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How Do I Apply For Graduate Studies In Germany?

Germany, a great country in North Central Europe, is the largest economy and the second most populous country in Europe. It is also famous for its generous approach to higher education. The country boasts of public universities which charge no tuition fees to students, regardless of nationality or continent. One should take note of the following before applying for graduate studies in Germany.

Academic Requirements and German Language Requirements

The most important document to provide for admission in Master’s Degree in Germany is a suitable Bachelor’s Degree. It does not have to be a German Bachelor’s Degree, but it still needs to be recognized by German universities. Universities usually require that your Bachelor’s degree is in a similar field (i.e. your major) as the Master’s program you want to apply for, the so-called “field of studies requirement”. In some cases, universities also require work experience as part of the application process. If you are interested in a PhD program, you must already have completed a Master’s degree.

Applying to Universities in Germany

Make sure to contact the university you want to attend directly for detailed information on the application requirements of their Master’s programs.

Costs Associated with Studying in Germany

Please check out Times Higher Education’s website for more information.

Finding the Right Degree Program

For all available degree programs offered at German universities, you can check the DAAD database and also Study in Germany’s website, as well as Hochschulkompass. If you would only like to see programs in English, visit the DAAD database for international degree programs. Make sure to contact the international office of the university you are planning on applying to for details.

So what are you waiting for? German universities are famous for delivering high-quality education and a lot of these universities even rank among the best in the world. By choosing to study in Germany, you can be sure to get an education that is well above the global average, which will come in very useful when looking for a job after graduation! Check out our services so we can support you through your graduate studies in Germany!

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How To Fund Your Tertiary Studies in Germany

The prospect of studying internationally seems rather exciting, and once you get into the technicalities, you may find that although there are little to no tuition fees, studying in Germany still requires a moderate amount of money. The average cost of living in Germany is approximately 861 Euros a month, equating to 10,332 euros a year. This is the minimum amount of money you will need to get a student visa. Although you would spend this money over the course of twelve months, you should have it in full, in a blocked German account in your name, before you arrive in the country. This article reviews how you can fund your studies in Germany in order to meet this minimum amount.

Parental Income

As the most convenient form of financial support, it is very normal for international students to rely on their parents to send them monthly allowances to help them keep up with their expenses. For most working parents, 861 Euros is a manageable amount, and requires no extra work, or paying back in the future, on the students’ side. If parents cannot afford to fund the full amount, they can combine this option with other financial routes to build the required 861 euros a month.

Personal Savings

Saving up money in the time before university may prove to be another reliable way to get the funds a student needs for their studies in Germany. Whether it’s money the student individually saves through school, or a college fund set up by their parents, personal savings act as a readily available source of money that students can use throughout their semester and beyond.

Part-Time Job

As one of the most common ways to pay for expenses, students may get part-time jobs when they arrive in Germany, alongside their full-time studies. Getting a job requires constant work and effort from the student. And time divided between studies and work, on top of extra processes like social security and taxes. But it gives the student a chance to earn more than just the bare minimum, as flexible schedules give a student the opportunity to make more money.

Student Loans

During their studies in Germany, students also have the chance to get student loans from various banks in the country. The state and private finance funds them partially. Some loans require the student to have a minimum number of years of residence within Germany before they can apply. They should also have a maximum number of years post-graduation after which students have to start paying their loans back. The amount of money a student can borrow depends on how much they support themselves financially by other means, like parental income and personal savings. It also depends on what organization the loan is coming from. The maximum amount they would borrow can either be more or less than the needed 861 Euros per month

Scholarships

Some students can get scholarships to pay for their living costs and expenses while studying in Germany. While these programs are numerous, they often require the student to have good grades. Or, in some cases, above average extracurricular skills, like sports or music. There is constant competition for these awards. A student should apply for a scholarship with their academic or social strengths, for the best chance at succeeding. Different programs will offer different amounts of money, and different timeframes of study. They could be for one academic year, or for the entire academic course. You can check out our article on DAAD scholarships to get an idea of what they are like.

With options like these, international students have more than enough ways to tackle their financial stability. They have room to change from one option to another, according to their situation. We hope this article helped you find the best one for you to fund your studies in Germany.

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Discover the Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Germany

What does it feel like to study in one of the most amazing country on the planet? It can be very exciting to study in Germany! Yes, Germany, the land of ideas! But trust me, it can be difficult if one doesn’t have the financial power to make the dream of studying in Germany a reality.
Are you so worried about how to finance your studies in Germany?

