Understanding the Germany admission process is crucial for international students wanting to study abroad. Although it is a popular destination, international students often face similar questions like how to get admission in Germany or is it easy to get admission in Germany? The process generally involves choosing the right intake, and university, meeting eligibility requirements, submitting an application, and paying the tuition fee. But wait, there’s more to it. Feeling overwhelmed with the never-ending details? Worry no more. Here is a comprehensive blog with everything you need to know about the admission process in German universities for international students.
Particulars | Details |
Intakes in Germany | 1. Summer intake Starts- March-May Ends- July- August 2. Winter intake Starts- September-October Ends- February-March |
Popular Courses | Engineering, Architecture, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, Medicine and Healthcare |
Best Universities in Germany | Technical University of MunichLudwig Maximilian UniversityUniversity of HamburgRWTH Aachen UniversityFree University of BerlinTechnische Universität Berlin |
Language Tests to Study in Germany | TestAS (for undergraduate courses)DSH or TestDaF (for courses taught in German)IELTS or TOEFL scores (for courses in English)GMAT or GRE test scores (for Business schools) |
This Blog Includes:
Choosing the Right Intake for Admission in Germany
When applying to study in Germany, choosing the right intake is essential for planning your academic journey. Germany offers two primary intakes: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. Before moving on, it is important to understand that some courses may only be available in the Winter Semester. Therefore, always check specific course availability.
- Winter Intake- The Winter Semester in Germany typically begins in September/October and ends in February/March. It is the more popular intake, offering a wider range of courses and programs across various disciplines. Most international students prefer this intake as it provides more opportunities and seats, especially for highly sought-after programs.
- Summer Intake- The Summer Semester usually starts in March/May and ends in July/August. While it is less popular than the Winter Semester, it still offers valuable opportunities for students, though with a limited number of courses. It’s ideal for those who missed the Winter Intake or are applying for programs with specific summer availability.
Find your Course
Germany offers a wide range of courses that attract thousands of international students every year. In fact, as of the 2023/2024 academic year, Germany has 469,485 international students, accounting for approximately 16.7% of the total student population (source- Study in Germany). Similarly, thousands of programs are available for international students in English and German. With such a variety of choices, it’s important to research the best options that match your interests and career goals.
Here is a list of popular courses to study in Germany
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
- Humanities
- Architecture
- Business & Management
- Computer Science & IT
- Medicine and Healthcare
- Arts, Design & Architecture
- Social Sciences
- Law
- Natural Sciences
Several sources can help you find your ideal course to study in Germany. You can browse the DAAD website or visit the official website of your preferred universities to get more information.
Choose the Right University in Germany
The next step in Germany admission process for international students is choosing the right university. In this part, you need to consider various factors such as the location, tuition fees, course offerings, accreditation, and campus facilities. Moreover, it is also important to know that public universities in Germany offer free or low-cost education whereas private universities may charge higher fees. Here are the top universities in Germany for international students:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
- Heidelberg University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Freiburg
- University of Stuttgart
- Free University of Berlin
- University of Göttingen
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Do Check Out these blogs to learn more about universities in Germany for International Students:
Meet General Eligibility Requirements to Study in Germany
The general eligibility requirements to study in Gemany for Indian students and international students are different. Each program and university can have different requirements. Here are the general requirements to study in Germany for courses like MS, MBA, and Bachelor’s.
- Your school-leaving certificate should be equivalent to Germany’s Abitur or Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB).
- If your qualification doesn’t fully meet the requirements, you may need to attend Studienkolleg, a preparatory course, and pass Feststellungsprüfung (FSP).
- Non-EU students may need to take TestAS for undergraduate courses.
- For courses taught in German, proof of language proficiency is required (e.g., DSH or TestDaF).
- For courses in English, you’ll need IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- Business schools may require GMAT or GRE test scores.
Submit Documents
Apart from meeting the necessary requirements, you also have to submit a few documents as part of your application process. Here is everything you may need in the Germany admission process:
- Valid Passport
- Admission Letter
- Transcripts and certificates from previous studies
- Proof of English or Germany Language Proficiency, depending on the program.
- Student Visa
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Passport-Sized Photographs
Follow the Application Procedure
The next step is to apply, you can either apply directly to the international office of the university you prefer or you may apply through www.uni-assist.de, (a centralized admissions portal for international students). You can also apply for various universities and courses to increase your chances of getting admitted.
