FAQ's About Studying in Germany

Nearly all German public universities are free of charge and have internationally recognized study programs and degrees, available to local and international students, which are supported by the Federal Government.

Germany has a “dual education system” that is a combination and harmonisation of dual aspects of learning, such as theory and practice, something that greatly facilitates students’ understandings on the labor market trends and needs, this increases the student’s employability rate.

The dual education system, as aforementioned, does not only provide a degree to the students, but it is an immense career perspective, offering the opportunity for them to become active members of the German advanced economy.

German universities offer a wide variety of around 1700 international programs available for international students.

Contact our admission counsellor using the contact page and start your journey with us Request a Call Back

There are three study degrees that German Higher Education Institutions offers:

Bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, BSEng) – First academic degree
6-8 semester program, 3 to 4 years, awarding 180 up to 240 ECTS Credits

Master’s degree (MA, MSc, MEng) – Second academic degree
2-4 semester program, 1 to 2 years, awarding 60 up to 120 ECTS Credits 5

PhD Degree – Third academic degree
4-10 semester program, with a research work (dissertation) concluded with a
doctorate

Since there is a set time frame for each action, being punctual is a key
aspect to a successful application. The proper time to apply for a visa is immediately after submitting the application or after receiving the university admission letter.

Entry requirement varies in every German Higher Institution and as such it advisable to contact our admission counselor with regards to your school or study interest: Request a Call Back

When applying for a German student visa, you must submit the following documents at the German Embassy or Consulate:

1. Proof of enrollment in a German University or study institution

• The university admission letter

Substitute documents for the university admission letter are considered:

• An official university document confirming student’s pre-registration status of a study place
• An official university document confirming student’s applicant status
• An official university document confirming the candidate’s status for his/her personal presence in preparatory (pre-study) course, as there are good chances for the candidate to be admitted to study. Same applies also for language and short preparatory courses.

2. University entrance qualification

3. Proof of German language or, proof of English language proficiency – depending on the
chosen study program of the applicant, or, proof of being registered to get language or short preparatory courses in Germany

4. Proof of health insurance coverage
In order to apply for a student visa in Germany you need to prove you have a health
insurance covered for at least three months of your stay in Germany,
Mawista is among the biggest companies offering health insurances for international students. The registration and application process online is very easy.

5. Proof of the ability to cover living expenses in Germany

• Statements of incomes and assets of parents or German citizen guarantors,
• Declaration of German citizen guarantor/sponsor “verpflichtungserklärung” to the foreigners authority, committing to cover living costs of the applicant
• A blocked account “sperrkonto” in Germany having the name of the applicant, showing a minimum money amount of 7908 euros, with the possibility to dispose a monthly amount of 659 euros
• An annually renewable bank guarantee from a bank in Germany in the amount of 7908 Euros

Scholarship awarding certificate from a recognized granting organization in Germany
Get more information on Procedures of opening a blocked bank account in Germany from one of our admissions counsellor: Request a Call Back

6. Proof of updated educational achievements (all translated and authenticated certificates)
Typical questions for a student visa interview:

• Why you chose Germany instead of your own country to do your studies?
• Who will finance you during your studies?
• Are you coming back once your studies are finished?
• What is your motivation to study in Germany?
• What was your last job (if any) and the salary?

Most German universities offer study programs in German language, therefore,
German language proficiency is necessary if you chose to apply for your studies in such
programs. However, this does not apply to several international programs, which have English only study programs. In addition, some universities do not require knowledge of German
language for students deciding to have exchanging experiences for a semester or two, but
the rule is not comprehensive. In addition, some universities offer a combination of programs of English and German languages and in such case English and German language proficiency is needed. Accepted proofs of German language proficiency are the followings:

German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants (DSH),
Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF),
Goethe Institut German Language Diploma (GDS),
German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and
Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD)
For courses held in German, DSH 2 or TestDaF 4, at the time of course, begin at least Level
A2
Part of our service include but not limited to German Language tutoring. Please contact us for further detail: Request a Call Back

If you have a strong interest and practice regularly you will need at least 6months to speak and understand German.

Just applied for university admission or just got the admission notification letter; or you need a preparatory course! The next step is setting an appointment at the German Embassy in your country, via online appointment system or whatever is the procedure to apply for a visa.
This applies only for countries who need a visa to enter into Germany.
Many candidates have missed their opportunity to study, despite being admitted to study at German university, only as they didn’t get the visa punctually.

A foreign applicant for studies in Germany must undergo a visa application process and be awarded with a specific student visa to be eligible to travel and stay to study in Germany.

Nearly all German public universities are FREE of charge and have internationally recognized study programs and degrees, available to local and international students, which are supported by the Federal Government aside from your cost of living that runs between 700 euros to 800 euros monthly including feeding, accommodation and utility bills.

Obtaining an International Scholarship is accessible to all Africans and there are several scholarship opportunities available to financially support your costs while studying in Germany, there are public and private organisations offering full and partial financial support during studies in Germany. Deciding to apply for scholarship to study in Germany, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the biggest scholarship database online to search for scholarships available for Germany and such service is fully offered by Kampus Konnekt49.

