Seven tips about studying in Germany

How well do I need to speak German? How can I find the right university? Are scholarships available? This is where you will find answers.

1. Knowledge of German is not a must

There are a large number of international degree courses at German universities. As a result, you do not need to know German to study in Germany. From agribusiness or digital media to social sciences, you will find details of over 280 mainly English-language Bachelor courses and some 1,400 international Master programmes in the DAAD database of International Programmes in Germany. All study programmes and higher education institutions in Germany at a glance: study-in-germany.de.

2. Test your knowledge online

What do you need to know if you want to study physics, mechanical engineering or linguistics in Germany? You will find example test questions for international students on the TestAS website. The higher education aptitude test examines skills you will need in typical situations in specific subjects. This includes logical thinking, as well as text comprehension and analysing complex interrelationships. Another test that is especially aimed at applicants with an interest in technological subjects is SelfAssessment international. It is provided by TU9, an association of nine technical universities in Germany.

3. Where to find financial support

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the most important organisation that awards scholarships to international students. The many DAAD offices and information centres worldwide enable you to obtain advice about scholarships and admission requirements while you are still in your home country. The DAAD scholarship database provides information about the different kinds of support it offers and its targeted programmes. Foundations and organization that promote young talent can also be of interest.

4. Where to find low-cost accommodation

No other kind of accommodation is as popular: many international students in Germany live in student halls of residence. It is almost impossible to find lower cost accommodation. The costs for a single room are between 160 and 300 euros. Depending on the study location, however, they can be higher. A student hall finder at study-in-germany.de offers information, addresses and advice on how to apply.

5. Take care of bureaucracy with a few clicks

If you want to study in Germany and have to apply for a visa, you will need proof of financial resources. This can involve proof of your parents’ income, a banker’s guarantee or a specific guaranteed sum deposited in a blocked account. In Germany that is 11,208 euros for a year. This guarantees that your course of study can be financed. A blocked account can be set up with Deutsche Bank or very easily online at Expatrio or Fintiba. Very important: make sure your application is submitted in good time. It takes at least one week to open an account of this kind.

6. Look out for special service packages

Many things are difficult to plan from your home country. That’s why Student Services in Germany offer service packages for international students. They include accommodation, meals and the arrangement of medical insurance. The costs range from 350 and 500 euros. These packages can be booked before you start university, but there are only a limited number available.

7. Join in live online

If you won’t manage to start studying in Germany this semester, then massive open online courses (MOOCs) could be an alternative. These interactive courses are accessible worldwide and free of charge. Universities like TU Munich or the TU9 alliance publish German- and English-language courses in engineering subjects. The courses available on the network platform iversity.org cover a wide range of subjects.