Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Universities in Germany
Universities in Germany
Advantages
Disadvantages
List of universities
types of Universities:
There are mainly the following types of universities in Germany:
1. Technical Universities
2. University of Applied Sciences (FH)
3. College of Music, Arts and Films
4. Private Universities
5. International Universities
Technical Universites
International universities
● University of Bremen
● Jacobs University Bremen
● University of Flensburg
● University of Göttingen
● University of Greifswald
● University of Hamburg
● Helmut Schmidt University (University of the Bundeswehr, Hamburg)
● University of Hannover
● University of Hildesheim
● University of Kiel
● University of Lübeck
● University of Lüneburg
● University of Oldenburg
● University of Osnabrück
● University of Rostock
● University of Vechta
● University of Bielefeld
● Ruhr University Bochum
● University of Bonn
● University of Cologne
● University of Duisburg-Essen
● University of Düsseldorf
● University of Frankfurt am Main
● University of Giessen
● Fernuniversität Hagen
● University of Kassel
● University of Koblenz
● University of Mainz
● University of Marburg
● University of Münster
● University of Paderborn
● Saarland University
● University of Trier
● University of Siegen
● German University of Administrative Sciences Speyer
● Witten/Herdecke University
● University of Wuppertal
● Freie Universität Berlin
● Humboldt University of Berlin
● University of Erfurt
● Viadrina University
● University of Halle-Wittenberg
● Technical University of Ilmenau
● University of Jena
● University of Leipzig
● University of Magdeburg
● University of Potsdam
● University of Weimar
● University of Augsburg
● University of Bamberg
● University of Bayreuth
● Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
● University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
● University of Freiburg
● Zeppelin University (Friedrichshafen)
● University of Heidelberg
● University of Hohenheim
● University of Karlsruhe
● University of Konstanz
● University of Ravensburg Weingarten
● University of Mannheim
● Bundeswehr University of Munich
● University of Munich
● University of Passau
● University of Regensburg
● University of Stuttgart
● University of Tübingen
● University of Ulm
● University of Würzburg
1. Gather information
2. Decide on program to undertake
3. Shortlist universities
4. Prepare required documents: Letter of Intent, Letters of Recommendation, Resume, Official
academic transcripts.
5. Apply to Universities
Timeline
For a winter intake i.e. September/October:
1. Peers/Friends/Relatives
2. Any random personality you met in a conference
3. Parents
Note:
1. It would be great if you can get a LoR from a Math Professor if you are applying for a
Financial Engineering course.
2. Make sure that you are on good terms with your recommenders. If not, then try improving
them. Learn Buttering. Don’t force your teachers to write good about you (if you succeed,
lucky you). Always remember, they are doing a favor to you.
Having said all this about LoR some universities don’t need LoR. Make sure university you are
applying needs you to submit LoR.
When applying for a graduate programme leading to Master’s degree in Germany, applicants are
requested to submit a letter of motivation (sometimes also called “statement of purpose”). These
letters of motivation play an important role in the selection process. A SoP/LoM is a document which
shows your passion, clarity of thoughts, dedication, inspiration, and most importantly, uniqueness.
1. Don’t boast about your achievements, especially marks. Put it in a subtle way. Write more on
how that particular achievement helped you and spurred you on.
2. Language is an important parameter so you should avoid using slangs (Yeah!, Chuck, etc.).
Also avoid using short form for words like you, are, etc. Keep your vocabulary in control
though. Don’t refrain yourself from using nice GRE words. Make sure that the usage of the
word makes sense.
3. We love copy-pasting but, this is not the place. You can take an idea, but it would be
appreciative that you make it as unique as possible.
4. Your SoP/LoM shouldn’t highlight your interest in working in an MNC or earning heavily. It
should hit your goals and targets. It should be inclined towards your interest in the course
and the respective university.
5. Don’t make it too long and boring on a particular topic. Understand that a reader is a man
and not a computer.