Oh…. no need to worry. There are lots of scholarship opportunities for you to study in Germany. Kampus Konnekt49 will help you with the scholarship guidelines and information you need to study in Germany for free. Yes, free as an international student, there are organisations that can cover your expenses throughout your study and stay in Germany. Aside from availability of scholarship, there are also interesting things about studying in Germany that keep attracting international students. You can read more about that here.
In Germany, there are various scholarships, both government funded scholarships and non-government funded scholarships.
Thus, we have listed some of the best PhD, Masters, and undergraduate level scholarships in Germany for you here.

DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest funding organization in the world supporting the international exchange of students and scholars. Since its foundation in 1925, over 1.5 million scholars in Germany and abroad have received DAAD funding. DAAD is a private, federally funded and state-funded, self-governing national agency of the institutions of higher education in Germany, representing 365 German higher education institutions.

They don’t restrict their support to granting funds and scholarships, but involve the internalization of Germany’s universities, promote the German language in the world, and give perceivable help to foreign universities to improve. Its funding relies on many sources, to mention here the German Federal Foreign Office, the European Union and a wide number of private organizations or companies in and out of Germany. The DAAD’s rich scholarship scheme targets a wide category of international students. Currently, there are exactly 220 Scholarships options to select among. You can track them at the DAAD Scholarship. You can get more info here.

Erasmus+

The Erasmus+ is the EU official bursary platform offering funds and different waivers for talented students through their exchange and scholarship programs. This well-established organization has stretched its network in almost every part of Europe and the amount of grants it awards is increasing year to year. The EU Commission, which leads the Erasmus+ program, gives a significant number of Erasmus scholarships to Germany’s universities as one participator. See more info here.

The Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschlandstipendium provides financial and non-material support to high-achieving and committed students from all over the world. Modelled after the principle of public-private partnership, businesses, foundations or private individuals sponsor young talent with a pledge of 150 euros per month. The Federal Government matches this amount with another 150 euros. But there is even more: Many universities and private sponsors also support Deutschlandstipendium holders through concurrent mentoring programmes, networking events and internships.

See more info here.

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung is the oldest political-associated foundation in Germany named after the first ever democratically elected president of Germany, Friedrich Ebert. The foundation offers scholarship to both international and German students.

See more info here.

Non-government funded scholarships

There are non-government organisations and universities that gives scholarship to international students. Here are a few:

Mawista Scholarships

The Helmholtz Association

Heinrich Böll Scholarships for International Students

Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship

Haniel Scholarship Program

Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation

Robert Bosch Foundation GmbH

Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)

Jacobs University

Universität Heidelberg

Humboldt Research Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship

German Foundation Music Life

Bayer Foundation

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Best Tuition Free Universities in Germany Offering Courses in English

Studying an entire course in a foreign language can be overwhelmingly stressful due to the fact that one needs to have a profound knowledge of the language. Have you been thinking of studying in Germany but you’re worried about getting a course in English language? Worry no more Kampus Konnekt49 has compiled the names of the best tuition free universities in Germany, which offer degree courses in English.

Here are the best on our list:

  1. Hochschule Mannheim –University of Applied Sciences
  2. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  3. Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
  4. Bremen University of Applied Sciences
  5. Jacobs University
  6. University of Göttingen
  7. Max Planck Institute
  8. Freie Universität Berlin
  9. Technische Universität Dresden
  10. Munich University of Applied Sciences
  11. University of Bonn
  12. Saarland University
  13. Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
  14. Technische Universität Kaiserslautern
  15. ULM University
  16. HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
  17. University of Bayreuth
  18. WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management
  19. University of Stuttgart
  20. RWTH Aachen University
  21. HTW Berlin
  22. Technische Universität Berlin
  23. TU Darmstadt
  24. University of Hohenheim
  25. University of Erfurt
  26. University of Freiburg
  27. Technical University of Munchen
  28. University of Hamburg
  29. TU Darmstadt
  30. FAU Erlangen Nurnberg
  31. University of Münster
  32. Hamburg University of Technology
  33. SRH University of Heidelberg
  34. University of Applied Sciences Wurzburg Schweinfurt
  35. Leibniz Universität Hannover

Take a step forward in actualising your dreams of studying in Germany by downloading our free eBook about practical guide to study in Germany.

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The Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) is searching for 7 doctoral researchers

The Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) invites applications for 7 doctoral researcher positions (f/m/d) in its new Research Training Group (RTG) 2513 “Social Dynamics of the Self” (SELF), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). BIGSSS is an international inter-university graduate school in the social sciences, located at the University of Bremen and Jacobs University Bremen, Germany. Successful applicants will receive a work contract for 36 months, based on salary scale E13 TV-L/TVöD (65%), at Jacobs University or the University of Bremen.

