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45 Most Asked Questions About Studying in Germany

1. Why choose Germany to report in as a foreign student?

Well, for starters, you'll become first-class education (German language universities are amid the highest ranking in the earth – right beneath a few of the American Ivy League and prestigious British universities) and a formal caste to bear witness for it, that is recognized all over the world.

On tiptop of that, the guiding principle of the German higher instruction beingness 'The Unity of Instruction and Research' (besides the cornerstone of what is referred to every bit the 'dual education arrangement'), there is strong accent on 'apprenticeship' and hands-on involvement on the function of the student, in both the applied application of a large office of what gets learned theoretically and in researching novel ways of problem-solving (at many universities and 'Fachhochschulen' admission to cut-edge enquiry facilities is available).

Finally, Federal republic of germany is an important country and culture, and then every international educatee stands to benefit greatly from familiarity with information technology (to say nothing of the ton of fun they are sure to have in the process).

ii. What exactly is 'Studienkolleg'?

It is a one-year preparatory course which has to exist joined past individual candidates who wish to written report at a High german higher education institution but whose schoolhouse leaving diploma is deemed bereft to apply for a degree program.

The course covers full-fourth dimension education in the subjects of a degree program as well as the German language, for five days a week. A passing score on the final Cess Examination qualifies you to employ for a degree program that is suitable for y'all at any German university.

three. Can I study in Germany in English language linguistic communication?

Yes. There's plenty of International Degree Courses taught in English (in the start semesters, at whatsoever rate) for students whose command of the German language isn't sufficiently practiced to warrant their studying be washed entirely in German language. Both before and during the programme there are German language courses offered. A large number of postgraduate courses (Master'southward and Ph.D.) are designed and taught entirely in English.

Become to https://www.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programs/de/ and select "English" from the field "Form Language" to find all programs in English!

four. What exactly are the International Caste Courses?

International Degree Courses have been introduced past institutions of college teaching in Germany with the express aim of facilitating the procedure whereby international student applicants realize their educational objectives in Deutschland. The medium of instruction is primarily English, with gradually increasing usage of German.

These courses, which have been designed to high academic standards and are available to not only international just German students as well, comprehend both undergraduate (6 to 8 semesters resulting with a Bachelors degree) and postgraduate (three to 5 semesters resulting with a Masters degree – in some courses, 6 additional semesters lead to a Ph.D.) studies.

5. Is information technology mandatory for international students to have passed TOEFL or IELTS in order to enroll on a study program that is taught entirely in English language?

Aye, every bit a general rule, yous need TOEFL or IELTS in order to apply for a programme that is entirely taught in English at a German university. If, even so, you're applying for a postgraduate program and already hold a Bachelors degree with English language equally the language of instruction, you do not need TOEFL or IELTS; it goes without maxim: no demand for TOEFL or IELTS if you're a native speaker of English.

vi. What are the "Fachhochschulen," and in what way are they different from a University?

Permit's first mention what they have in common: they both pb to Bachelors and Masters degrees (or their equivalents in Germany). Even so, 'Fachhochschulen' do not honour Ph.D. titles; in order to earn a Ph.D. a postgraduate class at a university has to be attended.

Universities of Applied Sciences (a.thousand.a. 'Fachhochschulen') are so conceived as to maximize the applied utilization of theoretical knowledge; they are suitable for candidates who have no intention of pursuing academic careers, simply are rather interested in the conquering of as much practical feel every bit possible. Hence, the vast majority of caste programs taught in them are in the fields of engineering and hard sciences; programs in business assistants get taught at 'Fachhochschulen' also, but to a lesser extent, whereas courses in humanities and social sciences are rarely offered.

seven. Is there gratuitous access to computer facilities and libraries at German universities?

Every bit a general rule, all higher education institutions in Deutschland provide Internet access and prepare electronic mail accounts for their students. In addition to that, they have libraries and archives that are very well stocked and that supply many of the titles that are mandatory reading for students so they don't accept to buy a lot of the reading material for their study courses.

8. Are there whatever historic period limits to apply for postgraduate study programs (Masters and Ph.D.) in Germany?

No, at that place are no limitations set on age.

nine. Are in that location deadlines for directly enrollment?

