WHY STUDY IN GERMANY ? | 18 Things You Didn't Know About

69,2% OF FOREIGNERS WANT TO STAY! Countless job opportunities after graduation including an 18-month Job-Seeking visa with a 3.1% unemployment rate in one of the safest countries in the world. Study in Germany! Here is why!

Why Study In Germany?

• Germany Free education (or affordable) with plenty of scholarships

Public universities in Germany

You can study in Germany for free in public universities. You can also study in Public universities in the English language. Germany offers affordable education with free or low tuition fees in state universities as well as competitive tuition fees in private universities.

Private universities in Germany

If you choose private schools, as everything is relative in life, they are cheaper than UK, USA, NZ, Australia, and Canada at least 2 times but offering the same value/level of education or even higher.

Scholarships & Discounts in Germany

A student ID may qualify students for special discounts on public transport, museums, libraries, cinemas, and even shopping, including the Apple store, as an example. Moreover, having matriculation from German university grants you access to public dormitories with low rental fees.

Don’t forget to check DAAD Scholarships Data Base to find the scholarship matching your profile. All my students were able to secure a 10-20% scholarship minimum!

• Lower cost of living in Germany in comparison to the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia

Germany cost of living

The cost of living in Germany is on the European average. Rent costs, clothing, food, and activities are relatively low.

Accommodation in Germany

Rents in Hamburg, Munich, and other metropolitan cities are higher than average. However, relative to other European cities, i.e. London or Paris or rents in the USA, the accommodation expenses in Germany are rather low.

Monthly Cost for a Room In Germany (in €)

Source: Statista (2019)

• No need to learn German. Study in English in Germany!

German is a national language, however, English is widely spoken. In big cities, locals are often brought up bilingual, communicating freely in the English language. Here is how you can score well on IELTS and study in Germany in English. There are plenty of opportunities to study in English or German or English/German tracks

Bachelor Programs in English in Germany

• 3 or 4 years long (180 - 210 ECTS points).

• Mainly 6-8 Semesters

• Mostly require Studienkolleg and Feststellungsprüfung

Master Programs in English in Germany

• 1 or 2 years long (60 ECTS / 120 ECTS).

• Mainly 2-4 semesters (exceptions apply: 5-semester programs with Non-Business Bridge Semester)

• Master programs in Germany are consecutive: if you have a Bachelor in Physics, you need to apply to a Master in Physics degree (or alternative similar field of study)

Ph.D. Programs in Germany

Mainly 4-6 semesters

MBA Programs in English in Germany

• 1 or 1.5 years duration (60-90 ECTS)

• The MBA programs are designed for working professionals with extensive work experience.

• MBA programs in Germany are non-consecutive: a Bachelor's degree can come from a non-related field.

• Easy German Student Visa with low denial rates

German Student Visa Benefits

1. 1-3 months waiting time. Average of 19 working days

2. One mandatory requirement: Blocked Account with 10236 Euro (Still unsure which blocked account option to choose? Choose Coracle! (The best option for international students in 2020-2024))

3. Gaps for the German embassy are irrelevant

4. Possibility to bring spouse and children on a study visa

5. Very low-risk visa – secure future

• 'Made In Germany' seal of quality - the best country for international students in terms of ranking & image

While many prospective students tend to think of the United Kingdom and the United States first when considering where in the world they want to study, Germany remains the ‘best country for educational tourism’ for 2 consecutive years according to Study.EU.

Well-known companies & brands including BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Bayer, Munich RE & Football Clubs FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund call Germany home.

According to the statistics, the largest German employers are Volkswagen (642,000 employees worldwide), Deutsche Post (519,000), Robert Bosch (402,000), Schwarz-Gruppe (retail, 400,000) and Siemens (372,000).

• Germany Study Visa Permission to work during studies, right after studies and 1.5 years to search for a job after graduation (job-seeking visa)

International Students in Germany

Foreign students have permission to work while studying and to extend their visas accordingly.

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During studies

120 full-time days a year

(40 hours a week)

240 part-time days a year

(20 hours a week) 

After studies

18 Months “Job-Seeking Visa”

Work Visa

Permanent Residence (after 5 years)

German Passport (after 7 years)

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• One of the world’s most powerful passports (German Passport #1-3 in the world)

Germans hold one of the world’s most powerful passports (in 2018 citizens can visit up to 188 countries visa-free). Having achieved a very high score in three main categories (education, costs, life & career), Germany is an ideal choice for international students on many occasions.

