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Student Life in Germany - The world's automobile and Engineering hub, Germany is increasingly becoming one of the study abroad destinations for Indian students. The Federal Statistical Office of Germany reveals that the number of Indian students has grown by 26% in 2022-2023 compared to the previous year. There are 42,997 Indian students in Germany. Germany has seen a 3.7% increase in international students.
This Story also Contains
- Highlights of Student Life In Germany
- Cost of Studying in Germany
- Cost of Living in Berlin for Indian Students
- Cost of Living in Munich for Students
- Top Universities in Germany QS 2024
- University Life in Germany for Indian students
- Part Time Jobs in Germany
- Finding Part Time Jobs in Germany
- Health Insurance in Germany
- Facts to Know About Student Life in Germany
The cost of study in Germany is very small or zero in case of some public universities though it is not the case with private universities in Germany. Unemployment rate in Germany is the lowest in Europe. Living cost in Germany for students is 867 Euros per year as per DAAD. Efficient public transport, bustling social life, safety measures, accessible healthcare system make student life in Germany an unforgettable experience. Keep reading the full article to know more about student life in Germany.
Highlights of Student Life In Germany
Affordable Education: Germany follows socialist education system in public universities making student life in Germany smooth. Tuition fees in public universities are very minimal or zero including only administrative fees of €150- €250. However, studying in private universities is chargeable.
Academic Excellence: Three universities in Germany are among top 100 QS 2024 rankings for world universities. 31 German universities are among the top 500 in ARWU rankings 2023. With globally recognised degrees and emphasis on practical exposure, student life in Germany is a pursuit of excellence.
Scholarships: International students are graced with various scholarships like DAAD and Deutschlandstipendium that fund up to 50% of tuition fees and major living expenses. In addition, students can opt for other University and course-specific scholarships in Germany.
Low Cost of Living: Living in Germany as a student is not very expensive. It requires €867-€1300 per year which is way below than other EU countries like the UK, Denmark, or Switzerland. Staying in shared flats with fellow students and living on a budget saves more money in Germany.
Employment Opportunities: Germany has one of the lowest unemployment rates of only 3.0% in EU-27, indicating plenty of job opportunities in the country. Part time jobs are a great way to enhance student life in Germany with professional experience. International students are allowed to work part time for 120 full days or 240 half-days per year to earn extra bucks.
Networking and Social Life: Various student societies, sports clubs, annual cultural festivals, art groups in German Universities help connect with new people, find new friends and provide opportunities to explore beyond academics as part of student life in Germany.
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Cost of Studying in Germany
Affordable cost of education combined with high quality education is one of the primary benefits of studying in Germany for international students. There are around 380 universities in Germany divided into public and private universities. Studying in public universities is almost free of cost for undergraduate programs, while postgraduate degrees may cost a little sum. However, study in private universities requires €20,000-€30,000/year.
The major cost of studying in Germany is living costs. Prospective students must demonstrate 934 EUR per month to get a study visa for Germany. Living costs include costs for accommodation costs, travel costs, food, study materials, social activities and other personal expenses. DAAD recommends these costs to be around EUR 867/month. Refer to the following table for the cost of education in Germany.
Living Cost in Germany for Students
Item | Costs per Month |
Tuition Fees | EUR 200-300 |
Accommodation | EUR 332 |
Food | EUR 154 |
Transportation | EUR 116 |
Health Insurance | EUR 96 |
Clothing | EUR 48 |
Study Materials | EUR 24 |
Recreation | EUR 65 |
Telephone/Internet/radio and TV licence, postage | EUR 32 |
Total | EUR 867 |
Source: DAAD
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Cost of Living in Berlin for Indian Students
Berlin is the vibrant capital of Germany. Student life in Germany is best experienced in Berlin which is the cultural, technological and historical capital of the country. Berlin has QS 2024 top universities– Humboldt University of Berlin, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Technical University Berlin. However, living in Berlin as a student is very affordable. A single student needs 94,193 INR (€1,042) per month for living off campus. Accommodation takes away the major share of cost of living in Berlin for Indian Students.
