About Germany
Germany is a federal parliamentary republic in western-central Europe. The country consists of 16 states, and its capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 square kilometres (137,847 sq mi) and has a largely temperate seasonal climate. With 80.3 million inhabitants, it is the most populous member state in the European Union. Germany is the major economic and political power of the European continent and a historic leader in many theoretical and technical fields.
Germany has the world’s fourth largest economy by nominal GDP and the fifth largest by purchasing power parity. Subsequently, it is the second largest exporter and third largest importer of goods. The country has developed a very high standard of living and features a comprehensive system of social security, which includes the world’s oldestuniversal health care system. Germany has been the home of many influentialphilosophers, music composers, scientists and inventors, and is known for its richcultural and political history.The Federal Government of Germany supports and attracts international students by offering wide choice of fields of study.
Study in Germany
German universities have a quite good network with universities all over the world. Every year thousands of students have the opportunity to go abroad and spend some time in a different country, studying and living. This should be the same way for international students. Because of this, German universities and technical colleges try to provide enough university places for international students and they also make efforts to support them in many other questions concerning the time abroad.
German education system lies primarily with the states while the federal government plays only a minor role. Germany’s universities are recognised internationally. Most of the German universities are public institutions, charging tuition fees of only around €60 per semester (and up to €500 in the state of Niedersachsen) for each student. You can apply for a PhD after completing your Master’s program. You would be required to write a dissertation and give an oral exam to attain the Doctorate title (PhD).
Ideally you should learn as much German as possible before you come to Germany.If you wish to improve your language skills in Germany or have to increase your proficiency in order to be admitted into a degree programme, there is a wide range of opportunities available.
German universities offer language courses, for which students often have to pay an extra course fee. In addition to language courses during the semester, some universities offer intensive summer courses. These generally take place between June and September. There are numerous summer courses offered throughout Germany which are open to students at all language levels.
Cost of Living
Germany is not much more expensive than other countries but one needs quite a lot of additional money when not living at the parent’s house. Living-costs in Germany differ a lot depending on the area. The cost of living depends on your lifestyle. However, you cannot influence the average rents or the cost of food and health insurance etc. The largest monthly expense for students is the rent. In the big cities such as Munich, Hamburg or Cologne the rents are the highest. Students pay on average 350 Euro per month. In Chemnitz, Dresden and Jena the average rents, at 225 Euro, are the cheapest. It is a big difference living in a big industrial or university-city or in a small town which is not that overloaded with people. Especially in the areas with high housing shortage the students form apartment-sharing communities and share the basic costs. Everyone should calculate for his or her own needs and make a list what he or she needs to live. Just if the finance is secure it is possible to study in Germany.
PART-TIME JOB
After first 3 months students are permitted to work 120 full or 240 half days. In fact in some cities work inside the University is unrestricted as long as it does not impact studies. Mandatory Internship, Project work or Thesis work are excluded from the work restrictions or work permit necessity.
STAY BACK OPTIONS
After completion of study at the university, foreign student is allowed to stay up to 1.5 years in order to apply for jobs. Upon receiving a Letter of Intent or Work contract one may apply for a Work Permit at the Local Employment Office. Issuance of a work permit may take around 4 to 6 weeks.
TUITION FEE
- Intakes: March September
- Tuition fee: Mostly funded by state Euro 500
- Living Expenses: 8040 Euro per year