Complete Guide for Indian Students Applying for a Master’s in Germany
If you’re an Indian student aspiring to pursue your higher studies in Germany, read on to learn how a German MA degree can provide an edge to your academic career.
Germany is a fascinating country with a rich history and growing economy ,which makes it a popular study destination for international students. Students from developing countries especially tend to aspire to study in this country, hoping for a fruitful post-study life. Over the last couple of years, schools in Germany have seen a growth of 16% in the admission of Indian students, making India the leading nationality for international students in Germany.
So, why does Germany attract tens of thousands of Indians every year?
So, why study in Germany for Indian students?
Why Should Indian Students Choose to Pursue Higher Education in Germany?
Thanks to an educational framework based on theory and practice, Germany has boasted high-quality teaching and excellence in research for many years. Let’s take a look at why Germany is a highly sought-after study destination for Indian students:
- Lower tuition fees – According to Times Higher Education, Germany is the second most affordable country in Europe, with tuition fees far cheaper than similar standard universities in the UK, Canada and the US.
- High-quality education – Known for world-class teaching and hands-on learning methods, German universities are consistently ranked highly in the global academic charts. In addition, the employability services provided by universities strive to unlock student’s potential and prepare them for their future careers.
- Numerous study fields – Indian students who are interested in studying a master’s in Germany can choose their specialisation from various subjects. Additionally, universities in Germany offer numerous postgraduate degree courses with the added bonus of free German language support.
- Job opportunities – International students have the option to work part-time during their studies, working either 20 hours a week or 120 days annually. Additionally, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, this often encourages students to apply for jobs in Germany.
- Work permit – Upon completion of their studies, Indian students can apply for an 18-month post-study work permit in Germany and use this to find jobs related to their area of specialisation. To obtain the permit, students are required to present the following documents at the foreign nationals’ registration office:
Learn more about health insurance in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students to Apply for Master’s in Germany:
- An Indian candidate applying for an MA in Germany must have been awarded a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
- In order to be eligible to study master’s in Germany, students are required to prove their English language proficiency by scoring at least a 6.0 in IELTS (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or at least 50 in PTE
- The minimum age requirement to study masters in Germany is 21.
Tips for Applying to Master’s Programmes in Germany
- It is common for German universities to have a biannual enrolment process and students are recommended to submit their application a few weeks in advance
- The entry requirements for universities in Germany vary from one university to the next. Therefore, students should make a note of the specific criteria they need to meet to obtain admission to their chosen university
- If you meet the university’s prerequisites, the next step is to submit the online application.
Documents Required for Indian Students to Study a Master’s in Germany
Indian students must prepare various documents when applying for a master’s programme in Germany. While each school may require different documents during admissions, here is a list of general requirements to study in Germany for Indian students:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of language proficiency
- Letters of recommendation (usually two or three)
- CV or resume
- Personal statement
- Proof of financial support/stability
- Scan of your Passport and passport-sized photos
Student Visa Details to Study in Germany
For Indian students to study a master’s in Germany, a residence permit is required, which will allow students to live and study in the country for a period of two years. If you are awaiting confirmation of your candidature from any university, an applicant visa can help you enter Germany in the meantime. This can be further utilised when applying for a full student visa after the completion of your admission procedure. It is necessary to schedule an appointment with the Indian Consulate well in advance, ensuring you have all the documents listed below ready at hand:
- Evidence of admission to an MA degree at a German university;
- Proof of educational qualifications;
- Financial resource documents for student support;
- English language proficiency test (IELTS) score;
- Passport-size photographs (biometric specifications included);
- Valid passport;
- International health insurance proof. (Learn more about health insurance in Germany.)
German student visas usually take from 4 to 12 weeks to process. You should also ensure you have sufficient time to settle in before you start at your university. Information about the German embassy in India can be found here.
Scholarships Available for Indian Students
Despite the affordable education and cost of living in Germany, the financial commitment to study in Germany may still be a barrier for some students. Indian students can explore various public and private scholarships to help ease the financial burden of higher education and allow students to access a high-quality education at a discounted price.
There are multiple scholarship options available to Indian students, including The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships, Erasmus Mundus scholarships and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) scholarships, as well as university-specific scholarships like the Berlin School of Business and Innovation, which offers a wide range of scholarships
Cost of Studying in Germany for Indian Students
Germany offers an affordable location to pursue a high-quality master’s programme. It is home to a mix of public and private higher education providers and boasts a low cost of living compared to other leading global study destinations.
Tuition Fees
While public universities and schools charge only small semester fees, ranging from €100 to €350, tuition fees at private higher education providers range between €5,000 to €20,000 per year. The type of programme can also affect tuition fees, with business and technology programmes typically being more expensive.
Living Expenses
Indian students can enjoy a relatively low cost of living in Germany. As a rough guide, according to Study In Germany, students in Germany spend an average of €410 for housing, €198 on food and groceries, €142 for health insurance, €49 on public transportation, €31 for study materials and around €144 for other miscellaneous expenses per month.
Blocked Accounts for Indian Students in Germany
To obtain a visa to study in Germany, students must prove they have enough money to support themselves for at least one year. This can be shown by opening a German Blocked Account.
Like all international students, Indian students must deposit €11,904 into a blocked account before arriving in Germany, which works out at €992 per month. This amount is the maximum students can withdraw per month while in Germany to ensure they have stable financial support during the first year in the country.
Study in Germany Today!
Studying in Germany helps students develop personally and professionally, improving their overall employability. Postgraduate courses at Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) are a collection of prestigious international programmes which ensure professional success to students worldwide.
Expand your academic knowledge and enhance your career prospects apply for an MA in Germany today!
Find out more about what it’s like to study in Germany:
