Germany is known as a land of ideas and opportunity, and it is one of the most popular study destinations for international students due to its public universities’ free education. Free study in Germany is one of the primary elements that has propelled Germany onto the global education map since it attracts a large number of international students.
The vast majority of state-funded universities provide free higher education. However, tuition fees may be charged for some highly specialized courses. When admitted to a German public university, candidates are only obliged to pay an administration fee at the beginning of each year. Tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate courses have been abolished at all public universities across the country since October 2014. Almost all universities in Germany are state-owned educational institutions, therefore international students have the same benefit of no tuition fees.
Why should you do Free study in Germany?
Apart from the obvious fact that candidates are exempt from paying tuition, students can study in Germany for free. Students who study in Germany will have access to high-quality education, inexpensive courses, and the benefits of a strong economy. Students seeking higher education in Germany have the advantage of selecting from a diverse range of programs and schools. Students can pick from hundreds of UG courses provided in the country by a variety of private and state-funded institutions of higher education, including business schools, art schools, colleges, technical colleges, universities, and universities of technology.
The following is a list of requirements for Free study in Germany
To apply to a university in Germany, you must conduct extensive research.
The first step is to determine whether the German institution to which you are applying accepts your qualifications. To study in Germany, you must first obtain a “higher education entrance qualification” or what is called a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) in German.
Conduct a thorough study to pick a program and a university that best meets your academic and personal goals.
Check the university’s language requirements before enrolling. To apply to a largely German-taught program, you should have proof of German language competency up to B2 level and basic B1 level for English-taught programs.
Submit your GRE, GMAT, IELTS/TOEFL, and other exam scores, as well as your previous education scores and required documentation.
It is required that you obtain health insurance to cover your medical expenses while studying in Germany. Before applying for a German student visa, double-check that your health insurance is valid in Germany and that you have purchased it.
Selecting your perfect program
If you’ve decided to get a free education in Germany, start looking for colleges that offer tuition-free post-graduate and undergraduate programs. It’s worth noting that not all German colleges provide free classes. This facility is only available at public universities.
Germany has 48 universities that are considered to be among the best in the world. Not only that, but German institutions offer over 500 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs with classes in both German and English. We strongly advise overseas students to enroll in English classes.
Even if you have a certain level of ability in German, switching to a different academic language after 12-14 years of studying in English or your native language is difficult.
How much does it cost to live and study in Germany?
Germany is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other European nations, but if you want to stay focused on your study abroad experience and make the most of it, you’ll need an exact cost estimate to organize your finances.
1. Administration costs
You must provide a verified translation of your degrees/certificates into English or German as part of your university application. Another document you’ll need for your application is a language certificate. The fees for certified translation, German/English training (if you aren’t competent in the language yet), and language tests are the charges at this stage.
2. Having blocked the account amount
You must show proof of financial resources to get a student visa in Germany. This serves as proof that you can afford to study in Germany; beginning January 1, 2021, you must produce proof of funds totaling EUR 10,332. Proof of parental income, a designated sum in a blocked account or “Sperrkonto” in German, or a recognized scholarship are all examples of recognized proofs
Note: You can transform this blocked account into a current account once you’ve arrived in Germany and successfully registered at your university. This sum of 10,332 euros will be made available for your studies and living expenses in Germany.
3. Living expenses
Living expenses of 10,332 euros, or 861 euros per month on average, are enough for you to live and study in Germany for a year. The cost of living in several large German cities, such as Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin, can be higher. However, for most students, 861 euros is sufficient to meet their expenses.
On average, a student spends €30, €168, and €42 per month on their phone, food, and new clothes, not to mention rent, insurance, books, transportation, and leisure activities
Get your hands on scholarships
Even if you are granted a fee remission for your university program, you are only halfway there. You’ll still need to budget for your commute, lodging, and other living expenses. Keep in mind that lodging expenses in big cities like Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt can be quite pricey. Keep this in mind as you select and narrow down your list of tuition-free universities in Germany.
Scholarships are the only option for overseas students who want to study for free in Germany. You have three options for making your full student adventure in Germany free of charge.
1) The Deutschlandstipendium
A public-private partnership resulted in the creation of this scholarship. A commercial business (any corporation or individual) and the German government agreed to share the financial burden of each student equally through these student scholarships. The scholarship recipients of the Deutschlandstipendium are chosen at the discretion of the university administration.
2) Erasmus+
Erasmus + is a European student exchange program that can assist you in achieving your aim of studying for free in Germany. It’s worth noting that all of these scholarships are primarily accessible to students who have maintained an outstanding academic record throughout their academic careers. However, there are a lot of good kids out there, and tailoring your profile to meet scholarship requirements could be beneficial.
3) Scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
The DAAD, or German Academic Exchange Service, is Germany’s main support institution for international academic cooperation. Thousands of overseas students seeking a free education in Germany benefit from DAAD scholarships. Students who pursue free post-graduate studies in Germany have a better chance of receiving DAAD funding.
Shortlisting isn’t as simple as it appears.
It’s not easy to narrow down a list of public colleges that provide free English lessons for the degree you want to pursue.
In Germany, state institutions are free, but private universities charge normal tuition rates.
Following your graduation, you are eligible for complimentary follow-up programs.
Non-consecutive programs, such as an MBA, typically involve job experience and so charge tuition.
Check your university’s language requirements.
Ensure that you have health insurance to cover your medical expenses while studying in Germany.
All things considered, Germany is the suitable study location for you if you are seeking for a country with stunning natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and economic stability so that you can confidently begin your self-searching excursions or develop yourself in whatever direction you see fit. We hope you enjoyed this blog about how to study for free in Germany. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
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