Information

The German university system is one of the oldest in the world and has set the standard for higher education in many countries. The degrees awarded by German universities are highly regarded and recognized throughout the world by employers and academic institutions. The German higher degree, the doctorate, is equivalent to any in the world.

German universities have been the scene of many groundbreaking discoveries, gaining them international renown. Modern German universities also combine theoretical work with its practical application. They both educate and train - basic research is augmented by applied research. Interdisciplinary cooperation is common, and many learning institutions cooperate closely with multinational firms and with research institutes in Germany and abroad. In the end, this increases graduates' chances on the job market.

Benefits in Germany

Germany has much to offer as a place to study - courses geared to international needs, internationally recognized qualifications such as Bachelor and Master, a credit system which allows the accumulation and transfer of study and exam modules.

German institutions of higher education are characterized by the quality and diversity of courses on offer. They combine established university traditions with modern facilities, research and teaching

The country and the people

The Federal Republic of Germany is located in the heart of Europe, linking the west with the east, the north with the south. The most densely populated country in Europe; Germany has been flanked by nine neighboring states since the unification of the two German states in 1990. An integral part of the European Union and NATO, Germany is a partner to the central and eastern European states that are en route to becoming part of a united Europe.

Foreign policy

In the early days of the 21st century Germany is actively engaged in securing peace, safeguarding human rights and combating terrorism around the world. Germany supports a system of global cooperative security within the framework of the United Nations, and in light of the historic expansion of the EU through 2004 now finds itself at the center of a union of neighbors closely interconnected by friendship as well as political and economic ties.

The Economy

Ranking third in terms of total economic output, Germany is one of the world’s leading nations. With regard to world trade it places second. The country continues to be an attractive market for foreign investors, offering a superbly developed infrastructure and a highly motivated, qualified work force. Top-notch research and development projects are additional hallmarks of the country.

The State, the Legal System and the Citizens

The Federal Republic of Germany is a democratic and socially responsible federal country. The nationwide constitutional order of the Basic Law is expressed in the country’s constitutional bodies, in the country's federalism, in the legal order and in the electoral system. These determine not only everyday political routine, but also the lives of the people in Germany.

Education, Science, & Research

Germany is a country which highly values education and vocational training, research and the sciences. The country has produced Nobel Prize winners, high-level scientific work is undertaken here, international projects are promoted, and students from all over the world study here.

Society and Culture

Open-minded, modern and tolerant – these are the hallmarks of German society at the beginning of the 21st century. For the vast majority of people, the family still forms the nucleus of their lives, yet the forms people choose for living together has become far more numerous. Supported by consistent measures by the state to ensure equality, there has been a change in the interpretation of the roles men and women play.

Entry Requirement

Academic Background

A student aspiring to study in Germany should possess an above average or at least average academic record. All qualifications are assessed by relevant institutions to ascertain whether the student is eligible to be admitted into a certain course.

Masters Programme in Germany

Duration would be 1.5 years to 2 yrs

Courses are entirely taught in English

German Immigration Law allows a student to stay for one full year to search for jobs after completion of studies

Master courses are as follows

MS in Mechanical (GRE Mandatory for automotive)

• Mechatronics
• CAD / CAM
• Automobile / Automotive
• Production Engineering
• Computational Mechanics

MS in Electronics & Communication

• Communication & Information
• VLSI
• Embedded Design
• Digital or Analog Circuit Design
• Digital Signal Processing

MS in Computer Science

• Networking
• Information Technology
• Software technology
• Computational Engineering
• Database Management
• SAP

MS in Biotechnology

• Biotech
• Biomedical
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular Biology

MS in Electrical

• Power Engineering
• Circuit Engineering
• Machine Design

Language Proficiency

Since the medium of instruction in most German institutions is English, proficiency in German language is not a necessary criterion for admission decisions to be made. However, a student is expected to show his proficiency in the German language for better living. It is imperative that students have at least a basic knowledge of German.

Duration-admission

German universities have 2 intakes

Summer intake starts from March - Results will be known on or before Feb 15th

Winter intake starts from September - Results will be known on or before July 15th

Minimum time required for admission to universities in Germany is 5 to 6 months earlier to the semester begins.

Part time Jobs

Student can work 20hours a week

Students can work either within the campus or outside campus without any work permit.

