Study in Germany for international students free (Update 2024)

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Germany stands as a top choice for international students due to its blend of esteemed universities, vast academic choices, affordability, and high living standards. Surpassing countries like the UK, Italy, France, and the Netherlands in student preference, Germany’s title as the “Land of Poets and Philosophers” reflects its unique charm and academic excellence. Here’s why Germany shines as an educational hotspot:

1. Academic Diversity: Germany hosts over 409 institutions offering a whopping 14,500+ Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, catering to varied interests.
2. Affordable Education: Most German states, 11 out of 16, provide tuition-free education. In other regions, fees are minimal, often capped at 500 euros annually.
3. Academic Excellence: Especially noted for fields like engineering, medicine, and economics, German universities are globally recognized. Their alumni frequently secure significant roles in prestigious organizations.
4. Financial Aid: Institutions like the DAAD and other organizations offer scholarships across disciplines, from engineering to management.
5. English Medium: While German universities primarily teach in German, many programs are available in English, making it accessible for international students. Learning German is beneficial for long-term stays but not always essential.
6. Career Opportunities: Upon graduation, students can remain in Germany for a year to explore job prospects. Many find fulfilling career paths within the country.
7. Cultural Richness: Beyond academics, Germany offers a vibrant cultural experience. Students can immerse themselves in its rich history, architecture, and traditions, enhancing their overall educational journey.

How to study in Germany for free 2024-2025

International students are able to study “for free” in the most prestigious universities in Germany, which is impossible in other well-known countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and France.

Germany is renowned for its tuition-free or low-cost higher education offerings, particularly at public institutions. Notably, 11 out of Germany’s 16 states impose no tuition fees, while in some regions, students might pay a modest annual fee, usually capped at 500 euros. With a plethora of academic options, Germany hosts nearly 300 public institutions offering over 1,000 study programs at no cost or minimal fees. Here’s a curated list of esteemed German universities where you can pursue education without hefty tuition charges:

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
2. Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU)
3. University of Cologne
4. University of Münster
5. Universität Hamburg
6. Goethe University Frankfurt
7. University of Duisburg-Essen
8. Ruhr University Bochum
9. University of Würzburg
10. RWTH Aachen University
11. FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

Why are there no tuition fees at public universities in Germany?

The absence of tuition fees at public universities in Germany is rooted in historical, political, and social decisions. Several factors have contributed to this unique educational landscape:

1. Philosophy of Education as a Public Good: In Germany, higher education is viewed as a public good that benefits society as a whole, rather than just the individual student. This perspective underscores the belief that access to quality education should not be hindered by financial constraints.
2. Historical Context: After World War II, Germany recognized the importance of rebuilding its educational infrastructure to foster growth and innovation. As part of this rebuilding process, the emphasis was placed on making education accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
3. Economic Benefits: Investing in higher education without imposing tuition fees can lead to a more educated workforce. A well-educated populace can drive innovation, boost economic growth, and maintain Germany’s competitive edge in the global market.
4. Equal Opportunities: By eliminating tuition fees, Germany aims to ensure that every individual has an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, irrespective of their financial background. This policy aligns with the country’s commitment to social equality and inclusivity.
5. Funding Mechanisms: Instead of relying heavily on tuition fees, German public universities receive significant funding from federal and state governments. This public funding model allows institutions to maintain high academic standards while keeping education accessible.
6. Political Will: Over the years, successive German governments have demonstrated a strong political will to prioritize education as a fundamental right. Policies have been designed to support students through grants, scholarships, and other financial aid mechanisms, ensuring that higher education remains affordable for all.

In summary, Germany’s decision to offer tuition-free education at public universities is a testament to its commitment to equity, social welfare, economic growth, and the belief that education should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of their financial means.

Educational system in Germany

Germany’s higher education system is highly known and holds a strong reputation internationally. In Germany, several highly regarded institutions offer degrees that are highly recognized.