6. Make sure you keep your SoP/LoM in a safe locker. Don’t share your SoP/LoM or the idea of
it with anyone. The people reading your SoP/LoM are experts and will surely be able to
identify copied SOPs/LoMs.
Expenses (Tuition)
Education is generally subsidized by the state and hence state funded institutes charge no tuition
fee to about Euro 4000 per semester. This is as good as every student looking to pursue an advance
education in Germany is awarded a scholarship. Though certain programs offered by private
universities require the student to provide tuition expenses, which may range from Euro 5000-
30,000 for the entire course.
A nominal fee (semester contribution) of Euro 50 to 250 (or maybe higher) is to be paid per semester
for the services and benefits provided by the university like books, bus pass, train pass, etc.
Expenses (Living)
Students can cover up for the living expenses by working part time on-campus. Indian students are
allowed to work 20-hours/week part-time during their studies in Germany.
Germany’s higher education institutions enjoy an excellent reputation. Teaching and research provide key impulses
for innovation and progress. German universities combine research and studies and have been the scene for ground-
breaking discoveries such as the printing press, computer and mp3 that have become inseparable parts of our
modern lives.
Every year, thousands of international students and scholars choose to study in Germany. There are very good
reasons for this. These include among others International Programmes taught in English medium, excellent quality
of education, no tuition fees, promising career opportunities and above all the vibrant social and cultural milieu.
There are various kinds of institutions of higher education in Germany. A majority of these belong to either of the
following categories:
Universities (including Universities of Technology, abbr. TU) are research-oriented and offer a wide variety of
subjects. These can award doctorate degrees.
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen, abbr. FH), on the other hand, are practice-oriented and offer
courses mainly in engineering, business administration, social sciences and design. These have strong links to the
industry and offer possibilities like joint supervision of the professor and a company for a master thesis.
Fachhochschulen do not award doctorate degrees, however as a master degree holder from a Fachhochschule, one
is in principle eligible to apply for PhD at a university.
Your interest and inclination should define which of the two kinds of institutions you choose!
In Germany, every university is autonomous. This means that every university / study programme has its own set of
criteria for admitting students. So please check the university website, and specifically the programe you are
interested in to find out the exact admission requirements.
Some generalisation is, however, possible and one can say that as a four-year Bachelor degree holder from
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal or Sri Lanka, your degree is treated at par with a German bachelor degree and
most universities will consider you eligible for masters provided you fulfill other criteria. In case you have a three-year
Bachelor degree, do get in touch with course coordinator before applying.
Some universities may ask for your TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT scores, depending upon the subject you choose to
study. For example, GMAT may be asked for if you want to study economics or law. Universities will ask for very
good German language skills in case you want to take up a programme in German medium. In such case, your
knowledge of German needs to be certified through examinations like the TestDaF or DSH.
October-November
▪ Collect general information from the DAAD, internet and brochures.
▪ Attend information sessions at the DAAD closer to you! We have our offices
in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Dhaka.
Or attend internet-based seminars (webinars) organized by the DAAD.
Details about all information events are available here.
January - March
▪ Contact the selected university. This will be your most important source of information as far as exact details
about eligibility, course duration, fee, application procedure etc. are concerned.
▪ Check the application deadline for courses chosen!
March - June
▪ Send the application packet.
The website of the course / university you have chosen will carry details about application procedure to be
followed. Accordingly, send your application either to the university or to UNI-ASSIST.
UNI-ASSIST is a body that accepts your application, screens it and forwards it to its member universities of
your choice against payment. Member universities of UNI-ASSIST often do not entertain direct applications.
So please check well before you send in your papers.
▪ If you have chosen a university that is not a member of UNI-ASSIST, send your application directly.
Application forms and other relevant material can be downloaded from the internet.
▪ Make sure you have a valid passport!
July
▪ Apply for a student visa as soon as you have the admission letter, as the procedure can take around two
months. The German Embassy and the Consulates require proof of funding for the first year of studies. To
find out where you should apply for a visa, the website of the German Embassy in your country.
