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Study in Germany after 12th – Undergraduate Studies

There is a huge craze for study in Germany. While the MS programs in Germany get more attention in the media due to the availability of more courses that are entirely taught in English, the undergraduate (Bachelor) programs do not get that much of limelight. In this post, we will look at the undergraduate education in Germany. Get to know about undergraduate courses, top universities, eligibility criteria, application process and job prospects in Germany for Indian and International students.

Undergraduate Studies in Germany: Free Education System, Top Courses, Top Universities, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Job Prospects for International Students

Undergraduate Studies in Germany | Study in Germany after 12th

Germany is the 3rd most popular study abroad destination for international students. It’s a great place to study since the German degrees are highly respected all over the world Germany has got a rich academic heritage and is one of the leading nations when it comes to technology and innovation. Lastly, you can save a lot on tuition fees while studying in Germany. Most of the German universities are public institutions, charging fees of only around €60-350 per semester for international students, usually to cover expenses associated with the university services (cafes, libraries etc.) and public transport tickets. Germany has got a very open education system, and according to the German law, universities cannot discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to persons on basis of race, ethnic group, gender, social class, religion or political opinion.

Why Study in Germany?

1. Top Quality Education

German universities offer excellent teaching, training and research facilities. In terms of world university rankings, 12 German universities feature among the global top 200 universities, while 45 German universities 45 German universities feature among the world’s best. You will earn an internationally recognized degree, giving you excellent prospects on the global job market.

2. Theory and Practice go Hand-in-Hand

German universities provide outstanding degree programs along with practical training in the forms of company internships, work-placements, traineeships and research projects.

3. Wide Range of Subjects to Study

You can literally study whatever you like without compromising on the quality of education. Germany is one of the best countries for studying engineering, medicine, natural and applied sciences, business management, humanities and social sciences. In the last few years, the new-age fields like data science, machine learning, automation, robotics, molecular medicine etc.

Undergraduate Studies in Germany: Free Education System, Top Courses, Top Universities, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Job Prospects for International Students

Why Study in Germany

4. Land of Ideas

Germany has got a great tradition of science, research, creativity, and innovation. Revolutionary inventions, such as the automobile, the airbag, X-ray technology, Aspirin, the computer, the chip card and the MP3 data compression format – makes Germany a great place for intellectual pursuit. There are almost 70 German laureates in the natural sciences and medicine alone, such as Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, Robert Koch, Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard and Harald zur Hausen. Germany is also known as “land of poets and thinkers” due to figures as Kant, Hegel, Adorno, Goethe, Heine, Brecht, Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.

5. Excellent Job Prospects

Germany is considered to be the powerhouse in the Europe, has got the 5th largest economy in the world. It has got a stable economy, boasts of having one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and the German universities offer excellent job prospects. Germany has got a huge reputation for strong industry-academia linkage, and a lot of scientific research is funded by the industry. International students who wish to work in Germany after studies can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months to find a full-time job related to their field of studies.  After the implementation of the European Union (EU) Blue Card system by the German parliament, international students will have unrestricted access to the job market in the whole EU region.

Undergraduate Studies in Germany: Free Education System, Top Courses, Top Universities, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Job Prospects for International Students

6. Low Tuition Fees

Since 2014, all public universities in Germany offer free education to both local and international students. There is a semester fee, which is very nominal. At present, an international student needs to pay something between EUR 250 to EUR 650 per semester. Although the public universities will re-introduce the tuition fees (starting 2017), it would still be less expensive than another popular study abroad destinations. All non-EU students taking up places in German institutions will be required to pay fees of €1,500 (~INR 1.2 Lakhs) per semester from 2017. So, as an international student, you can complete your Bachelor’s degree within INR 3 – 6 Lakhs (excluding living expenses).

7. Variety of Student Activities in a Safe & Multicultural Country

Along with top quality education, you will also get to experience bustling cities, beautiful landscape and people from all over the world. Germany is a country of diverse landscapes and exciting cities. The university towns range from large and vibrant cities to quieter towns and provide a great option of studying and living.

Undergraduate Studies in Germany: Free Education System, Top Courses, Top Universities, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Job Prospects for International Students

If you want to have some time off, you can go to museums, cinemas or theatres, go for a cycle ride, sit in a beer garden, go for a walk on a beach, swim in a lake, climb a mountain or visit an old castle. Germany has been a land of immigration since the 1960s. Today, it is home to 6.9 million (8.5% of total population) people of immigrant descent. Germany is a safe country for international students and is a tolerant and cosmopolitan country.

