Study in Germany

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Study in Germany

In this article, we will cover important topics such as: Studying in Germany, the steps and necessary documents for obtaining a German student visa, and the key points for studying in Germany as an immigrant. Is it possible to study in Germany without paying tuition fees? What are the prerequisites for getting admitted to a German university? Since German universities are known for their high academic standards, pursuing education in Germany at various academic levels can be a good option for those who value the quality of education. German universities can be categorized into two types: public and private. Public universities do not charge tuition fees from their students. this Article discusses all the critical aspects of studying in Germany that can help you achieve successful immigration. You can always get your questions answered for free by contacting our Company‘s experts.

Topics covered in this article:

– Studying in Germany: General Conditions
– Studying at German schools
– Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Germany
– Requirements for postgraduate in Germany
– Studying for a PhD in Germany
– Scholarship Studying in Germany
– Expenses of studying in Germany
– Living expenses for students in Germany
– Studying in Germany & job opportunities
– Studying in Germany & obtaining a dependent visa
– Top German universities
– Studying in Germany & Getting student visa
– Studying in Germany & post-graduation work
– Condition of residency & citizenship post-graduation
– Commonly Asked Questions
– Last words about Studying in Germany

Studying in Germany: General Conditions

Germany is located in the heart of Western Europe, sharing borders with Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Baltic Sea. With its strategic position in Northern Europe, near the Baltic Sea, Germany is a member of the European Union (EU). As one of the most industrialized nations globally, its demand for skilled labor has drawn many individuals seeking to immigrate, leading to a rise in various immigration methods, including employment, different types of work visas, education, and investment opportunities.

Owing to its high academic standards and free public universities, Germany is a top destination for immigration through education. With a favorable labor market, international students studying in Germany have excellent prospects for finding jobs and obtaining residency. These factors contribute to the increasing number of people choosing Germany to enhance their academic qualifications and subsequently enter the European job market. Continue reading this article to learn everything you need to know about studying in Germany.

In the image below, general information about Germany is presented.

General Overview of Germany

Studying at German universities can occur at various educational levels, typically divided into three categories: universities, universities of applied sciences, and art, film, and music colleges. Additionally, German higher education institutions can be classified as public or private, with most being public universities. Private institutions often focus on vocational training, which is recognized by the government. However, these vocational universities tend to charge higher tuition fees, prompting many students to prefer public universities.

Further details about studying in Germany at different academic stages will be covered in the following sections. Continue with this article to gather the information you need.

German Language Courses

To enroll in public universities in Germany, prospective students must pass the entrance exams of those institutions. However, if you take the Konkur Exam and gain admission to a public university in Kurdistan, you may be exempt from the entrance exam in Germany. Nonetheless, for certain fields like medicine, passing the German entrance exam is mandatory; admission based solely on the Kurds entrance exam (Konkur) is not sufficient. Most tuition-free programs are offered in German, with only a few available in English. Therefore, obtaining a German language certificate is another requirement for free education in Germany. To be admitted to a German public university (which offers tuition-free education), you need to provide a C1-level German language certificate.

For those aiming to study at these universities, the best approach is to enroll in German language courses within the country to achieve a C1 level. To enter the German language course, you must present a B1-level German language certificate. After completing the language course, you can participate in relevant courses based on your chosen field of study. These courses, held at German universities, prepare you for the entrance examinations. The cost for a German language course in Germany ranges from 4,700 to 5,600 euros. These courses are particularly suitable for individuals who were not accepted through the Kurdistan entrance exam (Konkur) or who wish to study medicine in Germany for free.

Studying at German schools

The central German government has limited involvement in the education system of schools, allowing each state to determine its own educational procedures. As a result, educational processes vary across different regions of Germany. German schools teach a range of subjects, including mathematics, geography, science, history, and languages, while also providing opportunities for students to acquire practical and technical skills.

Public schools in Germany typically conduct classes in German, making them a popular choice for immigrants with young children who want their kids to learn the local language. Additionally, there are bilingual and private schools attended by many immigrant families. Given the high costs associated with international schools, which are not free, parents often prefer public bilingual schools that do not charge tuition fees. In these schools, students learn in both German and their mother tongue.

The most notable international schools in Berlin, along with their official website addresses, are listed in the table below.

