German universities offer a diverse array of programs across various study areas and disciplines, following a cooperative structure involving universities, research institutes, and companies. Berlin stands out as a popular choice for students, boasting a vibrant nightlife, a rich cultural scene, and a diverse population. Additionally, it serves as a hub for international companies. Another favored destination is Munich, known for its numerous universities with affordable tuition, excellent student services, including inexpensive public transportation, low crime rates, and reasonably priced housing. Munich also entices students with its diverse culinary scene, making it an ideal place to explore global cuisines while learning German.

Berlin serves as the epicenter of renowned academic institutions, while other prominent cities such as Munich, Baden-Wurttemberg, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg also host some of the best colleges in the country. Notably, the top universities in Germany include Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich, Free University of Berlin, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the Humboldt University of Berlin.

The influx of Indian students to Germany has experienced robust growth, with a 13% increase noted in 2017. German universities attracted 13,740 Indian students in the 2015-2016 academic year, with popular courses including Engineering, Business Studies, IT/Computing, Tourism & Hotel Management, and Visual Communications.

In terms of safety, Germany is generally considered safe, with low-scale crime and rare instances of violent crime. The country has taken measures to enhance security, with the widespread use of security cameras in public spaces, buses, local trains, and trams. Signs indicating video monitoring are common.

As for the weather, German summers are characterized by warmth, while winters are cold and snowy. Rainfall is unpredictable and occurs throughout the year. The average winter temperature is 3°C, rising to 22°C in the summer. Maximum temperatures can reach -10°C in winter and 35°C during the summer months. Given Germany’s diverse landscape and 16 states, it’s challenging to generalize the weather across the entire country.

Germany, situated in central Europe, boasts the largest economy on the continent and is surrounded by various neighboring countries such as Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and France. Berlin serves as the capital of this nation, known for its wealth and global influence.

The official language is German, a member of the Indo-European language family, with approximately 100 million speakers worldwide. The German lifestyle is distinctive, shaped by a rich culture and traditions deeply rooted in the country’s history and geography. Despite its homogenous appearance, Germany is a multicultural nation, with diverse customs and traditions maintained by people from various backgrounds.

Germans value a globalized outlook and are enthusiastic about socializing, engaging in meaningful conversations. The country hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, reflecting its vibrant cultural scene. Living expenses in Germany are reasonably affordable, alleviating concerns for visitors or those considering permanent settlement.

The Germans hold a passion for gastronomy, taking their cuisine seriously. Renowned for their love of sausages, cheeses, breads, pastries, potatoes, bacon, and beer, they appreciate the art of good food. In the realm of sports, soccer dominates as the most popular, with Germany’s remarkable track record, winning the World Cup in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014, placing them among the elite group of teams with four or more World Cup victories.

The Indian student population in Germany stood at approximately 13,740 during the 2015-2016 academic year. The preferred cities for Indian students pursuing their studies are Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich.

Accommodation options vary, and the first decision is whether to opt for university-managed housing or a private landlord. University-managed accommodations may provide catered or self-catered options. Catered arrangements include pre-cooked meals and a degree of certainty regarding meal costs.

To begin your housing search, contact the accommodation office at your university. They can inform you about available university-managed options. If your university doesn’t offer on-campus housing or if you prefer renting from a private landlord, the accommodation office can provide a list of private properties and landlords in the area.

Regardless of your choice, it’s crucial to understand your contractual rights and responsibilities. Typically, you’ll be required to enter into a tenancy agreement, and it’s essential to thoroughly review the terms before signing.

Orientation week is mandatory for international students, so arriving before it commences is crucial. During orientation, you’ll familiarize yourself with the university, its services, and enroll in classes. Your guidebook, provided by the college, will be a valuable resource explaining each aspect of the admission process.

Beyond academic pursuits, colleges offer a variety of extracurricular activities. Music, drama, science, and literary societies are available in all colleges. Students can participate in outdoor education and other leisure activities. College life also includes visits to theaters, concerts, art galleries, museums, religious centers, historical sites, and scientific companies and projects relevant to the courses of study.

Applicants seeking admission to an undergraduate program in Germany are required to undergo a one-year bridge program. This program aims to compensate for the 13 years of schooling required in Germany, as opposed to 12 years in India. To be eligible for the bridge course, Indian students must possess a basic understanding of the German language. International applicants need to take language proficiency tests such as TestDaF or DSH before enrolling in a degree program.

Each course mandates Indian students to meet a minimum German language requirement, in addition to maintaining an academic record of 70% and above in Standard XII. For those securing around 60%, Foundation and Diploma programs are available. Applicants must be at least 18 years old before joining a degree program.