• Foreigner-friendly universities in Germany

Students in Germany

In the 2016/17 winter semester, 2.8 million students were enrolled at 426 officially recognized universities in Germany. Overall, there were 357,835 international students.

Germany is the most populous country in the European Union with more than 83 million people. The biggest hubs are Berlin (3,6 million), Hamburg (1,8 million), and Munich (1,5 million).

Foreign Students in Germany

Foreigners make up 13% of the total population. 10,6 million foreigners from all over the world are living in Germany. Most of them come from Turkey, Poland, and Syria. There are plenty of Indian, Chinese, and Russian students across the universities.

• Availability of courses with 2 starting dates per year: September and March! No time waste. Start studies in Germany now!

Study in Germany

More than 400 state-accredited universities provide almost 20,000-degree courses. German universities offer high-quality affordable education in a variety of subjects ranging from Hospitality, Management & Business, STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) to Humanities, Biotechnology, and Pharmacology.

• Top Quality of Teaching. The quality of all higher education institutions in Germany is equally good

It mainly depends on what you want to study. Germany is one of the leading countries with the best education levels. Highly qualified staff provide excellent learning opportunities. Given the resources, you can develop your intellectual abilities and personal skills to reach your full potential.

• Career centers at German Business Schools for job placement and career counselling

When you are choosing universities of applied sciences, Hochschule, or business schools you will have an amazing experience with a hands-on approach. Efforts of the university directly correlate with your employability and the starting minimum salary after graduation!

Business Schools in Germany

…have many more benefits to this:

1. Attracting guest speakers

2. Visiting companies

3. Hands-On approach

4. Case studies

5. Real-life scenarios

6. Teachers from the industry

• Safety & Rich Culture welcoming foreigners in Germany

Germany is one of the safest countries in the world. By day or by night, you can move around freely. Social levels are very high, whereas crime rates are close to none. It is the perfect location to start a family as you can easily bring spouse and children and you will know they are always safe.

Japanese restaurants, Indian shops, Mosques, and orthodox churches nearby – this is Germany with mixed cultures and acceptance.

• The low unemployment rate in Germany

It is an advantage in both the knowledge and future employment of foreign graduates in Germany, Europe, and consequently worldwide.

How to find work in Germany?

Education is only a part of the benefits. Professors, classmates, and business connections help you develop your network and land in the dream job as an ideal candidate. Now is the time to be a job seeker in Germany. With more than 1.2 million job openings recorded at the end of 2017, Germany is seeing its highest number of job vacancies since 1990 - a bright economic outlook for today's job seekers throughout Germany. 

Germany has a very low rate of unemployment and it's been falling fairly consistently. In June 2018 Germany was approaching full employment. This is the lowest level since reunification.

Investors never felt better about the German economy, which grew in 2017 at its fastest rate of expansion since 2011.

A lot of jobs in Tech or Information Technology, as well as positions at internationally oriented startups, require no German language for entry positions. It is highly advisable to build contacts with suitable companies – for example by means of an internship or working student (Werk Student) position during studies.

• High Income in Germany

Salaries in Germany

On average, university graduates earned an annual gross salary of 43,000 Euro in 2018.

Students of mathematical and technical subjects, including IT (Information technology), have better salary prospects.

Hourly pay 

• 9,47 Euro legal minimum as of 2018 April

• It is a usual practice to earn 10-13 Euro on an hourly basis

• Working students earn 15-30 Euro per hour on average 

Social contributions

Foreign students taking employment in Germany are protected by unemployment, health, nursing care, pension, and accident insurance.

Tax benefits

If you stay and work in Germany after graduation, you can often deduct previous tuition fees from your income tax.

• Germany Schengen Visa: location & one visa for 16 countries

Located right in the heart of Europe, students coming to Germany, enjoy the benefits of a Schengen visa, granting entry to all European Union countries. Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxemburg, Belgium, and the Netherlands border with Germany providing excellent travel opportunities for leisure and sports activities.

German Culture

Of the 1,092 UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide, 44 are located in Germany alone. Among those:

• Islands with long sand dunes in the North

• Forests with medieval castles in Central Germany

• The Alps with plenty of lakes in the South

Germany is a country with a rich history. Event calendars are filled with exhibitions, concerts, festivals, performances, trade fairs, and sports events. Oktoberfest alone attracts 6 million tourists for a 16-day beer festival to Bavaria per year.

