Studying in Germany is gaining momentum and popularity among international students as the universities in Germany offer competitive fee structure, MS degree programs in English, higher positions in ranking of international universities and higher number of students opting for PG degree programs. This country lays emphasis on student mobility and they are encouraged to go for internships and utilize student exchange program.Thousands of international students every year select Germany for higher studies. This country along with best of academics and promising career opportunities, offers lively social and cultural environment.

Students who want to apply for MS in Germany should know some basic things about the education system of the country.

Here every university is autonomous, thus each has a unique study program and own rules for giving admission to students. So the universities that are shortlisted should be researched thoroughly. Check out their websites and the program details that you want to pursue, also find out the application process and admission requisites.

On the basis of the subject selected for MS, the German universities ask for students’ TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT scores. For instance, GMAT score is asked when students want to study law or economics.If German is the medium of instruction, then the universities would ask for German language skills. In such cases your German language knowledge should be certified through TestDaF or DSH.

The Life Cycle of a Student for MS in Germany is as follows:

1. October-November

• Gather all relevant information from DAAD and other reliable sources

• Attend online webinars or information sessions conducted by DAAD. They have offices in major Indian cities like Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Bangalore.

2.  January-March

• Collect the required information of course duration, fees, eligibility criteria, application process, etc. directly from the selected university

• Confirm the deadline to submit the application for the Master’s programme

3. March-June

• Submit the complete application to the selected university or UNI-ASSIST which is an organization that accepts the applications, checks and forwards them to the universities of Germany against the payment made. If the selected university is not a member of UNI-ASSIST then submit the application directly. Application forms can be downloaded from the internet.

4. July

• When you receive the admission letter apply for a student visa, as it takes around 2 months for the entire procedure to complete. Here proof of funding for studies by 1st year students have to be given to the German embassy and consulate.

• Start applying for the hostel accommodation

5. September-October

• Plan your schedule in advance. Arrive in Germany minimum one week before the start of the course.

• For guidance contact the international office of the university you can take admission in.

6. October-December

• Apply and take residence permit of 3 months stay in Germany from the Foreigners’ Registration Office.

The above stated details were about the application process for the winter semester, October-March. If your course begins in summer semester, calculate the things likewise and go ahead.