Cost of Living in Berlin for Indian Students
Items | Cost Of Living in Berlin per Month |
Accommodation (Off-Campus) | 26,668 INR |
Accommodation (On-Campus) | 29,108 INR |
Utility | 26,668 INR |
Food | 18,078 INR |
Transportation | 7,774 INR |
Entertainment | 3,977 INR |
Groceries | 2,079 INR |
Clothes | 8,949 INR |
Total Cost of Living (Off-Campus) | 94,193–96,653 INR |
Source: Unofficial
Cost of Living in Munich for Students
Compared to other cities in Germany, the cost of living in Munich for students is expensive. Accommodation costs are the major share in Munich student life. Living cost in Munich for students (single) is at least €1000 (90,426 INR) per month. However, living in Munich as a student with family needs access to surplus funds. A 2 bedroom apartment costs €800-1200/month, that is 72,338-1,08,507 INR per month.
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Top Universities in Germany QS 2024
University Name | QS Global Ranking 2024 |
Technical University of Munich | 37 |
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | 54 |
Universität Heidelberg | 87 |
Free University of Berlin | 98 |
RWTH Aachen University | 106 |
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 119 |
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | 120 |
Technical University of Berlin | 154 |
University of Freiburg | 192 |
University of Hamburg | 205 |
University Life in Germany for Indian students
There is more than academics at every German university. Students can join various organisations with common interests, play sports, join social activities, or volunteer towards community engagement. There is lot of support available for new students.
International Offices
Most international students struggle with the initial settling period after arriving in Germany. All universities have a separate international office dedicated to helping with international student life in germany. Students can learn enrolment procedures, take help to find accommodation in Germany. This is the first place to contact a university after arriving.
Orientation Programs
Most universities in Germany conduct induction programs, orientation events, campus tours, welcoming new students by arranging airport pickup and train transportation, fests and other advising programs to help new students adjust to student life in Germany. Some universities organise special mentoring programs through senior international student representatives (Buddies) from respective countries or otherwise.
Later, they guide new students with the enrollment process, answer study related doubts as well as help with day to day problems. It is possible to come in touch with them before arriving in Germany. Candidates may contact the respective university to know about such facilities to help with their student life in Germany.
Student Unions
In German Universities, student unions are known as "AStA" (General Student Committee) or StuRa (Student Council). Student unions are the best sources to find part time jobs in Germany or Accommodation facilities or new connections that share similar interests for a better student life in Germany. Student Unions also help with finding a language partner for international students.
International Student Organizations
These are student organisations formed on the basis of common interests. They specialise in conducting various student events, arrange trips and excursions, parties, pub evenings, cultural activities etc. Students can join the organisation of their interest to socialise and meet new people.
Part Time Jobs in Germany
International students who want to make maximum use of their time can take part time jobs in Germany. The advantages are earning money to fund living expenses, gaining work experience, expanding professional contacts as well as understanding German culture more closely. An international student is permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days in a year in part time jobs on Germany student visa.
A full day's work in Germany is for 8 hours. Minimum wage in Germany is €9.82/hour. That is, students can earn a minimum of €9427 per year, while the minimum living expenses are €867 per year. However, earnings more than €450 in a month are subject tax deductions. Self-employment and freelance work is not permitted in Germany. Additional work permit is required from the Federal Employment Agency and foreigners' office to work more than this.
Part time jobs in Germany
On Campus | Off Campus |
Research Associate | Cashier |
Library Jobs | Babysitter |
Staff at University Cafes | Waiters at cafés/Pubs |
Student Tutors | Cycle courier delivery |
Student Assistants | Bartender |
English Tutors | housekeepers |
Finding Part Time Jobs in Germany
On campus jobs like research associate/library assistant are posted on university websites. Student unions, university job finding services, networking groups are helpful to find other on campus jobs. For off campus jobs, online career websites, social media groups in college are helpful. Students may also enquire at local employment agencies to find information related to vacant off campus jobs.
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Health Insurance in Germany
Every international student needs to obtain health insurance to study in Germany that costs around 100 euros per month. Every international student enjoys the same benefits as German students in Germany's social security system. However, students above 30 years of age are not eligible for these statutory health insurance. Students from selected countries and those with valid private health insurance from their home country are exempt from this.
Facts to Know About Student Life in Germany
While studying in Germany, international students must remember that they are guests in the country. It is best to have some idea about general lifestyle in Germany to navigate effortlessly in the country. Keep in mind the following points for best student experience in Germany.
Learn German Language
Though a handful of German students and locals speak English, learning German is important to get close to German culture, find social connections and experience student life in Germany fully. Many universities in Germany offer short-term German language courses. However, students can take several online courses to become good at using basic German vocabulary.
Be Punctual
Punctuality, perfectionism and professional manners are valued in Germany. In fact, public transportation and trains are very punctual in Germany. So, plan in advance to attend classes on time to avoid being perceived as rude.
