Embarking on an academic journey in a foreign country can be both exciting and challenging. Germany, with its world-class education system and diverse cultural landscape, is a popular destination for international students. This comprehensive guide provides you with essential tips and resources to help you navigate your academic journey in Germany. From understanding the cost of living to finding the right course, financial aid, and more, we’ve got you covered. Let’s set the stage for a successful and memorable study experience in Germany.
Research Your Desired Field of Study
Before embarking on your academic journey in Germany, it’s crucial to thoroughly research your desired field of study. Understanding the curriculum, course requirements, and future career prospects will help you make an informed decision. Websites like Study in Germany provide comprehensive information about various courses and universities in Germany.
Understand the Cost of Living
Understanding the cost of living in Germany is essential for financial planning. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Websites like Numbeo can provide an estimate of the cost of living in various German cities.
Learn Basic German
While it’s not mandatory to know German for studying in Germany, learning the basics can significantly enhance your experience. It can help you interact with locals, understand the culture better, and even open up part-time job opportunities. There are good apps for learning German available.
Proficiency in German is Not a Prerequisite
Many international courses are offered at German universities, so proficiency in German is not a prerequisite for studying in Germany. The DAAD database lists over 280 English-taught bachelor’s programs and around 1,400 international master’s programs.
Test Your Knowledge Online
Websites like TestAS provide sample questions for foreign students who want to study subjects like Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or Linguistics in Germany. The aptitude test assesses skills you’ll need in typical situations in certain subjects, such as logical thinking, text comprehension, and the analysis of complex relationships.
Find Financial Aid
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the primary scholarship provider for international students. You can consult the DAAD’s various overseas offices and information centers about scholarships and their prerequisites. The DAAD’s scholarship database provides information about different types of funding and tailored offers.
Affordable Housing Options
Many international students in Germany live in student dormitories, which are the most affordable housing option. The cost for a single room ranges between 160 and 300 Euros, depending on the study location. A dormitory finder on study-in-germany.de provides information, addresses, and application tips.
Handle Bureaucracy with a Few Clicks
If you need a visa to study in Germany, you’ll need to provide proof of financial resources. This could be a parent’s income statement, a bank guarantee, or a certain security deposit on a blocked account. In Germany, this is 11,208 Euros for one year. Blocked accounts can be set up at Deutsche Bank or easily online at Expatrio or Fintiba.
Look for Service Packages
Several student services in Germany offer service packages for international students, which include accommodation, meals, and health insurance mediation. The costs range between 350 and 500 Euros. The offer can be booked before the start of studies but is limited.
Participate Online
If you can’t start studying in Germany this semester, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) could be an alternative. These interactive courses are globally accessible and free. Universities like TU Munich or the TU9 alliance publish German and English courses on engineering subjects. A wide range of subjects is covered by the offers on the networking platform iversity.org.
