The higher education institutions in Germany are classified in to three categories: the Universitaten (academic universities) offering degrees up to research, the degree awarding colleges and technical institutions under the category of Hochshule and Universities of Applied Sciences called Fachhochschulen.
Most of the higher education institutions in Germany are state funded and well known for its low tuition fees and high quality education.
A bachelor degree is the first academic degree in German education. It is generally awarded after six or eight semesters of study at a higher education institution. The most common bachelor degrees are Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (B Sc) and Bachelor of Engineering (B Eng). The academic year in Germany is generally divided in to two semesters – winter semester from October to March and summer semester from April to September.
There are too many internationally recognized bachelor programs which are taught in English are available at the bachelor and masters levels at the colleges and universities. It may be noted that 12 years of school education (till 12th class) in your home country will not entitle you for a place in a German university or higher education institution.
Students who seek admission to a university after their secondary school (12th class) have to go through a preparatory course at any Studienkolleg.
There are numerous reasons for selecting Germany as a study destination for international students. Affordable education is the key reason why international students flock to Germany in pursuit of higher education.
Many of the public universities offer 100% waiver to tuition fee (no tuition fee at all) whereas few others offer nominal tuition fee from Euro 500 to 1500 per semester for studies. If you choose to do a bachelors or masters in a private university or college, the tuition fee has to be paid for each semester. Post study work opportunities, easiness of getting employment and very lenient PR policies, etc are few other attractions. German universities offer English taught international programs where in you need to prove the language proficiency before enrollment.
Studienkolleg are institutions that prepare students academically and linguistically for the studies in Germany. Studienkollegs help students in attaining linguistic competencies that are necessary for successful studies in a German university. The studienkolleg system is intended to bridge the gap when a student migrate to a new academic pattern which is entirely different what they were going through in their home country.
Studienkollegs vary in the subject focus of the courses that are offered and the higher education institution for which they prepare the students. So it is imperative to choose the right studienkolleg for you.
Our team in Karriereweg will guide you to select the ideal studienkolleg according to the student profile and chosen program.
Ideally the student has to join a studienkolleg depending on whether his subsequent study program will be at a University (for general academic program at bachelor level) or a University of Applied Sciences (more specialized programs).
The obvious reason is the difference in the subjects that are studied as a part of the studienkolleg preparation. Although the studienkollegs teach general competencies and language skills that are necessary for successful completion of studies in German, they do differ in their focus.
You need to enroll for a studienkolled preparation only if you have just finished your senor secondary education (school level) and intend to join a university. For graduates who seek admissions to a bachelor program in a German university need not do the Studienkolleg preparation.
Depending on the chosen program at bachelor level, you can enroll in any one of the following according to the relevance.
media course, journalism, digital media, or a law related course for the bachelors
Studienkolleg courses for continuing education at a university of applied sciences.
At the end of a Studienkolleg programs there is an assessment test called ‘Feststellungsprufung’. Successful completion of this exam ensures the student a place in a university or university of applied sciences.
For more information contact our student counselor at info@karriereweg.in (whatsapp ikon) +91 62822 46118
Public and Private Studienkollegs:
There are two types of Studienkollegs offer the preparatory courses to international students. Your choice has to be a ‘public studienkolleg’ if you wish to join a public university, be it a no tuition fee university or a low tuition fee university. The medium of instruction is invariably German and in order to qualify admission to a public studienkolleg you must provide German language proficiency up to B2 level. The duration of the course would be 12 to 18 months and the tuition fee may range from Euro 200 to 400 (Rs.15,000 to 30,000) for the entire program. The number of available seats to international students are always limited.
The other available options are ‘private studienkollegs’ which are conducting the preparatory course either in German or in English as the medium of instruction. The duration of the course vary from 09 to 14 months. For pursuing German program you need to submit the B2 level language proficiency. For English taught private studienkollegs there is no need to German language and the program will be conducted in English language. The course fee for private studienkollegs in German is approx Euro 5000 to 6000 and for English taught programs the cost would be approx Euro 11,000 – 12,000 for the entire course. The duration may be 9 to 14 months generally.
Is there any advantage of private studienkolleg over a public studienkolleg?
Although B2 level German is mandatory for a public studienkolleg, its successful completion will ensure you a place for bachelor program in a public university (no tuition fee/low tuition fee). Towards the end of a preparatory course in a public studienkolleg, you need to appear for an examination called Feststellungsprufung (FSP) inorder to secure a place in a public university. The advantage are low tuition fee and wide acceptance, whereas the disadvantages are long course duration, limited number seats and lack of guarantee to a public university.
Private Studenkollegs offer preparatory courses in two languages – German and English. The eligibility for German taught preparatory program is B2 level German proficiency and for the English taught programs there is no such requirements. That means any 12th pass student can join the English taught private studienkolleg.
Private studienkolleg will conduct semester end exams which are acceptable as an admission criteria by both public and private universities. That means there is no requirement of clearing FSP exam after your preparatory course studies in a private studienkolleg in Germany.
