Study Abroad Consultancy for Germany

This is the first & foremost question any student would have. To answer this Question various aspects need to be considered. Undeniably the following factors play a key & influencing role in deciding the destination of study.

• Quality of Education
• Cost
• Financing Studies
• Paid Internship
• Paid Project Work / Master Thesis
• Job Prospects
• Social Life
• There is more than 800 International Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programmes.
• Degree programmes “Made in Germany” are recognized world wide.
• English is the medium of instruction for many programmes.
• Combination of theoretical and practical/industrial experience (bridges the gap between Theory and Practice).
• Less expensive when compared to other destinations.
• It is an exciting opportunity to learn a foreign language and culture.
• German education offers the possibility to study with students across the globe and hence establish international contacts.
• Numerous scholarships are available.
• Foreign students are allowed to stay for a year after graduation, in the event of looking for a job.
• Students are allowed to work 90 full days or else 180 half days during the course of study.

Germany has much to offer as a place to study

Internationally recognized qualification such as Bachelors & masters .This allows accumulation & transfer of study & exam modules .Germany is one of the most highly developed industrial nations in the world and, after the USA and Japan has the world’s third largest national economy.

Germany is a land of ideas. Education, science and research play a central role here. Germany is one of the country’s most preferred by International students, a hub of cutting-edge international research and a constant source of new patents.

Germany is a place of remarkable beauty and stunning splendor. It’s been associated with learning as the oldest university in Germany was founded in Heidelberg in 1386. Germany currently has more than 300 institutions of higher education that include 82 universities, 132 such institutions that offer shorter and practically oriented courses, and other institutions. Germany has a high turnout of foreign students as it offers a high range of study possibilities.

Intakes

The main intake offered by all Universities is September,

Deadlines: from 15th Feb till 31st May.

Few universities offer in March,

Deadlines: from 15th Nov till Jan Last.

Entry Requirements / Eligibility

UNDERGRADUATE

13years of Education is mandatory (12 + 1year from University)

If not then students can go via 1 year Foundation Course

Or

10 year Education + 3 year Diploma IELTS – 6.0 overall or TOEFL – 80 points (IBT)

MASTERS

15 & 16 year Education with 75% or 2.75 GPA

IELTS – 6.5 overall or TOEFL – 85points (IBT)

MBA

15 & 16 years of Education with Relevant Subjects

IELTS – 6.5 or TOEFL – 85points (IBT)

Work Experience 2 – 3 year at managerial level

GMAT – 550 (exceptionally required)

Entry requirement for TU9 UNIVERSITY

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria may differ from university to university. So please refer to the University website for the eligibility criteria for the course that interests you. General eligibility criteria to Graduate study at a University in Germany are listed below.

1. Academics

Certification of Undergraduate study (Bachelor degree) in similar field

2. Language Requirement

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

German as a Foreign Language Test (Test DaF)

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 bilingual courses, appropriate proof may be required

3. Entrance qualification

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)

4. Work Experience

Improved chances of admission if relevant work experience in the field of further study

5. Project Work / Thesis

Demonstration of technical ability through project execution

6. Extracurricular activities

Paper presentation, participation in Technical symposium, conference etc will be highly appreciated

Germany Offers free education for pupils between 6 to 18 years.

Age 3 to 6 – Children may attend Kindergarten

Grade 1 to 4 – Elementary school/ Grundschule is mandatory

Based on the recommendation of Elementary school teachers, academic ability of the pupil & parent’s choices, students attend one of the 3 different kinds of secondary schools

How Much does it Cost to Study in Germany?

Of course these are just averages – the amount it costs to study in Germany depends on variables such as your level of study and how long your course lasts, whether your university is private or public, and which German state you will study in

The most important question to take decision is “And what does this cost?” questions one is asking or is being asked by parents when their children want to study abroad. Not only a whole degree abroad but also a single term can include costs that wouldn’t be there in the home country.

Tuition Fees:

The first point of the costing as imaginable would be tuition fees. In Germany however, there are no tuition fees charged for undergraduate students in all the public universities within the country. Most German universities are financed by the state and government so just a small amount of their money used to come from tuition fees, until now. In the last couple of years students were required to pay tuition fees in some German provinces and the fees would vary depending on the location.

