If you are planning to study in one of the most popular European country, many foreign students consider Germany. The factors such as an excellent education, low-fees for studies, and career prospect are leading to choose Germany for higher studies. Here we are providing a guide with information regarding how to get admission to study or after about the MS in Germany.
Why Germany for Your Master’s Degree?
In general, German universities have a very high rank among other universities worldwide, providing a quality education as well as research experience. Some key advantages include:
- They or their families did not have to pay anything or little to attend public universities.
- English-taught programs available
- High value orientation on research and new development
- Job outlooks are also great after the attainment of a degree.
- Historical and cultural heritage and tourism
Requirements for Admission in MS in Germany
To apply for a Master’s program in German universities, you typically need:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree
- Good academic record (normally students with a CGPA of 7. 5 and above)
- To test the English language proficiency, the TOEFL or IELTS score is required.
- Knowledge of German language is usually required and often the B1 level for the programs delivered in German is expected.
- Standardized test scores (GRE scores for some of the engineering programs)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Application Process and Deadlines
Most German universities have two intake periods: winter semester which starts in October and the summer semester which starts in April. Deadlines for application may be any time, but most of them are several months before the start of the given semester. It is recommended to do deep research on the selected universities and programs to check all the conditions and timeframes.
Expenses and Living Costs that a Student would incur when studying in Germany
That is why despite low or even free tuition, you’ll have to take into consideration other costs of living. The average monthly costs for students in Germany are:
- Accommodation: €300-€600
- Food and groceries: €150-€250
- Health insurance: €80-€150
- Other expenses (transport, books, etc. ): € 100 – € 200
Total: €630 – €1200 per month depending on the city and the type of lifestyle.
Germany Student Visa and Blocked Account
For one to qualify for a German student visa, then he or she will be required to show that he or she has adequate funds to support himself or herself. This is usually carried out by a blocked account, which involves parents depositing at least € 10,332 (for the year 2023) to cater for the student’s first year expenses. This account allows for a withdrawal of a maximum of €861 in a month.
Jobs that International Students can take while studying
Non-EU international students are allowed to work up to 120 days full time or 240 days half time per year. Popular part-time job options include:
- Working in the university as a student assistant
- Waiter/waitress
- Retail sales assistant
- Tutor
- Internships in the areas of your specialization
These jobs can assist with paying living expenses and are a good experience to have.
German Language Proficiency
Contrary to most Master’s programs that are conducted in English, it will be beneficial to master the German language in order to optimize the experience and outlook for employment. It is recommended to start learning the German language or continue it before or during your stay. Most universities provided language courses for international learners.
Scholarships for the MS Students in Germany
Several organizations offer scholarships for international students, including:
- DAAD stands for German Academic Exchange Service.
- Erasmus+ Program
- Heinrich Böll Foundation
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
- University-specific scholarships
It is recommended to start searching for scholarships and apply in advance to the intended starting time of your studies.
Living in Germany as a Student
Germany is safe and has very good public transportation, healthcare and students can enjoy culture and other social amenities. Here you are going to spend a great time traveling to various cities, visiting festivals, and even travelling around Europe. Engage with their tradition by attending functions and making friends with German as well as other students from different parts of the world.
Job Opportunities after Graduation
This is because Germany is one of the largest economies in the European Union and the world hence providing international graduates with good job opportunities. Once you finish your Master’s it is possible to apply for an 18 months job search visa to look for a job in the country. Some popular industries for international graduates include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Automotive
- Renewable Energy
- Biotechnology
To improve your chances of finding a job, consider:
- To be able to communicate in German at least till the B2 level.
- Interims- und Arbeitsstudenten helfen dabei, erstes Arbeitserfahrung zu sammeln.
- Communicating with other professionals in your line of work
- Adapting your cv to german job market requirements
Top Universities for MS in Germany
Some top-ranked universities for Master’s programs in Germany include:
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Freiburg
- Technical University of Berlin
Search for information on certain programs and certain universities so that one can find his or her ideal university.
Conclusion
Studying for an MS in Germany provides an opportunity to get a quality education at an affordable cost and in a country that can provide many opportunities for the graduates. Therefore, when choosing a University, budget for living expenses, and adapting to the German language and culture, one can get the most out of studying abroad. Whether it is the appeal of state-of-the-art research facilities, numerous employment opportunities, or the cultural and historical heritage of Europe, Germany creates a perfect environment for your master’s process.
Are you ready to go the next level for your MS in Germany? You should begin checking on the programs, completing your documents and searching for scholarships today. Welcome to your German higher education adventure!
– The Author is Mr. Ajay Thiara, Founder and Managing Director of 360 College Review
Image Credit – Freepik