The Essential Guide to the APS Certificate for Studying in Germany
The Essential Guide to the APS Certificate for Studying in Germany Introduction For Indian students aspiring to study in Germany,...
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Study In Germany
Germany offers a world-class education system with minimal tuition fees and abundant research opportunities, attracting students globally for its academic excellence and affordability
According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), among the 370,000 international students enrolled in German universities for the 2022-23 academic year, Indian students represent the largest group with 43,000 enrolments.
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More About Germany
Germany offers an exceptional quality of life, characterized by its robust economy, excellent healthcare system, and world-class education. The country is known for its high standard of living, safe and efficient public transportation, and a rich cultural scene that includes historical landmarks, museums, and diverse arts. Additionally, Germany's central location in Europe allows easy travel to neighbouring countries, enhancing its appeal as a hub for both personal and professional opportunities for prospective immigrants.
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Life In Germany?
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Living in Germany offers a high standard of living due to its robust economy, industrialization, and favourable social, political, and economic climate.
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Germany's well-established labour market provides ample opportunities for highly qualified employees, including graduates and doctoral candidates, with migrants seen as assets for economic development, contributing to cultural and social diversity.
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Germany's political and economic stability, coupled with its robust security network, strong rule of law, protection of human rights, well-established health system, and advanced industrial and educational infrastructure, make it an ideal place to live and work, ensuring a safe, healthy, and enriching living environment.
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Students have the opportunity to work up to 964 hours per year, which averages out to approximately 20 hours per week.
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More About Germany
Germany offers an exceptional quality of life, characterized by its robust economy, excellent healthcare system, and world-class education. The country is known for its high standard of living, safe and efficient public transportation, and a rich cultural scene that includes historical landmarks, museums, and diverse arts. Additionally, Germany's central location in Europe allows easy travel to neighbouring countries, enhancing its appeal as a hub for both personal and professional opportunities for prospective immigrants.
Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa)
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Eligibility: This visa is for short-term stays in Germany and other Schengen Area countries, up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
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Purpose: It is suitable for students attending short courses, language programs, or preparatory visits.
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Limitations: This visa does not allow you to begin full-time studies or work in Germany. It is not extendable for long-term study purposes.
National Visa (D Visa)
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Eligibility: This visa is for long-term stays over 90 days and is typically used by students intending to pursue full-time academic programs in Germany.
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Purpose: This includes full-time university studies, preparatory courses (such as Studienkolleg), language courses longer than three months, or doctoral studies.
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Duration and Extension: Initially issued for three to six months. Upon arrival in Germany, you must apply for a residence permit at the local Alien Registration Office to cover the full duration of your studies.
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FAQs
Undoubtedly, a major advantage lies in the exceptional education system German universities enjoy a global reputation for. Additionally, Germany's higher education system is built on the principle of integrating teaching and research. This approach, often referred to as the 'dual education system,' encourages apprenticeship and students to actively engage in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and conducting innovative research to solve complex problems. Many universities and 'Fachhochschulen' also offer access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
Absolutely! Germany offers a wide range of more than 1,700 postgraduate courses at the Masters and PhD levels that are taught in English, which is more extensive than the options available for undergraduate studies. Knowledge of the German language is not required to apply for these programs. It is highly recommended to take advantage of any German language courses available at your university to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and make the most of your study abroad experience. Although it is common for PhD programs in Germany to require students to submit their thesis in German, there are some institutions that may be more flexible and allow the use of other languages for this purpose.
It is not mandatory for native English speakers. Nevertheless, to be eligible for an allEnglish program at a German university, you must possess either TOEFL or IELTS certification. In addition, for those seeking postgraduate study with a bachelor's degree in an English-taught course, TOEFL or IELTS certification is not required.
Age is not a determining factor
If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA member state, it is necessary to apply for a student visa to enter Germany and pursue your studies. For studies lasting longer than 3 months, a national visa is required.
Absolutely! International students can balance part-time work with being a full-time student in Germany. However, the number of working days available is limited to 120 full working days or 240 half working days. This restricted timeframe also applies to voluntary internships, regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid. Furthermore, foreign students are not allowed to engage in self-employment within the designated number of working days permitted by law. On the other hand, full-time students from EU/EEA member states have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours per week.
Opening a German bank account while studying in Germany is highly recommended as it will be necessary for renting an apartment or obtaining insurance. For international students from countries outside the EU/EEA, it is necessary to demonstrate adequate financial resources to support your expenses while studying in Germany. One option is to open a German blocked account, which is commonly used by international students studying in Germany. Starting in 2023, the blocked account will have an annual amount of 11,208 euros. Students will have the option to withdraw a maximum of 934 euros per month.
