Study in Germany for Free: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Winter Semester
If you’re considering pursuing a Master’s degree in Germany for the Winter Semester of 2024, this guide is tailored specifically for you. It will navigate you through the entire application process, offering insights, tips, and tools to ensure your journey to Germany’s academic landscape is smooth and successful.
Btw, Awesome choice! Germany offers top-notch education, a lively culture, and plenty of opportunities for international students. And guess what? It can be surprisingly affordable, with many universities providing tuition-free education.
Germany is becoming increasingly popular among students, surpassing Canada and Australia in popularity. It’s set to be the second most popular choice after the US. In fact, there has been a remarkable 25% increase in students moving to Germany (source: Indian Express).
Naturally, many students have questions about where to start. This guide is here to answer all the questions you might have related to studying in Germany. By the end of this guide, you should have a clear roadmap for the entire process of pursuing Masters/Higher education in Germany.
Part 1: Deciding whether you should apply to Germany
But before we dive in, let’s dispel some myths:
Do you need to know German for Masters?
No, you don’t need to know German to pursue Masters in Germany. There are over 1500+ programs taught entirely in English. While there are plenty of English-speaking jobs after you graduate, learning the language gradually after you arrive can make life more convenient. Check out this guide for tips on efficiently learning the German language.
Is Germany free for Masters?
Yes, Germany is free for Masters in most public universities. Although some universities, like TU Munich, are no longer free, most public universities still offer tuition-free education.
However, there are living costs. For an estimate of the cost of Masters in Germany, you can use this approximate calculation:
Interested in hearing from a candidate about the cost of Masters?
Check out this insightful interview from a recent student who moved to Germany for Masters:
Keep in mind that living costs vary between cities. Munich differs from Dresden, but as a rough estimate, the total annual living cost is approximately 13,260–13,620 EUR (₹11.6–12 lakhs)
Is Germany a good option for Masters in 2024 with the impending/ongoing recession?
Studying in Germany in 2024 has pros and cons during a recession.
Pros: Strong economy, high-quality education, research opportunities, post-study visa options, and cost-effective education.
Cons: Increased job competition, funding uncertainties, high living costs, and economic uncertainty.
Weigh the benefits against the challenges and do your research before deciding.
Our Take: A recession is a often a good time to pursue higher education. Especially, if the field of study is robust in the future.
What are some other benefits of studying in Germany?
5 reasons why Germany is a top destination for international students:
- High quality of education — 22 out of top 200 universities in the world are in Germany. The education, research and student facilities are unparalleled.
- Affordable fees — Education in Germany is free. Most public universities charge a semester contribution between 100–350 Euros (it includes many benefits like public transport, sports facilities etc.).
- High paying jobs — There are TONS of jobs on the German market with super high salaries.
- Safe environment — 13% of people living in Germany come from other countries. There are roughly half a million international students as of 2023. The diverse environment makes it very welcoming to other cultures.
- Simple visa — The student and work visa process for Germany is straightforward. There are no lottery systems or long waiting times.
Now if you have decided that Germany is a viable option for higher education. The next questions are Are you eligible?, What are your chances?, What are the best fields to do your higher education in? Let’s tackle them one by one. Let’s talk about eligibility:
Are you eligible for Masters in Germany?
Requirements for studying Masters in Germany:
Proof of language competence — For English-language programs, you need a score > 6.0 on the IELTS test or 90+ on the TOEFL iBT test. For German-language programs, a level of B2 or above (TestDaF or DSH).
Bachelors degree — An undergraduate degree in a related field of study is needed before pursuing Masters.
Proof of financial resources — Show scholarship or a bank statements (Blocked account with roughly 12000 Euros / year)Understand the essential criteria for pursuing higher education in Germany and ensure you’re well-prepared.
Daad: The Gold Mine to find programs, scholarships and requirements
For individual requirements, there is no better website than Daad. It sets the gold standard for finding specific program requirements. It’s incredibly user-friendly — simply input your field of study and individual filters, and within 5 minutes, you can access an exhaustive list of options.
Details about navigating Daad.de to find requirements can be found here:
Does my Field of Study have good prospects?
Germany is generally considered a fantastic option for a wide range of fields. If you discover your specific field of study on this list of top fields, you can be confident that Germany is a legitimate and ideal choice for you. Explore the list at Top Fields for Study in Germany to ensure you’re on the right track for a rewarding educational experience.
Now that you know the fees, the prospects and the requirements. Let’s dwelve into the actual process of applications.
Part 2: Applications
Step 1: Finding the Right Universities
First you need to figure the right type of university for you.
Some types include:
- Universität: Research-oriented.
- Fachhochschule (FH): Applied sciences, no PhD
- Open Universities: Open for admission. Meet Requirements and get admit
- Restricted Universities: You have to go through an application process.
