Bachelor’s Academic Requirements to Study in Germany

If you are interested in a study abroad program, ten studying in Germany will allow you to select from a diverse range of degree programs from many top-tier universities. Around 400,000 international students are currently enrolled in different universities in Germany, one of the most sought-after destinations for studying abroad for international students for higher studies.  Therefore to make the process easy for you we have provided a comprehensive list of various requirements that will be required to get admission for a bachelor's degree in Germany in 2024.  

Selecting the program

Selecting the right study program is one of the most important when planning your journey towards studying in Germany. Therefore it becomes important to gather and research the different universities in Germany.  To help yourself you can search the database of international students in Germany providing different types of courses that meet your needs and select the option based on your interests. 

Requirements for Admissions to German University

Selecting the right study program is the first step towards the goal of studying in Germany. Therefore to get admission to the desired university or program it is important to select the requirements prescribed by the university. To get admission to a German university, your qualifications must be considered valid by the institution. Therefore it becomes important to have a recognized “higher education entrance qualification” or “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB)” or “Abitur”.  In case your school leaving certificate is not recognized in Germany, then you may be required to attend the “one-year preparatory course known as Studienkolleg”.

Additionally, some universities also ask the students to pass the aptitude tests such as TestAS. Specially designed for international students coming from non-EU economies. 

Language proficiency is also an important part of the university admission process in Germany. The candidates are required to prove their proficiency in the German language Through different exams such as “Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or TestDaF”. However in case the program is taught in English and you do not belong to a native English-speaking country, then in that case you will be required to prove your English proficiency with the help of exams such as TOEFL or the IELTS.

Documents Required for Admission to German Universities

When applying for study in Germany, you will be required to provide different types of documents to the university for getting considered for admission. The exact document required for admission may vary based on the study program and university, however, the general list of documents required are:

• Higher Education entrance qualification: A proof of recognized higher education entrance qualification for getting admission to a German university. The proof could be a high school diploma such as the Abitur or the preparatory course certificate known as the Studienkolleg. 
• Transcripts: A complete and official record of the previous academic studies, including the coursework, grades and relevant qualifications. 
• Language proficiency test: In case the instruction language is German in that case the students are required to provide proof of proficiency in the German Language such as the DSH or the TestDaF. However, if the instruction language is English than the candidates are required then the students are required to showcase their English language proficiency by IELTS or TOEFL scores. 
• Letter of motivation: The students are also required to submit a personal letter describing why they want to study in Germany and the reason for which they are interested in the specific program to which they are applying.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A summary of the education, relevant qualifications and work experiences are required to be submitted by the students.
• ID Card or Passport: It is required as proof of identity.
• TestAS results (for international students from non-EU countries): Some universities in Germany also demand an aptitude test designed specifically for international students.
• Recommendation letters: Some German universities also demand recommendation letters from previous professors and teachers.

However, it is important to check the specific requirements for different universities to which you are applying as there may be chances of requirements for alternative or additional documents. 

Financial Means

To get the exact idea regarding the financial requirement for studying in Germany for international students it is important to get knowledge regarding the average cost of living in Germany along with other additional expenses. On average the students spend around 700-1000 Euros monthly, which covers expenses such as food, insurance, transportation, accommodation, and other miscellaneous activities. 

During their study in Germany, international students are required to pay their tuition fees depending on the program and the university selected. On an average international student are required to pay a tuition fee of 1500-2500 Euros a year. 

Therefore it becomes important for international students to have the required financial means to support their studies in Germany, along with the daily expenses. This can be assured by personal savings, scholarships, or financial support from sponsors or family. Therefore in conclusion it can be said that the average monthly cost of international students in Germany is around 700-1000 Euros and the average tuition fee per year is around 1500-2500 Euros. Therefore international students should have the required financial means to support their stay and study in Germany along with their daily expenses.

Health Insurance

International students who are willing to take admission at German Universities are required to obtain health insurance and should have an active healthcare plan during their time of stay in the country. EEA/EU residents are eligible to make use of their home country's insurance plans, however, they are required to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

However, on the other hand for non-EEA/EU students, getting health insurance is very crucial for getting a German Visa and also enrollment in the University. The students are required to pay monthly fees to a public or private health insurance provider depending on their age. 

Student Visa

In case you come from a country that requires a student visa for pursuing education in Germany, in that case, you should apply for a German student visa at the German consulate or embassy in your respective home country. The student visa application process for Germany includes the following steps.

• Collect all the necessary documents: When applying for the student visa, you need to have a valid passport, proof of enrollment in a German university, proof of financial capability, and proof of health insurance coverage. 
• Attend the Interview process: After collecting all the required documents it is time to attend the interview, the visa officials will examine your application and ask questions related to your studies and financial status in Germany.
• Waiting for the response: The average processing time for a German student visa is two weeks under normal conditions. The result of your application will be conveyed through mail or email. 

However, it is also important to note that the student visa application also depends on the home country and the specific consulate or embassy in which you are applying for your visa application. Also, it is advisable to check the embassy to get the latest information regarding the latest requirements and information.

Accommodation

As an international student in Germany, there are many places to stay in Germany. From student dorms to private apartments and shared residences such as flats for stay. The students can select the place that suits their budget. Although the rental prices in Germany can be very high, that makes housing the biggest financial challenge faced by the students in Germany. As you have decided on the place of stay, it is important to register the address with the local registration office. 

Some of the important points to keep in mind when it comes to deciding on accommodation in Germany as an international student. 

• Types of accommodation: There are different types of accommodation programs for the students such as German halls, private apartments, and shared flats. 
• Rent Cost: The rent in Germany can be very expensive and is one of the biggest financial challenges faced by international students.
• Availability: It is advisable to start searching for accommodation on an immediate basis as different options become filled during peak seasons, and due to high demand. 
• Student halls of residence: These are specially designed places for the students, providing affordable, and convenient accommodation with the benefit of community living.
• Private apartments: Private apartments provide more freedom to the students and are generally expensive compared to the student hall of residence.
• Shared Flats: Sharing a flat with other students can be very helpful for saving money on rent, and also a supportive environment.
• Registering the address: After getting a place to stay it is important to get the address registered in the local registration office in Germany.
• Cost: The cost of accommodation depends on the type of accommodation selected, amenities offered, and location of the accommodation. On average, the budget of the student must be somewhere between 250-800 Euros per month on accommodations.

University Enrollment

After being selected by the German university for your bachelor's degree, the next step is to complete the enrollment process at the university. The process requires submitting different documents to the Student Affairs office. This will help ensure that all your courses are registered as you can trend the lectures, exercises and exams. The following steps will guide you through a smooth university enrollment experience in German universities.

Some of the major points to take care of when enrolling in a German university include:

• After getting admitted to the German higher education institute, it is important to complete the university enrollment process.
• To complete the enrollment process you will be required to submit the required documents to the Office of Student Affairs.
• After the completion of the enrollment, you will be eligible to register for the courses and attend the lectures, exercises and exams. 
• The enrollment step is very crucial as it is the step for becoming an official student of the German university and getting access to all the resources and opportunities available during the completion of the Bachelor Degree from German University.