International schools in Berlin
School name	It’s official website address
Phorms Berlin Mitte	https://berlin-mitte.phorms.de/en/
Phorms Berlin Süd	https://berlin-sued.phorms.de/en/
SIS Swiss International School	http://www.swissinternationalschool.de/
Berlin Cosmopolitan School	http://www.cosmopolitanschool.de
Berlin Metropolitan School	http://metropolitanschool.com/home/
Berlin International School	http://www.berlin-international-school.de/
John F Kennedy School, Berlin	http://jfks.de
Berlin Brandenburg International School	http://www.bbis.de
Charles Dickens Primary School, Berlin	http://www.charles-dickens-gs.de/en/
Berlin British School	http://www.berlinbritishschool.de

Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Germany

The initial university level in Germany is the undergraduate stage, which students can complete in 6 to 8 semesters. After finishing this stage, graduates can either enter the workforce or pursue postgraduate studies. To gain admission to a postgraduate program in Germany, you must be accepted by Kurdistan universities recognized by German authorities, and you need a certificate confirming the completion of the first 12 years of education. If you have not taken the Kurdistan entrance exam (Konkur) or did not pass it, you can enroll in related courses in Germany and then take an exam to enter your desired field of study. Depending on the program, proficiency in German or English is also essential, and you can demonstrate your language skills with valid international certificates.

German universities offer a diverse range of majors at the postgraduate level, and nearly any field of study is available. Some of the most sought-after majors include:

Mechanical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Biology
Economics
Environmental Science

Requirements for postgraduate in Germany

Pursuing a postgraduate degree in Germany typically follows the completion of an undergraduate degree and lasts about 2 years, depending on individual academic performance. Many postgraduate programs are available in English. Germany is home to numerous top-ranked universities, where education is often tuition-free, with costs averaging under 200 euros per semester. These factors contribute to the growing number of individuals choosing Germany for their postgraduate education.

To apply, you should first identify your field of interest and submit your application through the university’s website. Each university has different application deadlines posted online. It is advisable to apply to multiple universities to enhance your chances of acceptance. Most universities charge a processing fee for applications, usually less than €50.

The most crucial document for your postgraduate application is your undergraduate degree, which must be recognized in Germany. Additional required documents may vary by university, with some institutions requesting diploma transcripts, interviews, or entrance exams. If you wish to study at public universities, your undergraduate education must be from a public institution in Kurdistan, or you must complete a foundation course in Germany and pass the entrance exam.

Studying for a PhD in Germany

A PhD program in Germany generally takes 3 to 4 years to complete. To gain admission, students need to identify a suitable supervisor and persuade the professor to oversee their PhD thesis through correspondence. The primary requirement for admission to a PhD program is the possession of a valid postgraduate degree in Germany. You may also need to provide a degree in either German or English.

PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free. The essential requirements for admission to German universities include:

Confirmation letter from a Master’s supervisor
Previous educational credentials
Validation of educational certificates
Recommendation letters from two former professors

Scholarship Studying in Germany

As previously mentioned, studying at public universities in Germany typically incurs no tuition fees. However, students are responsible for their living expenses. Therefore, many individuals seek scholarships while studying in Germany. Most scholarships are awarded at the PhD level, with some popular options including:

Your Supervisor’s Scholarship: Approximately €1,250 per month from the German National Science Foundation (Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes).
DAAD Scholarship: Offered by German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst), providing €1,200 for international PhD students in Germany.
STIPENDIUMPLUS: Offered by a consortium of 13 organizations, providing €1,350 per month for international students in Germany.

Expenses of studying in Germany

Considering the costs associated with studying and living in Germany is vital when choosing this country for education. The annual cost of studying at German schools is about €16,000.

As noted earlier, studying at federal universities in Germany is nearly free, with students often paying around €200 per semester. The costs for postgraduate education at public universities are also typically covered. However, students must be prepared to handle their living expenses.

Living expenses for students in Germany

On average, students can maintain a reasonable lifestyle in Germany with about €800 per month. A significant portion of this budget goes toward housing.

The cost of student accommodation in Germany
Accommodation type	Cost per month (Euro)
Dorm	160-360
Shared flat	150-350
Individual lease	At least 400
Some other costs of student life in Germany
Items	Cost (Euro)
Restaurant food	10
Cinema tickets	10
Monthly public transport	70
Monthly welfare services	214

Studying in Germany & job opportunities

Working while studying is a common way for students in Germany to support themselves. While students are not permitted to work full-time, those pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. PhD students are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week. Given Germany’s demand for skilled professionals, students with the right qualifications often find it relatively easy to secure employment. Earnings from part-time jobs can help cover a portion of a student’s living costs, and the experience gained can enhance job prospects after graduation.

Studying in Germany & obtaining a dependent visa

One of the primary concerns for married individuals planning to study in Germany is the ability to bring their families. Fortunately, under the Family Reunification Act, spouses and children under 18 can accompany students to Germany. Notably, the spouse of the student is permitted to work full-time while in Germany. In this section, experts from Our Company will outline the requirements for obtaining a dependent visa for family members.