Finding the right Programs for Masters:
Use DAAD for program listings
Explore interactively with MyGuide
Eligibility for Masters:
- English test (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Undergrad degree (180 credits)
- GRE (selective)
- GPA minimum 6 (varies)
- German test for German courses
How to shortlist universities to 8–10 programs where you can get an admit?
1. Compare with Alumni: Check LinkedIn for the type of profiles which went to your target university. They should ideally be similar to you
2. AI Profile Evaluator: Use RateMyChances, the AI profile evaluator to find what universities are ambitious, safe or moderate.
3. Finalize 8–10 programs as Safe, Moderate and Ambitious. Here is a strategy to do the same:
Step 2: Building the Profile for Application.
From step 1, you have finalized your university list. Next, you need to build your profile for applying to those universities.
To build your profile for application, you need to assemble documents.
You need the following documents to apply for Masters programs in Germany:
IDs — Passport
Academic history — bachelors transcripts, 12th marksheets
Language proficiency — IELTS / TOEFL for english programs. Goethe/DSH/TestDaf for german programs.
Aptitude tests — GRE / TestAS / GMAT. Some universities also have their own entrance examination.
Student profile — CV, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Reference.
APS certificate (for students from specific countries
For language proficiency, candidates typically prefer taking the IELTS, while the GRE is primarily favored by STEM students seeking to enhance their academic profile. It’s worth noting that GRE scores are not mandatory for many universities. Keep in mind that GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL often serve as filters in the application process. Achieving scores above 320 in the GRE and a 7 or higher in the IELTS is considered excellent, and there is no need for excessive optimization.
CV / Resume
Craft a standout CV or resume that showcases your achievements and academic background effectively.
Lebenslauf is a summary of your personal, educational, and professional background. Universities use automated parsers for filtering resumes, therefore it is important to use a simple format. Some programs ask for the CV in the Europass format, if not, we recommend using FlowCV for building your resume.
After you finished building your resume. You can use GradGPT AI resume reviewer to identify and fix the most common red flags with resumes:
Statement of Purpose
What to write in a Statement of Purpose?
Your SOP should address these 5 questions:
Which program do you want to apply to?
What is your career goal?
What work have you done previously towards your career goal?
How will the program help you in achieving your career goals?
Why are you interested in this particular university and program?
Generally, this is the way people approach building SOPs:
- Create a first draft: Typically, this is done by referencing a senior's SOP, a template, or a first draft generated with AI.
2. Incorporate your own customization into the first draft: It is recommended to avoid using AI at this step.
3. Get your SOP reviewed and make refinements: Contact your seniors or professionals. You can also use AI SOP reviewers to identify mistakes and make corrections.
Letter of Recommendation:
When seeking recommendation letters, professors often request self-drafts. Focus on specific projects, challenges overcome, and personal attributes. Tailor language to the program, compare academic standing, and highlight tangible outcomes. Include the recommender’s contact info and end with a personal endorsement for a concise and effective recommendation.
You can leverage AI tools to create a custom template to work upon:
APS Certificate: The Biggest Pain
Getting APS certificate is one of the most painful step for students applying for Masters in Germany. Last year, this step was a nightmare for many. But institutions are working actively to make it a better experience for the students.
- APS is mandatory for most Indian students, and starting November 2022, a valid APS certificate is a prerequisite for all visa appointments for students planning to study in Germany.
- The APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) at the German Embassy in New Delhi issues APS certificates authenticating Indian academic documents for German universities.
- The APS certificate is crucial for most Indian students applying for a student visa and enrollment in German universities.
- Exceptions include students funded by Germany or EU-based scholarships, Ph.D. students, and those with international certificates.
- The application process involves online registration, fee payment, and document submission, with a non-refundable fee of 18,000 INR.
- Required documents include application form, fee receipt, Aadhaar card, passport copies, educational certificates, and language proficiency proof.
- Apply early, as the APS certificate, visa appointment, and visa processing can take up to 4 months.
- Some bachelor’s students may need an interview, either in person or via Skype, as part of the APS application process.
- You can apply for APS evaluation even before graduation using mark sheets up to the pre-final year.
- If attending an exchange program or vocational training center, provide documentation to support academic achievements.
- Language tests like TestDaF, DSH, TOEFL, or IELTS are recognized for visa applications, but universities may have additional requirements.
Tips to get APS Faster:
APS expedites the processing of your application if you have received an admit. After you receive the admit notification from the university, take the following steps:
- Email your university: Once you receive an admit from a university, send them an email with your APS application details. The universities are familiar with this situation, they will contact APS and get your application expedited. Be sure to include your APS unique ID, Transaction ID, Transaction Reference Number and transaction date details in your email.
- Email APS: Inform APS that you have received an admit from the university with the details.
- Ask your professor from the Bachelors university to email APS (email template below).