Also Read:  Top 11 Alternative Careers for Biotechnology & Life Science Graduates | Hot Jobs Outside the Lab & Academia

All You Need to Know about Undergraduate Education in Germany

At present, undergraduate studies are free for all at the public universities. However, finding free English-language programs at public universities is not easy. The majority of undergraduate courses at German universities are taught in German. According to the DAAD database, there are 98 bachelor programs in Germany that are taught entirely in English, including 55 bachelor programs without any tuition fees. If you go to Study-in.de, you can find 196 undergraduate programs that are taught in English. Some of these are offered by the private universities, which charge tuition fees around €10,000 – €15,000 (~US$10,500 – US$16.625) per semester. Living expenses are in the range of EUR 600 to EUR 850 per month, depending on the location and your lifestyle. As an international student, you are permitted to work for 120 full days or 240 half days in a year. This will help you in getting a bit of extra pocket-money. You do not need to pay any tax if you are earning less than EUR 450 per month. You could also look beyond the top universities, and explore institutions that are perhaps smaller, specialized or vocational in focus in order to study undergraduate programs in English without paying any tuition fees.

Education System: Types of Universities in Germany

There are mainly two types of institutions of higher education in Germany – Universities (including Universities of Technology, abbr. TU) and Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen, abbr. FH),

Technical Universities (TU) or normal universities (also known as Techniche Hochschule) are more research-oriented and offer a wide variety of subjects. In contrast, Universities of Applied Sciences (also known as Fachoschule) are more industry/practical oriented. They offer courses mainly in engineering, business administration, social sciences, and design. You will get more opportunities to intern in top companies. Lastly, they do not offer PhD degrees. But, students from these Universities are equally eligible to pursue PhD elsewhere upon graduation. Although TUs have got better rankings on QS or THE, the Universities of Applied Sciences are no way inferior in terms of education, training and job prospects.

Undergraduate Studies in Germany: Free Education System, Top Courses, Top Universities, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Job Prospects for International Students

Timeline, Admission Criteria and Application Procedure for Undergraduate Studies in Germany

Undergraduate courses usually start in September/October. You should start your preparation one year in advance. If you need to attain the B1/B2 level German language proficiency, you might need to start earlier (Class 10/11). Shortlist 8 – 12 universities that you would like to apply to by March. The application deadlines are usually during May – June.

In Germany, every university is autonomous, and each university (even few specific courses) has its own set of admission criteria. So, you need to check the university website, and specifically the program you are interested in to find out the exact admission requirements. The minimum eligibility criteria to study Bachelors in Germany are valid school leaving certificate (12th) with a relevant subject combination and proof of language (English and/or German) proficiency. You might also need to appear for an entrance exam (Aufnahmeprüfung). You need to apply either to the university directly or to UNI-ASSIST (the University Application Service for International Students). Few universities might also ask you to appear for Skype interviews.

Ideally, you need excellent grades in your high school in order to study Bachelors in Germany. If you want to attend programs taught in German, you need to have German language proficiency of B1/B2 level. In order to meet the German language requirements, you will need to appear for the DSH exam (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) or the TestDaF (formerly Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache, meaning “Test of German as a foreign language”). You will also need to appear for IELTS or TOEFL as well in order to meet the English language requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor (Undergraduate) Studies in Germany:

You need to fulfill one of the following criteria:

·         Passing the qualification assessment examination in Germany, called Feststellungsprüfung (FSP).

·         Successfully completing the first year of a bachelor program from a recognized university in India in the relevant subject field.

·         Successfully clearing the IIT Joint Entrance Examination for admission to courses in technology and natural sciences.

What is Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)?

An assessment test by a Fachhochschule only qualifies you to study at a Fachhochschule, not at a university. An assessment test by a university qualifies you to study at both types of schools: universities and Fachhochschulen. In case of failure, the Assessment Exam (Feststellungsprüfung) can be taken once more – and only once more – at the earliest 6 months later. You can take the Assessment Exam only after having attended the foundation year at the Studienkolleg.

What is Studienkolleg?