It is important to know that Germany has a high living standard and consequently high monthly living expenses. The fact is that foreign students, while studying in Germany need to cover these expenses on their own.

The average estimated amount of expenses for an international student in Germany is 850 Euros/month, while, and if choosing a cheaper accommodation this amount lowers down to 600 Euros/month.

Yes! You may work for up to 120 working days/year, even if you’re already working part-time in an academic institution where you are studying. Your work must not interfere with your study progress.

There are many options available when booking an accommodation, a foreign student can choose amongst the
following options:
• Dormitories
• Shared Accomodation
• Lone Apartment

Contact us for more guidance to ensure you have a great place to stay while studying in Germany

Yes! You may work for up to 120 working days/year, even if you’re already working part-time in an academic institution where you are studying. Your work must not interfere with your study progress.

The average rent pricing in Germany for University student hall room (dormitory) is 240 Euros, Shared apartment at 280 Euros and lone apartment at 357 Euros

On average, to cover your living expenses in Germany you will need around 720 euros per month (around $836.55 US dollars) or 8,640 euros per year (around $10,038 US dollars).

Yes, you can, you have one and half years after study to find a job if you wish to stay in Germany.

With a German student visa, you can travel to almost the whole of Europe i.e. the Schengen countries. The Schengen zone includes the 26 countries that have signed the Schengen agreement which allows citizens of member countries to travel within the zone freely, without passing through passport and border control. Each member country of the Schengen zone can issue Schengen visas.

All students are required to have an insurance in Germany, but depending on where you come from, you might be eligible to use the plan you already have in your home country.

Even if you have basic coverage, many students also get additional health insurance plans that cover specific conditions and are customized for them. There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to health-related issues.

With a German student visa, you can travel to almost the whole of Europe i.e. the Schengen countries. The Schengen zone includes the 26 countries that have signed the Schengen agreement which allows citizens of member countries to travel within the zone freely, without passing through passport and border control. Each member country of the Schengen zone can issue Schengen visas.

These are the common culture shock you should expect in Germany as an international student from Africa.

The Germans like to plan everything in advance, even in meeting up casually with friends unlike in Africa, that everything can happen almost spontaneously

Obsession for rules. The Germans like to play by the rules, to the point that even if the street is empty at night, you’ll still wait for the traffic light to turn green as a pedestrian before crossing.

The Germans like to keep their distance. That means the need for ‘personal space.’ For example, keeping arm’s length when talking.

All shops, stores and supermarkets are closed on Sundays, except for a few restaurant, cafes and kiosks.

One of the challenges you could face as an immigrant while studying in Germany is that of language. That is why we always advise our candidates to learn German, to be able to integrate into the society. This would also help you to able to interact with German students.  One other challenge you’ll face is when you’re trying to get an appartment. Sometimes, some property owners don’t like to rent their appartments to foreigners, most especially Africans but this depends on the city you are studying.

It depends on what exactly you are looking at benefitting from the city; it could be affordable living expenses, nightlife, nature, people, etc. Kampus Konnekt49, however have selected five cities for being student friendly, most especially for Africans. These are the our list:

1. Münster: This is a student’s city, with a lot of student population and it is one of the cheapest cities for students in Germany.

2. Hamburg: Hamburg has everything, large African community, entertainment, shopping, nightlife and culture. It is also very immigrant tolerant

3. Berlin: Berlin is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and as an international student, you feel very warm and welcomed. There are numerous activities and things to do in Berlin.
Tip for night lifers: Berlin has a very vibrant nightlife, one of the most vibrant in Europe.

4.Munich: Munich is the third largest city in Germany and has the best ranking university in Germany i.e. Technical University Munich. 16% of students’ population enrolled at university in Munich are international students and the figure keeps increasing

5.Bonn: Bonn is not only the hub for international organisations in Germany, which makes it very multicultural as well. It is also the birthplace of famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven. There are a lot of international students in Bonn and it also host a lot of important international events like the UN SDGs Festival and conferences attracting thousands of visitors annually to this small but global city.

1. Leipzig: Leipzig is one of the cheapest cities to study in Germany. The rent is as low as 264 euros and living here is generally affordable for students.

2. Jena: Jena is a small city with just 100,000 inhabitants. The living cost here is quite affordable, and rent is around 265 euros.

3. Frankfurt (Oder): This city is very close to the Polish border and separated by the Oder river. It is very affordable for students and strategically located as you can take a trip to Berlin by the weekends, which is less than an hour away or to Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, which is equally close by.

4. Halle/Salle: Halle has one of the most beautiful university squares in Europe and home to Martin Luther University. The rent here is 268 euros and living here as very cheap.

5. Krefeld: Krefeld with a population of 230,000 is close to Düsseldorf, one of the biggest cities in Germany. This city is generally cheap and with an average of 450 euro, you can get a decent one bedroom flat in the city centre.