As per the new policy, every German federation is required to abolish tuition fees and offer free higher education to native and international students alike. The federal states of Bayern, Hamburg, Niedersachsen and Nordrhein-Westfalen that were charging tuition fees are also now free of charge just as any other University in the country. These previously obligatory fees account for about 500 Euros per semester, now saved, which will allegedly help German students with the living costs in the future. However, postgraduate degrees don’t fall under the same decision therefore tuitions will continue to be charged for Masters and PhD degrees as in the past. There is only a symbolic fee called the semester contribution left to be paid. It is mandatory for every student and covers administration costs and the finance of cafeterias, sports areas and residential homes. Furthermore, it includes the money for a semester bus ticket. At most universities it is possible to use the students-card as a ticket for bus and train in the area. This fee can differ from university to university and costs about 150 to 250 Euros.

Those who want to study at a private university have to calculate with much higher tuition fees. The private universities are financed only from tuition fees and therefore these are much higher. It is possible, that students have to pay up to 20.000 Euros per year.

Administrative Fees:

The second big part besides the administrative fees is the living-cost. Germany is not expensive than other neighbouring countries but one needs quite a lot of additional money when not living at the parent’s house. Living-costs in Germany differ a lot depending on the area. It is a big difference living in a big industrial or university-city or in a small town which is not that overloaded with people. Especially in the areas with high housing shortage the students form apartment-sharing communities and share the basic costs.

The apartment-sharing is a cheap alternative to the own apartment. Universities also provide residential homes for their students in which one can live cheaply. In most cases the kitchen is shared with other students and one has a small single room. Applying early for a place at the residential home raises the chance to get one of the strongly demanded places. Residential homes cost between 200 and 400 Euros, a room in an apartment-sharing community between 300 and 500 Euros. A single apartment can cost from 400 Euros upwards.

There are some more things that are needed to live besides a room. Starting with food and clothing, continuing to books for the university and free-time activities these costs forms another part in the costing. Depending on the subject one has to buy a lot of books or copy the lecture material, these costs can be about 50 Euros per semester. The money needed for food depends on every person. Is it enough to have the food from the cafeteria or do you want to cook whole food products at your home? Additionally to the food there are free-time activities. It doesn’t matter if one prefers sport and has to pay for club memberships or if one likes to go out with friends and needs money for this. In total, it is a good way to look at the own lifestyle and calculate with about 200 Euros more.

Coming from a different country means that one wants to go home sometimes to see the family at Christmas or on holidays. For these travels there are more costs to be calculated, which can be quite expensive depending on the distance to the home country.

Everyone should calculate for his or her own needs and make a list what he or she needs to live. Just if the finance is secure towards living and administrative costs it is possible to study in Germany.

Germany provides array of scholarships which can be categorized as College and University Scholarships, Fellowships for National and International Students for Masters, PhD, Postdoctoral and Professional Courses and Studies in Germany.

Not only is Germany one of the cheapest study destinations in Europe, the nation also has an impeccable international reputation. Playing host to many esteemed universities within the latest QS World University Rankings®, Germany offers both German-language programs and an increasing number of English-taught programs, particularly at postgraduate level.

Below is a selection of scholarships for international students of all degree levels wishing to study in Germany.

1. Government-funded scholarships to study in Germany

• Erasmus-Mundus: The largest provider of scholarships for study in the EU, Erasmus-Mundus is a program led by the European Commission, funding international students to study in Europe.
• DAAD Scholarships (DAAD: Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst): DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, offers many scholarships for international students to study in Germany at various degree, in the form of scholarships for German and international students, academics and researchers

2. Non-government scholarships to study in Germany

• Kurt Hansen Science Scholarships: funded by the Bayer Foundation. Available for the undergraduate students pursuing careers in teaching and science. Only for students proficient in German language.
• Humboldt Research Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers: post-doctorate scholarships available for scientists and scholars of any subject and nationality.
• Heinrich Böll Scholarships for International Students: scholarships available for international students at master’s or PhD level wishing to study in Germany at an accredited institution.
• Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship: fellowship sponsored by the Einstein Foundation made available for postdoctoral research at selected German universities.
• Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) for Developing Countries: Funded by the European Commission. A postdoctoral research scholarship for international students wishing to study in Germany.
• Mawista Scholarship: scholarships available for those studying abroad while taking care of a child, including those pursuing study in Germany.

