There are many benefits to studying in Germany, but one thing outweighs them all: free education. You can learn for as long as you want without living out of your means. This blog post will give you some tips on making the most of this opportunity and what it’s like to study without financial pressure!
If you’re considering studying abroad or even something at home, then read on! We hope this helps your decision-making easier!
Broad Overview of Education in Germany
Education is a high priority for the German government as they have some of the highest-quality schools and universities in Europe. The country’s economic success is reflected by its educational excellence, with many respondents from international surveys rating its education system as one of the world’s best. In addition to free universities, students receive generous financial support in tuition fees waivers and rent subsidies.
What is free education in Germany?
Free education is a type of university system where students don’t have to pay tuition fees. It was pretty rare for free universities to exist as they were often public institutions funded by the government. But in some countries today, there are so many private universities competing on price with each other. It has even become standard practice for universities to give you your money back if you don’t like the course. As a result, some governments (like Germany) have decided that it’s in their best interest to fund free education to drive up standards in whatever field of study.
Education in Germany is accessible at all universities, including international students, meaning that you won’t be paying for enrollment or tuition fees. However, there are some requirements to fulfill before being able to study for free.
Requirements of Free Education in Germany
Language requirement
You must be ready to learn the German language if you have not achieved the required level to attend a German taught course in a public university in Germany.
For an English taught course, your score or grade obtained in a test like IELTS or TOEFL, respectively, should be meeting the level set by the faculty.
Residency status
During your time studying in Germany, you must maintain a legal residency permit and student visa. To keep your residence permit, you need to pass the exams within an allotted period (usually no longer than two years).
You may have noticed that the study requirements in Germany are pretty strict, but once you’re through it all, you’ll be able to benefit from free education! How wonderful is that?
Free Education Exceptions
Almost all public universities offer free education to international students except in one state – Baden Württemberg. Here universities charge 1500.EUR per semester- still looks affordable for many.
What disciplines don’t have free education?
You can study any degree program for free in Germany: degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, engineering, business, and you name it. You must have the grades necessary to attend a university course in Germany.
How long can I study for free?
You can study for free in Germany as long as you want. Even if you come back to your home country to visit, you don’t have to pay any tuition fees if you return within six months of finishing your degree.
Are there any scholarships?
Yes. Germany gives out a large number of scholarships to international students who want to study in the country. The government divides these scholarships into two types: one for countries outside the EU and another for other EU member states. In both cases, you’ll receive between €200 ($231) to €700 ($833) per month for up-front costs.
Scholarships for Studying in Germany
There are numerous scholarships that international students can apply to study in Germany. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) offers approximately 450 new BAföG recipients each year, 50 Master scholarship recipients who take up a language course in Germany, and 50 scholarship recipients studying abroad. Another great source of information is Daad.com, which provides a comprehensive list of scholarships for students wishing to study overseas in Germany.
Past graduates have received awards that included international fee waivers, housing allowance, monthly scholarship payments, free travel tickets back home, and health insurance. Each scholarship is different, so make sure to do your research before applying!
Growing Demand for Free Education in Germany
With the rising demand for education in Germany, more universities are opening up to the idea. For instance, Esade Business School recently announced that it is establishing its campus in Berlin to serve the growing number of students looking for quality education at an affordable price. The school will offer programs to help finance students to get the career they want without any financial obstacles.
What is student finance?
Compared to students in most other countries who have to take out loans or get money from their parents, studying for free in Germany is quite a relief. However, the government has funded higher education by setting up “loans and grants” called Studienkredit (student finance). That provides students with interest-free loans and non-repayable grant money available from the beginning of each semester.
What does student finance cover?
The financial assistance to students will depend on where you are studying and your living costs. The maximum amount a funding institution can grant for living expenses each month is approximately 390 EUR for those who live at home, 590EUR if you live in a dormitory or with friends, and 845 EUR if you need to rent a room. In addition, you can get additional money for textbooks and equipment.
What is a tuition waiver?
In Germany, students from EU and non-EU countries will have their tuition fees waived by the government, so they don’t have to pay anything during their studies in a public university.
Universities in one particular state (Baden Württemberg) charge tuition fees to international students but less; than 1500 EUR per semester.
The benefits of studying in Germany?
One significant benefit of studying at German universities is that there is a good chance that you may be able to get a job in your chosen field after the course. Dual education allows students to apply for jobs while they’re still in school. Upon completing your class, you can be qualified to work for any companies that offer positions as part of their training program.
How to Apply to Study in Germany?
When applying to study in Germany, you need to be aware of deadlines and requirements. You can apply directly through your chosen universities or research available options by visiting the appropriate sites and portals. Check out our database of universities for their admissions process and requirements, languages offered, tuition fees (if any), and more. We’ll also help you get in touch with representatives from each university so that they can answer any questions you may have!
Student Life in Germany
When students study abroad, they experience cultural differences that shape their life; however, in Germany, these cultural differences are magnified due to the vast number of nationalities represented on German campuses. For instance, living spaces for international students tend to be furnished, which allows international students to focus on their studies instead of worrying about providing a home. To put this into perspective, a double room in a shared apartment in Munich can cost as little as €220/month (~$225/mo), not including utilities and internet. Considering the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in New York is $2,500/mo, studying or interning abroad in Germany is by far one of the cheaper options.
Tuition-Free Universities in Germany
Over 350 universities and colleges publicly funded by the state provide tuition-free education for German citizens and international students alike. Students who don’t belong to the EU will be required to pay a semester contribution fee of around €150-€235.
Some notable universities include Technische Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, etc.
Life in Düsseldorf also offers a list of the top 10 English universities here in Germany that you can browse through as well.
Internships in Germany
If you are considering studying abroad in Germany, you should also consider finding an internship! While they aren’t guaranteed, many internships will provide free housing and a monthly allowance of €300-€500 or more. If you can find an internship, then the cost of living is essentially free, as you don’t need to pay for housing or food.
One full-time internship program that German students are eligible for is DAAD’s, which supports one year of work experience.
Scholarships for Internships in Germany
In addition to scholarship awards from German organizations, many international foundations provide grants and scholarships for internships in Germany. Make sure to ask the organizations you apply to!
Getting a Student Visa in Germany
The first step you’ll need to do is apply for a student visa. It’s best to lodge your visa application as early as possible to avoid delays and complications! You will not require a medical examination to apply for a student visa.
Once you have received your letter of acceptance from the university, the next step is to apply for your student visa. We can help you with that, you can use an online service, or you can do it yourself at the nearest German consulate in your country or country of residence.
Once you arrive in Germany, you’ll be required to activate your residence permit no later than three months after the date of entry into Germany.
Getting a Working Visa in Germany
If you’re 18-30 years old, you will be able to get a working holiday visa waiver in Germany. That means that if you are from Australia, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, and Taiwan, you will work in Germany for up to one year. You may extend the visa later.
One of the requirements for obtaining a working holiday visa waiver is to have studied for at least three months in Germany before applying for the visa.
Conclusion
If you are interested in studying abroad in Germany, there are plenty of free or inexpensive options that you can explore! You can earn your degree tuition-free at one of many public universities in Germany. If you are planning on studying for an internship, then there are numerous scholarship opportunities available! Remember to keep searching for scholarships and internships even after you’ve been accepted to a German university or secured a working holiday visa waiver; more opportunities will become available as your departure date approaches!