It’s important to note that these criteria serve as reference points, and actual requirements may vary between universities. The following documents must be submitted during the application process:

1. Attested copies of Standard X, XII, and Bachelor’s degree mark sheets (if applicable)
2. Two academic reference letters from recent professors
3. Two letters of recommendation from employers/managers (if applicable)
4. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
5. Resume
6. Photocopied language test and GRE/GMAT score reports (if applicable)
7. Portfolio for art, design, or architecture program applicants
8. Certificates/achievements at the state and national levels, along with extracurricular activities
9. Proof of funds
10. Health insurance

Note: Recognition of higher education degrees may vary, and if your school-leaving certificate doesn’t directly qualify you, you might need to take an assessment test.

Timeline: Most German colleges accept online applications. Applicants must visit each college’s website, create an account, provide basic information, submit scanned documents, and pay application fees. The application process and stages will be communicated through the account.

Application Fee: Colleges require an application fee, varying by institution and course. Applicants should check individual college websites for fee details.

Application Steps:

1. Search for colleges and courses
2. Contact schools and visit websites for information
3. Narrow down the list of schools
4. Take entrance exams (language tests, GMAT/GRE)
5. Write SOPs and request LORs
6. Apply to colleges that align with your interests
7. Attend video interviews for shortlisted colleges
8. If accepted, apply for a student visa

SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a personal introduction to college and admission officers, written in the first person. It outlines reasons for choosing a particular college and emphasizes why the applicant is a suitable fit.

Essay: Prospective students must submit essays as part of the admissions process, covering topics like career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for choosing a specific school.

LOR: A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party, such as a professor or manager, describing the prospective student’s qualities, characteristics, and capabilities.

Intake Seasons: The primary intake season for German universities is in September, with deadlines from February to May across different courses and universities. Some universities may offer admissions in March, with deadlines from November to January for this intake.

The TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) and DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination) are standardized language tests essential for securing admission to colleges in Germany. TestDaF can be taken at testing centers in India or Germany, while DSH is exclusively administered at German universities. These tests differ in formats, structures, and result bands. Although colleges often accept results from either test, the choice of which exam to take rests with the student.

It’s important to note that students aiming for international degree programs, such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D., may not necessarily need to take a German language test. The primary language of instruction in these programs is usually English. For English-taught degree courses, students may be required to take an English language exam, such as TOEFL or IELTS.

GMAT – As the majority of MBA programs in Germany are conducted in English, the primary language of instruction is English, supplemented with occasional use of German. German business schools often favor candidates with multilingual proficiency, making knowledge of German an advantageous asset. Due to the bilingual nature of instruction, GMAT serves as the standard examination for admission to business schools. It assesses the capabilities of potential MBA candidates in the areas of mathematics, English, and reasoning skills, gauging their readiness for advanced education in business or management.

GRE – While some universities may suggest or mandate a GRE score, it is not obligatory for pursuing a Master’s degree in Germany. Numerous options exist without a GRE requirement.

Repetition and Fees: GMAT can be taken an unlimited number of times, limited to five attempts per year with a mandatory 30-day gap between tests. The GMAT fee is Rs 18,250, while the GRE fee is Rs 14,235.

The cost of living varies based on the region of Germany and one’s social activities. Essential elements for international students living in Germany include:

1. Accommodation rent (on-campus or off-campus)
2. Groceries and food
3. Utilities such as power, water, gas, and internet
4. Phone bills
5. Textbooks and reference materials
6. Airfare for travel back to India

Additional expenses that may differ among individuals include:

1. Dining out
2. Travel and vacation
3. Car rental and car insurance
4. Cable TV connection

In Germany, education costs are generally low, with some universities not charging any fees. State government funding supports most German universities, and while some institutions may require a small tuition fee, the amount varies by the university’s location. States like Bayern, Niedersachsen, Hamburg, and Nordrhein-Westfalen do charge tuition fees, whereas all other states do not. Private universities, however, rely on higher student fees, reaching up to 9.03 Lacs per year.

For international students, average annual living expenses in Germany are around 7.00 Lacs. Costs vary between big cities and small towns. Here’s a breakdown of some expenses:

• Inexpensive cafe meal: €12.25
• One litre of milk: €0.84
• Coca Cola can: €2.64
• Coffee: €3.5
• Lunch from campus cafe: €6.5
• Restaurant meal: €40
• One minute cell phone call: €0.9
• Taxi (1 km): €1.90
• One litre of petrol: €4
• Movie ticket: €12
• 1 room apartment in city centre: €707.50
• 1 room apartment in suburbs: €336.33

Health insurance is crucial, and private providers in India may be recognized in Germany. Students need confirmation from their insurance provider to be exempt from compulsory public health coverage. Switching to a German public health insurance provider after starting studies may not be possible.

