Applying for & Studying a Master's Degree in Germany
Have you considered studying a master’s degree in Germany?
In this guide, we’ll cover the top reasons to study a master’s degree in this country, some of the best universities and locations to study in, particularly for international students, and the ins and outs of what it’s like to study in this country and how to apply.
Why Study in Germany?
Germany is known for its world-class educational system, playing host to a range of institutions and programs with low tuition fees. Paired with a cheaper cost of living, the country provides an affordable place to live and study.
Many master’s degrees are even taught in English, providing opportunities for many people to study abroad there. With opportunities to work while studying and post-graduation, this provides students a way to not only stay in the country longer but also develop their career and personal and professional connections.
Are Universities in Germany Good?
Universities in Germany are highly regarded across the world with numerous institutions boasting world-class rankings. Master’s programs in the country are often held with even higher esteem. A number of German universities are also offering an increasing number of English-taught master’s degrees.
On top of that, the country has particularly become a hotspot for world-leading business programs with 305 business schools. As a major global power, Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world and is enticing international students from across the globe who are seeking business studies master’s degrees.
Is Germany Good for International Students?
Germany has become a highly sought-after country for international students, particularly those who are seeking a high-quality master’s degree. The country is often ranked among some of the best countries to not only study abroad in Europe but across the world.
There are growing expat communities in a number of Germany’s top cities. International students are often attracted by the lower tuition fees and cost of living, the unique cultural experience, and its convenient location in the heart of Western Europe.
What Are the Best Cities to Study in Germany?
There are a number of cities in Germany that are great to study in, from some of the country’s largest cities to some of the slightly smaller cities and towns. It just depends on what you’re looking for from a location to study and live in. So, here’s a breakdown of some of these places and why they are so great to study in.
For starters, as the capital of Germany, Berlin has a range of top universities and employment opportunities. It’s a major international hub of research and business, as well as a center for the creative and tourism industries. It’s even Europe’s start-up capital and plays host to some of the largest employers globally.
As the third largest city in Germany, Munich is a major multicultural city, an international student hub, and a center for innovation, business, technology, and art. It’s also home to some world-class universities, making it a particularly appealing place to study.
Another great location is Frankfurt, which is a business and finance epicenter and home to the European Central Bank, in addition to the central bank of Germany. It plays host to strong educational institutions and major companies, providing opportunities for students and graduates.
Other cities that are also talked about as great places to study in Germany include Hamburg, Hannover, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg.
What Are the Most Studied Subjects in Germany?
There are a wide range of popular courses to study in Germany. Below we’ll discuss some of the most studied subjects across the country and the leading university for that course.
Engineering is often considered the top course to study in Germany, and the Technical University of Munich is one of the most popular institutions to study this at.
Following this is Computer Science, and the Technical University of Berlin is often a top choice. Architecture is also a popular course studied in Germany and particularly at the University of Stuttgart.
Another of the most popular courses is Data Science, and GISMA Business School often comes out top for that subject matter. And Innovation is right up there too with BSBI being a leading institution for that.
What Are the Top German Universities to Study Abroad?
As an immensely popular location for international students, Germany has a number of great universities to study abroad with a diverse student body. Here are some of the highest-ranked institutions for international students:
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Universität Heidelberg
- Freie Universitaet Berlin
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
How Expensive Is It to Study in Germany?
Germany is one of the cheapest places to study. Some German higher education institutions remain tuition-free, but there are certain states that allow universities to charge tuition fees for international students. However, fees are often lower than compared to institutions in other countries and can vary greatly depending on the university and program.
The cost of living is also considered quite reasonable compared to other popular student destinations across the world and even when compared to some European counterparts. Estimated monthly living costs come to around 934 EUR per month, equating to 11,208 EUR per year and amounting to around $10,876 US dollars.
Germany provides the opportunity for a high-quality education and high standard of living with a low-price tag, making it such a great place to live and study in.
What Are the Most Affordable German Universities for International Students?