If the language of instruction for your course is solely English, there is no need for a strong command of German.
The Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory course that provides students with the opportunity to gain admission to German universities. This program is designed for students whose qualifications or diplomas do not meet the requirements. Throughout this course, students immerse themselves in the subjects of a specific course and dedicate five days a week to learning the German language, all with the ultimate goal of successfully completing the final exam. Upon successfully completing the final exam, individuals are now able to apply for a graduate program at a German university. In order to be eligible for a "Studienkolleg," it is necessary to have proficiency in the German language at level B1.
Key Differences
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Schengen Visa: Suitable for short-term visits up to 90 days, not extendable for long-term studies.
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National Visa (D Visa): Suitable for long-term studies, extendable by applying for a residence permit once in Germany.
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Public universities provide complimentary medical courses. However, due to the limited availability and the requirement of strong proficiency in both German and English, there is significant competition for these positions.
International students are permitted to remain in Germany for 18 months after completing their studies to search for employment opportunities. However, it is necessary to first request an extension of your residence permit. During these 18 months, you have the freedom to work as much as you desire in any job to sustain yourself. If you manage to secure a position in your field and obtain a valid contract, you will qualify for the EU Blue Card.
Health insurance is a requirement for studying in Germany. Furthermore, international students are eligible for mandatory health insurance. Students under the age of 30 have the option to register with statutory health insurance instead of private health insurance. In order to enter Germany, it is essential to provide health insurance in your visa application. It is important to obtain private travel health insurance until you are officially enrolled at your university and eligible for statutory health insurance
Providing evidence of a recognized university entrance qualification is a crucial requirement for admission to a German university. This entails demonstrating that you have successfully completed a university entrance exam that is equivalent to the Abitur. Essentially, the Abitur is a certification that students receive upon successfully completing a final exam. It is provided by preparatory universities in Germany and serves as the official qualification for university admission. If your high school diploma was issued by an EU/EEA member state, German universities will accept it. If your diploma was awarded by another country, you may need to take a "Feststellungsprüfung" exam after completing a preparatory course called a "Studienkolleg."
Getting around Germany is a breeze, even without your own vehicle. This is a result of the highly developed and effective public transportation system. Germany offers a comprehensive public transport system that includes the metro, S-Bahn, tram, and buses.
Some of the most affordable cities to live in Germany include Bielefeld, Frankfurt (Oder), Halle, Krefeld, and Passau. Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Bonn have become the priciest cities to reside in Germany.
Indeed, Germany offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. There are various types of scholarships available, including government-funded scholarships like the DAAD or Erasmus+ scholarship, non-governmental scholarships, and scholarships offered by German universities.
Applying for the National Visa (D Visa)
You will need to provide the below Documents -
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Completed visa application forms.
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Valid national passport.
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Proof of admission from a German educational institution.
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Proof of financial resources (e.g., blocked account, financial commitment from a sponsor in Germany, or a scholarship).
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Health insurance coverage.
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Proof of language proficiency, depending on your program's requirements (German or English language test scores).
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Additional documents like previous educational certificates, a CV, and a motivation letter explaining your study plans.
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Applying for a postgraduate program in Germany follows a similar process to applying for an undergraduate program. In order to gain admission to a postgraduate program, whether it's a master's or doctoral degree, it is necessary for your university degree (from your home country or another country) to be officially recognized by the German university you are applying to.
In order to pursue a doctorate in Germany, it is typically required to have successfully completed a minimum of eight semesters of university study. By the end, you should have achieved a level of education comparable to a German master's degree. Completing a PhD program in German with just a bachelor's degree is extremely uncommon. However, in exceptional cases, it may be possible if you have significant professional or non-academic experience and successfully pass an entrance exam. Based on your native language and the program you are applying to, it may be necessary for you to undergo a language assessment in either English or German. Typically, structured doctoral programs are taught in English, whereas traditional doctoral programs may require students to write their thesis in German.
Typically, universities are responsible for evaluating qualifications and credits for admission purposes. When assessing international higher education degrees and qualifications, the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) of the Conference of German Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) provides country-specific recommendations. According to the Law on Evaluation and Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications of 2012, the certifying authorities of the applicant's federal state of residence (or the state they plan to reside in) are in charge of recognizing foreign higher education and qualifications for enrollment in a specialization course.
