Are you preparing to move to Germany and start a new chapter in your life? Congratulations! Germany is a wonderful country with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. However, like any foreign country, it can also be challenging to navigate, especially for international students, expats, and digital nomads.
In this article, we’ll share valuable insights and practical advice on three essential topics: cultural shocks, the cost of living, and finding accommodation in Germany.
Cultural Shocks You Need to Know About
Direct Communication: Germans value directness and honesty, which can sometimes be perceived as blunt or rude.
Punctuality: Germans are known for their love of punctuality, so make sure to arrive on time for appointments and social engagements. This also applies to the public transportation, you have to be on time to catch the train or bus.
Rules and Regulations: Germany has many rules and regulations, from recycling to quiet hours, so be prepared to follow them.
To navigate these cultural differences, here are some tips:
Learn how to speak German: While many Germans speak English, learning some basic German phrases can go a long way in showing respect for the culture and also with helping you communicate with their citizens.
Be Open-Minded: Be prepared to adapt to new customs and traditions. Don’t be quick to judge, just respect them.
Ask Questions: Ask questions if you’re unsure about something or you need clarity.
The True Cost of Living in Germany
Germany is generally considered to be an affordable country, but the cost of living can vary depending on the region and city. However, for a new immigrant you might need someone’s help with navigating accommodation and transport and food till you are well settled.
Housing: Rent can range from €600-€1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location.
Food: Eating out can cost €10-€20 per meal, while groceries can cost €50-€100 per week.
Transportation: A monthly public transportation ticket can cost €60-€100.
Health Insurance: Health insurance can cost €100-€200 per month, depending on the provider and plan.
To budget like a pro, here are some tips:
Create a Budget Plan: Track your income and expenses to stay on top of your finances.
Make your own meals: Cooking at home can save you money on food costs.
Use Public Transportation: Public transportation is efficient and affordable in Germany.
Conclusion
Moving to Germany can be a good adventure, but it requires preparation and planning. By understanding cultural shocks, the cost of living, and finding accommodation, you’ll be better equipped to navigate everyday life in Germany.
Have you been planning to migrate to Germany, check out our website here and book a consultation session with us. Aside from helping you secure that admission or get that job? We make settling in easy for you. Contact us today.
The cost of study has been a major discouraging factor for international students. As we know, individuals with great intellectual abilities seek growth academically. This article looks to explain what the cost of study in Germany looks like and gives plausible suggestions on how to capitalize on its privileges.
Germany has become an increasingly popular study destination, with almost 374,583 applications for the 2018/2019 winter semester session from over 180 countries. This increasing influx of students into Germany for study might be for several reasons. But the most reasonable as identified by the Kampus Konnekt49 is because Germany has about 50 universities with a global reputation as it concerns studying abroad. Along with the perceived low cost of living, little or no tuition fees and a comfortable environment. All this is well suited for dedicated study, not to talk about the fun-filled environment.
Is College Study In Germany Free?
As of 2014, 16 states in Germany abolished tuition fees for undergraduates and some selected postgraduate students from public universities. This implied that both domestic and international students at public German Universities paid absolutely nothing for tuition. Save only a small fee for administration and semester registrations.
There may be additional charges for the purchase of “Semester-tickets” which cover public expenses for 6 months. The price, however, varies with different Semester-ticket options. These are reasons the Kampus Konnekt49 confirms that the low cost of living is one of the major attractions for prospective international students.
With the drastic change in the global economy, however, this may not last forever. The southwest state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced the payment of tuitions for all non-EU students as of autumn 2017. There is a great likelihood that other states would follow suit in the coming years.
Cost of Living in Germany
We bear in mind that even though studying in Germany might be free of cost or very low, one cannot avoid the essentials of living expenses. They can vary from city to city with Munich as the most expensive, having a living cost of €12,000 (~US$13,900) per year. Rent is mostly the largest expense when considering living costs, although this is cheaper if you live in a shared flat or a student hall of residence. Their average rent is €280 (US$340).
According to statistics from DAAD, average monthly costs are estimated:
Food: €168 (~US$205)
Clothes: €42 (~US$52)
Transport: €94 (~US$115)
Telephone, internet and TV license: €31 (~US$38)
Work/study materials: €20 (~US$25)
Leisure activities: €61 (~US$75)
How Much Deposit Would You Need to Study in Germany?
It is a known fact that for you to get a student visa to study in Germany, you will need to show proof you have, or have access to, a certain amount of money. Now, this is for students that would require a visa only. If you are an EU citizen or citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you would not need a visa.