▪ Apply for a place in a hostel. In some cases the International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) of the
university will help you.
September - October
▪ Arrive in Germany at least a week before your course begins.
▪ Contact the International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) of your university for guidance.
October - December
▪ Get your residence permit within the first three months of your stay in Germany from the Foreigners'
Registration Office (Auslaenderamt).
As you can make out, this timeline refers to courses beginning with the winter semester (October – March). In case
you find a course that begins with the summer semester (April – September), just calculate the months accordingly
and proceed!
Here we would like to reiterate that you should necessarily check the websites of / contact the organisations
mentioned above for specifics.
As you have already read, Germany offers numerous International Programmes with English as the sole or primary
medium of instruction. But as a student in Germany, your life will not be limited to the university campus. You will
surely want to interact with people, do your internships, travel through the country-side and make the best of your
time there. This is where knowledge of German will present a great advantage!
Universities offer beginner and well as advanced level courses where you can learn German. You can also start
learning the language while you are still in your home country at the Goethe-Instituts (Max-Mueller Bhavan) / Goethe-
Zentrums.
In Germany, education is subsidized by the state and therefore state-funded institutions of higher education
charge no tuition fee. Thus, in Germany virtually every student gets a scholarship! Ceryain specialised
courses and courses offered by private universities can attract fees.
You will need to pay semester contribution of around Euro 50 to 250, depending upon the university and the
services or benefits provided. For certain special courses you may need to pay higher fees.
Apart from the tuition fees, if any, you will require about Euro 670 per month for subsistence i.e. housing, food,
clothing, study material and other expenses such as health insurance and leisure activities. This amount can vary
from city to city, and of course from lifestyle to lifestyle!
Funding in Germany is available in principle for research and in some cases at the master level. Check Scholarship &
Funding for current offers by DAAD. To get a comprehensive overview of various funding possibilities, click here.
As an international student, you are permitted to work for 120 full days or 240 half days in a year. This will
help you in getting a bit of extra pocket-money! After completing your degree in Germany, you can stay on in the
country for up to 18 months to look for a job that is in keeping with your education. Once you find a job, the
residence permit issued to you for the purpose of studying, can be converted into a residence permit for taking gainful
employment. Germany has always had a very strong industry-academia linkage. A lot of scientific research is funded
by the industry as well. During your studies you can get the opportunity to do internships with German companies,
which can open new vistas for your professional career.
If you want to know more about universities and student life or read what other international students have to say
about Germany, check out the DAAD Young Ambassadors page
Notes.© Pixabay
There are a number of ways to show that you can finance your studies. The following
forms of proof are possible:
● Your parents can submit documents certifying their income and financial assets.
● Someone with permanent residence in Germany can guarantee the Alien Registration
Office to cover your expenses.
● A security payment can be deposited into a blocked account.
● You can present a bank guarantee.
● You can present a scholarship award notification from a recognised scholarship provider.
Make sure to inquire at the German embassy in your country as to which form of
financial proof is required!
PART-TIME JOB
If you would like to work in Germany, there are certain rules you have to observe as an
international student. A part-time job can provide some extra spending money, but it
won’t earn you enough to cover all your living expenses.
● Part-time job
● Cost of living
TIPS FOR OPENING A BLOCKED ACCOUNT
Many international students use a blocked account to finance their studies in Germany.
It’s called a “blocked account” because the money deposited into the account cannot be
withdrawn until you have arrived in Germany.
It is relatively easy to open a blocked account. There are a few points you should
remember:
You can open a blocked account at the “Deutsche Bank” or the "Fintiba", for example. It
usually takes just a week for the paperwork to be processed. It can take much longer,
however, when the semester begins. That’s why we recommend completing the
application for a blocked account well in advance. To obtain an application, send an e-
mail to the Deutsche Bank at db.student@db.com or open an online account on
the Fintiba website.
The next step is to have the completed forms and a copy of your passport certified by a
German consulate general or the German embassy in your country. Only then should
you send your documents to the Deutsche Bank. Please note: Do not send your
documents as attached scans by e-mail or by fax; the bank only accepts originals.
