Germany is a university paradise. Unlike any other country, in Germany you will find many world-renowned universities, countless courses to choose from, world-renowned degrees that promise high employability and an affordable cost of living.
In addition, Germany offers a lively and dynamic lifestyle that combines modern with classic, city and countryside, so it has something to offer to all age groups.
Germany is one of the best tourist destinations in the world for international students. According to the latest official statistics, over 357,000 foreign students are seeking higher education in Germany, and their number is constantly growing.
Low or no tuition
At a time when higher education is becoming a necessity due to the increased need for highly qualified professionals and the rapidly rising costs of studying at university, Germany is the only country whose universities do not charge tuition fees.
The decision, which came into effect in October 2014, stipulated that all foreign students attending a public university in Germany would not have to pay regular tuition fees. International students only have to pay a few administrative costs, such as student allowance, union fee and public transport ticket, which amount to around 250 euros per semester.
According to a survey we conducted in 2018, 35.3% of potential international students in Germany cited low or no tuition fees as the main reason for studying at university in Germany.
TOP universities
According to official information from 2018, there are 429 public universities in Germany, of which 106 are universities. German universities are above world university standards.
Some of them are consistently ranked among the best universities in the world. Students at these universities appreciate the quality of education, practical experience during their studies, opportunities for academic improvement during and after their studies and, above all, a safe and friendly environment.
It enjoys this worldwide reputation thanks to the recognized quality of teaching and research, which builds on a long and rich tradition of higher education. In addition to the traditional, world-leading universities, there are several other German universities that appear in global rankings every year. Some German universities are not only among the best, but also the oldest in Europe.
Travel to Europe on a student visa
If you are a European student and want to study and live in Germany, appreciate the same rights as a German and EU/EFTA citizen in terms of free entry, the ability to study and work without additional permits.
However, if you are not a European citizen and want to study in Germany, you will need to apply for a visa. If you are not enrolled in a summer school language program, you must apply for a student visa that allows you to stay in Germany for more than 90 days and obtain a residence permit to live and move around the country. The residence permit also allows you to travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area, giving you a great opportunity to visit the countries you are interested in within the time frame.
Once you have received your acceptance letter from the designated German university, we recommend that you apply for a student visa at least 3 months before your planned departure (expected time in Germany).
Regarding the residence permit, all your documents will be sent to the immigration office in the region of Germany where your university is located, and you will receive a residence permit after completing each bureaucratic procedure.
However, certain criteria must be met to obtain a student visa. If you are traveling to Europe with such a permit, you must inform the relevant authorities before departure.
Countless courses
When it comes to the large number of universities, Germany offers countless study programs tailored to everyone’s interests. As a developed country, Germany has invested heavily in technical universities, and engineering programs at German universities are particularly valued today. However, many more degree programs are offered at these universities and some of them are world-class such as medicine and pharmacy.
In addition, the list of traditional courses at German universities is growing rapidly as new fields of study emerge with innovative scientific enhancements. Whether you’re ready to study atoms or the mysterious galaxies of space, you’re likely to find a program in Germany taught by the most respected experts in the field.
Globally recognized study programs
Courses at German universities are modern in their structure and the way they are offered to students. They are designed to handle the most modern scientific developments in the world and educate individuals who can face global challenges with confidence.
Their curricula are subject to constant delivery and change in order to find or create comprehensive approaches to teaching and research. At the end of your course, you will be certified with a globally recognized and valued degree.
Employers all over the world look at you with the utmost respect because they know the quality of the education you have been offered during your studies and are therefore willing to hire you and trust you with great responsibility.
Affordable cost of living
With a bit of smart financial management and small changes to your old lifestyle, the cost of living for international students in Germany is quite affordable. You would normally expect higher prices in urban areas than in suburban areas.
Rent is the biggest financial problem you will have to deal with while studying in Germany. However, there are many options, and although the cost of renting varies (mainly depending on the location of the apartment), overall it is not that expensive.
To lighten your financial burden, you can find someone to share a room with, which will cut your expenses in half. The cost of other goods and services such as food, equipment, public transport, etc. is not high.
Job opportunities for international students
According to German law, international students can work part-time up to 20 hours a week or 120 full days a year. It is estimated that more than 60% of current international students work part-time while studying in Germany.
You don’t need to have any qualifications in the first place as there are a wide range of jobs out there and you’re likely to find something anyway. In Germany, students usually work as lecturers, bartenders, administrative workers, babysitters, etc.
Part-time work alongside your studies is an option that you must seriously consider in Germany, although you may not need the extra money to cover living expenses or the nature of your course does not include a placement year. Your work experience can improve your future employability, lead you to discipline your lifestyle and live independently.
future prospectuses
Your degree from a German university is a highly recognized and valued qualification worldwide. Proof of this is that German graduates enjoy a high degree of applicability on the global labor market.
Once you graduate, many employers will come to you with a number of attractive offers to hire you. You are confident in your professional merits gained from an excellent education in Germany and strongly believe that you can help improve their business. Graduates of German universities as such sought-after candidates are among the best-paid employees.
Regardless of your academic field and the country in which you are willing to find work, your German degree will help you find a well-paid and perfect job.
Learn a new language
From future employability to emotional joy, there are countless reasons why studying German will be of great benefit to you.
Germany is one of the most powerful economies in the world, while German is the most widely spoken native language on the European continent. German companies are world leaders and have an extensive network of branches around the world.
So if you speak German, put yourself in a position where you will be approached and offered a job. On the other hand, German is widespread in the world and this means for you the possibility to travel the world and visit places you have never been before.
A diverse community
Germany has traditionally been a hub for other nationalities. German nationals today live in harmony with many foreigners who have come here to work and live with their families.
In addition, German universities attract thousands of foreign students who see Germany as an opportunity to achieve their educational goals. However, in Germany you will encounter a diverse community, each with its own unique characteristics that allow you to see the world from a different angle.
You can also make many friends from all over the world and learn about their customs and traditions.
Cultural and historical heritage
Germany has a long, rich and complex history, and its declarations are scattered across the country. Today, you certainly know less about Germany than you might imagine. Earth has been a major player in key periods of human history.
Your natives have made incomparable contributions to historical, cultural and scientific movements that have changed the course of world history forever. Studying in Germany is a great opportunity for you to visit most of these cultural and historical gems, hear incredible stories about them and create unforgettable memories.
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