The educational system in Germany is characterized by its comprehensive structure, which aims to provide students with a solid foundation for further academic and vocational pursuits. The system is overseen by the respective federal states (Bundesländer), resulting in slight variations in certain aspects across different regions. Here’s an overview of the German educational system:

1. Early Childhood Education (Kindergarten):
   • Optional: While attendance is not mandatory, most children between the ages of 3 and 6 attend kindergarten. These institutions focus on socialization and early learning.
2. Primary Education (Grundschule):
   • Duration: Four years, typically from age 6 to 10.
   • Curriculum: Emphasis on foundational skills in mathematics, German language, general science, and social studies.
   • Transition: At the end of Grundschule, students are recommended for different secondary school paths based on academic performance and teacher evaluations.
3. Secondary Education (Sekundarstufe I):
   • Gymnasium: Aims to prepare students for university studies. Generally lasts from grades 5 to 12 or 13, culminating in the Abitur examination, a university entrance qualification.
   • Realschule: Focuses on a more practical education, leading to vocational training or entering the workforce. Typically lasts until grade 10.
   • Hauptschule: Provides basic education with a stronger vocational focus, often leading directly to vocational training programs. Duration is until grade 9 or 10.
4. Tertiary Education (Hochschule):
   • Universities: Offer a wide range of academic disciplines and focus on theoretical knowledge. Admission usually requires the Abitur or equivalent qualifications.
   • Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen): Emphasize practical training and are closely linked to industry needs. While they offer academic programs, they often provide more hands-on, practical training than traditional universities.
   • Dual System: Particularly notable in Germany is the dual education system, where students combine vocational training with classroom instruction. This system is highly regarded and offers direct pathways into various professions.
5. Adult Education:
   • Germany places a significant emphasis on lifelong learning. Adult education centers (Volkshochschulen) offer a wide range of courses for adults, including language courses, professional training, and general education classes.
6. Funding and Structure:
   • Education in Germany is primarily funded by the federal states, leading to some degree of variability across regions.
   • The Bologna Process, an international initiative, has influenced higher education in Germany by introducing a three-tiered system comprising Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, making German degrees more compatible and recognizable internationally.

Credit criteria in Germany

German colleges utilize the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit system when computing ECTS credits, all course courses, dissertation preparation, and work internships are considered.

• Typically, students are able to acquire 30 ECTS credits every semester and a maximum of 60 in a single academic year.
• A bachelor’s degree typically takes three years to complete, or 180 ECTS credits, as each credit in Germany typically equates to 25–30 hours of study.
• Depending on the institution and the field, a master’s degree may need anywhere between 180 and 240 credits.
• The GPA system is the basis of the German grading scheme. Students’ academic achievement is evaluated in Germany using a 1 to 6 (or 5) point grading scale. 1 denotes a really strong performance, and 6 a weak one.

Top universities to study in Germany (Update 2024)

Some of the best universities in the world are located in Germany. Graduates from these institutions will undoubtedly have an advantage in the employment market. Take a look at a few of Germany’s best colleges in the table below:

Institution	City located	THE Ranking worldwide	No. of the students	Tuition & fees per semester
LMU Munich	Munich	32	34,274	No tuition & fees
Technical University of Munich	Munich	38	32,672	No tuition & fees
Heidelberg University	Heidelberg	42	19,530	€1,500
Humboldt University of Berlin	Berlin	128	33,868	No tuition & fees
RWTH Aachen University	Aachen	108	45,628	No tuition & fees
University of Freiburg	Freiburg	108	21,416	No tuition & fees

Top Courses to study in Germany (Update 2024)

You can definitely find the top courses in Germany that are relevant to your field of interest, taught by experts who are offering the best training available, no matter what you are passionate about. The top German courses that can help international students advance their careers and take advantage of a wide range of opportunities are listed below.

• Business & Management
• Computer Science/Natural Science
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Politics

The table below shows the details of some top courses in Germany:

Course	Duration	Tuition & fees per year
Master of Engineering (MEng)	2-3 years	€12,000-€14,000
Master of Science (MSc) in Economics	2-3 years	€5,000-€7,000
Master of Science (MSc) in Analytics	1-2 years	€1,000-€2,000
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)	3-4 years	€8,000-€12,000
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	1-2 years	€30,000-€40,000
Master of Science (MSc) in Economics	1-2 years	€1,000-€2,000

Admission Process of universities in Germany (Update 2024)

1-Check the program you wish to take, then reviews the top universities that offer it.

2-Satisfy all requirements and eligibility standards offered by the universities.

3-Improve your German language skills. Even if your course is offered in English, you would need a language proficiency to live and find a good job.

4-Use the Uni Assist Portal or the university’s website to submit an application to your preferred school.

5- Pay the application fees

6- Prepare your budget to study in Germany

7- Once you have an acceptance letter from the university, you should apply for a student visa to Germany.

8-Plan your trip and search for accommodation in Germany.