The archway application must be submitted by January 15 each year for the summer semester (beginning on April i) and by July 15 for the winter semester (start on October i). Students from outside Germany now take the opportunity to utilize to several universities with only 1 set of documents through the Application Services for International Students (assist). assist will check that all necessary documents have been included and that they meet the necessary formal requirements, and will then forward them on to the respective universities.

10. Who does the assessment and recognition of strange earned degrees in Frg?

Equally a general dominion, the assessment of degrees and academic credits for admission purposes is the responsibility of universities. In assessing foreign higher instruction qualifications and degrees, the Primal Role for Foreign Education (ZAB) of the Conference of German Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) assists with provision of recommendations that are country-specific.

Pursuant to 'The Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Human action of 2012,' the certification authorities of the federal country of residence (or the state in which he/she intends to reside) of the bidder are responsible for the recognition of foreign higher pedagogy and degrees earned for the purpose of enrolling on an advanced study program.

eleven. What tuition fees do college education institutions accuse in Germany?

Even in the concluding few years tuition fees were pretty much a non-consequence in German higher education since they were ridiculously depression compared to other adult countries. Also only ii out of the sixteen federal states (Bavaria and Lower Saxony) used to allow their college education institutions to accuse tuition fees – and when they did, they charged up to €500 per semester. Every bit of October 2014, Germany decided to waive tuition fees in all of the provinces making higher education literally free of charge.

Postgraduate courses (Master's and Ph.D.) even so, are liable for some extra costs, varying between €650 and a few yard Euros per semester; it is advised that prospective strange postgraduate students do their due diligence.

12. Do I need a lot of coin to finance my stay in Germany?

The fact that in that location are no tuition fees mustn't lead you jump to the decision that studying in Germany will be cheap. Yes, there are creative and commonsensical ways to significantly reduce your overall cost of life there, but first and foremost you lot need to realistically appraise the resources at your disposal – take good stock of yourself financially. Don't delude yourself thinking that working function time while studying in Deutschland, volition take intendance of all your fiscal worries, as that'southward highly unlikely to be the case – your student visa and residence permit entitle y'all to 120 full (or 240 half) days of work only. A scholarship and/or support by a sponsor (parent, relative, etc) may exist necessary, in which instance the sponsor has to explicitly state their intention of supporting yous.

For more than information please read: The Toll of Living every bit an International Student in Deutschland!

13. What are good places, other than universities, to apply for a scholarship if I want to report in Germany?

xiv. Will I be allowed to piece of work while studying in Germany?

A strange (not a citizen of an European union or EEA fellow member state – with the exception of Bulgaria and Romania which face restrictions until 2014) educatee studying full-time in Deutschland is legally immune to work a maximum of 120 full (or 240 one-half) days within a year, without having to obtain a permission from German employment authorities.

The legally allowed number of working days (half days) for foreign students as well includes voluntary work placements, regardless of whether the placement is paid or unpaid. Besides, foreign students face an boosted brake: while working the legally allowed number of days (or half days), they cannot be self-employed or work on a freelance basis. You can detect more than information here!

15. Can my spouse/hubby who will accompany me in Germany work too?

Spouses/Husbands accompanying strange students may, nether certain conditions, be permitted to piece of work. If y'all are planning on having your husband or wife back-trail you during your studies in Germany and hope they'll be allowed to piece of work, they must fully disclose their intention to work when applying for the visa.

xvi. Will I exist liable to pay taxes in Deutschland?

Information technology is the corporeality of money yous've earned working also as the duration of your stay in Frg, that decide whether you accept to pay taxes or non. You are exempt from having to pay taxes if your stay in Federal republic of germany doesn't exceed six months and/or if you lot haven't made more than than €450 per month (considered to be income from a so-called 'mini-job' and therefore tax and pension contribution exempt) working in Germany.

If your annual gross income is less than €eight,130 you lot will go all the taxes you paid refunded back to you at the stop of the year when you file your tax return with tax authorities.

