Higher education in Germany universities and other institutions are world-class and it’s globally accepted certifications coupled with the well-equipped technology and enhanced teaching methods, the universities in Germany offers a wide range of course for undergraduates, masters and other postgraduate degrees. Germany’s higher education is almost free because of the no tuition fees of some of its public universities in about 16 states of the country. International students are also exempted from the no tuition fees if enrolled in any of the public universities in Germany although, other administrative fees which are to be paid each year or session are still to be taken care of by the students.
The no tuition fees or low tuition fees together with Germany been a safe country allows for more international students outside the European countries to choose Germany as a study destination for their graduate studies. Aside from all of these, one would feel that since Germany is not an English speaking country, as an international student you have to learn the language first before studying in any of its institutions, but that is not the case here because there is a wide range of English taught courses and degrees which are offered in these German universities and this allows for ease of study for international students who are from English speaking countries.
The German universities are distinctively categorized into four parts, and this allows students to understand what they want, the type of degree they which to obtain, and also the necessary steps and information needed for applying for their chosen course of study. These institutions are; Research-based universities, Technical universities, the College of Arts, Film and Music and the University of Applied Science. Each of these institutions has specific requirements when applying for their courses and it is better to find out more information in your host university.
10 Things to Know Before Applying For a Masters Degree in Germany
If you wish to study in Germany for your master’s degree, there are a lot of things to put into consideration. It is best to gather enough information about the country you wish to study in and understand how the system works so as to get a smooth stay. Germany is generally a safe country that possesses little or no threat to foreigners; also the no tuition by some of the country’s public universities makes Germany stand out among international students and so a lot of international students come into the country each year to study. In this article, we have tried to compile a list of the top 10 things to know before you apply for a master’s degree in Germany.
Affordable tuition: in Germany, most of its states do not allow students to pay the university tuition fee. Although this is mainly accepted in the public universities in some states of the country and other privately owned universities require the payment of tuition fees from their students. This no tuition fee payment is not only for the German citizens but also for international students and now are only required to pay administrative fees. This makes studying for any degree in German public universities very affordable and it, in turn, attracts students from all over the world.
Language test: in German universities, the courses are taught in both English and German languages, and so as an international student, it is mandatory to show your proof of any of these language proficiencies before you can be allowed to study in the country. The common language test for German is the DHS and TestDaF while for English language the common and accepted tests are TOELF and IELTS. Only students from English speaking countries like the United Kingdom are not allowed to show any proof of their language proficiency.
The German student visa: this is one of the important parts of studying abroad. For you to gain entry into Germany, you need a student visa which would be issued from your home country. The German student visa requirements are usually different from one country to another and so it is necessary to check up the visa requirements as specified to your home country before you begin the application.
Cost of living and studying in Germany: when planning to move abroad for studies, it is important to consider and budget your living expenses while you study and this is not different from studying in Germany. The only difference here is that there is no payment of tuition fees in public universities except in the privately-owned institutions. Other costs of living which you are required to put into your monthly budget may include; transportation, university administrative fees, health insurance, books, food, and accommodation.
Familiarize yourself with the master’s programs available: studying for a master’s degree in Germany is divided into sections of the consecutive and non-consecutive. The non-consecutive master’s degree is focused on applicants who have a bachelor’s degree coupled with relevant work experience in the related field while, for the consecutive master’s degree, the applicants are just mainly those with an undergraduate degree and not necessarily having work experience. As you aspire to study for your graduate degree in Germany, it is best to familiarize yourself with these certain things and the requirements too.
The German language: while the universities in Germany may have English taught courses, it is better as an international student to familiarize yourself with the German language. This is a wonderful language and it is said to be easy for anybody to learn the language. Not only is it good to learn German as a means of communication with the locals but it will also create paths in getting good jobs if you decide to stay back and work in Germany upon graduation.
Get health insurance: for any foreign students studying in Germany, you will have to get health insurance which would cover your health expenses while in the country. For other students who are either German citizens or from other EU countries may not be required to get health insurance since they would be placed under the European health insurance system.
Organize your finances: before studying abroad, finance is one of the major things to set aside and it is also mandatory to have your finance ready before you travel. Germany requires its foreign students to have about €10,332 as their financial proof of living and studying in the country before you can be granted entry. The government of Germany also provides scholarships and various support grants to help its students with their living expenses.
Choosing the right universities that offer master’s degrees: in Germany, there are four distinct types of universities and they are categorized into; university of applied science, technical universities, research universities and College of Arts, Film and Music. Now, as an aspiring foreign student whose focus is on academics and wants to obtain a degree that can be more efficient in an academic way, it is better to choose research or technical university. Also, if you are interested in picking a more professional course, then the University of Applied Science is a sure bet. For students who are more involved in artistic talents, the College of Arts, Film and Music is a good place to start up such a career.
Safe environment: Germany is known as one of the countries of the world that is very safe to study by international students. The crime rate is very low also in this country and there are no attacks of racism on foreigners. Germany is definitely an ideal study destination which comes with a lot of positive results.
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Required Documents For International Students Application
To qualify for a master degree study in Germany, there are some basic requirements which the student is supposed to provide. Although these documents and requirements vary from country, institution, or course of study and so it is important you read through the guidelines of the host institution for guidelines specific to your course or home country. Here below are listed some of the general requirements and documents which would be provided by the student upon admission.
A university undergraduate degree is very important for any aspiring master’s degree student who wishes to study in Germany.
Transcripts and other certificates of education or diploma.
A student’s curriculum vitae or resume can sometimes be required by the institution before the admission process is been granted. Therefore, it is important to update your CV with as many academic achievements or work experience in a relevant field which may help to boost your admission process.
Proof of language proficiency is important to show the language skills of the student whether in English language or German.
A resident permit or visa will be required from the student before you can be granted entry into the country to study.
A motivation letter may be required of the prospective student, and this may contain reasons why the student wants to study in the country or the chosen university.
The no tuition fees of the public-owned universities in Germany make it a top destination for foreign students. Also, Germany is very welcoming and safe for foreigners and a lot of things are open to explore and enjoy. The general cost of living in the country is very affordable and sometimes, students are given a discount on transportation or at a store. With its serene environment filled with great culture and people, Germany welcomes many international students not only from European Union countries but also others from different parts of the world.