- Give a responsive contact: APS will message your professor asking to verify your documents. It is important that you share the contact of a professor who are responsive with the emails. If the verification is done with a day, your receive your APS certificate within 48hrs, if the verification is delayed, then your application goes into a backlog and will be picked up again after 3–4 weeks. Speak with your professor and politely inform them that a quick verification is important for your timelines.
- Save the APS number: Caller ID apps might silence the APS verification call on your phone as spam. To prevent this from happening, save the APS phone numbers as contacts on your phone.
German Grades Conversion
Germany has it’s own Grading system. It’s between 1.0 and 4.0, but reverse of what you have in the US. It is essential to convert your local grades to German grades for reference. You can use the calculator below to do the same.
ECTS Credits Calculation and Conversion:
During the university shortlisting process, we discussed the specified requirements. Universities typically stipulate a minimum number of hours or credits dedicated to a particular subject, with the criteria being expressed in ECTS credits. It is necessary to convert your local grades into ECTS credits, and you can utilize the tool provided below for this purpose.
What if you do not meet ECTS Credits?
Read the blog to gain some insights on how work experience/ MOOCs can help fill void in your profiles. Although getting around ECTS credits is tough.
VPD verification:
Some universities (like TU Munich) have a verification process called VPD.
VPD Purpose: VPD, or the document evaluation procedure, is employed by German universities to assess the eligibility of foreign applicants for Master’s degree programs.
Here is the summary of VPD:
- Importance of VPD: VPD is crucial as it aids universities in determining whether applicants meet the academic prerequisites for admission to their Master’s programs.
- VPD Process Overview: The VPD process entails the submission of academic records and relevant documents to the university for evaluation to ascertain the applicant’s compliance with admission requirements.
- Required Documents: While the specific documents may vary, generally, transcripts, degree certificates, and language proficiency certificates are needed for the VPD process.
- Mandatory for All Universities?: Although not obligatory for all German universities, international applicants are typically advised to undergo VPD evaluation.
- Duration of VPD Process: The evaluation process can extend over several weeks, underscoring the importance of initiating the process well in advance of application deadlines.
- Distinction from APS: VPD and APS (Academic Prerequisite Examination) are distinct procedures tailored for different academic levels, each having its own set of requirements and processes.
- Applicant Guidance: Those interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Germany should verify with their chosen university or program to determine whether VPD evaluation is a requisite part of the application process.
- Source of Information: Additional details and guidance regarding VPD can be obtained from the uni-assist website, which serves as a valuable resource for prospective international students.
- Early Action Recommended: Given the time-intensive nature of the VPD process, applicants are advised to commence the evaluation process promptly to meet application deadlines.
Step 3: Applying to University
Now that you have all required documents and verifications in place. This is the time to apply.
You already know the deadlines of universities from the previous step (daad.de). Our recommendation is to apply atleast 5 days before the deadling. Most universities accept application through a channel called Uni-assist, while some accept directly and NOT through any channel.
Note: Some universities mandate APS before applying, some mandate both APS and VPD, and some mandate none. Google is your best friend here.
About Uni-Assist
Uni-assist is a handy platform for international students applying to universities in Germany. It simplifies the process by allowing you to submit applications and documents to multiple universities through one platform. Here’s a quick guide on how to use it:
- Register: Sign up on the Uni-assist portal and activate your account through the email link.
- Create Profile: Log in, fill out the applicant form, and submit your information. Find your Uni-assist number on the page.
- Upload Documents: Go to MY APPLICATIONS > DOCUMENTS to upload additional documents like letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, and CVs.
- Select Programs: Click on the Uni-assist logo to view available courses in member universities. Choose your preferred programs and proceed to checkout.
- Payment: Pay the application fees using credit card, bank transfer, or Sofortüberweisung.
- Mail Documents: Send hard copies of necessary documents to Uni-assist in Germany.
- Confirmation: Uni-assist confirms document receipt and forwards complete applications to universities. Results are sent via email and post in a few weeks.
FAQs:
When to Apply: Start at least 8 weeks before the application deadline. Check specific deadlines on the Uni-assist website.
Required Documents: Include application form, CV, passport copy, certified certificates, language proficiency proof, and more. Specifics vary by program.
Processing Time: Expect 6–8 weeks, but it varies by university.
Application Fee: First application costs €75, subsequent ones cost €30 each.
Participating Universities: Not all German universities use Uni-assist, so check the website for the list.
Translation of Documents: If your documents are in German or English, no translation is needed.
After Submission: Check your application status on the Uni-assist account. Incomplete applications prompt notifications.
Now, you’re all set. All you can do is wait.
I am sure if you followed all the steps honestly. Your German dream should come true.
Embrace this adventure with unwavering confidence, and may your German dream not only come true but exceed your expectations! Feel free to drop by on Discord for any assistance you may need: Discord Link 🚀