on the drive as well won’t hurt.

Some documents you will need both physical and digital copies of are the essentials:

• Passport - please ensure that your passport  will be valid for the entire duration of the visa you request. If you want to move but only have a year or so left on your visa, that is fine; however you should submit an application for a passport renewal as soon as you land in Germany at your local embassy or with your department of state since you will not be granted a visa extension without a valid passport.
• Educational Diplomas and Certificates - as mentioned, this will depend on whether you are applying for studies or a job. If you are applying to studies, it is best to have originals and at least one physical and one digital copy of degrees from each of your educational background. (NOTE: Depending on your country of origin, you may need to have these documents translated by a certified German translator.
• Health Insurance - Health insurance is mandatory in Germany without exception. It helps to purchase some kind of German or EU-wide recognized insurance for the first 1-3 months you are in Germany. While this might be expensive, once you are here, you can apply to the state insurance which sets rates on your age, status, occupation, and income. These tend to be much more reasonable and cover a substantial amount.
• Financials - Depending on what kind of visa you are applying to, you will be scrutinized at different levels of intensity by the immigration office. If you are a student, you might need to present any of the evidence we mentioned above to show the authorities that you have enough to support yourself during your studies.
• If you happen to have extended family, friends, or any kind of network already in Germany, getting a letter of recommendation from that person or institution could help enormously as well. You will ultimately also need to show them a letter of acceptance from whichever University you have applied to and will study in, but even just going the extra mile can pay enormous dividends if you have that option.

Resilience Mindset

Finally, a strong and resilient mindset is essential for such a big move. Leaving the familiar is always scary but as has been proven times over, growth happens outside our comfort zones. There are many great reasons to study in Germany but ultimately you must take the leap and see for yourself. It always helps to have a community to connect with and help integrate in new contexts. Follow us on social and this page for more friendly tips. We’re always happy to help.