After Graduation in Germany

What are requirements for studying in Germany in order to obtain Master’s degree? Are you intended to continue your education in Germany? Do you know about requirements of study in Germany? How is higher education system in Germany? Is studying in Germany internationally accredited? How are education requirements in bachelor level? How do they change in PhD level? How much does it cost to study in Germany? How long does it take to study in Germany? Is it possible to take someone as dependant during study in Germany? Does studying in Germany lead to gaining permanent residency of Germany? This article provides useful information about studying in Germany. This article belongs to MIE Counseling Institute.

Germany is one of the main destinations for international students to continue their education; it is because Germany benefits from having the most valid European universities with high scientific ranks in global ranking, free education, dynamic economy and very suitable job market.

Germany educational structure

Children, in Germany, may attend in nursery school since they are three years old. Then, elementary level will begin from 6 years old and it will continue for 4 years. Afterwards students will study in two 6 and two years’ courses in high schools. General course of high school provides general education for students and since 10^th grade, students who are willing to study in university will pass pre-university course which will take long two years. Education is mandatory and free in elementary and high school levels.

Education in Germany universities in German language is free and just university registration fee will be paid; this fee for students who are members of European union is 380 Euros and citizens of other countries  are obliged to pay 760 Euros for each academic semester. Non-German students, in order to study in Germany, should submit evidences indicating their mastery in German language (level B2).

Higher education in Germany is divided to 3 degrees: Bachelor degree (4 years), Masters’ degree (2 years), and PhD (3-5 years). Academic semester of German universities begins since September (in some universities January courses are presented, too). Students, besides submitting level 2 German language certificates, should prove that they have financial ability to pay their life and academic expenses (in case they are studying in private universities that charge fees) for one year.  Furthermore, students should translate their birth certificate, academic degrees, official transcript and other required documents and confirm it in Germany Embassy. If their German level is B1, students may improve their level of language in German language colleges before being admitted in university.

Higher education Institutes in Germany are divided in several classes:

• University
• Universities with more emphasis on applied and theoretical sciences
• Business administration colleges
• Technical& vocational Institutes
• Music and arts colleges
• Teacher education colleges
• Physical education college

Bachelor degree

Bachelor degree in Germany is offered for four years and in German language; hence, those interested in education in bachelor degree should have level B2 German language certificate. Furthermore, having diploma and pre-university certificates with average higher than 14, are other requirements for being admitted in German universities in bachelor degree. In this course, students are allowed to work 10 hours a week. Income level in Germany is equal to 8-10 Euros for an hour.

Masters’ degree

Masters’ degree in Germany requires 2 years of study. Students interested in studying in Germany in Masters’ degree should provide their bachelor degree in related major. In some cases, eligibility of bachelor degree gained from abroad universities may not be recognized; in this case, student is not permitted to study in masters’ degree. Masters’ degree in Germany is held in German language; hence, having level B2 German language certificate is required. In limited universities and majors, Masters Degree course is held in English; in this case having academic IELTS with 6.5 score is required. Education in English language is allowed in private universities with paying fees. Masters degree students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week.

PhD degree

PhD degree in Germany is variable, between 3 and 5 years, based on PhD major. Considering that in some majors, especially technical and engineering majors, PhD courses are offered in English language, having academic IELTS with 7 score is enough and certificate in German language for these majors is not required. In the case that PhD course is offered in German language it is necessary to have B2 level German language certificate. PhD course is research oriented and students are obliged to deliver class 1 investigatory (research) thesis. So, students willing to apply for PhD degree in Germany, besides having high average and gaining Masters Degree certificate related to PhD course from reputable universities, should initially find an advising professor for supporting their PhD thesis and gain their confirmation to introduce to university. PhD degree students are allowed to work 30 hours a week and may earn 8-10 Euros for an hour of work. Furthermore, it is possible to gain academic scholarship in PhD level, but due to intensive competition among foreign students, gaining academic scholarship is difficult.

Costs of education

Universities in Germany are free, so no tuition is charged for public universities, but living costs (eating and dormitory) in Germany, compared to other European countries, is moderate and about 800 Euros monthly.

Residence after completion of study

Students, after finishing their study, have maximum 18 months time to find a job proportionate to their field of study. For this purpose, they should register their residence application in Bureau for Aliens.

Family members’ joining requisitions (requirements)

In Germany, when academic visa is issued initially, the student’s family members (spouse and children under 18 years of age) are not allowed to join him, but after registration and attendance in university, they are permitted to join the student.

This article is composed for you, sincere companions of MIE Counseling Institute, in the case of study in Germany and in order to be acquainted with requirements of study in Germany to gain bachelor, masters’ and PhD degrees, duration of higher education courses in Germany, costs of study, and employment during study, family members joining, in order to choose Germany with confidence and full awareness for passing your higher education courses.

Living and study costs in Germany