Expenses of international students in Germany(Update 2024)

The major expenses that international students get charged to study in Germany can be divided into two primary groups, including the cost of living as well as tuition & fees. This part summarizes the estimation of these expenses for students who want to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in Germany.

Except for institutions in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the majority of public universities in Germany do not charge tuition to international students for the majority of normal courses. Students need to pay a semester fee for administrative services, student support, and other services provided to students. However, several specialized courses at private universities will charge international students.

The table below represents how much tuition and fees you will end up paying to study in Germany for each degree.

Degree level	Average tuition & fees
Undergraduate Level (Bachelor’s Degree)	€15,000-€25,000
Graduate Level (Master’s Degree)	€20,000-€35,000
Graduate Level (PhD Degree)	€500-€1,000

Your lifestyle certainly will determine how much it will cost to live in Germany. Most of your spending will be for accommodation and other things like meals, shopping, transportation, etc. You will typically require € 861 per month to meet living expenses. Look at the expenditure breakdown of a foreign student studying in Germany.

Criteria	Average cost per month
Shopping	€150-€1,000
Transportation	€50-€100
Medical Expenses	€60-€120
Rent	€300-€1200
Food, restaurant fees, and other costs	€60-€200

Best cities for international students to Study in Germany

Germany includes numerous lovely cities with breathtaking scenery, top universities, and a well-developed economy. Germany offers excellent living conditions and a healthy work-life balance. The top 5 cities for foreign students to study in Germany are listed in the below table.

Criteria	Living cost per month	Top institutions
Munich	€800-€1500	University of Munich Technical University of Munich Ludwig Maximilian University of Mannheim
Berlin	€850-€1,200	Technical University of Berlin Humboldt University of Berlin Freie Universität Berlin
Hamburg	€850-€1,200	Hamburg School of Business Administration Hamburg University of Technology University of Hamburg
Frankfurt	€950-€1,500	Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences Goethe University Frankfurt Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
Stuttgart	€1,500-€1,800	Stuttgart Technology University of Applied Sciences University of Stuttgart

Visa process in Germany (Update 2024)

Countries don’t need a student visa in Germany

Who needs a student visa? If you are not a citizen of the EEA/EU, Australia, Andorra, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland, United States, or South Korea, you will require a student visa for Germany.

A German embassy in your country is where you can apply for a student visa. In addition, residents of countries like Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, and San Marino need a visa if they want to work during their studies or after they graduate.

Which visa type is required to study in Germany?

You must apply for the proper visa for Germany based on the reason for your travel. You cannot obtain a short-term/Schengen visa (C Visa) if your purpose in Germany is long-term or educational. You must apply for the long Germany National Visa (D Visa).

Additionally, you should be aware that there are three different types of German student visas, depending on the requirements of your study program:

1-Language course visa: This student visa type last for 3 to 12 months.

2-Student application visa: If the institution you applied to hasn’t given you an official admission letter yet or if you need to take some entrance exams, you can apply for this visa.It has a three-month validity period with a six-month extension option.

3- Student Visa: If you have been admitted to a German university, this is a long-term student visa type. Within two weeks of your arrival, register with the Alien Registration Office in the German city where you will be living in order to receive your residence permit.

Steps for the international students to apply for German visa (Update 2024)

1. First off, make sure you received an admission letter from the German university you want to attend.
2. Start gathering the documents for THE student visa application.
3. Take photos that meet the biometric photo specifications.
4. Complete the application form, print it, sign it, and then send it with the additional supporting documentation.
5. Book a time for a visa interview
6. Finally, pay the visa fees (demand draft can be accepted for payment)

Required documents to apply for German visa (Update 2024)

You must meet the following criteria in order to receive a German student visa:

1. Two national visa forms should be completed and signed.
2. Valid passport and two photocopies of that.
3. Birth certificate
4. University admission letter
5. Marriage certificate (if not single) and children certificates(if have children)
6. Previous degree certificate and academic transcripts
7. German or English language tests
8. Health insurance
9. Proof of financial capabilities: you need to prove that you can cover the cost of living and tuition & fees to study in Germany. You need to have one of the following, depending on your situation:

• Blocked Bank Account: Through Fintiba, which is recognized by German Embassies and Consulates worldwide, you can create a blocked bank account online.
• Level of commitment: You can obtain this from a German resident who can provide proof that they will be paying for your housing or other living expenses.
• Scholarship certificate: If you have been given a scholarship, the certificate should state what it will cover and that you are the recipient of it.