Typically, the following documents need to be presented:
• Evidence of your past academic achievements (along with a recognized higher education entrance qualification in Germany)
• Confirmation of your admission from your chosen university (or assurance that you will receive an admission letter soon)
• Evidence of your health insurance.
• Evidence of possessing adequate financial resources (income or assets totaling around €11,208 per year) is required.
• Evidence of your proficiency in German (or intention to enroll in a language course while in Germany).
Applying for the National Visa (D Visa)
You will need to provide the below Documents -
-
Completed visa application forms.
-
Valid national passport.
-
Proof of admission from a German educational institution.
-
Proof of financial resources (e.g., blocked account, financial commitment from a sponsor in Germany, or a scholarship).
-
Health insurance coverage.
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Proof of language proficiency, depending on your program's requirements (German or English language test scores).
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Additional documents like previous educational certificates, a CV, and a motivation letter explaining your study plans.
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Processing Time for Germany Student Visa -
The processing time for German student visas can vary depending on several factors such as the completeness of the application, the workload at the German embassy or consulate, and any additional documentation or interviews that may be required. However, as a general guideline:
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Short-Term Visas (Schengen Visa): If you're applying for a short-term visa (Schengen visa) to study in Germany for a period of fewer than 90 days, the processing time is typically around 15 calendar days from the date of your application.
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Long-Term Visas (National Visa): If you're applying for a long-term visa (national visa) to study in Germany for more than 90 days, such as for a degree program, the processing time can vary. It usually takes anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, but it could be longer during peak application periods or due to specific circumstances.
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Why Study In Germany?
As a graduating student in India, selecting the right country for your degree is a pivotal decision that can shape your academic and professional future. Germany is an outstanding choice for several compelling reasons, making it a top destination for higher education among international students.
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World-Class Education System
Germany is renowned for its high-quality education system, which includes some of the most prestigious universities globally, such as the Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. These institutions are known for their strong emphasis on research, innovative teaching methods, and state-of-the-art facilities. By pursuing a master's degree in Germany, you will receive a world-class education that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your field.
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Affordability and Financial Support
One of the most attractive aspects of studying in Germany is the affordability of education. Most public universities charge little to no tuition fees, even for international students. This is in stark contrast to many other countries where tuition fees can be prohibitively high. Additionally, there are numerous scholarships and financial aid options available specifically for international students, helping to ease the financial burden and allowing you to focus on your studies.
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Strong Job Market and Career Opportunities
Germany's economy is one of the strongest in the world, with particular strengths in engineering, technology, automotive, and manufacturing industries. This robust economic environment translates into a wealth of job opportunities for graduates, especially in STEM fields. The country also has a high demand for skilled professionals and offers favourable visa and residency policies for international graduates, making it easier to secure employment and build a career in Germany.
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Ease of Traveling and Visiting Other EU Countries
Germany's central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for traveling and exploring other European countries. As a student in Germany, you will have the benefit of being part of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel to 26 European countries. This ease of travel provides a unique opportunity to experience different cultures, languages, and histories, enriching your time abroad. Weekend trips to countries like France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria become convenient and affordable, offering you a broader perspective and enhancing your overall educational experience.
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Rich Cultural Experience and Quality of Life
Studying in Germany offers more than just academic benefits; it also provides a rich cultural experience. Germany is known for its diverse and inclusive society, welcoming students from all over the world. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in German culture, history, and traditions while meeting people from various backgrounds. Furthermore, Germany boasts a high standard of living, with excellent public transportation, healthcare, and a safe environment, all of which contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable student life.
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Learning a New Language
While many master's programs in Germany are offered in English, learning German can be highly advantageous. Proficiency in German can enhance your cultural experience and increase your job prospects both within Germany and in other German-speaking regions. Many universities offer language courses for international students, providing an excellent opportunity to learn a new language and improve your communication skills.
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Networking and Global Opportunities
Studying in Germany allows you to build a global network of peers, professors, and industry professionals. This network can be invaluable for your future career, providing connections and opportunities that extend beyond your academic experience. German universities have strong ties with industries and research institutions worldwide, facilitating internships, collaborations, and job placements that can significantly boost your career prospects.
In conclusion, choosing Germany for your master's degree offers numerous advantages, including a high-quality education system, affordability, excellent career opportunities, and a rich cultural experience. By studying in Germany, you will not only gain valuable academic knowledge but also develop personally and professionally, positioning yourself for success in the global job market.
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