Why study in Germany?
Germany is no more a synonym for ‘Hail Hitler’, Nazism or the Berlin Wall, the country has come a long way to rise as a promising education destination for foreign students. The country’s main focus is Education, Science and Research. However, being a land of thinkers the country provides immense opportunities in all fields. With more than 800 International Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programmes, Germany is one of the top most choices among the youth to choose it as their education pedestal.

Every year students pursue various courses in Germany like MS in Mechanical (GRE Mandatory), MS in Electronics & Communication, MS in Computer Science, MS in Biotechnology, MS in Electrical, MBA, MA in Finance, MA in Business Studies Economics and International Relations.

The medium of instruction being English appeals a lot of students from various countries. The country claims to offer a good combination of theoretical and practical/industrial experience to students. If funds are acting as a hindrance on your road to success then don’t be vexed as the country provides less expensive education (most colleges are state funded) as compared to other destinations. Also, there are numerous scholarships one can try for.

The country not only endows one with quality education but also build a relationship worth a lifetime by giving them the space to grow. Foreign students in Germany are allowed to stay for a year after graduation in order to look for job and are also allowed to work 90 full days or 180half days during their course of study.

It is only through merit that you can enter the gates of the land of ideas. The country is an ideal place for a foreign student to live without any fear. According to German Law, universities are not permitted to discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to persons on the basis of race, ethnic group, gender or social class.

According to Business Standard, Germany is emerging as a higher education destination among Indian students with a 19 per cent increase in the number of Indian students in the academic year 2011-12 over the previous year. In the academic year 2011-12, the number of Indian students in Germany has gone up to 5,998 compared to 5,038 students in the previous academic year, and there has been a whopping 70.59 per cent increase in the number of Indian students since 2008. As per a British Council study (THES Survey 2010), Germany was voted the most internationalised country in higher education domain leaving behind Australia, UK and China.

Germany overview
Situated in West Central Europe, Germany is the most stable country in terms of economy. Having a temperate seasonal climate, Germany is the most populous state of Europe. The country is situated in the most scenic location with Denmark bordering to the North, Poland and Czech Republic to the East, Austria and Switzerland to the South and France and Luxembourg to the South West and Netherlands to the North West. The country also boasts of wonders like Alps mountain ranges to Baltic Sea and a rich wild life to enamouring green stretches.

Germany is rated as one of the safest travel destination by Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Reports and is the fifth most visited country in Europe. If you are visiting the country then make sure that you keep your calendar free as the nation is always bustling with some event or festival.

The country is also home to world’s several largest trade fair grounds which hold thousands of fairs and conventions every year. As a visitor the country make sure that you visit it again.

Apply to Germany colleges
Education system in Germany Germany gives a lot of emphasis on education; at school level education is compulsory from the age of 6-15 years. At higher education level, the country offers a wide variety to choose from. Science and Research is the main focus of future development for Germany. The higher educational institutions in the country are free in organisational matters and are not bound by any governmental restrictions thus making it a free environment to grow. The higher education sector is divided in to Universities, Colleges of Art and Music and Colleges of Applied Sciences.

The education scenario in Germany witnessed a revamp in 1990s with the introduction of the internationally comparable Bachelor, Masters and Phd programmes. The education system at various levels is described as below:

Undergraduate level: The new education system which was introduced in 1990s is unlike the earlier system where a student had to do basic studies of a Diploma or Magister programme of four semester (2 academic year) and then following the second stage after the intermediate examination to complete graduation after another four semesters with fifth semester being the preparatory one for taking the final exams. The new system for undergraduates is very much competent internationally where the term has been shortened to 3 years.

Graduate: According to the new education system in Germany a student can acquire a Masters degree (2 years duration) after having completed his/her Bachelor’s degree. Earlier, the advanced studies were the second stage to the final examination and take five semesters.

Doctoral degree: A doctoral degree can only be achieved at universities and is of 2 to 4 years of duration. The duration of 2 to 4 years includes independent scientific research, the public presentation and defence of the thesis.

Eligibility criteria to apply to Universities in Germany A student can try for admission in Germany twice a year in the month of March/April and September/October. The general criterion for applying to German Universities is given below. However, it is advisable to check the criterion for every university as it may differ from institute to institute.

Certification of Undergraduate study (Bachelor degree) in similar field.

If the course is completely in German, then proof of proficiency in German Language.

German as a Foreign Language Test (TestDaF).

German Language Test for the Admission of Foreign study applicants (DSH).

If the course is in English, then proof of proficiency in English – TOEFL (550 and higher (PBT), 213 and higher (CBT), 79 and higher (IBT) or IELTS 6.0.

For engineering courses, some universities may demand GRE.

For Business management courses, some universities may demand GMAT.

Some universities require the student to take entrance test either online or upon arrival at the campus (in the later case conditional admission is provided).