You have to attend a Studienkolleg (Foundation course) before you start your undergraduate course in Germany. The state-run Studienkollegs are free of charge. There are also private foundation courses charging fees. Courses usually run for two semesters followed by the final exam (Feststellungsprüfung). Courses mostly start in spring and fall and run for 12 months (2 semesters). Here are the prerequisites to join a Studienkolleg:

  • University entrance qualification (Class 12)
  • Sufficient pre-knowledge of German (B1 level) (A few universities offer a language course before the preparatory course, which then counts as proof).
  • Admission Test – Aufnahmetest (mostly German, Maths)
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Preparatory courses at universities offer the following specializations:

·         G course: for subjects within the humanities

·         S course: for linguistic subjects (some universities have combined G and S courses)

·         W course: for subjects within social and economic sciences

·         T course: for technical, scientific and mathematical subjects

·         M course: for medical and biological subjects

Preparatory courses at Fachhochschulen offer the following specializations:

·         TI course: for technical and engineering subjects

·         WW course: for subjects within the economic sciences

·         GD course: for artistic subjects

·         SW course: for subjects within social and sociological sciences

Know more about the Foundation Courses (also known as Preparatory Courses) in Germany.

Undergraduate Studies in Germany: Free Education System, Top Courses, Top Universities, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Job Prospects for International Students

Most Popular Courses for Undergraduate Education (Bachelors) in German

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Political Science
  • Visual Arts & Design
  • Economics
  • Sociology
  • Mathematics & Natural Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Music & Theatre
  • Arts & Humanities

Study Medicine (after Class 12) in Germany

While finding and applying to subject areas like engineering, science, business management, arts & humanities are comparatively straightforward, the application and admission procedure for Medical studies in Germany is a bit complex one.

Unlike other countries, there are no separate undergraduate and postgraduate programs for Medicine in Germany. It takes at least six years and three months to finish a Medical degree in Germany, and that concludes with the State Examination (after which you can apply for the license for practicing medicine). Later on, you could continue your education to become a “medical specialist”, which, depending on the subject of specialization, can take another three to six years.

Phases of Medical Studies in Germany (Source: QS)

Study Medicine in Germany

Eligibility Criteria for Studying Medicine in Germany (Source: QS)

Study Medicine in Germany

There are 30 different areas of medicine in which you can specialize. Medical specialist training programs are not degree programs. These are not offered at any university or institute. You will work as a doctor in full-time employment, e.g. at a doctor’s practice, a university clinic or medical center or other “institution authorized to provide medical treatment”, and will be paid as an assistant physician.

Medical school admissions are centrally coordinated in Germany. The best way to know about the admission procedures would be contacting the university of your choice at least 12 months in advance.

You must know the German language in order to study Medicine and other German-taught programs in Germany. You can obviously learn the German language in your home country. But, it could be a nice idea to travel to Germany and take the language courses in Germany itself, especially the advanced ones like B1, B2, C1 or C2. These courses usually take place between June and September. Alternatively, you could spend a year in Germany as part of a youth exchange program. You could stay with a German host family, attend a local high school and beef up your German language skills. The German language proficiency will not only help you to get admission at the universities but will also enhance your job prospects in Germany.

Undergraduate Studies in Germany: Free Education System, Top Courses, Top Universities, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Job Prospects for International Students

Top Universities for Engineering, Science & Technology in Germany

  • TU Munich
  • Heidelberg University
  • RWTH Aachen University
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • University of Stuttgart
  • Darmstadt University of Technology
  • Humboldt University of Berlin
  • Free University of Berlin
  • TU Berlin
  • TU Dresden
  • University of Duisburg-Essen
  • University of Erlangen Nuremberg
  • University of Hannover
  • University of Freiburg

Top Universities for Arts & Humanities in Germany

  • University of Munich
  • Free University of Berlin
  • Humboldt University of Berlin
  • University of Freiburg
  • LMU Munich
  • Ruprecht Karls University Tubingen
  • University of Hamburg
  • University of Gottingen
  • University of Leipzig
  • University of Konstanz
  • University of Cologne
  • JWG University Frankfurt am Main
  • Ruhr University Bochum
  • University of Munster
  • Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz

Undergraduate Studies in Germany: Free Education System, Top Courses, Top Universities, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Job Prospects for International Students

Top Universities for Design & Performing Arts in Germany

  • Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
  • TU Berlin
  • Universität der Künste Berlin
  • Hochschule für Musik und Theater München
  • Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln
  • Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover
  • Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin
  • Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg
  • LMU Munich
  • Universität der Künste Berlin

Top Medical Universities in Germany

  • Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg
  • Charite – Medical University of Berlin
  • University of Munich
  • Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg
  • Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
  • LMU Munich
  • Humboldt University of Berlin
  • Hannover Medical School
  • TU Munich
  • Eberhard Karls University Tubingen
  • University of Leipzig
  • Wurzburg University
  • Magdeburg University

