Are you contemplating studying in Germany?

In 2018, Germany was rated the fourth most popular destination for international students. Why you might ask! The foremost reasons for international students to choose Germany as a study abroad destination included the quality of education from top ranked universities, the large variety of courses on offer, and an education focused on practice (shaped by industry tie-ups).

Here are five more compelling reasons why more and more international students are choosing Germany as their destination for higher education:

1. Safe environment to unlock your intellectual and personal potential
   
   Apart from the academic learnings on university campuses, Germany offers diverse opportunities for growth in its vast ‘Kulturlandschaften’ – landscapes of culture – with its numerous museums, theaters, cinemas and cultural institutions in multifaceted urban spaces, as well as in its natural beauty of lakes, mountains, and fields which are yours to explore and learn from.  This means that both on and off campus, students are free to explore to their hearts’ content what they are eager to learn. German universities are enthusiastic in helping students develop intellectual and personal skills, if they have determination, motivation, passion, and commitment to their chosen field of studies.
   
   Till date, Germany is still considered a safe country, which offers economic and political stability. International students – both male and female – can move around freely in most places, by day and by night.
   
   ►  All said, do use common sense wherever you travel in the world: e.g. don’t walk around a park in the dark or ride a deserted subway in the middle of the night, if the locals don’t do that either!
   
    
2. Cost efficient option for quality education due to minimal tuition fees
   
   Since 2014, all international students attending public universities are exempt from paying tuition fees. However, when budgeting for a study abroad experience in Germany, foreign students need to consider some administrative costs, like registration fees, student contribution to the university or department, student union fees depending on faculty or student body, and a public transport ticket (which usually has a student discount). Generally, these expenditures account for €250 to €300 per semester.
   
   Hidden costs usually crop up with travel costs, living expenses, and health insurance, … but these are expenditures that international students in all study abroad locations will need to include in their budgets.
   
   ►  In comparison with other countries, once in Germany, international students will find good quality infrastructure for safe student housing, efficient public transportation, and world class medical infrastructure – which makes it easy to focus on the study and work experience, rather than worrying about day to day matters.
   
    
3. A well-connected location
   
   Germany, with its rich history and culture, is located in the heart of Europe. Countries like The Netherlands, France, Belgium, Poland, Austria and Switzerland are just a train ride or drive on the Autobahn away. Low costs airline tickets and short flights open up all of Europe to Germany’s international students, even those with a low budget and limited time to spend. And, as a foreign student on a student visa, you are free to travel within Europe without additional permits or visas (student visa will be part of Schengen Visa).
   
   As a European student who wants to study and live in Germany, you will enjoy the same rights as a German citizen and EU\EFTA citizen. This includes free entry, and equal opportunity to study and work without any additional permits.
   
   ►  To assure a smooth start into university life in Germany, make sure that with the acceptance by the German university of your choice, you apply for an international student visa at least three months prior to their departure date (time when expected in Germany). In addition, foreign students need to apply for a residency permit. For this, all the documentations will be sent to the Immigration Office of the German region in which the university  is located. 
   
    
4. An open job market for international students
   
   Officially, international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week or 120 full days of a year while enlisted in a German university. According the German government, more than 60% make use of that law and are working while studying in Germany. Jobs held by international students vary from teaching assistant positions at the university itself to anything from babysitting, tutoring, bartending, retail or administrative jobs.
   
   ►  These jobs not only help finance a student’s lifestyle and travel while in Germany, but also add value to the international student’s resume. A degree from a German university coupled with work experience is not only an asset when applying for a future job in Germany but also valued in the global job market.
   
    
5. Language learning opportunities
   
   Although most programs are offered in English (the majority of the Master programs, some of the Bachelor courses), when living in Germany, foreign students will have to learn German to navigate everyday situations like buying groceries, running errands, or using public transportation.
   
   For international students there are many cost-efficient options to learn German while enrolled at a German university. Many German universities offer free German classes to their international students. It is very common, to get matched with a language partner in international student associations, clubs, or campuses. Living with a German host family is not only a great way to learn the language, but a great way to become familiar with the local culture, and make local friends and connections.
   
   ►  Learning a foreign language adds value to anybody’s education. German is amongst the most widely spoken native languages in the European continent (e.g. Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Besides utilizing it for everyday life and travels in Germany, it will help future job seekers when seeking out employment in German or international organisations.

Continue your research on studying in Germany here:

The German government gives a great overview of opportunities for foreign students in Germany and offers endless resources for those interested in studying in Germany here.

How to apply to study and Germany and everything else a foreign student needs to know … here.

Information available on programs, courses and universities in Germany for foreign students and how to apply to them read here.

The German Academic Exchange Service, providing any information required for your study abroad experience in Germany, including a scholarship database and list of centers able to assist you on the ground read here.

Most read for students travelling to Germany here!


Julia Regul Singh has a master’s degree in urban planning and urban design from the Technical University Hamburg-Harburg (Germany) and a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Bayreuth (Germany). Julia attended Columbia University as part of her masters on a scholarship from the German government. After graduating, she worked as an Urban Planner and Urban Designer in Germany and New York City before turning her hand to writing.

In 2010, the Urban Crayon Press published her first book - Boris the Bench. In 2015, her novel Leap of Faith was published by Rupa Publications. Julia currently splits her time between New York City, New Delhi and Bielefeld