Work Experience

Project Work / Thesis

Extracurricular activities may include paper presentation, participation in Technical symposium; conference etc will be highly appreciated.

Job prospects in Germany Germany is home to various Noble laureates and education, Science and Research being the prime focus of the country; it is a leading choice for a person to grow professionally. The country also boasts of many of the fortune 500 country companies. With a strong economy and growing infrastructure, there is a constant demand for able professionals. According to the German Engineer’s Association (VDI), vacancies for engineers have risen by 30%.

Relevance of German degree in India German is one of the most popular foreign languages taught in India. The popularity of the language is itself an indication of the popularity of the country as an education or work destination. The universities in Germany provide an unparallel experience which includes internships, Bachelor/Master thesis in an industrial setup, high quality education, multicultural and multinational student body and language skills. Having these qualities in your CV cannot be ignored by any employer. But a student must always check with AICTE if a particular course, degree or diploma in Germany is valid in India.

Cost of study
Education in Germany is one of the most economical options for a student. With German Federal Government funding primary to university education, there is no tuition fee in some states. For second degree or prolonged study duration and even for the first university degree in some states, the fee is just € 500.

Being a student in a German university, you have to pay semester contribution depending on the services it includes. The contribution may range from €200 to €350. You can also refer to official website of various universities. The semester contribution may include:

Social fees: It is a fee towards social services such as student dining halls, student residence, athletic facilities and administrative fees.

Liability insurance: The insurance covers and compensates unintentional damages to third party.

Student union contribution: includes membership fee to the student union.

Semester ticket: Include the ticket payment which permits unlimited usages of public transportation in or around university.

If you are planning to move to Germany for your education, then the average expense of your stay will come up to €450 for a modest living. The expense may include rent & utilities, private accommodation, shared flat or student residence around, internet & mobile flat rate, internet DSL flat rate, health insurance, food & drinks and miscellaneous expenditure.

Scholarships in Germany Though universities in Germany do not provide any scholarships but as an international student you can apply for scholarship from numerous organisations such as DAAD or Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst which is a joint organisation of German Institutions of higher education and student bodies. The organisation provides scholarship only to graduate students pursuing Masters, Doctoral students pursuing PhD for post doctoral work/research etc.

Germany Visa & immigration
Germany Visa and Immigration A student visa is all you need to start your voyage of knowledge. Initially you will get a visa for a period of up to three months by German Embassy or Consulates General. The visa will be extended for one year up to the duration of the course by the competent foreigner’s registration office. One has to register within the first three months of stay in Germany.
The application forms are available free of charge from the Consular Section of the German Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulates General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai. Visa Fee for Germany is Rs 4100 for short term while for long term, the fee is Rs 2100 and Rs. 4100 for minors and adults respectively. Documents to be submitted: Two Visa application forms Signed declaration on ‘True and Complete Information’ form Three passport pictures according to biometric specifications. The size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 28 mm and 35 mm. Visa fee to be paid through Demand Draft made out to the "Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi", payable in New Delhi. Valid passport with a validity of at least 12 months along with two copies of all printed pages. Cover letter from applicant, explaining the exact purpose and duration of your stay in Germany. Letter of admission from the German University. Proof that study fees have been paid, if applicable. School Leaving Certificate of Secondary School. University Certificates (Degree Certificates and Mark Sheets) Proof of Language Proficiency (TOEFL / IELTS, not older than 12 months, Original and A 4 sized copy). This document is mandatory for the visa process; even it is not required by the German University. Applicants for Ph.D / Doctorate studies and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Holders are not required to show this proof. Proof of financial means to cover the costs throughout the duration of your studies (stay in Germany including university related fees). Proof of a valid Health Insurance.

Life at Germany
Fast Facts
Climate: With the domination of humid westerly winds, the climate in Germany is usually temperament. Few areas of Germany also enjoys moderate and oceanic climate. The country will not let you sweat in summer or freeze in winter as the temperature is cool and mild respectively. Though climate in east can range from chilly winter and warm summers.

Culture: Beethoven, Mozart, Marx, the names itself explains the culture of the land of writers and thinkers, as it is called historically. Even in the 21st century, the country focuses on Education, Science and Technology.

Cuisines: German cakes and pastries are famous world over. The staple diet in Germany may include meat, bread and beer which very common in a German household.

Transport: Germany has a modern transport infrastructure to suit its dense population. Air travel is used for long distances within Germany.

Time Difference: Germany is 3 and a half hour behind India.

Phone code: 00+49+

Capital city: Berlin

Currency: Euro

Languages spoken: The official language is Standard German while there are various languages which are spoken in the country like English, Sorbian, Romani, Danish, North Frisian, Greek, Dutch etc.

Germany visa is valid in 15 Schengen countries, which includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Holland & others.