Why Study in Germany?

Studying in Germany is an excellent choice for international students due to its world-class education system, affordable costs, and cultural richness. 

1. High-Quality Education: Germany is known for its top-ranking universities and research facilities, especially in fields like engineering, natural sciences, medicine, and humanities.
2. Affordable Education: Most public universities have little to no tuition fees, even for international students. Even private institutions provide affordable packages compared to those in other countries.
3. Globally Recognised Degrees: German degrees are highly valued worldwide.
4. Diverse Study Programs: Over 20,000 courses are available in English, catering to international students.
5. Cultural Experience: Germany offers a mix of modern cities, historic landmarks, and multicultural environments.
6. Work Opportunities: Germany allows students to work part-time during their studies and provides a pathway to 18 months post-study work visas after the completion of their program. 

Opportunities for Students

1.  Public Universities: Offer free or low-cost education. Examples include:

• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
• University of Bonn

2.   Scholarships:

• (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst): Covers tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.
• Erasmus+: For exchange programs.

3.   Part-Time Jobs:

• Up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
• Pay ranges between €10–15/hour for jobs like tutoring, research assistance, or working in cafes.

Tuition Fees

• Public Universities: €0 to €500 per semester. Some universities charge an administrative fee (€100–€350 per semester).
• Private Universities: Tuition fees can range between €10,000–€20,000 per year, depending on the program.

Cost of Living

1.   Average Monthly Expenses: €850–€1,200. Breakdown:

• Accommodation: €300–€500
• Food: €150–€250
• Transport: €50–€100 (many cities provide subsidised student transport cards)
• Health Insurance: €90–€120

2.    Block Account Requirement:

• As of 2025, international students must show proof of sufficient funds in a blocked account.
• The updated blocked account amount for Germany is approximately €11,952 per year, which breaks down to €997 per month. This change reflects the increased cost of living adjustments mandated by the German government.

Visa Requirements

1.  Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Letter of admission from a German university
• Proof of financial resources (blocked account or sponsorship letter)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of language proficiency (English or German)
• Health insurance
• Motivation letter
• Visa application form and fee

2.  APS Certificate (for Indian Students):

• Starting in 2022, students from India will need an APS Certificate (Academic Proof of Studies) to verify their academic credentials before applying for a visa. The APS verifies the authenticity of educational documents and assesses whether the applicant meets the criteria for studying in Germany. It is issued by the Academic Evaluation Centre (Akademische Prüfstelle).

Language Requirements

• English Programs: TOEFL (80+) or IELTS (6.0+).
• German Programs: TestDaF, Goethe Certificate, or DSH exam. Many universities offer preparatory language courses.

Benefits of Studying in Germany

1.  Post-Study Work Opportunities:

• After graduation, international students can apply for an 18-month residence permit to find a job.

2.  PR Pathway: After working for 5 years, you may apply for permanent residency.
3.  Networking: Exposure to global companies like BMW, Siemens, and SAP.
4.  Travel Freedom: A Schengen visa allows travel across 26 European countries.

In Germany, international students have part-time work rights that can help them cover living expenses while maintaining their focus on their studies. 

Part-Time Work Rights for International Students

1.  Work Hour Limitations:

• Students are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days in a calendar year. An alternative option is to work for 20 hours a week. 
• During semester breaks, students can work full-time without exceeding the annual limit.

2.  Hourly Wage:

• The minimum wage in Germany is approximately €12 per hour, but students in specialised roles (like tutoring or internships) can earn more.

3.  Work During Studies:

• Part-time work should not exceed 20 hours per week during the semester to avoid interference with studies.
• Working beyond 20 hours requires paying higher social security contributions.

Popular Part-Time Jobs for Students

1.  On-Campus Jobs:

• Research assistant (HiWi)
• Library assistant
• Student tutor
• Lab Assistant

2. Off-Campus Jobs:

• Retail staff (in stores, supermarkets)
• The waitstaff at cafes/restaurants
• Delivery services
• Customer support (call centers)

3.  Freelance Work:

• Tutoring in languages or skills
• Graphic design, web development, or other online freelancing roles.

How Part-Time Work Helps Students

1.  Financial Support:

• Working part-time allows students to cover a significant portion of their monthly expenses, such as accommodation, food, and transport.
• For example, working 15 hours a week at €12/hour can earn around €720/month.
• During semester breaks, full-time work can yield substantial income.

This limit ensures you can earn money without compromising your studies. During semester breaks, you can work full-time beyond this limit.

2. Skill Development:

• Enhances professional and interpersonal skills.
• Provides exposure to German work culture and improves language proficiency.

3. Networking Opportunities:

• Students can build connections in their industry of interest, which may help secure internships or full-time positions after graduation.

Important Points to Remember

1. Taxes and Social Security Contributions:

• Earnings below €556/month (mini-jobs) are tax-free.

 If you earn more than this, income tax may apply, but refunds can be claimed at the end of the financial year.

2.  Language Skills:

• Fluency in German is an advantage for securing jobs, especially off-campus roles.

3.  Academic Focus:

• It’s essential to prioritise studies; poor academic performance due to excessive work can affect visa extensions.

Earning Potential

• A student working part-time for 15-20 hours/week at €12/hour can earn approximately €720–€960/month, covering a substantial portion of their living costs (estimated at €850–€1,200/month).

Part-time work is a fantastic way to gain financial independence while studying in Germany. 

Estimated monthly and daily expenses for an international student in Germany:

Tips to Save Money

1. Student Discounts: Available for transport, museums, cinemas, and restaurants.
2. Cooking at Home: Saves money compared to eating out.
3. Affordable Housing: Look for dormitories or shared apartments.
4. Scholarships: Study diligently and aim to obtain rewarding scholarships.