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Why Studying in Germany Is Your Best Bet
Germany is a great nation with so much history and culture. It is an economic powerhouse with the largest economy in all of Europe and has an amazing educational system with many universities among the best in the world. In 2018/19 winter, there were 2.8 million students in Germany, including 1.78 million at the universities, 1.05 million at the universities of applied sciences, 36.483 at colleges of art, and 393.579 international students. It does make sense for international students to study in Germany for the following reasons.
Low or No Tuition Fees For International Students
For international students who intend to study in Germany, they will be surprised to know that since 2014, post-secondary education has been free in all public universities in Germany except Baden-Württemberg that introduced modest tuition in 2017 for non-EU citizens.
In Baden-Wurttemberg, non-EU first-degree students pay €1,500 per semester while Masters degree students pay €650 per semester. For the rest of the country, the only fee paid by international students to study in Germany is just €250 per semester. That is all. I know that sounds too good to be true, but it is true.
World-Class Universities
There are 426 higher education institutions in Germany, including 106 universities, 216 universities of applied sciences, 52 colleges of art, and 16 theological universities. According to the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021, 48 universities in Germany are among the best in the world.
For those interested to study in Germany, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Tübingen, and the Humboldt University of Berlin are the top-ranked universities for students who want to study in Germany.
Some of these schools were founded in 14th and the 15th century and have a long-standing history of quality and reputable education highly regarded and respected across the globe. The infrastructure of these schools and the quality of learning are world-class that they have produced numerous Nobel laureates in several fields.
You Can Study In English
Amazingly, you can study in Germany for free, but it is even fascinating that you can study in Germany doing your courses in English. Many of the courses in German institutions can be taken in English, making them more accessible to international students.
If you have done your previous studies in English, you may not need to provide a language proficiency test. Even though you can study in Germany in English, it is still advisable to learn German to help you communicate more effectively in your community.
Affordable Living Expenses
Germany is relatively cheaper than most Western European countries. Even though you won’t pay tuition to study in Germany, you still need to be able to take care of your living expenses. While you are expected to show proof of funds of €861 per month / €10,332 per year for your student visa, you may be able to make do with €725 per month, depending. Generally, the average German student’s expense is €819 per month.
This amount covers rent, travel expenses, feeding, clothing, learning materials, phone, Internet, recreational activities, and mandatory health insurance. According to Mercer 2020 cost of living rankings, Munich at 72 is the first German city on the list showing the affordability of studying in Germany.
Explore Europe
With a German study visa and a residency permit, you will be able to explore 26 Schengen countries visa-free. This is obviously an advantage if you study in Germany, especially if you like to travel, as most European countries are not far from one another. This opportunity is available for the entire duration of your study.
Work While You Study In Germany
Even though you may get a tuition-free education when you study in Germany, you still need to take care of yourself, which will cost some money. International students are allowed to work while studying in Germany, although there are some restrictions.
If you are not from an EU country, you can only work 120 full days and 240 half days in a year. You will have to apply to a local employment agency if you need to work for more than those hours. The 120-day rule does not affect student assistantship on campus. You cannot set up a business as a student.
Immigration Path
One of the huge advantages of studying in Germany is that there is an immigration path that can ultimately lead to citizenship if you want it. After graduating from the university, you are eligible for 18 months residence permit to seek employment in Germany.
While searching for a qualified job, you are allowed to perform any job to support yourself. Once you get a qualified job, you can convert your residence permit to a work permit for qualified professionals or an EU blue card. You can also set up a business if you want to be self-employed. With the EU blue card, you can apply for permanent residence and ultimately citizenship after legally living in the country for a stipulated number of years.
Diversity
Germany has become a multicultural society and a melting pot of international students from across the globe. As thousands of students make Germany a study hub and remain after their studies, the landscape is changing drastically. Studying in Germany also allows students to meet diverse people worldwide and learn about other cultures.