Top 11 Key References and Useful Resources for Study in Germany:

https://www.studying-in-germany.org/guide/

http://www.daaddelhi.org/en/15064/index.html

https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/germany/study-germany-english

https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/germany/how-apply-study-germany

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/articles/2016-06-20/6-things-to-know-about-earning-an-undergraduate-degree-in-germany

https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/germany/how-study-medicine-germany

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-universities-germany

https://www.study-in.de/en/plan-your-stay/job-and-career/career-after-your-studies/career-after-your-studies_27137.php

http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/for-qualified-professionals/training-learning/study/studying-in-germany-and-after/residence-permits-for-postgraduates

http://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2017/02/03/masters-ms-germany/

If you have got any queries regarding study in Germany, or need assistance with applications for admission in Germany, please post your comment below.

Author: Tanmay Ray

66 COMMENTS

  1. MY NAME IS DAVINDER SINGH . I LIVE IN AMRITSAR WHICH IS THE ONE DISTRICT OF PUNJAB . I AM 21 YEARS OLD . I AM INTERTESTING STUDY IN GERMANY

  2. Hello,
    I am simran haque. I am currently a first year Bsc zoology student in Sem 1 and am interested in studying medicine in Germany. What are the steps I need to follow for this?

  3. I am in class 9. I want to become a football player after passing class 12th. I don’t know in which subject I am good. So I wanted to know that which courses I should do after passing class 12th.
    Tell me also which courses I should in Europe. For Example Germany.
    Please reply this comment.
    Thank you….

    • To study bachelors in Germany, german skills are a must. I suggest you join a language institute asap. Since you’re only in class 9, you got plenty of time to master the language.

  4. The most important examination for an Engineering aspirant is non-other than JEE Main Examination. National testing Agency is going conducting the January session Examination of JEE Main 2019. The candidates will appear for the examination from 6th January 2019 to 20th January 2019.

  5. HALLO,
    ICH IST IN SECHS KLASSE,
    ICH LEBE IN INDIEN,
    Ich möchte in Deutschland in der siebten Klasse studieren,
    BITTE HELFEN SIE MICH FÜR DIE BEWERBUNG IN DEUTSCHLAND SCHULE,

  6. Hlo, I am currently in my class 12th. Currently suggest how to apply for entrance exams in Germany. When would I need to start the process. I have scored 7.5 in IELTS and currently taking German language classes. I which to do my Bachelors in Automotive enigneering. Kindly guide

  7. Hello I am currently in class 11 and I want to study in Germany after class 12 and the subjects I want to study are economics or business studies . What do I have to do ? Pls tell ?

  8. Hai.. I am Adithyalal.. I am a 12th student from India.. after my 12th grade ILike to take an undergraduate program in Germany.. so could you pleas explane about
    any two year under graduate program for me

  9. I want to get admission for my daughter in Germany..!!is it possible to see some Universities by visiting Germany?Can we get Visa to visit some Universities..???

    • Yes, You can take a tourist visa to Europe and visit universities. But, by visiting what exactly do you want to see?

  10. Hello,
    Please I need a help on how to write an undergraduate SOP in nursing, I have actually started but my problem is am not applying from my country home, am apply from another country, now I don’t know how to link my travelling experience to it.and secondly I already had a first degree in Electrical engineering, but my dream course is nursing. I was forced to do it(elect eng.)

    Please help me and fix up these or give me hints on how to write it. Thanks

  11. Hey!
    I want to know how much percentage is required to get admission in public Universities in Germany providing free undergraduate degree for bs in business administration course in class 12 cbse for Indian students and other requirements of universities???

  12. Hello! My question is that it is true that you can apply after completing your 1st year of bachelors from your home country from the renowned university and then you can apply directly to the German university? If this is right then plz tell me what is the procedure and what documents are needed for this. Thank you!

  13. I have completed A2 and I want to apply for bachelors. And I don’t have 13 years of education. Now I’m going to apply to Universities. If I should attend Studienkolleg I need to know that if I can study B1 in University and then apply for Studienkolleg. Because I’m running out of time.

  14. Could you please highlight all the career prospects for students with Arts stream I want to pursue my career in political science / sociology which courses I can apply for 2020 I am giving my boards as of now (class 12)
    Kindly reply
    Thanks!?

  15. I want to study BSc based on biology. I heard education in Germany is for free. Please suggest any colleges or universities near Bremen…. Just now I am studying 12th in Karnataka. For what time I should apply for any colleges. Please help me…!

  16. I am willing to teach my daughter in germany aftr 12th . she is engaged in commerce group.she is willing to study business administration course.what procedures must be done………..