Scholarships in Germany are often merit-based, considering academic performance, standardized exam results, and extracurricular achievements. Fully-funded education opportunities are abundant in German institutes.

For those considering loans, eligibility criteria include being an Indian national, having a strong academic record, seeking admission to job-oriented courses, and securing admission to a foreign institution. Loan amounts typically cover 80% of the total fee, with a margin amount (20%) to be covered by the student. Repayment starts after the course period, either when employed or within a year of completing the course, with a repayment period of 5-7 years, extendable up to a maximum of 10 years. Various banks may have different documentation requirements and processing fees.

To extend your stay in Germany as a student beyond 90 days, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit. Demonstrating financial means for one year, ranging from €685 to €750 per month, is essential when presenting your case to the visa officer. The granted residence permit for students is valid for a maximum of two years and requires renewal if the course duration exceeds this stipulated period.

The cost of a Residence Permit falls within the range of €56 to €100, and the processing time can be lengthy, taking approximately eight to 12 weeks, equivalent to two to three months. Consequently, international students are strongly advised to initiate the application process as early as possible.

Key steps for the visa application process include a personal visit to apply for the visa, with fees totaling €60 (to be paid in INR). Additionally, two sets of photocopies containing various essential documents must be provided, such as the application form, a declaration of the veracity and completeness of information, a cover letter explaining the purpose of the visa application (with a potential requirement for a German translation), a letter of admission from a German university, university certificates and transcripts, proof of language proficiency (mandatory for all visa applicants, even if not specifically required by the German university), and proof of funds.

In terms of employment, German visa regulations permit students to work 180 days part-time or 90 days full-time during an academic year. Germany uniquely allows students to engage in part-time technical jobs related to their industry, and some universities provide on-campus part-time job opportunities known as Hi/wi. Interested students can contact the institute’s student placement cell for these roles.

For spouses and children wishing to reside in Germany while the primary student studies, approval is conditional upon meeting certain criteria, including sufficient and appropriate financing and adequate living space. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis at the German embassy, and providing a clear and effective explanation of the situation to the Consulate may result in special consideration.

Purchase your airline tickets Secure accommodation in Germany Arrange transportation to and from the airport to your residence in Germany Organize your banking affairs, and consider acquiring traveler’s cheques Check and adhere to baggage and customs limitations Complete all necessary paperwork with your home educational institution Ensure your documents are in order and make photocopies for both your baggage and home storage, including:

1. Passport
2. Airline tickets
3. Travel insurance certificate
4. Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution
5. Essential addresses and phone numbers
6. Bank statement as proof of funds
7. Prescriptions for any carried medications
8. Traveler’s cheques (if applicable)
9. Medical and immunization records
10. Academic history and university transcripts

Enrollment at the University Prior to commencing your course at a German university, you must complete the enrollment process. This procedure, also known as registration, is necessary for attending courses, taking exams, and obtaining an academic degree. Enrollment provides access to university facilities such as the library, sports grounds, and computer rooms. Re-enrollment is required before the deadline at the end of each term.

Residence Permit For study programs exceeding 90 days, registration with the state is mandatory. When applying for a residence permit, bring the following documents:

• Confirmation of registration from the Resident Registration Office
• Proof of private or public health insurance
• Student ID from your German university (certificate of enrollment)
• Proof of financial resources (if not provided during the entry visa application)
• Valid passport with visa
• Health certificate
• Rental contract for accommodation
• Passport-sized photos
• Funds to cover the residence permit fee

Dealing with Homesickness Homesickness is a common issue faced by many students. It may arise initially or persist throughout the year. Give it at least two weeks and talk to friends or counselor staff. Limit calls home to once a week and engage in university life to alleviate homesickness.

Learning Basic Cooking Cooking for yourself is cost-effective and helps satisfy cravings for familiar foods. Indian spices may not be widely available in smaller cities, but campus shops often stock essential ingredients.

Travel Cities offer various public transportation options, but private cars provide flexibility and freedom. Before buying a car, use public transport or rely on friends for rides.

Placements Unlike India, Germany lacks the concept of campus placements. Most universities have Career Services cells to assist with job searches, interviews, and connections with potential employers.

Work Visa After graduating, international students receive a one-year residence permit to secure a relevant job. If successful, they can apply for a residence permit with a work permit at the local Aliens Department or Ausländerbehörde.