Top scholarships in Germany (Update 2024)

Some international students find it challenging to manage the typical expense of education and study in Germany at the same time. Due to this, the German government, colleges, and other organizations offer a variety of scholarships to foreign students.

Scholarships are a wonderful way to pay for college because they help international students with living expenses. Here are a few of the most well-known scholarships in Germany:

Scholarship name	Who is eligible?	Benefits/Amount
DAAD Scholarships	International students enrolled in German universities for Master’s or doctoral degrees.	A monthly for living costs, health insurance, travel costs, etc.
German University Scholarships	International students enrolled in German universities for Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degrees.	The allowance varies depending on the scholarship’s parameters and the university that awards it.
Heinrich Boll Foundation	International students enrolled in German universities for Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degrees in STEM areas.	Up to €1,400/month
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships	International students enrolled in German universities for Master’s or Doctoral degrees.	Up to €1,200/month
Bayer Foundation	International students enrolled in research-based degrees	Up to €10,000/year
Mawista Scholarship	International students who wish to study for Diploma/Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degrees in Germany.	Up to €500/month
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung	international students majoring in social or political topics	Up to €1,000/month

Job opportunities in Germany

The ultimate goal for the majority of international students is to acquire a suitable and stable career in a foreign country. You will be thrilled to know that, due to Germany’s highly developed economy, many jobs are available for international students in the engineering, healthcare, management, and finance sectors.

Here is a brief breakdown of the most searched areas in Germany for international job seekers after their graduation:

Job sector	Average yearly income
Engineering	€40,000-€65,000
Healthcare	€70,000-€100,000
Finance	€55,000-€70,000
Data Science & IT	€55,000-€75,000
Management	€75,000-€95,000

How is getting a work visa and PR in Germany

Obtaining a work visa and permanent residency (PR) in Germany is a structured process, and while it may have some complexities, Germany has streamlined pathways for skilled workers and those seeking long-term residency. Here’s an overview:

Work Visa:

1. Employment Visa: If you’re a non-EU citizen looking to work in Germany, you’ll typically need an employment visa. To obtain this:
   • Secure a job offer from a German employer.
   • Ensure that your profession is in demand or falls under a shortage occupation. The German Federal Employment Agency has a list of professions facing shortages.
   • Provide relevant qualifications and meet any specific job requirements.
2. Blue Card EU: For highly skilled non-EU nationals, Germany offers the Blue Card EU, a residence permit facilitating permanent settlement. To be eligible:
   • Hold a recognized university degree.
   • Have a job offer with an annual gross salary threshold (which changes annually and is lower for certain professions in shortage).
3. Process: Once you have a job offer and necessary qualifications:
   • Apply for a work visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
   • After entering Germany, you may need to convert this visa into a residence permit within a certain period (often three months). This process usually takes place at the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde).

Permanent Residency (PR):

1. Permanent Residency Permit: After living and working in Germany for several years, you can apply for a permanent residency permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), allowing you to live and work indefinitely in Germany.
2. Eligibility: To qualify for PR:
   • Generally, you need to have lived in Germany for at least five years (with certain exceptions, such as Blue Card holders who can apply after 21-33 months).
   • Demonstrate sufficient income and contributions to the German social security system.
   • Have adequate German language skills (B1 level) and pass an integration course.
3. EU Blue Card Holders: If you’ve held a Blue Card EU, the duration reduces to 21-33 months if you have adequate German language skills (B1 level). Otherwise, it’s 33 months.
4. Naturalization: After eight years of legal residence (or after seven years with an integration course), you might be eligible to apply for German citizenship, which offers more rights than permanent residency.

Additional Considerations:

• Integration: Learning the German language and integrating into German society can significantly benefit your work and residency applications.
• Job Seeker Visa: If you’re a qualified professional but haven’t secured a job, Germany offers a six-month job seeker visa to allow you to find employment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Study in Germany (Update 2024)

Your Course	Your Grade	Calculations
A	5	GRmax = 5, GRmin = last grade to pass = 1 GrRd= your average grade= (A+A+B+C )/4= (5+5+4+3 )/4= 4.25 GR = 3 * [(5 – 4.25) / (5 – 1)] + 1 = 3 * 0.75/4 + 1 = 0.562 + 1 = 1.562 Now, rounding to one decimal place= your GPA 1.6
A	5
B	4
C	3