  17. Hello.. I m a student of class 12 and interested to do my engineering in germany.. But i dont have any skill in german language.. Can i get admission there?

  18. Helloo..
    I have a some doubts regarding courses. I have taken commerce in 12th and now i would love to go to Germany for further studies. I wanted to become a chartered accountant in india. But now if i want to study in german… Which course should i apply for. Or do we have any course related to finance or business in germany. If yes which one?.Plzzzzz do reply. It would be a great favour to me

    • Hi Esha

      You can do any bachelor’s in Germany. Since most courses are offered in German, you will have to study German for the first 1.5 years and only then you can apply. This program is called studienkolleg.

  19. What are the requirements for a class 12th pass Indian student to get admission in TUM in any engineering field ?
    Do they offer part time job along with the theories and provide a sufficient money to support the living cost?
    Othef than Germam language what other entrance exam we have to pass to get admission? Are their any scholarship ?

    • TUM is extremely competitive, acceptance to TUM depends on your score in the final year of Studienkolleg. No, they don’t offer part time jobs as part of the course. You’re free to look for one in the university or out.

  20. Hi I’m Silky from India and I’m currently in 11th grade. And I would love to study in Germany further and built my career from there. I’ve a plenty of questions and I’ll be very grateful if I can get all the answers.
    Firstly I’m a Humanities student and I want to pursue my further studies and career in English subject. So it’ll be very helpful if you can gimme the names of the universities that can help me in this case.

    Secondly can I study there for completely free and can get a small earning there besides studies?

    Thirdly where I’ve to stay? Does universities provide free living for international students or I’ve to pay rent for that?

    Lastly is VISA application is provided ?

  21. Hello This is Zarghona Hussainzada, I am from Afghanistan but I live in India as refugee I want to pursue my 12th Standard in Germany In English . In Economic Department. My brother is in Germany but he didn’t take his citizenship yet.

  22. Hi I am from India.
    What are the study options available in Germany after 12th in the engineering stream? Please share details with the study cost and other expenses details. Thank you so much!

  23. Hey i am amna. I am from pakistan. I am doing FSC pre engeering. This is my last year so i want to study in germany actually i don’t know how to apply can you tell me about all the proccess.

  24. I scored 83.4 in my 12th. Currently, I’m in my 1st year of college and i want to pursue my bachelor’s in international business from germany. Is it possible to get admission? Because my 12th grade is not so good.

  25. I’m in class 10 now.i will chose arts stream in class 11 after 12 i want to study in Germany.But i’m not able to understand which course should i take if study there.And which things are needed for studying in Germany?

  26. Hello I’m in 12th class in commerce and I want to study in germany after 12th. So can I learn german in germany after 12th and also tell how I can go to Germany for study

  27. Hello I’m in 12th class in commerce and I want to study in germany after 12th and . So can I learn german in germany after 12th and also tell how I can go to Germany for study

  28. hello i’m yabez, i have completed biomaths group in class 12 in india, what courses can i study in germany, i need a guide

  29. Hi Team Macha,
    My name is Mazhar Iqbal. I am from islamabad, pakistan.
    I passed intermediate in Commerce in 2017. Then i completed tow diploma in professional chef and computer application 1 year and now Mass communication continue from Aiou.. So i don’t know how to apply for next study in Germany and what your requirements for studies? Kindly help me about this…
    Thank you!

  30. Hi , currently I study in grade 10 in India . I want to apply for scholarships in EU esp Germany after 12th grade , Please tell me where can I find great scholarship opportunities ??

  31. I want to ask that is Jee compulsory to get admission in German universities for engineering like I want to do computer science engineering then is jee necessary or is there any other sort of way to get admission in the universities without jee ?

  32. Dear
    I have done my 12th in 2015 for some financial issue I just wanted to know can i be able to apply for BBA or Btech with study visa on regular basis with part time job let me know as soon as possible why because I want to make major decision in June month only @7798586278 so let me know by texting or whatsApp i may not be able to visit ur site again so let me know soon
    Thanks and regard
    HYDERALI BAGALKOT
    GOA

  33. hi this is pirbhu from tharparkar(Pakistan), currently i am studying in 12th(pre-engineering) and i am looking for scholarship to study in Germany. Thanks

  34. Hello, Currently I am working in Germany having blue card valid till 2016. My daughter is studying in India in 11th class, she wants to study in medical college after 12th in like MBBS in India. How she can get the admission in Medical Universities in Germany. I know about the language but what are the other things. Please help me for the same.
    Thanks

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