Students in the leisure time go to museums, cinema or a theatre; sit in a beer garden, walk on a beach, swim in a lake, climb a mountain or visit an old castle. Landscapes are incredibly picturesque and diverse: beaches, skyscrapers, mountain chains. Mountains are accessible all year long for hiking or mountain biking in Summer; skiing, sledding, and snowboarding in Winter.

Germany is a student hotspot allowing for overnight trips to many attractive locations, such as Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna, or Prague.

• German Cities & Infrastructure

All this is possible due to a developed infrastructure with reliable, safe, and clean train & bus systems as well as international airports. Within Germany’s cities, you can expect a high standard of public transportation: trams, buses, subway. Cycling to the workplace is a common practice, with thousands of kilometers of bicycle roads on the side.

• German Work culture – work-life balance

The secret to Germany’s happiness and success are the values. Germans not only work 35 hours a week on average, but they also earn a good salary with full social benefits – all that including 6 weeks paid leave per year (according to Huffington Post Research).

• German Strong economy

Germany is one of the EU (European Union) founding members and an active UN (United Nations) member striving to promote international cooperation and safeguarding world peace. Its economy is the largest in Europe and the fourth largest in the world.

Most of the exports are products, associated with mechatronics, automotive industry, electrical engineering, environmental technology, and pharmaceutical & chemical industry. Germany offers political and economic stability, which makes it an ideal place for studying abroad. Germany is one of the three largest exporting nations followed by the USA & China.

2/3rd of the major global industrial events take place in Germany attracting more than 10 million visitors. Germany is the world’s premier location for 150 international trade fairs. “Made in Germany” is a world recognizable seal of quality. According to the research across six categories (people, governance, exports, tourism, investment & immigration, and culture & heritage), Germany has replaced the United States as the country with the best “brand image”

Development of subcultures, art, music, culture with history and architecture are more reasons bringing international students to Germany. Every city is different and beautiful in its own way:

• Hamburg is famous for aircraft construction, media, and trade companies, due it’s port access;

• Stuttgart and Munich have a strong presence in the automotive and manufacturing industry.

  • Bavaria is High Tech oriented

  • Baden Württemberg is famous for vehicle construction

  • Rhine-Neckar focus is chemicals and IT

  • Frankfurt is the finance hub

  • Berlin is considered Europe's startup capital

Industrial hubs are highly decentralized with medium-sized enterprises currently embracing 99.6 % of German companies. Startup culture attracts youth and the government highly supports locals and foreigners alike to bring their ideas to life.

Germany is leading in Entrepreneurship according to the 2018 World Ranking.

Why Study In Germany

“Made in Germany” is a world recognizable seal of quality. Studying In Germany opens doors to bright future and career opportunities. Discover Germany.

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4. Study In Germany - Schools & Universities

11 Steps To Successful German Study Visa Application

Steps you need to undertake to secure yourself smooth and 100% visa success rate with the German Embassy. Read more here!

So you are a happy foreign student who has been granted a place in the program of your choice at a German university! Congratulations on having a conditional offer letter!

Attention!

Your offer is probably still conditional though. Make sure to double-check that. Conditional means either that you need to submit more documents or that you need to pay the deposit fees to secure and save your seat. Conditional offers generally have expiration dates (1-2 weeks) - do not miss out otherwise you lose your place in the program!

Any offer is conditional (provisional) until you have paid the deposit fees and your visa application either will not be accepted or your visa will be denied (if you apply with conditional offer letter). Once you have paid the deposit fees, your offer letter becomes unconditional (final) and that is the one you need for the visa application.

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Let’s start with the steps you need to undertake to secure yourself smooth and 100% visa success rate:

1. Check availability for the visa appointment once again and schedule it unless you have done it earlier and in a timely manner

a. You go to the German embassy/call them/visit the website and

b. Schedule an appointment for a National Visa Type D (for studying purposes above 90 days with unconditional offer letter). You might not have an unconditional offer yet, but you can schedule an appointment. It is riskier if you miss out on a date than if you cancel it.

2. Apply to open a blocked account, unless you already have it under control. Make sure to check this useful article as well as this useful article regarding the blocked account law and the alternatives. The blocked account can be opened with a conditional offer letter and it is not a problem.

