Germany is a popular study abroad destination for good reason: overseas students pay the same tuition fees as local students, and many universities do not charge any tuition fees at all.
Some students may be discouraged by their lack of German language skills, but language barriers won’t pose much of an obstacle due to the growing prominence of English as the primary language for German university courses. However, if you aim to improve your German skills, there are plenty of classes offered in the national language.
German culture is distinctive and memorable, with globally famed events such as Oktoberfest and the Hurricane Festival drawing international crowds. Germany’s vivid and fascinating history can be seen in historic landmarks such as Neuschwanstein Castle and the Berlin Wall, which serves as a testament to Germany’s importance in global matters. You’ll be captivated by the unique beauty of different German cities, and the international environments of larger cities will ease your transition into local life - not to mention the vibrant nightlife found in German cities!
There are hundreds of universities across Germany, and over ten are ranked in the top 200 worldwide. No matter which city you choose for your studies, a rich culture and a good university await you.
Munich! The beer capital of the world. Of course, you can't miss the noted beer festival Oktoberfest, which lasts from late September to the first weekend of October. In 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12th October. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event, and Oktoberfest was born. Today, Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the world, with an international flavor characteristic of the 21th century: some 6 million visitors from all around the world converge on Oktoberfest each year.
History! Berlin is a must see for history buffs, especially those interested in the Second World War. The East Side Gallery, a 1.3 kilometer long symbol of freedom, is located in the center of Berlin. It consists of 105 paintings from different artists across the globe, and it is possibly the largest and longest-lasting open-air gallery in the world. The varied styles of painting in the East Side Gallery all show the some goal - the pursuit of change and the expression of euphoria as well as great hopes for a better and freer future for all of humanity.
Writer and literary critic Wolfgang Menzel described Germany as a nation of poets and philosophers. Over 94,300 books are published annually; Frankfurt Book Fair is the global publishing industry’s largest trade show. Literature aside, Germany is also famous for its vibrant art, theater, music and film scenes. People converge on Berlin in February to join the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival), where up to 400 films of all categories are screened. Aside from the aforementioned famous and popular cultural highlights, there are also many exciting cultural discoveries to be made throughout the various regions of Germany.
German cuisine varies from region to region. Southern Germany shares a culinary culture with Switzerland and Austria. Pork, beef, and poultry are the main varieties of meat consumed in Germany; pork tends to be the most popular. Throughout all regions, meat is often eaten in sausage form. More than 1,500 different types of sausage are produced in Germany.
As a country with many immigrants, Germany has adopted many international dishes into its cuisine and daily eating habits. Italian, Turkish and Arab dishes are popular, especially in bigger cities. Although German wine is becoming more popular in many parts of Germany, the national alcoholic drink is beer. German beer consumption per person is declining but—at 116 liters annually—it is still among the highest in the world.
The requirements to get a Germany student visa depend on your country of origin; there are quite different requirements for EU (including Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and non-EU students.
For EU students
For non-EU students
In order to get a residence permit, you will need to register at the Residents’ Registration Office, proof that you have health insurance, financial means, your passport (with visa if you need one) and a tenancy agreement to make sure that you have found somewhere to live. The residence permit will be valid for two years, after which time it must be renewed.
To apply for a visa, the list of documents that you will need is the same lists as that of a residence permit, but an additional requirement proof that you do not possess a criminal record and are free of certain diseases. The specific list will depend on the embassy.
By law, students studying in a state-recognized college or university in Germany must receive their health insurance to qualify their enrollment.
Choosing health insurance
There are two kinds of health insurance, compulsory/public and private. Until you are 30 years old or until your 14th term of study you must have compulsory health insurance. Private health insurance is allowed only in exceptional cases. (Please note: once you take out private health insurance you cannot revert to public health insurance!)
In most cases, the public health insurance is the more reasonably priced version, unless you are covered by your parents' private health insurance.
Recognition of foreign health insurance
With some countries, such as members of the European Union and the European Economic Area, Germany has a social security agreement. As long as you have public health insurance at home you can get this insurance coverage approved by a public health insurance company in Germany. However, make sure you clarify which documents you will need to take with you! For students this is usually a European health insurance card (EHIC).
Your insurance company will usually issue the EHIC free of charge.
It is possible that your insurance will not cover all costs in Germany. Before you enter the country make sure you know exactly what services you are entitled to in Germany. If you do not have health insurance at home, you still have to insure yourself in Germany - just like all other students.
Sometimes private health insurance from other countries may also be recognized in Germany. You should clarify the exact details with your insurance.
A German master's degree usually lasts two to four semesters, enabling you to expand or deepen the knowledge you’ve already gained. The prerequisite for gaining admission to a master’s degree program is your completion of a bachelor’s program (or an equivalent program). An undergraduate degree completed in another country is usually accepted as suitable admission to a master’s program in Germany, but specific requirements must be checked with the university.
Choosing where to study abroad is one of the most important and difficult decisions you will ever have to make, there are so many things to consider!
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