Their program is characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from various fields, particularly psychology, sociology and political science. The research questions addressed in dissertation projects aim to broadly correspond to seven project lines, but specific research questions are to be formulated by successful applicants.

The project lines are:

1. Cultures of honor.
2. Intergenerational identity development.
3. Self-efficacy, health and well-being.
4. Conflict between family and work roles.
5. Social participation and (early) retirement.
6. Individualization and social morality.
7. Collective identities in transition.

Requirements

Exceptional candidates with strong academic abilities and a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in psychology, sociology, or political science are welcome. Potential candidates with a degree in related disciplines also stand a chance. All accepted researchers should move to Bremen for the program, as presence at the institution is required. Applicants have to demonstrate a broad thematic fit between the dissertation proposal and the outlined project lines. Up to three possibly fitting project lines can be specified in the application. More information on the members of the RTG and project lines, BIGSSS, Jacobs University and the University of Bremen, as well as the application guidelines can be found here.

More information about the RTG, the list of required application materials and how to apply can be found here. Applications must be submitted online with reference number A370/19 until February 29th, 2020. For additional inquiries, please check the online FAQ and feel free to contact the Admissions Officer.

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Study in Style in Germany. (Driving License)

Are you thinking of having a grand lifestyle while studying with less money? We got you. While studying at a university in Germany, you automatically have a free transportation ticket to use within the state you are studying. At first, it sounds very cool and nice and not to mention how environmentally friendly it is. But let’s be honest, who enjoys waiting for buses and trams? It’s much cooler and more stylish to just hop up in a taxi, right? How does hopping into your own car instead of a taxi sound? Like a boss, right? Well, what most people don’t know is you could actually use your International driving license from your country in Germany.

For the first 6 months of your arrival in Germany, you can use your country’s license. In order for you to continue driving after your first 6 months in Germany, you’ll have to register in a driving school. The aim of registering in a driving school is not for you to learn how to drive but for you to be familiar with the German road signs and eventually change your license into a German license which you can use in any other European country.

This is the cheapest way of getting a German driving license, plus you save time and you don’t have to attend boring driving theory classes.

How does it work? If you want to apply for a German driving license, go to your local registration office, give your driver license and ask for a German one. You would probably have to go with your driving teacher. You would have to pass a theory class which you would learn with an app. The driving school also provides this. Once you successfully pass the theory exam, you would have to take a practical test as well. After this, you will get your German driving license immediately.

It’s almost the same procedure as when applying directly for a German driving licence but you save more money. When applying for a driving license in Germany, you would have to attend 12 theory classes and take at least 20 practical classes. So you spend almost 2500 euros whilst, when swapping depending on your driving skills, you spend roughly 800-1200 euros. Saving you some bucks for some German beer and bratwurst.

This rule applies to all African countries, except South Africa and Namibia. South Africans and Namibians can use their International driving license without having to take a theory or practical exams.

It’s very important that your driving license is valid and should be valid before your first entering Germany. Which means the date on your driving license should be a date before your arrival in Germany. You can’t apply for a swap of driving license if your arrival date was on the 12/2018 and the date on your driving license is 12/2019.

Get ready to enjoy the German autobahn when you arrive in Germany, but don’t forget to book an appointment with us to begin your journey, so we can support you to fulfill your dreams of studying in Germany.

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DAAD In-Region MSc and Phd Scholarships

Stellenbosch University Mathematics Division Call for applications

As part of the In-Region Scholarship Programme, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is offering scholarships for MSc and PhD degrees in Mathematics at Stellenbosch

University, for studies commencing January 2021. These scholarships are for graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South African students. Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to participate in the programme.

The scholarships are full cost, and include:

• The full study fees
• 450 / 500 EUR per month living allowance (MSc / PhD)
• 460 / 920 EUR annual study and research allowance (MSc / PhD)
• 400 / 800 EUR printing allowance (once at the end of studies)
• Health insurance
• Travel to home country at beginning and end of study at Stellenbosch
• A possible short-term research visit of 3-6 months in Germany

Applications are now open. For information on how to apply, as well as further information about eligibility criteria, please visit:

http://math.sun.ac.za/teaching/postgraduate/funding/

The deadline for applications the 12th of May 2020.