Deutsche Bank Privat und Geschäftskunden AG
Service Center Hamburg / Ausländische Studenten
Alter Wall 53
20457 Hamburg
Deutschland/Germany
If your documents are in order, the bank sets up a blocked account for you. This costs a
one-time fee of 50-150 euros. As soon as your account is ready, you have to deposit at
least 8,700 euros into it.
4. Withdraw money
Once you’ve arrived in Germany, you should make an appointment in a branch office of
your bank. (It doesn’t have to be the “Deutsche Bank” – there are various banks in
Germany, e.g. “Sparkasse” or “Volksbank”.) The bank officer will help you get an EC
card, with which you can withdraw money from cash machines, and provide you with
your login data for online banking.
REQUIREMENTS
According to the president of the TU9 programme Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ernst Michael
Schmachtenberg, “engineers should feel inspired by the notion that it’s possible to make
everything better. I think curiosity is crucial. Also a certain amount of impatience and
the willingness to question the status quo. But above all, prospective engineers should
enjoy solving technical problems by themselves.”
DEGREE PROGRAMMES
SELF-ASSESSMENT
With the aid of the “TU9 SelfAssessment international”, you can find out whether you
are an ideal candidate for an Engineering programme. The test introduces you to the
demands of technical degree programmes (particularly at TU9 universities) and shows
you where your strengths and weaknesses lie. It is comprised of various tasks which
evaluate mathematical and logical problem-solving skills, supplemented by
questionnaires on your academic motivation and commitment. There’s also a short
German test. The “TU9 SelfAssessment international” is free of charge.
CAREER PROSPECTS
● Submit your application early enough! Visa processing can take several months and you
won’t be able to enter the country without a valid visa.
● Apply for the correct visa! Tourist and language course visas cannot be converted into a
student visa. With the wrong visa, you will be forced to leave the country at some point and
apply for the correct visa at home.
● Schedule your trip to Germany so that you have sufficient time to enrol at your university
and take care of the administrative obligations. Enrolment is a prerequisite for obtaining the
“residence permit for purposes of study”.
● Make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay! If your passport expires while you
are in Germany, you will have to return to your home country and extend the validity of your
passport there.
To enter the country, you will most likely need a visa, which you can apply for before
your trip at a German diplomatic mission in your home country. There are exceptions
for specific countries, depending on the duration and purpose of your trip.
Visit the website of the German Federal Foreign Office for the latest visa
requirements for all countries.
The German embassy or consulate in your home country will provide more information
about all visa application matters. You can find the addresses of all German diplomatic
missions on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.
The type of visa you need depends on whether you have already received your
notification of admission from a German university. (Do not enter the country as a
tourist! A tourist visa cannot be converted to a student visa or student applicant visa!)
This three-month visa allows you to meet the requirements for admission to a German
university. If you find that three months is not long enough, you may extend your visa to
a maximum of six months. If you are admitted to the university or foundation course
within this period, you may apply for a student visa.
You can obtain a complete list of documents required for a visa application from your
German diplomatic mission in your home country. Normally, you are asked to present:
You have to apply for a residence permit at the Alien Registration Office in your
university town within your first three months in Germany.
Make sure to take the following documents with you when you apply:
You initially receive a two-year residence permit which can be extended if necessary.
The approval of an extension depends on whether your studies have proceeded
“properly” (i.e. you are keeping within thestandard period of study for your degree
programme). You have to present a letter of confirmation to this effect from your
university. And remember: You must apply for an extension before your residence
permit expires!
MORE INFORMATION
The number of Indian students in Germany has more than doubled in the past five years
Indians form the 2nd largest group of international students enrolled at German universities
Germany is the 2nd most productive partner in collaborative research with India in S&T research**
Scholarships for individuals Students Research scholars Academicians and scientists Alumni
Project & cooperation based programmes Higher education institutions Research institutions
Admission requirement