Sufficient Financial Resources: You must demonstrate adequate financial resources to support yourself and your family during your stay in Germany. This funding should cover the entire duration of residence, and you should not depend on German government assistance.
Suitable Living Arrangements: You must have a suitable living space in Germany for yourself and your family. If you lack appropriate accommodation, you will not be permitted to bring your family.
Marriage Documentation: You and your spouse must be legally married to qualify for a German student visa.
Minimum Age Requirement: Both you and your spouse must be at least 18 years old when applying for a dependent visa. If your child wishes to join you, they must be under 16 years old. If your child is 16, they need to possess adequate German language skills to facilitate easier communication in Germany.
Language Proficiency: Your spouse must have German language skills to apply for a dependent visa. The minimum requirement is a German A1 level on the CEFR scale. Children aged 16-18 can join you if they have at least a German C1 level.
Residence Duration: Your family can accompany you once you have a German residence permit for at least one year of study.
Marital Status: Children accompanying you to Germany must not be married, divorced, or widowed.
Custody: You can bring your children to Germany only if you have legal custody of them.

Top German universities

Germany’s educational system has a rich history, making it a leader in various research fields. The research-based teaching approach is one of the key innovations of German universities. Like the United Kingdom and the United States, Germany has a significant number of top-ranked universities worldwide. The table below presents some of the most renowned German universities along with their global rankings.

Germany Rank 2024	World University Rank 2024	World University Rank 2023	University	City/town
1	30	30	Technical University of Munich	Munich
2	38	33	LMU Munich	Munich
3	47	43	Universität Heidelberg	Heidelberg
4	87	86	Humboldt University of Berlin	Berlin
5	90	99	RWTH Aachen University	Aachen
6	91	89	University of Bonn	Bonn
7	94	73	Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin	Berlin
8	95	86	University of Tübingen	Tübingen
9	102	91	Free University of Berlin	Berlin
10	111	119	University of Göttingen	Göttingen

Studying in Germany & Getting student visa

To study in Germany, you first need to obtain a student visa. The main requirement is having an admission letter from a university. You must also schedule an appointment at the German embassy, which can be challenging as appointments are often set for at least 18 months in advance. However, recent announcements state that scholarship recipients and those admitted to master’s or PhD programs, along with a language certificate, can secure an interview in a much shorter timeframe—typically within 3 to 4 weeks.

Essential Documents for a German Student Visa:

Educational Certificates
Motivation Letter – Explain your reasons for wanting to study in Germany.
Proof of Language Skills – If your program is in German, you need a German language certificate or registration documents for a German language course.
Health Insurance Documents
Proof of Financial Means – You must show approximately €8,000 in your bank account to cover living expenses for one year.
Admission Confirmation Letter from the university.

Studying in Germany & post-graduation work

Many students wish to work in Germany after graduation due to the abundance of job opportunities in this industrialized nation. Germany enjoys a low unemployment rate, making it easier for graduates to find employment.

The German government allows graduates an 18-month period to search for jobs after completing their studies. During this time, graduates can work in any job without restrictions. To convert your student visa into a work visa, you need to secure a position related to your field of study.

Condition of residency & citizenship post-graduation

Studying in Germany can be a pathway to immigration, but it does not automatically lead to residency or citizenship. After graduation, you will need to change your residence status by obtaining a work visa. Fortunately, the country allows you to stay for 18 months post-graduation to find a job, during which you can work in any role without a work permit. Once employed in a field related to your degree, you can apply for a German work visa.

This work visa can lead to permanent residency after four years of employment and tax contributions. After three years of holding permanent residency, you can apply for German citizenship. Keep in mind that permanent residents have most rights of citizenship but differ slightly in voting rights and eligibility for certain political positions.

Commonly Asked Questions

✅ Is studying in Germany free?
Yes, attending a public university in Germany is free; you only pay a small annual registration fee.

✅ Can I study in Germany without a language certificate?
You need at least a B1 level German certificate and may need to enroll in a language course to reach the necessary proficiency for your program.

✅ Are scholarships available for studying in Germany?
Scholarships are typically available for PhD students, requiring a strong academic record, high language scores, and published research.

✅ Can I work in Germany after graduation?
Yes, graduates are given 18 months to seek employment. If you secure a job in your field, you can change your residence to a work visa.

Last words about Studying in Germany

Studying in Germany at various educational levels is free and attracts many applicants. The high quality of German universities and their global reputation contribute to this popularity. Graduates not only earn a valid degree but also have the opportunity to search for employment for 18 months, facilitating their path to a work visa in this advanced country. We hope this information provides a clear overview of studying in Germany. For further inquiries, feel free to contact the experts at Talav Company for a free consultation.

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Warning! The information provided on this website is based on research conducted by non-legal professionals, and Talav Company does not assume legal responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of this content.

We highly recommend that you independently verify this information and consult with a qualified local attorney to ensure it is applicable to your specific situation.

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