3. University-specific scholarships to study in Germany

Most of the University has Scholarship available for international students in some or the other form.

German Institutions offer their own scholarships. For information on scholarships that are currently offered by German institutions kindly visit the RMCC Centre consult the counsellor for a holistic overview

Documents Required:

Two Visa Application Forms (please make sure that both forms are duly filled out and signed indicating especially the address of your future residence in Germany – (question 15) as well as your complete address including telephone No. and E-Mail-address in India).

Signed Declaration on True and Complete Information

Three passport pictures according to biometric specifications

Visa fee to be paid through Demand Draft made out to the “Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany” 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. In case the fees are not paid or due yet, proof has to be provided that the necessary amount will be at the applicant’s disposal in due course of time.

School Leaving Certificate of Secondary School

University Certificates (Degree Certificates and Mark Sheets)

Proof of Language Proficiency (TOEFL / IELTS, original and A 4 sized copy); Exemptions do apply in case of a written confirmation from the University that this requirement may be waived, for applicants for PhD / Doctorate studies and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Holders.

For many foreigners, Germany has amazing working conditions. German employees enjoy some of the highest salaries in the world, generous benefits and state-mandated job protection. In some industries, working hours have been reduced to 35 hours/week.

Finding a job as a foreigner!

If you’re a native English-speaker, don’t expect it to be a big advantage in the job market. Languages other than English can often be an advantage, as Germany is one of the largest exporters in the world. There is demand for “exotic” language skills, especially some Asian languages. Keep this in mind when looking for a job. For professionals, German operations of large foreign corporate or the international areas of very large companies may be promising targets.

The country has an apprenticeship system that requires most young workers to pass a 2/3 year training program before entering the real labour market, which ensures they have first-hand experience in the job.

Where to look for a job in Germany?

There are lots of places to look for jobs in Germany and especially when you are pursuing the education their you can also grow your network to target good jobs after your completion of your studies. To get you started, we have gathered together some of the more effective resources

• Newspapers & Magazines: Job offers are posted in the classified sections of daily newspapers If you are looking for a highly qualified or academic job at a national level, you should consult the Saturday edition of national papers
• Internet: The last few years have seen huge growth in the online job market. You can also post your CV on websites so that companies looking for specific skills can find you.
• Labour offices: Job centres have extensive listings of vacancies, which are free to look at (even without a work permit).
• Recruitment agencies: Private recruitment agencies are listed in the telephone book and yellow pages
• Career fairs: A good place to get started is to visit a career fair. Fairs usually have a range of employers and concentrate on a specific sector.
• Speculative applications: If you a specific company is of interest you can send a speculative application. This is common in Germany and (unlike in many other countries) is worth trying, as applications are retained and checked against positions as they become available in some companies.
• Chambers of Commerce: Contact the local chamber of commerce of your home country in Germany, as they are often asked for candidates and sometimes have a database of open job positions.

When and how to apply for Work Permit?

If you plan to work in Germany you will need to get a residence and a work permit. Only if you are an EU national these may not be necessary.

In order to obtain a work permit, you first need to get your residence permit. Students do not require work permits; however, there is a strict yearly limit of 90 days work.

Working in Germany – Management Culture, Salary

Many foreigners need some time to adapt to the German attitude to work. People don’t tend to work long hours; in many offices, especially in the public sector, the day ends at around 4 pm

Management culture in Germany is usually highly hierarchical. Germans like to work on well-thought-out plans and make factually-based decisions. Orderly and well scheduled meetings form a large part of what tends to be a consensual, group approach to decision-making. Punctuality is expected and lateness is not tolerated, so be careful, especially if you’re from a country where this is endemic!

Salaries

Salaries in Germany are among the highest in the world. Most jobs for graduates start from €30,000/year. Student jobs or unqualified work is generally paid around €6-15/hour. Salaries are usually talked about gross, i.e. before deductions for tax and social security. Be aware that taxes, depending on your salary, can be more than 50% of your gross salary, so don’t get gross and net figures confused!