About Germany

Germany has recently brought in a law to double the work time for international students, of which Indians form the biggest bloc. There are around 43,000 Indian students at German universities, according to Germany's Federal Statistical Office.

• Germany had around 700,000 vacancies across sectors
• Germany looking at international students, especially Indian students, to shore up its industries
• Germany doubled the time international students are allowed to work to 20 hours a week

Germany is facing an acute labour crisis and eyeing Indian students to fill the critical gaps that could otherwise cripple its industries. Germany has recently brought in a law to double the work time for international students, of which Indians form the biggest bloc.

There are around 43,000 Indian students at German universities, according to Germany's Federal Statistical Office. Germany saw a 26% increase in Indian students in the country for the winter semester of 2022-23.

A German permanent residence permit, sometimes called a settlement permit, can be issued to non-EU citizens who have lived in Germany for five years or more.

Germany is a Western European country with a landscape of forests, rivers, mountain ranges, and North Sea beaches. It has over 2 millennia of history. Berlin, its capital, is home to art and nightlife scenes, the Brandenburg Gate, and many sites relating to WWII. Munich is known for its Oktoberfest and beer halls, including the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus. Frankfurt, with its skyscrapers, houses the European Central Bank.

10 Germany Facts:

1. Castles Everywhere.
2. Germany can officially boast the fact they have the most castles still standing than any other country in the world.
3. Car Production.
4. Gutenberg Bible.
5. German & English.
6. Largest City in the EU.
7. Animal Lovers.
8. Beer is Food.
9. Escaping Prison.

The top countries of origin for international students in Germany are India (42,578) and China (39,137). There are 27,226 Erasmus students in Germany. Female students make up 50.8% of the total student population in Germany

Top universities & colleges in Germany:-

Germany Employment Rate

In Germany, the employment rate measures the number of people who have a job as a percentage of the working-age population.

Culture

Germany is known for its long and rich history, one that has put it at the forefront of European thought, politics, and art for over 1,000 years. This history has shaped a culture that combines predominantly Christian values with literature, art, philosophy, logic, reason, and, of course, a love of beer and sausages.

The average living expense in Germany is 867 euros per month, which equates to 10,404 euros per year.

Cost of health insurance in Germany

In Germany, having health insurance is mandatory for all, including international students. In the event of an accident or illness, health insurance makes sure that the costs of medical care and medicines do not have to be paid privately. A student health insurance will cost around 96 euros per month or 1,152 (1,145 USD) euros per year. 

Transportation expenses in Germany

You will have to move around a lot as a student in Germany to attend classes, go grocery shopping, meet friends, etc. Germany has many options for transportation like buses, trains, taxis, rental cars, bicycles, etc. Taxis and rental cars are expensive, they charge 1.5 to 3 euros per kilometer. International students choose the less expensive options including bicycles, buses, and trains. Buses and trains fall under public transport and are called öffentlicher Personennahverkehr (ÖPNV). Depending on the area and transportation options, you should budget 116 euros each month (1,392 euros or 1,384 USD a year). Tickets can be purchased online or through an app. Several universities provide students with a semester ticket that allows them to use public transport at a reduced rate. They usually charge between 100 and 350 euros per semester.

Demanding Courses and Programs

India is 3 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Germany

Study Program

Although not a requirement as much as an essential step to studying in Germany, finding a course you like will get you started on all the upcoming requirements.

University Admission Requirements

Once you find the study program you’re interested in, the next step is understanding the admission requirements. Before anything else, you will have to meet the criteria set by the higher education institution to gain admission to that particular program.

The documents you typically need to apply to a German university are:

• A duly completed application form. You can find the application form on the university’s application portal or through uni-assist, depending on the university’s process.
• Recognized foreign school-leaving certificate. Check this databaseto see if you meet the requirements.
• Certificates for previous university studies. If you’re applying to a postgraduate program, include official transcripts and the diploma certificate.
• Proof of language proficiency. Copies of German or English language certificates, previous studies in that language, or other accepted evidence.
• Copy of your passport and a passport/portrait photo.
• Letter of motivation & recommendation letters (if applicable).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Standardized tests (if applicable). TestAS may be required for certain universities or GMAT/GRE scores for some business schools.
• Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate. For applicants with qualifications from China, India, or Vietnam

Student Visa

If you’re planning to study in Germany for up to 90 days, you’ll generally need a Schengen visa unless you’re from a country that’s exempt from this visa requirement. For study periods over 90 days, a national visa is necessary, with exemptions also applicable for certain countries.

If you need a student visa for Germany, you’ll need to apply at the German embassy or consulate in your country. This process includes collecting the necessary documents, attending an interview at the embassy, and waiting for their decision. Keep in mind that the processing time for a student visa can take up to 25 days, depending on the embassy’s location and workload.

Accommodation

As an international student in Germany, you have several housing options, including halls of residence, private apartments, and shared apartments (WG). Keep in mind that rent will likely be your largest expense, with students spending an average of €410 monthly on accommodation.

Specifically, student dorms cost about €266.83 on average, shared apartments (WGs) are around €363, and private apartments are typically €820, though prices can greatly differ depending on the location and facilities.

Remember that you have to register your address at the local registration office within two weeks of arriving in Germany.

University Enrollment

Once you’re accepted into a German university, the next step is to enroll by providing certain documents to the Student Affairs Office and registering for your courses. This process will give you a matriculation number and a university account, which you’ll use for various university services.

Additionally, you’ll receive a student ID card. This card is not just for identification; it also works as a semester transport ticket, a library card, a payment card for the cafeteria, and a pass for various cultural events.

Can I call my wife in Germany on student visa?

International students in Germany can bring family members, including spouses and children, through the German Family Reunion Visa