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The Center for Development Research (ZEF) Doctoral Researcher Program

The Center for Development Research (ZEF) is an institute of the University of Bonn, Germany. ZEF’s researchers aim to find science-based solutions to development-related issues. ZEF’s research departments on Economic and Technological Change, Political and Cultural Change, and Ecology and Natural Resources Management

conduct inter and transdisciplinary research in, for and with emerging economies and on global issues with its collaborating research partners around the world. ZEF educates doctoral students from all over the world in its Doctoral Studies Program. More information is available at www.zef.de.
The team of the research project „Analysis and Implementation of Measures to Reduce Price Volatility in National and International Markets for Improved Food Security in Developing Countries“ and “Program of Accompanying Research for Agricultural Innovation” at the Center for Development Research (ZEF), Department on Economic and Technological Change, invites applications for the position of a

Junior Researcher/ Doctoral Student We offer:

• Joining a dynamic and international team of researchers.
• Diversified tasks: management of own dissertation project, content-related tasks such as research of media, literature review, and data management and analysis.
• Participate in exciting research project analyzing the similarities and differences between India and Africa to understand drivers of agricultural productivity growth, welfare and food and nutrition security.
• Publish peer-reviewed articles and participate in international conferences.

Requirements and responsibilities:

• Master degree in Agricultural-, Resource- or Development Economics or Economics or related fields.
• Very good analytical skills (quantitative analyses, econometrics).
• Excellence in oral and written English language.
• Professional command of MS Word, Excel, Power Point.
• Knowledge in statistical packages such as STATA.
• Team player, excellent communication skills.

Other elements which may be an advantage for the applicant:

• Research experience in Africa and/ or South Asia
• Knowledge of agricultural markets and food security issues

We offer a three year stipend of 1200 Euro (lump sum per month). In addition, all travel and research expenses will be covered. The candidate is expected to join the ZEF doctoral program. The position is currently open and will start at the earliest possible date. Applications (cover letter incl. motivation, CV, certificates, achievements in English, one writing sample, contact details of two reference persons) should be sent by e-mail using the subject “India-Africa PhD” in one pdf document (less than 10 MB) to Alison Louise Beck abeck@uni-bonn.de . Position is open until filled.
The Center for Development Research (www.zef.de) is an international and interdisciplinary research institute of Bonn University. ZEF promotes the equality of women and men. Women are therefore especially encouraged to apply. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Further information about the ZEF Doctoral Program can be found here: https://www.zef.de/doctoral-program.html.

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The Best Four Cities To Study In Germany and Why Every International Student Wants To Study There

When you hear about Germany, what first comes to your mind? One of the things that will probably come to your mind first most especially for the football lovers will be the DIE MANNSCHAFT, the super amazing German national football team popularly called THE GERMAN MACHINE! By most Africans, oh wait did I guess right? Or you rather think about the fancy cars manufactured in Germany and for history enthusiasts your mind races to the Berlin Wall!

As you know at Kampus Konnekt49 we ensure you get all the necessary information you need to study and live in Germany and in this article we will literally fly you to the best German cities for international students! Yes, the best of the best cities. The city you chose to study will be very instrumental for you to enjoy your stay in Germany, considering factors ranging from the weather, job prospects, transportation facilities, locals, social lifestyle, availability of industries and firms among others.

These are the four best cities on our list:

BERLIN – Berlin is the capital of Germany and it is quite expensive! But wait, there are still flowers and rose’s in the details. Berlin is a very diverse city, home to people of different nationalities, Berlin has a substantial English speaking population which will enhance your integration into the German society. Berlin is home to over 150 museums and the famous Berlin wall. Berliners enjoy a very high standard of living, one-third of the city’s area is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers, canals and lakes which makes it rank high on the sustainable city index. It has a cluster of high tech and service firms encompassing a wide range of industries.

MUNICH – Munich is one of the most entertaining cities in Germany! It is known for historical buildings, museums, sport events, exhibitions and most importantly the OKTOBERFEST (the world’s largest Volksfest – Public festival). It is home to two of the leading elite universities in Germany, (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich’s nightlife is super amazing coupled with an efficient transportation network. Also, Munich is home to some of the leading German companies which offer a great chance of getting an internship opportunity.

FRANKFURT – If you want to study business or finance you should not hesitate to make Frankfurt top on your list! With Brexit in place, Frankfurt is on the course to become Europe’s financial hub! Which means more jobs, more internship opportunities! Over the past years this City has been ranked one of the best cities to live in the world! Not Europe! Frankfurt is becoming more diverse with a large English speaking population, but it is very important and advisable you understand German language (Click the link for our SmarterGerman course).

DRESDEN –  Do you love to see and feel nature. Maybe you like to spend your time by the riverside? If so, then the Elbe river in Dresden is a place you have to visit. Dresden is one of the largest cities in Germany with excellent and world-class universities, students get to earn their knowledge and practical skills through numerous internships which the cluster of technology firms afford.

Which of the cities on the list would you like to apply to study in Germany?

If you are confused about the city to choose, you can reach out to us for advise on that and other application matters.  Cheers!