At last count, there were nearly 250,000 international students enrolled in German universities, accounting for over 10 per cent of the country’s total student population. Indeed, it is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. This is due, no doubt, to its plethora of world-class universities. 

There are an impressive 42 German universities in the top 500 of the 2016 QS World University Rankings®, 15 of which make the top 200. These high-quality institutions are made even more appealing by the low cost of tuition, which will cost you no more than €250 a semester and, in some regions, nothing (universities are administered by regional rather than federal authorities). 

Internationalisation is a big priority for a lot of German universities, so as well as a warm welcome, you’ll find support groups, programmes, and events for international students in place. Another major consequence of this drive towards internationalisation is the alignment of the structure of German higher education with the rest of post-Bologna Declaration Europe. You’ll find bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes of the same length and weight as you would almost anywhere else. 

There are three types of German higher education institutions. The first are known simply as technical universities or universities.” These are largely multi-disciplinary, research-focused establishments. Next are Fachhochschulen and Hochschulen (universities of applied sciences), which are focused on preparing students for workplaces that require specific skills and knowledge. Courses at these establishments will often feature practical elements or internships. The third category, colleges of arts, film, or music, are more inclined towards creative vocations and often have special admission requirements, such as aptitude tests. 

Though a range of courses are taught in English, particularly at the graduate level, the majority are conducted in German. Most universities offer intensive courses, and there are options, such as Goethe institutes and the TestDaF, that allow you to arrive prepared. Socially, though many Germans speak very good English. 

QUICK FACTS 

• Name: Germany Federal Republic of Germany 
• Capital City: Berlin (3,440,441 pop.) (4,429,847 metro) 
• Germany Population: 81,147,265 (2013 est.) 
• Ethnicity: German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, and other 6.1% (made up largely of Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, and Spanish) 
• GDP per capital: $39,100 (2012 EST). 
• Language: German 
• Religion: Protestants 34%, Roman Catholics 34%, Muslims 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3% 

Why Study In Germany? 

• a safe country to live and study in 
• World-class degrees are recognised around the world. 
• Diverse range of study opportunities 
• 17,500 degree programmes are offered. 
• Scientifically oriented study in a wide range of disciplines. 
• Lowest tuition fees 
• Affordable living expenses 
• An ample number of scholarships are on offer. 

Education System

Higher education in Germany is divided into universities, universities of ‘Applied Sciences, and colleges of art and music. The entire system in Germany totals nearly 400 higher education institutions, with roughly 120 universities. 

• 189 universities of public administrative sciences and 50 art colleges 

Cost Of Study: €500 per semester 

FOR THE FIRST YEAR, THE LIVING COST IS 8640 EUROS. 

Intakes

• April /October 

Work Rights And Stay Back

• 240 days part-time or 120 days full-time in a year. Students can work for more hours, subject to approval from foreign authorities. 
• 18-month residence permit 
• Authorization to work 20 hours per week 

Entry Requirements 

Overall GPA: 2.75 MASTERS 15 and 16 years of education with 75% or 2.75 GPA 

• IELTS: 6.5 overall or TOEFL: 85 points (IBT) 

• MBAIELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL: 85 points (IBT) 
• Work Experience: 2–3 – 3 years at the managerial level GMAT 550 (exceptionally required)