Other citizens, however, expect to pay €75 for a visa and have proof of fund or access to funds of €10,332 per year. This extra amount of money suffices to cover all expenses while studying (of course if spent wisely). But the application process can be sometimes tedious to even require a loan for low earners.
In conclusion, Germany is ranked 4th in universities with the greatest attraction for international students. This is because of several reasons, with free tuition being the most considered. Living expenses are very affordable compared to other European countries with a shared meal costing as low as €8-14. But the cost of living greatly depends on the area. Rent can also be very cheap when compared to other European countries. With these said; Germany is assumed to be of great attraction to prospective international students hoping to school abroad with a low budget.
A student exchange programme is an avenue for students from a secondary school or university to study abroad. One of their institution’s partner institutions organises it. The term “exchange” means that an associate institution proposes an admission to a student. This does not mean that the students have to find a counterpart from the other institution with whom to exchange. This “exchange” could be short-term or long-term. Each has its distinct focus and objectives.
A short-term exchange or STEP often lasts from one week to three months. During this period, there is an intensive exposure to the understanding of other cultures, communities, and languages.
We can usually apply for these programmes through various governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). They are the ones that organise such programmes. Most times, their sponsors demand an oral presentation.
On the other hand, a long-term exchange lasts six to ten months or up to one full year. Students who intend to partake in this programme must have a student visa. The visa depends on the host country one chooses, as they may require further details or documents. For instance, guest students going to the US need a J-1 cultural exchange visa or an F-1 foreign student visa.
Students in long-term exchange programmes get to know a host family and integrate themselves into the local community and society at large. They have to speak and understand the host country’s language at least at a basic level.
Students also have to incorporate what they learnt into the development of their country. A typical instance of an exchange programme is Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (a government-funded programme.) Likewise, The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel, a non-profit organization, commits to quality international educational travel and exchange for youth at the high school level.
The application process for long-term exchange programmes.
Long-term exchange programmes application and interviews take place 10 months before departure. But it can be only 4 months before in some cases. Applicants should be between the ages of 13 and 18. Some allow students older than 18 years of age in technical work-study programmes. They often require a preliminary or full application form, including fees, followed by a scheduled interview for the applicants.
For high school students, a GPA of 2.5 or higher is mostly required. Candidates with the best performance in both academics and conduct have more chances of being selected to serve as ambassadors for their countries.
The organization, university or college defines the costs of the charges from their student exchanges. The costs vary depending on the country, duration of the study, and other private factors. Different programmes through the institution of choice may offer students scholarships that cover the expenses of travel and accommodation. They also cover the personal needs of a student.
People all around the world know Germany for its remarkable standards of education at all levels. Do you desire an English taught course or discipline at master’s level? If yes, in this article you will get to know the universities that offer English taught courses at master’s and PhD levels in Germany.
Also, you will get to know the basic requirements of both state-owned and private institutions offering English taught courses at master’s level in Germany.
In fact, there are several universities in Germany offering this type of class. Numerically, about 180 universities in Germany have English taught courses, especially at Master’s and research levels.
As an applicant, you can choose a course in Applied Sciences, as well as other academic disciplines such as Public Relations, Business Administration, International Relations, Engineering, Computer Science. Both in state-owned or private universities.
Indeed, public universities are tuition-free. But some public universities have few courses taught in English. Some universities teach them partially in German and English.
Moreover, International students should have at least 10,036 EURO in a German blocked bank account, to be granted a visa.
While private institutions are famous for many courses taught in English, they are quite expensive compared to public universities.
Here is a list of some public and private schools that offer English taught courses at master’s level.
State Owned Universities
IUBH University of Applied Sciences
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Technical University of Munich
Heidelberg University
The University of Freiburg
Hochschule Bremen -International Graduate Center
The University of Hamburg
The University of Bonn
Goethe University
The University of Stuttgart
Darmstadt University of Technology
TU Dresden
Technical University of Berlin
The University of Tubingen
Albert Ludwig University
Georg-Augusta University of Göttingen
Humboldt University of Berlin
Free University of Berlin
RWTH University
Private owned institutions
Bucerius Law School
The Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
Hochschule Fresenius – University of Applied Sciences
IUBH University of Applied Sciences
Jacobs University Bremen
Kühne Logistics University
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
Witten/Herdecke University
The ESMT European School of Management and Technology—a business school based in Berlin.
EIT Digital Master School—a school specialising in all Digital and Computer Science-related Masters, Freiburg.
Entry Requirements for English Taught Programmes at Master’s Level
In fact, the key requirements for the English language programmes are like the programmes taught in German.