There are a number of affordable German universities that are great for international students looking to study a master’s program in some form of business studies. Here’s the top five universities to consider and their average tuition fee:
- Berlin School of Business and Innovation with an average tuition fee of 10.000 EU
- Berlin School of Economics & Law with an average tuition fee of 4.000 EUR
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences with an average tuition fee of 19.800 EUR
- IU International University of Applied Sciences with an average tuition fee of 7.000 EUR
- Steinbeis School of International Business and Entrepreneurship with an average tuition fee of 9.500 EUR
Additionally, some public universities in Germany offer programs that are free for international students.
What Are the Requirements for International Students to Study in Germany?
There are a few general requirements for international students to be able to study in Germany. If you’re taking an English-taught program, you’ll be required to take an English language test.
This will help ensure that you have a strong enough knowledge to communicate and understand what’s being taught throughout the program. There is a varying proficiency level you’re required to reach depending on the university and program you’re applying for.
Keep in mind that German is not a required language to study in the country, but it’s recommended to learn it to be able to better communicate and adjust to living there.
To study a master’s degree in Germany, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree and a GPA over 2.0, or an equivalent score in other grading scales. There can also be other additional requirements depending on the university and program you apply for.
Can I Work in Germany after My Studies?
Yes, students who complete their studies in Germany are eligible to work in the country for 18 months post-graduation. This would be in addition to the period of study specified within your student visa.
On top of that, if you find work specifically related to your degree, you can then apply for an extra 18-month Job Seeking Visa, which is also known as a post-study work visa.
During this period, you’re free to work and pursue any job of your choice to support yourself. This provides opportunities to capitalize on the networking and connections you made during your studies in Germany.
How to Apply for a Master's Degree in Germany?
To apply for a master’s degree in Germany, here’s a list of what you need to do to help you get started!
1. Shortlist desired universities.
Spend some time researching what you want to study and where. Then, start narrowing down what universities and programs are at the top of your list.
2. Check eligibility and required documents.
You need to make sure you’re eligible to apply for the master’s degrees you’re interested in. So, find out if you meet the eligibility and entry requirements, and if you do, find out what you’ll need to provide when applying.
3. Take required tests.
You may have to take an English language test or some academic tests. So, make sure you understand what scores you need to achieve to be accepted. Then, prepare for the tests and take them in plenty of time.
4. Apply to your top schools.
Once you have everything you need, apply to your top schools through the university websites, or you can do it simultaneously by using Unify!
5. Finance your studies.
To study in Germany, you’ll need to open a German blocked bank account. This is an important step in getting a student visa. Therefore, how you’re going to finance your education is an important consideration before you even receive an acceptance letter.
6. Apply for a student visa.
Once you’ve been accepted, you then need to apply for a student visa. This can take up to 25 days to be processed, so it’s important you have plenty of time to receive this before traveling to Germany for your studies.
Do I Need a Visa to Study in Germany?
If you have a passport from a EU or EEA county, you don’t need a visa to study in Germany. But if you aren’t from one of these countries, you’ll need to apply for a student visa as soon as you’ve been offered a place at a university.
You’ll submit your student visa application and conduct the visa interview at the Germany embassy in your home country. Once you submit the application and required documents, this will be sent to the immigration office of the university for approval and then returned.
The German embassy in your home country will be able to tell you exactly what you’ll need to present and submit, but you’ll likely need some or all of the below (there may be additional requirements as well):
- Proof of admission
- Original certificates of previous education
- Passport & photocopies of your passport
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself
- Proof of a German blocked bank account
- Proof of health insurance
German student visas cost 75 EUR and are valid for three months. If your duration of study exceeds this, then you can extend the visa at the Alien Registration Office in Germany.
Interested in Studying in Germany?
There are so many benefits to studying in Germany as an international student. And with a range of affordable master’s degree programs at top business schools, it can provide a great location to further your education and career!
If you’re interested in studying business in Germany, start by searching the different programs on Unify. This will help you find the best universities and programs for you and make a shortlist of your favorites. We can even make personalized recommendations depending on your preferences and experience.
Our team of counselors can provide advice throughout the entire admissions process and tips for how to improve your business school application. You can then apply for multiple programs simultaneously on Unify, saving you valuable time and energy.
Schedule a free consulting session with one of our experts to learn more about this and how we can help you!