Jobs after Studies

Best place to get a job after studies is job fairs

Students can rapport with professor that is also an important to get a job

After getting a job students can change the visa status and also start preparing for permanent residence status

Accommodation services at the university

The student services organizations (Studentenwerke) and the student unions (AStA/UstA) at some higher education institutions run student accommodation services which arrange private rooms. Students get the addresses of several landlords/landladies who have rooms available. The chances of getting a room are good, because each address is only given to three students per day

TOEFL/IELTS/Graduate Admissions Tests

Universities that offer International degree programs in English might expect a TOEFL/IELTS score, some of the Management schools may ask for a GMAT score. Even in schools where it is not asked, a student with a GMAT score will be given preference over one who has not given the test, provided the score is a good one. GRE is required for only masters in automotive engineering. Some computer science and information technology program also require GRE, But a students can get admission without GRE and GMAT

TOEFL minimum score of 86
IELTS Band of 6.5
GRE minimum score of 1000
GMAT minimum score of 550

List of Documents

• Marks Sheet of 10th 12th and Degree attested
• Degree Certificate attested
• 2 Recommendation letter from (HOD, Project Guide) in covers which are attested
• Statement of purpose (Why Germany)
• TOEFL & IELTS
• GRE (Not Mandatory)
• German Language Certificate (Not Mandatory)
• Photograph 10 Nos
• Resume
• Project Details
• Work Experience (If any)
• Sport Activities (If any)
• Passport copy

Procedure

It is prudent to start well in advance, as the procedure is a long one. A student should also enroll into a German language program as soon as he decides to pursue higher education in Germany. The doors of a university are open to a student only after he proves that he's entitled to be admitted to an institution of higher education. This is good for those whose educational qualifications or certificates are recognized as equivalent to those in Germany. If this is not the case, the student must undergo an eligibility test. In this case, each Federal State lays down the decisive criteria for evaluation of foreign qualifications required for admission. The preparatory institutions attached to the institutions of higher education are responsible for preparing students to take the eligibility test

Academic Credentials

Certified copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificates. If the certificates are in a language other than English, German, or French, you are expected to send official English or German translations of the certificates

Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose

Most universities may ask you to send an essay or personal statement. This should include the reasons for you wishing to pursue a particular course in Germany, and specifically in that particular university. Your essay is assessed not only for its content but also for your clarity of thought, your language ability, your goals, and other relevant things

Recommendations

Recommendations are expected to be from your professors, lecturers or employers. A lot of weightage is given to the letters of recommendations in making the admission decision. Some universities send their own recommendation forms with ratings, while others may expect them on official letterheads. The recommendation letters have to be sealed and the person recommending you should sign on the cover.

What is a Student Visa?

Any international student who intends to undertake full-time study in a course at a registered institution of higher education in Germany needs to obtain a Student Visa. The Visa, which is granted initially for a period of up to three months by the German Embassy/Consulates General, permits the holder to enter Germany. However, it will be extended by the competent Foreigners' Registration Office ('Auslanderbehorde') when the student duly registers himself/herself within the first three months of his/her stay in Germany. The extension is done for one year at a time, up to the duration of the course. A Student Visa is valid for multiple entries.

VISA PROCESSING

Students should utilize the VFS and submit the application and the interview date will be schedule in. After the interview the visa application form is completed. They will be sent by the visa section to the competent German authority ('Auslanderbehorde') for final approval. Obtaining this final approval may take up to three/four weeks. Only after completion of this procedure the Student Visa will be issued.

The following documents have to be submitted:

• A passport with a minimum validity of 12 months
• Two duly filled and signed application forms for long-term visa (available free of charge at the Consulate General or can be downloaded)
• Declaration of Genuineness of documents submitted
• Two identical photos need to be submitted out of which one is to be pasted on the application form; the second photo should be submitted loose. Photos have to meet the following requirements:
  » Only photos of a very high quality can be accepted
  » Photos should not have any stapler pin marks disfiguring the face or the background
  » Size of the photo 35 mm X 45 mm
  » Proportion of the head in the photo must be 70 - 80 % of the complete photo
  » Photos should have a light background
• Letter of admission from the German university
• Former academic certificates (degree certificates and mark sheets are required, course completion records are not sufficient)
• Proof of German language proficiency is required if course language (even partly) is German
• Proof of financial means to support the entire period of study e.g.
  » Confirmation of scholarship / grant to cover living expenses
  » an official sponsorship letter "Verpflichtungserklärung"
  » Own savings account which has been supported by a 12 months bank statement
  or
  » Term Deposit or
  » Financial guarantee from parents, supported by appropriate proof or
  » Proof of sold properties
  Please note that all bank documents have to contain a valid address and telephone number of the respective bank with the area code of the place.
  Students who will not get a scholarship or who cannot present an official sponsorship letter will have to show a demand draft for € 7,656 .- in his/her name at the time of issue of the visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1.Do I need to know German if I want to study in Germany?

Ans: International degree Program is entirely in English and a good command of English is absolutely necessary (TOEFL or IELTS with good score). Even if you decide to pursue a degree program in English, it is a good idea to work on your German for use in daily life etc.

Q2.How many higher education institutions are there in Germany?

Ans : Germany has more than 300 state-maintained and a number of privately-maintained higher education institutions.

Q3.How much will I have to pay for living expenses like food, rent etc. ?

Ans: Living expenses depend very much on the city you are living in. Bigger university cities like Munich or Hamburg are more expensive than smaller university cities like Oldenburg or Cottbus. You can expect living expenses of 550 Euro/month (Max). Living expenses in Germany in cheaper as compared to United States or United Kingdom. Many institutions in Germany offer student discounts for travel, newspaper subscriptions, banking etc.