Food Culture in Germany
Germany is a multicultural society. Apart from Germany’s food culture of sausages,sauerkraut, pretzels, and beer, students can enjoy Turkish, Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, Italian and other famous cuisines in the best student cities in Germany.
Entertainment
Germany is known for its vibrant nightlife with clubs, pubs and bars open till early morning hours. There are various natural landscapes, Black Forest, Rhine Valley, and the Alps for nature lovers. Students can explore other European countries in Germany as the country is located in the middle of Europe.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is student life good in Germany?
Germany is renowned for its affordable living costs, high-quality public and private university education, post-study employment options, and inexpensive tuition rates. Germany, one of the most popular study abroad locations in Europe, welcomes more than 400,000 foreign students each year.
2. How much do students earn in Germany?
You might make as much as 450 euros each month. You must work a maximum of 11 hours per week or 47 hours per month to earn the minimum wage of 9.50 euros per hour (as of January 2021). You are exempt from paying taxes and social security contributions on this sum if you are a full-time student.
3. Where do most students live in Germany?
Student housing is where about 40% of all international students in Germany dwell. In Germany, halls of residence are a sort of communal housing created especially for students.
Articles
Apr 17, 2025
Apr 17, 2025
Questions related to
Have a question related to ?
Hello,
yes you can study for a bachelor's degree in Germany, as your diploma in nautical science may be considered equivalent to the 12th year for admission purposes. However each university may have specific requirements, so its important to check their entry criteria you might also need to provide additional documentation, like your diplomas' equivalency to German standards.
Riya Dhoot 01 April,2025
Hello,
It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 20 March,2025
Hello,
No, an online BCA degree from Shoolini University may not be considered valid for APS. APS (Academic Evaluation Center) mainly verifies regular degrees. Since German universities generally do not recognize fully online degrees, there is a chance that your one-year online BCA may not be accepted.
It’s best to contact APS India directly to confirm whether your online degree will be considered valid for the evaluation.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 13 March,2025
Germany is a fantastic destination for higher education.
Regarding your online BCA degree from Shoolini University , its validity for APS (Akademische Prufstelle) purposes is uncertain. Here's what you should know:
1. APS requirements: The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to German universities. APS verifies the authenticity of your educational documents and ensures they meet German academic standards.
2. Online degrees: APS has specific guidelines for online degrees. They might not recognize online degrees or may require additional documentation for verification.
3. Shoolini University: As a recognized Indian university, Shoolini University's degrees are generally accepted. However, the online nature of your BCA degree might raise concerns.
To confirm the validity of your online degree for APS purposes:
1. Contact APS directly: Reach out to the APS office in New Delhi or visit their website to inquire about their policies on online degrees.
2. Consult with Shoolini University: Verify with your university whether they have any information or experience with APS recognizing their online degrees.
3. Prepare additional documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documents, such as transcripts, course certificates, or proof of online coursework, to support your application.
It's essential to clarify this aspect before applying for APS to avoid any potential issues or delays.
sadafreen356 12 March,2025
Hello!
You are planning to enroll in bachelor studies at Germany following twelve years of school and an additional one year of B.C.A. online courses at Shoolini University in India. You need to apply for Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certification but you doubt whether an online degree will be accepted here.
Key Points to Consider:
1. German University Admission Requirements:
German universities demand students to possess the Abitur certificate which students earn at the end of secondary school after completing either 12 or 13 years of education.
All international students must obtain a qualification that corresponds to the German Abitur. Many education institutions do not accept students with just 12 years of post-GCSE education as equivalent to a German Abitur certificate and might need supplementary qualifications and exams assessments.
2. APS Certification:
As part of their functions the APS carries out document and qualification verification services for students from India and other select nations who want to study in Germany. The main function of the APS centers on authenticating academic documents regardless of the education delivery method which can be either online or in-person.
3. Recognition of Online Degrees:
Different German educational institutions follow various approaches to acknowledge online academic credentials. Specific universities allow admission of web-based qualifications as other institutions doubt their validity. You need to verify how particular universities handle online learning through direct communication.
Recommendations:
You must contact APS for verification regarding the suitability of your Shoolini University online B.C.A. year as a qualification for APS certification.
Make contact with the acceptance offices of German universities where you plan to enroll. The entry requirements of universities become clear through discussions with them because they will specify what you need along with your qualifications to meet program admission standards.
Enough evidence shows that your current qualification level falls short of German entry requirements so you need to conduct additional qualifications through studies or preparatory courses.
Divyanshi Priya 12 March,2025
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