17. Do I have to open a German bank account?

It would be recommendable to open a German language depository financial institution account because if you lot are going to rent a flat or if you lot are going to employ for an insurance yous have to provide the bank details so that they would be able to debit the money because it is not possible to pay it greenbacks. If y'all have a credit card of course y'all can also employ information technology simply cash cards are more mutual.

18. Can I bring my spouse and children to Federal republic of germany while I am studying over there?

If you have a residence permit in Deutschland and if the duration of your stay is expected to exist longer than 1 year, than family unit reunification is possible. However, in guild for them to bring together y'all in Federal republic of germany, you have to be able to support them without burdening social aid in any way.

19. Do I need a student visa to report in Federal republic of germany?

That depends on what your nationality is; citizens of EU or EEA fellow member countries do non demand a visa – merely a valid ID card (once they settle and find a identify to alive in, they only have to register with the local authorities at the metropolis they'll be studying in – the 'Einwohnermeldeamt' – get the certificate confirming they take the right to reside in Germany, and they're good to get).

Even if y'all're a national of a country the passport-holders of which don't need a visa to enter Germany and stay for up to 90 days, you accept to get out the land afterward 90 days just as anyone who has entered on a Schengen visa has to, unless you are a citizen of a modest number of countries (Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Republic of el salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South korea and the Usa of America) who can apply for a residence permit inside three months of entry.

(For information pertaining to your nationality check http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/StaatenlisteVisumpflicht_node.html)

So, if you're not a national of an European union or EEA member country (or of whatsoever of the in a higher place-mentioned countries the citizens of which can apply for a residence permit while however in Germany) than you need to exist issued a national type visa earlier leaving for Germany if your intention is to stay there for longer than three months.

You utilise for a pupil visa well in advance of planned departure for Germany at the High german embassy or consulate general in your country.

20. What documents exercise I need when I apply for a educatee visa?

You have to inquire at the German embassy or consulate general in your country in lodge to be certain; normally the following documents demand to be submitted:

proof of your previous studies (and a higher educational activity entrance qualification recognized in Germany),
proof of admission from your university (or confirmation that you are soon to receive a alphabetic character of admission),
proof of your health insurance coverage,
proof of possessing sufficient financial resources (income or assets of roughly €8000 per year) and
proof of your language skills in High german (or plans to attend a linguistic communication course while in Deutschland).

21. If I take proof of access from a German language academy providing total scholarship, is information technology necessary that I produce other financial proof in gild to obtain the student visa?

As a general rule, a full scholarship is sufficient financial proof in lodge to use for a visa; whether the embassy requires additional proof or not, depends on your country of nationality.

22. If my study program will exist taught entirely in English, is it nevertheless necessary for me – in lodge to be issued a visa – to produce proof of sufficient German language skills?

No, if the sectional language of education will be English yous don't need to know the German language language; yet, a little knowledge of German language volition take yous a long way in your everyday life as a pupil.

23. Once I complete my studies at a German college pedagogy institution and therefore the reason why I got issued the student visa ceases to exist, do I have to leave the land immediately?

Not necessarily, it's possible to extend your educatee visa for one twelvemonth, subsequently completing your Bachelor'south caste.

24. How tin I get the residence allow?

Persons who are coming to Frg with a visa and who intend to stay for a longer flow in Germany have to take a residence permit. The responsible authority therefore is the foreign office. For the residence permit you need a document of the enrollment from the university, the registration from the authorities, a proof of financing and a valid health insurance contract. A residence permit for the purpose of studying is issued for a period of ii years and have to be extended earlier the two years run out. When you are going to extend your visa y'all always take to show them a valid insurance contract.

25. What is the typical path to a Ph.D. in Germany in a nutshell?

Assuming the degree currently held qualifies him/her for a doctoral program in Federal republic of germany, the typical path a candidate would accept to follow to a doctorate, in a nutshell, would be equally follows: one time the area of written report is selected, the candidate needs to find an academic supervisor/mentor a.one thousand.a. the "Doktorvater" or "Doktormutter" in German, who will guide the doctoral candidate through the research stage leading to the writing of his/her dissertation.

