Study in Germany
Germany: The preferred study abroad destination
With excellent institutions available in the field of science, technology and medicine, Germany offers abundant opportunities to foreign students.
In recent times, Germany has gained popularity as a study abroad destination. It is now one of the top destinations students aspire to study in. Ideally located in the heart of the European Union, it offers diverse experiences. The favourable temperate climate also adds to its appeal as a destination for studying and living. Additionally, due to its location, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands are easily accessible too. Therefore, for students who seek maximum international exposure, across Europe, Germany offers excellent prospects.
Germany boasts of cutting-edge facilities and a high standard of living. It has one of the most developed economies, second only to the USA and Japan, in addition, Germany has a very high quality of education both, in government-aided and private universities. The government makes a lot of effort to give students the best possible opportunities. Most universities offer courses in the German language, making familiarity with the language compulsory for students aspiring to study there. Though a few universities offer the same programmes in English as well, it is definitely advantageous if students learn German prior to planning their higher education in Germany.
Today, India ranks third amongst the countries of origin of foreign students studying in Germany. The most common areas of study for Indian students belong to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) category. Higher education in Germany is based on the ‘Dual Education System’ that encourages and focuses on learning and undertaking simultaneous research activities. This system aims at combining theoretical knowledge with practical learning, offered via apprenticeships and internships. Higher education is affordable in Germany due to the availability of numerous scholarships for international students such as DAAD, Heinrich Boll, KAAD, Erasmus Mundus and many more. Even if a student has to pay the tuition fees are very minimal and depend on the course and level of study.
Undergraduate programmes require a minimum of 13 years of education, an IELTS score of 6.5, good academic scores and proficiency in the German language. Graduate programmes require a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 70%, an IELTS score of 6.5, a GRE score of about 305-310 and A1 orA2 level proficiency in the German language certificate GATE score (course specific). For admission in a PhD programme, a student should have completed his/her Master’s degree and have identified a professor, who is willing to be their mentor. Some popular graduate programmes in Germany are architecture and landscape sciences, economics and management, electrical engineering and computer science, mathematics and physics, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, neuroscience, energy/renewable energy and environmental engineering.
Higher education is affordable in Germany due to the availability of numerous scholarships for international students such as DAAD, Heinrich Boll, KAAD, Erasmus Mundus and many more.
Germany has some of the best and the top nine technical universities (TU9); they obviously attract the highest number of Indian students. The most preferred postgraduate courses are in the field of science, engineering and technology. Some renowned universities are Ruprecht- Karls-Universitat Heidelberg, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich and Technische Universitat Munchen. In totality, there are 400 higher education institutes, divided as universities and universities of ‘Applied Sciences’ (called Fachhochschulen). German universities can also be classified as ‘public’ and ‘private’. The government funds all the public universities and does not charge any tuition fee. In contrast, private universities are expensive and the student needs to pay the tuition fee.
Youth from India are welcomed to study in Germany and they then pursue jobs in different STEM fields such as engineering, medicine and technology: Thus, with language no longer a barrier and lucrative scholarship options available, Indian students and professionals are definitely going to undertake their higher education in Germany. Another interesting aspect about studying in Germany is that environmental awareness and protection are a top priority here. Thus, students who wish to study dimensions such as sustainable development and renewable energy sources will find this to be an interesting and beneficial proposition.
With regard to admissions, there are two intakes: summer intake (in March/April) and the winter intake (in September/October). Applying for the winter intake is advisable due to the number of opportunities available at the time, in terms of a wider range of courses available and diverse opportunities to support finances.
All these factors together make Germany a popular and credible study abroad destination, especially for Indian students looking for quality education.
AT A GLANCE
The most preferred postgraduate courses are in the field of science, engineering and technology. Some famous universities are Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich and Technische Universitat Munchen. There are 400 higher education institutes in Germany that attract foreign students