Being one of the most developed economies, Germany prioritises quality education as a human right - which means that you get to study at one of the best universities in Germany, for free or at a low cost, without spending a fortune on higher education abroad.
Finding it hard to believe that? Take a look at the table below for further details:
University |
Bachelor's |
Master's |
Public universities |
Tuition-Free: There may be an administrative fee ranging between €250 - €350. |
Tuition-Free: There may be an administrative fee ranging between €250 - €350. |
Private universities |
€20,000 |
€20,000 - €30,000 |
Did you know that German is the official language of not just Germany but Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein too? So go ahead and brush up your German and prepare for a futuristic education opportunity in Germany, because why not?
How to Apply for the Best Universities in Germany?
Wondering how to prepare for a future in Germany? To ensure a hassle-free study-abroad experience in Germany, keep in mind the below-listed aspects of studying abroad.
Let's take a quick look at some preparation tips and best practices to get admitted into the top universities in Germany.
1. Be updated with the admission requirements.
There are two things you need to ensure:
- That your current qualifications are accepted by German universities, and you have a recognized Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB), which means higher education entrance qualification.
- That you provide a TestDaf or DSH score for courses taught in German, and a TOEFL or IELTS score while applying for English-taught programmes, as most undergraduate courses are taught in German and English.
2. Health Insurance
Before applying for a student visa, ensure your existing health insurance is valid in Germany. If not, apply for a health cover in Germany which would cost approximately €80 to €160 per month.
3. Apply for a German Student Visa
Being a non-EU student, you need to apply for a German student visa. Before applying, ensure to keep the necessary documents and proofs ready, including the letter of acceptance, academic record, proof of funds, health insurance, etc., to eliminate potential reasons for visa rejection.
Plan your visa application 3-6 months before the start of term to ensure you start your semester on time.
4. Apply for a residence permit
Once in the country, you're required to apply for a valid residence permit within two weeks of arrival. Keep the necessary documents ready (similar to the visa documents), along with a copy of the tenancy agreement, if any, and the residence permit fee for getting the permit.
5. Explore part-time work opportunities
You can work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during term and full-time during vacations. However, as an international student, you should apply for a work permit from the Foreigners Authority to be eligible for part-time and full-time work.
6. Plan your expenses
To apply for a student visa, you should show valid proof of funds to support your stay in Germany. International students, on an average, need to shell out €8,700 per year to sufficiently fund their stay in Germany, so ensure you have your finances sorted before planning your study abroad in Germany.
Best Universities in Germany for International Students
As an international student, studying in Germany has its own set of perks - right from education opportunities to the cost of living, Germany is an affordable and ideal choice. Let's take a look at the top universities in Germany for international students.
1. Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)
One of the most prestigious business schools in Germany, BSBI is well-known for its focus on industry-relevant teaching methods and world-class lectures to enable students and alumni to make the most of their study abroad journey.
Here's more you need to know about BSBI:
- One of AECC's partner universities in Germany, BSBI has also partnered with the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), one of the best-ranked Art schools in the UK, to promote programmes in the field of Digital Marketing, Digitisation, Illustration, Animation, Graphic design, Data Analytics, etc.
- Not just design, BSBI also boasts providing Concordia-Chicago's two most prestigious programmes - Master's in Business Administration (MBA) and MA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MAIE). Taking up one of these unique opportunities would enable international students to complete a US university-based degree program without studying in the US.
- With blended learning and innovative training methods, BSBI gives a unique, remarkable learning experience by ensuring the students meet their academic objectives and career goals.
- BSBI has also partnered with student stays such as Spotahome, Erasmusu, Housing Anywhere, Neon Wood, Fizz Berlin, NGB Living, Village M and Uniplaces to help you find the right place during your study abroad in Germany.
2. Technical University of Munich
One of the best universities in Europe, the Technical University of Munich is well-known for excellence in research, teaching and diversity. A whopping 32% of its student population are international students, making it one of the top-ranked universities in the German university ranking list.
Some highlights of the Technical University of Munich:
- With a staff base of over 500, the university boasts high-quality teaching faculty to ensure no stones are left unturned in helping international students meet their career objectives.
- It specialises in various fields of study apart from business and art courses, including Architecture, Construction, Geo-environment, Aviation, Space Travel and Geodesy, and Sports and Health Sciences, to provide unparalleled educational opportunities to students worldwide.
- The university is high-ranking in student experiences and is ranked #50 on the QS World University Rankings 2021, becoming the #1 university in Germany.
3.GISMA Business School
Ranked #123rd in the world and 14th in Germany in 2021, GISMA business school is the recipient of multiple awards and recognition, notably from The Financial Times, and The Economist, making it one of the most sought-after business schools in Germany.
Here's more about why you should choose GISMA Business School if you're passionate about learning the intricacies of the world of commerce.
- Focussed on digital literacy and interdisciplinary studies, GISMA school of business enables all its students to understand and solve real-time problems in the realms of world economics, commerce and trade by using time-tested solutions and innovative strategies.
- With partial scholarship opportunities and flexible payment plans, GISMA offers economical educational opportunities for international students to help manage their financial situation abroad.
- One of AECC's partner universities, GISMA has pathway programmes and blended learning choices to help you get the best education experience abroad.
- With programmes like Data Analytics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Persuasion and Strategic Influence, GISMA's curriculum is based on futuristic academic domains and innovative concepts.
4. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
Awarded the "University of Excellence" by the Excellence Initiative, LMU is strategically driven to enhance and maintain excellent standards in 5 strategic fields - People, Campus, Investments, Partners, and Governance.
Here are some facts about LMU that make it one of the best universities in Germany:
- LMU focuses on equal opportunities and inclusion as a part of its core values to promote worthy talent, irrespective of ethnicity, race or gender and ensure overall development.
- State-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative teaching methodologies and extensive network partners define the operational structure of LMU, making it one of the most sought-after public research universities in Germany.
- LMU also has substantial diversity in its student base with international students making up 15% of the student population, making it a culturally diverse public institution with a vision to make quality education accessible to talented individuals.
5.EU Business School
With a four-star rating in business school excellence by the world-renowned QS Stars Rating, EU Business School is one of the best MBA schools in Germany.
Here are some interesting facts about the EU Business School that you should know:
- With guest speaker sessions, company visits, field trips, case studies, business simulations and internships, the school gives real-time education experience to students - thus making them industry-ready.
- With over 100 nationalities making up its diverse student base, it supports and promotes equitable education opportunities across all fields of study.
- With global exchange programmes and international internships, student life at EU is rich and memorable, making it rank high on the German university rankings.
Why Choose AECC?
AECC Global functions with a core belief to provide a high-quality education that's accessible to all aspiring students.
Specialising in end-to-end education services, we help international students achieve their academic and career objectives by helping them overcome geographical barriers and strive for a sustainable way of life.
If you're interested in pursuing your dream course in Germany, why wait another moment? Get in touch with our expert counsellors today to know all about studying abroad in Germany!
FAQ's
3. How much does a student visa to Germany cost?
The German Visa Type D / Residence Permit costs around 75 EUR to be paid through bank transfer.