Germany is a popular destination for international students from all over the world seeking high-quality education. Do you want to study at a German university? Read our article to learn about the requirements German universities have for applicants, the documents you need to submit, and the costs of studying.
Do you want to study at a German university? Follow these steps:
- Find the program you want to study.
- Choose the university.
- Submit the university application form.
What Documents Are Needed for the Application?
Here is the list of documents that must be submitted with your application to a German university:
- Completed application form.
- Foreign high school diploma recognized in Germany.
- Proof of English or German language proficiency (copies of certificates).
- Copy of passport.
- Two passport photos.
- Certificates of previous studies.
- Letters of recommendation or motivation letters.
- Standardized tests. TestAS or GMAT/GRE may be required for some business schools and universities.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Academic Evaluation Center (APS) certificate (for applicants from India, China, or Vietnam).
Qualification and Language Requirements
To be admitted to the study program of your choice, you must meet the criteria of the university. Your qualification must be recognized by the respective university for admission to a German university. This means you need a high school diploma or a higher education entrance qualification (HZB). If your school qualification is not recognized in Germany, you must complete a one-year preparatory program, known as Studienkolleg. Some universities may also require the TestAS, an assessment test for international students from non-EU countries applying for a bachelor’s program in Germany. Furthermore, if the program is taught exclusively in German, you must prove your German proficiency, for example, through TestDaF, the German Language University Entrance Examination (DSH), or the Telc C1 Hochschule exam. If your course is taught in English and you are not a native speaker, you need to provide TOEFL or IELTS results. Some German business schools may also require the GMAT test.
Next Steps Upon Receiving a University Offer
Follow these steps:
- Receive a study offer – accept it.
- Complete the enrollment application (online form).
- Have your passport ready.
- Pay the semester fee in advance.
- Provide proof of health insurance in Germany (electronically).
- After enrollment, you will receive a student number and a special account necessary for paying university fees.
- You will also receive a student ID card. This serves not only as identification but also as a ticket, library card, canteen card, and access card for cultural events.
Tuition Fees in Germany
Since 2014, German public universities have returned to the practice of free education. Some states exempt second-degree students with a fee of about 500 euros per semester and long-term study and private university students. German universities charge a semester fee between 25 and 150 euros. When planning your budget, you should also consider other expenses (food, accommodation, clothing, and health insurance).
Studying in Germany with a Scholarship
The easiest way to finance your studies in Germany is to receive a scholarship. There are various programs and organizations that fund students’ studies. On the official website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), you will find comprehensive information and requirements.
The Most Popular Universities in Germany
- University of Münster
- University of Göttingen
- University of Heidelberg
- University of Bonn
- University of Leipzig
- University of Halle-Wittenberg
- RWTH Aachen University
- Free University of Berlin
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Technical University of Dresden
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Technical University of Darmstadt
- University of Freiburg
- University of Magdeburg
- University of Tübingen
- Technical University of Munich
- University of Mannheim
Do you have questions about studying in Germany? Contact the experts at the IISC Institute – we offer comprehensive support for visa issuance and application to the university of your choice.
Also, you can contact us if you are interested in a German language course or getting a German telc certificate.
15-07-2024