The unique advantage of a private studienkolleg over a public one is that, when you take admission in a private studienkolleg, you will be granted a conditional offer letter from the respective university (public university or assistance for admission to a university of your choice) assuring you a confirmed admission to a bachelor program of your choice after studies.
Can I get admission to a Public University after my preparatory course studies in a Private Studienkolleg?
Yes, you can take admission to a public university (tuition fee free) bachelor program after completing studies from a private studienkolleg.
Karriereweg offers you admissions in both private and public studienkollegs in Germany.
For more details about admissions in Public/Private Studienkollegs: +91 62822 46118 / info@karriereweg.in
For technical, engineering and information technology courses
For economics, business and marketing management programs
For creative and artistic programs such as design, arts, etc.
For social sciences and applied mathematics.
Free University (No Tuition Fee) Education in Germany:
Germany ranks among the top five countries hosting the maximum number of international students. As per the national statistics of 2022, the total count of international students who are studying in Germany has risen to 440,564 showing a steady growth of 8% over the last year. The figures include both international students of 349,348 (Bildungsauslander-other nationalities who have finished their prior education in the home country) and resident international students of 91,126 (Bildungsinlander – who have finished their prior education in Germany or attended a German school beforehand).
How much do I need to spend for a study visa to Germany?
Cost for higher education in Germany – The public university education is tuition fee free in most of the universities for bachelors and masters. By saying free, it doesn’t mean that it is absolutely free; there are some nominal expenses to be incurred as a statutory provision when an international student takes admissions in a German university. Apart from this there is a financial guarantee (blocked account) you must furnish while you apply for a German student visa application.
The majority of higher education institutions are financed by the state. Apparently there is no tuition fee for bachelors or masters courses in public universities and colleges but generally, fee is charged from international students by the private universities and colleges for a few academic programs. However it may be informed that even if the public institutions levy fee from international students it would be marginal involving approximately Euro 50 to 1500 per semester.
Semester Contribution & Student Services Fee for International Students:
Although tuition fee is not charged from international students, in Germany, all students at higher education institutions need to pay a ‘semester contribution’. The semester contribution has to be paid for each semester of study. But this should not be considered as equivalent to tuition fee.
The semester contributions vary depending on the higher education institutions and federal state. It is predominantly used for the administrative works of higher education institutions (registration and re-registration), for the student services (Studierendenwerk) and the activities of the general student’s committee (AStA) and sometimes for the semester tick (public transport) in a few institutions.
Usually the semester contribution ranges from Euro 50 to Euro 1500 (ie, Rs.4000 to 1,35,000 depending on the federal state.
What is the fund requirement for a Germany student visa?
While applying for a student visa for Germany, all international students are required to present the proof of their financial resources. The required proof of fund has to be submitted by opening a ‘blocked account’ in the student’s name in a German bank. This serves as a guarantee that a student can afford the cost of living in Germany.
It may be noted that the money you transfer to a blocked account cannot be retrieved until you enter the country for studies. For more details on fund requirement, study in Germany, free university in Germany, etc., please get connected to your student counselor @ 62822 46118 or info@karriereweg.in
From 1st Jan 2023 onwards the amount that has to be kept as a blocked account when applying for a student visa is Euro 11,208. The blocked account permits only a partial withdrawal @ Euro 934 per month.
Yes, there is no need of German language proficiency for doing a bachelors or masters course taught in English. It may be noted that, you can’t join a bachelor’s program right after your 12th from India, you have to complete a Studienkolleg in order to get enrolled for a university program.
If you already have a bachelor degree, then you can explore the options of an English taught bachelors or masters program in Germany.
International students in Germany are allowed to do part-time jobs while they do their bachelors/masters studies. They are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year, but restricted to become self-employed or work as a freelancer.
That means ideally you will be allowed to do 20 hours work per week. Germany introduced a minimum wage for part time works (students) in 2015. Since October 2022, it stands at Euro 12.00 per hour.
18 months PSW is allowed for all international students after completing graduation. They are allowed to work full time and find a suitable employment during this time.
Yes, all 12th pass students (any subject/medium of study) can join the Ausbildung program, provided they prove required German language proficiency.
There are two major intakes in Germany – October and February intakes
Karriereweg offers you admission to all course levels and programs in all reputed higher education institutions in Germany.
The process flow starts with your expression of interest with us for a university admission in Germany. You can register your interest with our admissions/counselling team @ +91 6282246118 (Call/WhatsApp) or by mail info@karriereweg.in, web-chat or walk-in to our office whichever is convenient.
Our expert counselors will have a session with you to understand your preferences which can suit your profile to suggest the best options available. We can offer you both free courses and programs where there is a tuition fee is involved depending on the choice and budget.
Karriereweg is a professional organization committed to support the young talents in their higher education needs in overseas destinations for academic programs.