Still unsure which blocked account option to choose? Choose Coracle! (The best option for international students in 2020-2024)

3. Transfer funds to the blocked account and get a confirmation unless you went for the alternative option.

4. Pay the deposit to the university to receive an unconditional offer letter, unless you have already done so.

5. Collect all documents for visa:

a. Application Form(s)

b. Your background & education documents including English/German language tests

If you do not have such a test, confirmation of English medium studies must be presented or a document from the university in Germany that they tested your English knowledge and you are good to go.

c. Financial solvency documents (including but not limited to blocked account confirmation) – the more the better!

d. Motivational statement and CV

e. Unconditional offer letters, contracts, and confirmations of payment from the university

f. Other requirements of the German embassy according to the territory where you live

The majority of documents must come in original and 2 certified copies in preferably German language. English is widely accepted as well.

Make sure to double-check the checklist for the National Visa for studying purposes above 90 days in Germany (Type D), go point by point and cross out the documents you have prepared.

6. Prepare for visa interview (rehearse the same topics you were having during the university interview and in your motivational statement).

a. Important is to prove that you plan to come back (even if you don’t) and to prove you have something holding you back in your country: family, flat, friends, future plans, business, puppies

7. Apply for visa

a. You do not have to give your passport and you can keep it

b. You need to wait 1-3 months for the visa decision (may take up to 6 months from some countries). Minimum is 19 working days

8. Start accommodation search the same day you applied for a visa. Better safe than sorry. This article will be of very big help to you.

9. Edit your LinkedIn and CV and start applying for jobs to understand the market. How to find a job on the market in Germany without speaking German? You will find out from this article.

10. Start learning German intensively for the next 1-3 months from the moment you have applied for a visa.

11. Receive an SMS/Email/call from the German embassy that you need to appear with your insurance and passport – it means your visa is approved! Get insurance once the visa result is clear (for 90 days from the arrival date). Once you arrive in Germany, you will obtain the German insurance on subscription.

Apply here for the best German Insurance!

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Well done you! You are ready to go to Germany and I wish you the best of luck on your journey!

Study Abroad - Useful Tips

How to study abroad? International Students guide to finding Accommodation? Can I study without a Blocked Account? Answers to these and many other questions you will find here.

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Motivation and Tips to Learn German: Your Path to Fluency in 3 Simple Steps

🌟 Master German with Ease! Your Path to Fluency in 3 Simple Steps!

Motivation and Tips to Master German: Your Journey to Fluency in 3 Simple Steps

Language Learning and the Power of Motivation

When you begin to learn a new language, you embark on a journey, like the Hobbit (Lord of the Rings). It requires time, energy, dedication, and perseverance.

The key to starting this journey lies in motivation: learn, explore new cultures, and connect with people from different backgrounds. Motivation becomes a powerful driving force throughout the language-learning process.

In this article, we'll discover the significance of motivation in mastering the German language. Furthermore, we will provide practical tips.

The Focus of this Article

This article aims to combine motivation and practical use, offering a comprehensive guide for mastering the German language together.

Whether you're a beginner or not, you will find useful points in this article to up your German game.

The Three Simple Steps to Language Fluency

Throughout the article, I'll present three straightforward steps that will guide you toward fluency in German. These steps involve building a strong foundation, acquiring practical language skills, and immersing yourself in the language for reinforcement.

Understanding the Power of Motivation in Language Learning

The Role of Motivation in Language Acquisition

Motivation serves as the driving force behind language learning. I'll explore how a genuine desire to learn German can fuel your determination, making the learning process more enjoyable and rewarding.

Enhancing the Learning Process through Motivation

Staying motivated throughout your language journey can boost productivity and focus. I'll discuss various strategies to maintain motivation, even during challenging moments, and how a positive mindset can lead to remarkable progress.

Harnessing Motivation to Overcome Challenges

Learning a new language comes with obstacles, but motivation can be the key to overcoming them. I'll provide inspiring examples of how motivated learners have triumphed over language barriers to achieve fluency.

Step 1: Building a Strong Foundation with Motivation

• Inspiring Stories of Successful German Language Learners

Discover the experiences of individuals who embarked on the German language learning journey and achieved remarkable success. Their stories will serve as motivation, inspiring you to take the first steps toward fluency.

• Techniques to Boost Motivation and Maintain Enthusiasm

I'll share effective tips and techniques to keep your motivation levels high. From setting achievable language learning goals to celebrating milestones, these strategies will keep you engaged and eager to progress.