There are unlike ways of going about finding an academic supervisor in Germany: either through personal contacts your professors may accept in Germany or through online research of various scientific publications, e.g. http://www.hochschulkompass.de/en/

Once an academic supervisor is institute, the doctoral candidate has to enroll at a university program for several semesters, where he/she will be gaining scientific feel and working equally an assistant, all the while researching and writing the dissertation.

Another increasingly popular (especially amidst foreign students) mode to earn a Ph.D. in Frg is through one of the so-called 'structured doctoral programs,' wherein a team of professors supervises a grouping of doctoral candidates.

26. Which qualification practice I need to present to be admitted for Ph.D. Programmes?

If you lot wish to gain a Ph.D. in Germany, then you definitely need to hold a university degree which is equivalent to a degree gained at a German language university. Equivalency is decided past the university in question and you should contact your chosen institution directly.

You tin can notice more information at http://www.hochschulkompass.de/en/doctoral-studies.html

27. How tin I gain a doctorate in Germany?

Every bit soon as you lot take chosen a topic area, y'all need to find a professor, who will act as your bookish supervisor. Once you have an academic supervisor for your doctoral thesis, you will exist required to enroll at the relevant university for a number of semesters and nourish certain courses. Please enquire as soon as possible, whether the caste you currently hold is qualified for a doctoral plan.

German language universities are increasingly creating special programs for foreign doctoral candidates which have been specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of international applicants. These special measures primarily involve preparation, guidance-counselling and the provision of favorable research conditions. Not simply can the thesis often exist written in English language or another world language, but study-integrated High german linguistic communication courses also help students overcome the language bulwark. Such program includes:

PhD back up programs,
Binational doctoral system,
Graduate Schools.

Data on these programs likewise every bit the addresses of all HEI and all doctoral programs and doctorates tin be found on the post-obit website: www.higher-education-compass.de

28. What are the admission/enrollment criteria at German universities and other higher teaching institutions?

In Frg, a prerequisite (and likewise the traditional route) to enrollment into a tertiary level education establishment (university, university of applied sciences a.g.a. 'Fachhoschule,' college of art and music, etc) is a passing score on the terminal examination whereby a certificate called the 'Abitur' (or Fachabitur) is obtained. As a general rule, Abitur – formally enabling students to attend a university – is necessary for enrollment into most universities, only exceptions to this rule are not infrequent (i of the culling routes is a passing score on the 'Begabtenprüfung' a.k.a. 'the aptitude test').

Every bit an international student, however, you demand to apply well in advance in order for the International Students Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) to consider your awarding – including previous bookish tape – and determine whether it meets all admission requirements; for this purpose y'all volition need to produce proof of completion of secondary teaching (due east.k. loftier school diploma, 'Matura,' 'A-Levels,' or if required in your country, proof of having passed a academy entrance examination) that is an equivalent of Abitur.

Every bit to whether your loftier school diploma gets accustomed for purposes of studying in Germany, depends on what country it was issued in; if your high school diploma was issued in a Eu or EEA member country, and then information technology is accepted for direct awarding at a university, otherwise yous may have to undergo (again depending on the country of issuance of your high schoolhouse diploma) a 'Feststellungsprüfung' cess examination, after having attended a Studienkolleg (preparatory course). For further details go to: https://www.daad.de/deutschland/nach-germany/voraussetzungen/en/6017-academy-admission-and-requirements/?id=1&ebene=1

Certain universities of applied sciences a.1000.a. 'Fachhoschulen,' may crave that y'all complete a working internship prior to enrolling.

In order to exist admitted to a post-graduate (Master'south or Ph.D.) program, a formal recognition of your university degree is required, from your home state or another country.

29. Practise all of my documents, enclosed in the application I'1000 sending in, take to be originals/certified or can they be copies instead?

Equally a general dominion, yous only send certified documents; sure additional documents, however, such as proof of internship, etc. are exempt from that dominion.

30. What level of knowledge of the German language practice I need in social club to attend a 'Studienkolleg'?

Your German language language skills demand to be at the B1 level (proof thereof is required), which is considered an equivalent of roughly 600 hours.

