Study in Germany

In Germany, the academic year at higher education institutions mainly runs two intakes,

• January- for the summer semester.
• July- for studies in the winter semester.

Higher education study programs in Germany are categorized per cycles following the European Higher Education Area guidelines, i.e.,

• First cycle programs = bachelor’s degrees
• Second cycle programs = master’s degrees
• Third cycle programs = PhD degrees

One school year in Germany equals 60 ECTS. First cycle programs are worth 180 – 240 ECTS; second cycle programs are worth 60 – 120 ECTS; while third cycle programs don’t have a specific ECTS range. Language of instruction at first cycle level in Germany is German; higher education institutions are offering a wider variety of study programs for international students at second cycle level in Germany and English.

EU as well as Non-EU students are exempt from paying tuition fees in Germany for the majority of programs offered by public institutions. Nearly all public universities in Germany have introduced tuition-free education in 2014 and only charge a small administrative fee (€150-€250/semester). Tuition fees may apply only for some second cycle programs. There are hundreds of universities in Germany that have free or very low-fee tuition programs available for international students. Whether you want to study Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, or Business, Germany is the place to be. Combining high quality education with a unique cultural experience living in Germany is the main reason why young people from all around the world come to Germany.

Germany is at the forefront of innovation, science, and research. Its higher education sector is valued and recognized worldwide.

International students can work part-time during their studies to earn an extra income.

Graduates who come from EU/EEA member country do not need to have a work permit to work in Germany after their study.

Graduates, who come from non-EU/EEA countries like India, can work in Germany after they finish their studies by extending their residence permit for up to 18 months after graduation. These 18 months begin as soon as you finish your final exams, so it would be best if you start looking for employment while you are still at university, or during your final semester. Keep in mind that during these 18 months, you can work whatever job you can in order to support yourself until you find full-time employment, and it does not necessarily have to be related to your field of study.

• Personal ID and Passport.
• Proof of Graduation from a German University.
• Proof of Financial Resources.
• Proof of Health Insurance.

After you obtain the extended residence permit, you can use the 18 months to find employment in Germany. During this time you can work any job in any field to support yourself financially.

After you find a job you like, with a minimum of a one-year contract, you should apply for an EU Blue Card, which is the main residence permit for university graduates from non-EU countries of origin who have graduated from German universities and would like to stay and work in Germany. In order to be eligible for the Blue Card, the applicant must meet certain requirements, such as have a university/college degree and an employment contract with a company in Germany that pays at least €55,200 per year. In other occupations, where there is a shortage of skilled workers, the salary threshold is lower, approximately €43,056 per year.

The Eu Blue Card is a residence permit that is usually issued for the period of four years. However, if the duration of the contract is shorter, German authorities will issue the EU Blue Card for that period of time, with an additional three months. In case the requirements are met, the card can be extended. After 33 months of residence in Germany, those who have an EU Blue Card can apply for a settlement permit, which allows them to permanently settle to Germany.

A settlement permit is a permanent residence permit for internationals, it authorizes them to live, work, and study, as well as brings family members in Germany. Holders of an EU Blue Card will receive their settlement permit after 33 months in Germany, if they have met all the requirements like employed, paid contributions, and have basic German language skills. EU Blue Card holders may also qualify for the permit in a matter of 21 months if they have passed level B1 of German language proficiency.

After spending 8 years in Germany on a settlement permit, you can apply for German citizenship.