• The Benefits of Clear Language Learning Goals

Setting clear and attainable language learning goals can significantly impact your progress. I'll discuss the advantages of having specific objectives and how they contribute to your overall success in learning German.

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Step 2: Practical Tips for Effective German Language Learning

• Introducing Useful Study Methods and Learning Resources

  Explore a range of study methods and resources that are effective in mastering the German language. From language apps to online courses, I'll present valuable tools to enhance your language learning experience.

• Creating a Structured and Consistent Learning Schedule

  Consistency is vital in language learning. I'll provide tips on creating a well-structured study plan that fits your schedule, ensuring steady progress and preventing burnout.

• The Importance of Practicing All Language Skills

  To become fluent in German, practicing listening, speaking, reading, and writing is essential. I'll discuss the significance of honing each language skill and how to integrate them into your daily routine.

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Step 3: Immersion and Reinforcement for Language Fluency

• Understanding the Concept of Language Immersion

  Immerse yourself in the German language and culture to accelerate your fluency. I'll explain the concept of language immersion and how it enhances your understanding and application of German.

• Strategies for Immersing Yourself in German Language and Culture

  I'll offer practical strategies for adding German into your daily life. From engaging with German media to seeking language exchange partners, these methods will enhance your language immersion experience.

• Reinforcing Learning through Daily Activities and Interactions

  Discover how simple everyday activities and interactions can become opportunities to reinforce your German language skills. I'll provide creative ideas to keep the language learning process engaging and enjoyable.

Combining Motivation and Tips for a Successful Language Learning Journey

The Significance of Maintaining Motivation

Motivation remains a cornerstone throughout the language learning journey. I'll emphasize the importance of sustaining motivation and how it leads to consistent progress.

Adding Provided Tips into Your Language Learning Routine

This section will encourage you to apply the practical tips presented in the article. By adding these tips to your daily language learning routine, you can enhance your language skills effectively.

Understanding that it is possible to get fluent in German

Fluency in German is attainable. I aim to help you understand that with consistent effort and dedication, everything is possible.

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To conclude, I will remind you how significant is motivation in your German language learning experience.

I would like to inspire and encourage you as you embark on your language-learning journey. I'll remind you that mastering German is an achievable goal.

Each step you take is a valuable milestone in your progress.

Embark on this journey to learn German, and remember that with motivation, spending energy, time, and money - all is possible.

With practical tips provided, fluency is well within your reach. Enjoy the process, and embrace the language and culture as you become a proficient speaker of this beautiful and influential language. Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!)

Get Started Now

Now that you have all the tools and knowledge to start the German language learning journey, let's talk about SMART goals. Have you heard about those?

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SMART goals mean Specific, Measurable,

Achievable, Realistic, and Timely goals.

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With consistent practice you'll soon find yourself engaging in conversations, reading German literature, and experiencing the rich German culture firsthand. Remember, every step counts, and every effort brings you closer to fluency.

Share Your German Learning Experience

Learning a new language is an exciting adventure, and sharing that experience with others can be even more rewarding. Connect with fellow language enthusiasts, join online language communities, or find language exchange partners to practice German with. By sharing your journey, you'll gain valuable insights, receive support, and inspire others on their language learning paths.

Celebrate Your Progress

Remember to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each milestone reached, every new phrase mastered, and every conversation held in German is a reason to celebrate. Reward yourself for your hard work, and let these celebrations motivate you to keep going.

Never Stop Learning

Learning a language is a continuous process. You never stop learning. Just like you have been mastering your native language. Even after reaching fluency, there will always be more to explore and discover.

Embrace the momentum of learning German: with its ups and downs, and let your curiosity be your guide.

The world is full of languages and cultures waiting to be explored, and each language learned enriches your understanding of the world. Travel, Learn, Develop - stay hungry, stay foolish! (C) Steve Jobs

Have Fun with German

Lastly, have fun with the German language! We, the Germans, are very happy and proud that you have chosen our language. We know how hard it is to master it, as it is one of the most difficult languages in the world.

Language learning doesn't have to be a chore; it can be a delightful experience. Start with small steps: be that German films, music, literature, and cuisine. Engage in cultural activities and events when you arrive here, that will allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant German culture.

We can't wait to see you in Deutschland. Enjoy the journey, and let the language become an inseparable part of your life. Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!)

Study Abroad - Application Form

Interested to Study Abroad? Apply with me today to a university of your choice. My consultations are free of charge. Contact me any time.

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