In German universities, it is possible to apply for admission two times a year to commence their studies. It is suggested to submit your application at least six weeks before the deadline so that you have enough time to correct or add if some information is missing. You may expect the official formal acceptance or rejection within one or two months after the deadline is passed.
There are some subjects where students from the EU (plus Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein) are required to apply through the Foundation of Higher Education Admission however students from outside of the EU must apply as usual.
Get your Germany Student Visa
International students who wish to study in Germany need a German student visa. The requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the type of course you plan to study, and your financial situation. You can apply for the visa as soon as you have received an offer letter from the university. Here is an overview of the application process to get your Germany student visa:
- Fill out the German visa application
- Schedule an appointment
- Go the visa application center for an interview
- Submit the required documents
- Pay the German visa fee
- Wait for visa processing
Germany student visa document checklist:
- Visa Application Form
- Valid Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Acceptance Letter from the concerned university
- Proof of Financial Resources
- Education proof via original school leaving certificate and degree certificate
Secure Accommodation in Germany
Once you’ve secured admission and your student visa, it’s time to focus on finding accommodation in Germany. Most universities don’t offer on-campus housing, so it’s essential to start your search early. Rent can be your biggest monthly expense, and the cost depends on the city you’re living in.
There are three primary options to choose from:
- Student Halls of Residence (Dormitories): The most affordable option, but can be competitive.
- Shared Apartments: A popular choice, offering a balance between affordability and privacy.
- Private Rentals: Typically the most expensive, but offers complete independence and flexibility.
No matter which option you choose, remember to start looking early, especially for dormitories, where you can apply as early as six months before your course starts.
Get Enrolled
Before you actually start your preferred course and use university facilities such as a library, you must get enrolled. You must re-register before the start of every semester and this may cost you somewhere around €150 and €250 (US$170 – 290), depending on the university. There are some additional charges ranging from €180 (US$205) for a “Semesterticket”, which comprises public transport expenses for six months. Some of the documents required for the enrollment process are:
- Several passport photos
- Notice of admission
- Completed registration form
- Your passport with visa or residence permit
- Evidence of statutory health insurance in Germany
- Payment receipt for the semester fee
- Proof of higher education entrance qualification, either original certificates or officially certified copies and translations
- Evidence of adequate knowledge of German (or English)
Once you are enrolled, you will receive a registration certificate also known as a provisional student ID, which allows you to apply for a residence permit and to register for classes.
FAQs
To get admission in Germany, you need to apply to a recognized university, meet specific course requirements, and provide necessary documents like academic certificates, language proficiency proof, and financial resources. Follow the application steps outlined by the university and ensure you meet deadlines for a successful admission.
IELTS may be required for courses in English. If you are applying for an English-taught program, universities often ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores to verify your English language skills. However, if you’re applying for a German-taught program, you’ll need to prove proficiency in German instead.
To enter Germany for study, you need a valid student visa, which requires proof of university admission, financial resources, and health insurance. After obtaining your visa, you can travel and begin your studies in Germany. Make sure to apply for your visa well in advance to avoid delays.
Yes, you can study in Germany with 60% in 12th, but meeting the entry requirements varies by program and university. Some universities may offer preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) if your school-leaving certificate doesn’t meet the equivalent of Germany’s Abitur, allowing you to qualify for undergraduate studies.
Anyone with a valid school-leaving certificate that meets the requirements for higher education in Germany can apply. International students must meet specific criteria like language proficiency and financial proof. Eligibility also depends on the type of course (bachelor’s, master’s) and whether the program is in German or English.
To get a 100% scholarship in Germany, apply for merit-based scholarships, like the DAAD scholarship, which covers tuition and living expenses. You need a strong academic record, relevant experience, and a clear motivation for studying in Germany. Be sure to check the specific eligibility and application criteria for each scholarship.
Getting admission to Germany can be straightforward if you meet the necessary requirements. While it may seem challenging, especially for non-EU students, the process is well-defined. By choosing the right course, meeting academic qualifications, providing proof of language proficiency, and securing a student visa, you can successfully gain admission to a German university. Planning ahead and following the steps carefully makes the process easier!
Interesting Reads
This blog was all about Germany admission process and how to get admission in Germany. Do you want to study in Germany but don’t know where to start? Contact Leverage Edu at 1800 57 2000 for end-to-end assistance, from finding the right university to securing loans, visa applications, and more. Let us help you make your study abroad dreams come true!