But, some public universities might request for completion of a general qualification test. This happens mostly when an international student’s country’s educational system is basically different from the system in Germany. Such applicants might be required to undertake additional training, such as preparatory programmes.
Do you need more information or a professional to guide you through your master’s application? Then fill our assessment form here to get started!
In this article, you will know and understand the different higher institutions in Germany. You will also know why the country is one of the most attractive and sought after countries in the world for international students to study. In addition, you will learn what you need to do if you wish to study in Germany.
Types of Institutions
Germany has three main types of higher education institutions, namely:
1) Universitäten (Universities): Universities are the formal higher education institutions in Germany. The main purposes of universities are (basic) research and teaching. We differentiate universities as traditional universities, technical universities, educational colleges, and theological colleges.
Traditional universities offer academic disciplines and study programs, whereas the other university types are more specialised. Principally, only universities can grant or award doctoral and Habilitation degrees.
2) Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences): Germany introduced Universities of Applied Sciences between the 1960s/1970s as one criterion to deal with the growth in student numbers. Their primary missions are teaching and applied research. Universities of applied sciences mostly specialise in specific disciplines (like engineering or social work). We can’t pursue disciplines like law, medicine, most natural sciences, and humanities at universities of applied sciences.
3) Kunst- und Musikhochschulen (Colleges of Art and Music): Colleges of Art and Music are highly specialized higher education institutions offering study programs in fine art, performing arts, and music. Their fundamental mission is teaching.
Higher education institutions in Germany are public or state-recognized private institutions. Most private higher education institutions are universities of applied sciences with specialised programs.
Why Germany ?
First, general tuition fees at public institutions are free. Since 2014, none of the 16 states in Germany has imposed general tuition fees at public institutions. Although some states started tuition fees between 2006 and 2007. But, they later revoked these. Therefore, public funds mainly fund Public higher education institutions. And even when there are fees to pay, it is affordable.
Thus, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development “OECD” ranked Germany as the third world’s most attractive destination for international students according to education at glance reports in 2014.
Also, flexible foreign student visa policies are a factor that has largely affected international students’ motivation there. Perhaps one reason considered by OECD for ranking Germany as the third most attractive destination for international students.
Indeed, affordable living costs and work opportunities are other reasons worth mentioning. Students consider this factor to be more important in Germany than in other places, as some would like to work while studying. After graduation, students also have 18 months to get a job. That is a great incentive that is offered by only a few Western countries to international students.
Germany makes the list as one of the most popular study destinations in the global education market. Because the country earns it in terms of education quality and affordability.
Here are the requirements for studying in Germany:
1. Study Programme
First, you need to have a determined mindset on the type of degree program and course you want to pursue. You can find more info about courses that fit your academic interest here.
2. University Admission Requirements
Once you chose the programme to study, you check out if the admission criteria fit your academic profile. To be admitted to a German university, the chosen institution must accept your qualifications. An applicant must have a recognized “higher education entrance qualification” also known as Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. Some institutions also require an aptitude test known as TestAS. It is a test specifically designed for international students from non-EU countries.
3. University Application Documents
Each institution has its own requirement, but in most cases, they expect or demand the following documents:
-A duly completed application form. -Certified copy of high school diploma. -Translated overview of your modules and grades. -Relevant recognized academic certificates. -Copy of your passport and a passport photo. -Proof of language proficiency up to C1 level in some cases.
Financial Means
To get a student visa, an applicant has to show proof of financial means. As of 2021, international students need €10,332 per year to cater to their expenses during their time in Germany. A blocked account is the best way to provide proof of financial resources at the German Embassy.
Health Insurance.
Health insurance is also vital if you want to study in Germany. International students must register in the healthcare system while they are in Germany. Residents of one of the EU/EEA member states can use their health insurance from back home. However, they will need to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). On the other hand, residents of non-EU/EEA member states will need to provide proof of health insurance. It is necessary for their student visa application and university enrolment. Those over 29 years have to pay a monthly amount to the public or private health insurance providers.
Student Visa.
Applicants from countries that need a student visa to enter Germany would apply for one at the German Embassy/Consulate in their home country. They will have to assemble the needed documents, attend an interview at the embassy, and wait for the acknowledgement. The student visa processing time is normally two weeks in normal situations.
Accommodation.
An applicant can choose between different options, like German halls of residence, private apartments, or shared flats. It is necessary to get one’s address registered at the registration office in Germany.
Fear of unemployment while studying or after graduation? Don’t worry, as mentioned above, graduates from German universities have 18 months to find a job after graduation.
Moreover, Germany is one of the biggest employers of labour in Europe and presents a lot of opportunities for graduates.