31. Will my school-leaving qualification exist recognised?

In order to be allowed to study in Germany, y'all demand a 'Hochschulzugangsberechtigung' (academy entrance entitlement): this simply means a school-leaving qualification that entitles you to report at university. In Frg, this is the 'Allgemeine Hochschulreife' (Abitur) or 'Fachhochschulreife'. And then how exercise you find out if your qualification is also recognised? On the Anabin website (only in German) yous tin can select both your homeland and the qualification you have obtained. When you lot take entered this data, you will receive a detailed explanation of whether or not your qualification is acceptable for direct academy entrance.

32. What exactly do I need for the enrollment at a university?

You accept to evidence them a valid insurance in Germany (Mawista Pupil and Mawista Science are accepted by all universities),
Y'all have to prove them the notification of admission,
You accept to have a receipt of the payment to the student organization,
You accept to give them a passport picture,
You lot have to testify them your passport with the valid visa.

33. What exactly is a Studentenwerk?

Studentenwerk is an organization which acts in the interest of the students of each particular region in Federal republic of germany. Each German region has its own studentwnwerk, but they cooperate closely on the national level. Studentenwerke by and large organize and run cafeterias, restaurants, housing units, the BAföG for the authorities, and even psychological and low level health services.

Some regions and universities mandate a certain yearly fee by each student for the studentenwerk, making information technology legally a very close cooperation betwixt the semi-independent organisation and the local governments.

34. Can I do a "Dual Studium" equally a foreigner?

Almost universities in Germany offer the and so called "Duales Studium". This special way of studying makes it possible for students to written report theory at a traditional academy and at the same time practice what they have learned at companies who partner with the university or plan.

Depending on yous visa y'all will most likely be able every bit a greenhorn to work only 120 days out of the year. As long as this is in agreement with your university'south programme y'all tin can participate in the highly successful Dual Studium program.

35. Volition my commuter's license be valid in Germany

As a full general rule, the validity of foreign driver's licenses is limited to vi months. If, as a total-time educatee yous claim residence in Frg, and afterward 6 months your driver's license expires, the only way for y'all to continue to drive legally would exist to transfer your license. Whether the transferring of your license requires you to undergo the theoretical and driving tests administered past driving schools, depends on the state of issuance of your driver'due south license (observe out what regulations utilize to your abode country by contacting the local dept. of motor vehicles/driver's licenses).

For the purpose of transferring your driver'due south license in Germany yous volition need to produce the following:

Your original driver's license (has to still be valid),
Passport-size photo of y'all,
Proof of residency in Germany and
Your passport or ID card.

36. Which are the best universities for my field of study?

Each yr, the Eye for College Education Development (CHE) publishes Germany'due south most comprehensive ranking of higher education institutions. This multidimensional ranking uses upwards to xl different indicators to provide a differentiated and detailed view of the strengths and weaknesses of German language college education past field of study areas. This is complemented by a research ranking published every autumn to provide specific information on the research contribution of German higher education institutions. On the CHE website y'all can find out what the acme-ranked German language universities are in every bailiwick expanse.

37. What are the requirements for getting a PhD in Germany?

The most of import formal requirement is a very good university degree that is recognised in Germany. Generally, your degree must be equivalent to a main's degree, awarded later on at least eight semesters of university study. There is one exception: Especially qualified international applicants who hold a bachelor'southward caste may exist admitted to a doctoral plan in what is called a "fast track programme". In such cases, applicants are commonly required to pass an examination.

Each German university is responsible for admitting candidates to its PhD programmes and recognising prior academic accomplishment. This is why candidates must use directly to the Dean'due south Office or the faculty's doctoral committee to have their past degrees recognised. In sure cases, admission to a PhD programme is determined by an additional test which assesses whether the candidate'due south knowledge is equivalent to that of a holder of a degree from Germany.

You can obtain more information from the professors who are responsible for the bailiwick in question. It may likewise exist helpful – and in some cases, necessary – to include letters of recommendation from your university professors at domicile. Source: DAAD!

38. Do I have to open a High german bank account?

It would be recommendable to open up a German depository financial institution account because if you lot are going to hire a flat or if y'all are going to apply for an insurance you have to provide the bank details so that they would exist able to debit the money because it is non possible to pay it cash. If you lot take a credit card of course you tin can also apply it simply cash cards are more common.

39. What kind of insurance exercise I need to matriculate at a university?

In Frg there are two kinds of health insurance, the public insurance and the private one. Without an insurance it is non possible for you to matriculate at a university. Upwards to the age of 30 years or until your 14th term of written report yous commonly have to exist insured over a public insurance company. Just you besides have the possibility to exempt yourself from the public insurance visitor if you would similar to be insured over a individual insurance. For getting this exemption you will have to become directly to the public insurance company before you are going to matriculate yourself at the university. Simply delight annotation, if you exempt yourself from the public insurance company you lot can´t be insured over them equally long as you are a student. The product Mawista Educatee is a perfect choice for foreign students in Germany!

40. How can I find a apartment in Germany?

If you would similar to register for a room or an apartment in the student accommodation you should contact your local Studentenwerk directly. On their website you can also notice the offers of accommodation, information on the prices and also for the furnishing. The offers are varied and range from uncomplicated rooms to flats for couples, for students with children and too for students with disabilities. The furnished rooms are mostly equipped with a writing desk, a bed, a wardrobe and shelving. Simply pillows, blankets, bedding and towels are not provided. Simply this tin can be bought or rented besides. If possible practice not arrive at the weekend or late at night, in case there is no other option you have to inform the Studentenwerk so that you lot tin discuss with them where you lot tin get the keys from. If you lot still don´t have a flat afterward your arrival in Germany, please get as soon as possible to the Studentwerk they ofttimes accept an emergency accommodation available at the first of term.

41. How can I go the residence permit?

Persons who are coming to Federal republic of germany with a visa and who intend to stay for a longer period in Germany have to have a residence let. The responsible authority therefore is the foreign office. For the residence let you demand a certificate of the enrollment from the university, the registration from the regime, a proof of financing and a valid health insurance contract. A residence permit for the purpose of studying is issued for a catamenia of ii years and have to be extended earlier the two years run out. When you are going to extend your visa you ever have to show them a valid insurance contract.

42. Tin can I bring my spouse and children to Germany while I am studying over there?

If you lot have a residence permit in Germany and if the duration of your stay is expected to exist longer than one year, than family reunification is possible. However, in order for them to join you in Germany, you have to be able to support them without burdening social aid in any way.

43. Will my driver'southward license exist valid in Germany

Equally a general rule, the validity of foreign driver'due south licenses is limited to six months. If, every bit a full-fourth dimension student you lot merits residence in Germany, and after six months your driver's license expires, the simply style for you lot to continue to drive legally would be to transfer your license. Whether the transferring of your license requires you to undergo the theoretical and driving tests administered past driving schools, depends on the country of issuance of your driver'south license (find out what regulations apply to your home country by contacting the local dept. of motor vehicles/driver's licenses).

For the purpose of transferring your driver'southward license in Deutschland you will need to produce the following:

Your original driver's license (has to nevertheless be valid),
Passport-size photograph of y'all,
Proof of residency in Germany and
Your passport or ID card.

44. Will I be allowed to bring my pet to Frg?

If you absolutely have to, y'all can bring your pet to Germany, every bit long as you can prove that the creature has been duly vaccinated against rabies (30 days at least prior to crossing the border to enter Germany, merely not date back more 1 year for dogs and six months for cats).

You also have to reckon with a taxation being levied for dogs, to exist paid later you've registered the animal with local authorities.

45. Is it piece of cake to travel around the country in Federal republic of germany – how mobile tin can I expect to be?

Information technology is fairly easy; although you don't demand a car to go around in Germany – attributable to its outstanding public transportation network – driving on High german autobahns is sheer pleasance. On the other hand, the ICE high-speed trains, Deutsche Bahn AG, the suburban Southward-Bahn network, tram and subway lines cover together the entire territory of Deutschland.

Domestic flights betwixt all major cities are also bachelor and are increasingly being used. Osculation and taxi services are besides readily available. For those who enjoy cycling, special cycling lanes and suitable places for parking are widespread.