Deciding which university to study and which program depends largely on your preferred school, preferred course, and class availability. Also consider if they offer English courses, or if they have scholarships you can benefit from. These factors can be a very difficult thing to balance, and you may have to sacrifice one to get the other. As always, research is the key. Consider all possible factors before picking a final school (or program) that you will apply.

Picking a school (or a program) is not the end of the journey, however. In fact, you are still on murky waters. The university still needs to accept your application before you can study there. This can require waiting for responses, checking class openings, and taking their specific tests.

German is the most widely spoken language in the European Union and is the official language of Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein; it is also one of the official languages of Switzerland and Luxembourg.  

Learning German gives you an opportunity to read many great authors like Goethe, Schiller, Günter Grass, Heinrich Heine, etc in their own language. An added benefit of learning a foreign language is that you get to learn a totally new culture along with language. As German is the official language of Germany, it will definitely help you in making you stay in Germany more comfortable. German is also the second most commonly used scientific language. Therefore, knowing German will help you a lot in your studies. Knowing the local language also helps in finding jobs and internships, as the employees would prefer people who are familiar with their language.

If you don’t speck German, don’t worry, more and more degree programmes are being offered in English in Germany as the number of international students is increasing year after year. The courses are offered in a variety of disciplines and have recognition all over the world. The courses in English are good for students who do not know German language or are not that fluent in it. Partial English and German courses are also available for students who wish to study in both languages.

To study in Germany you need either a:

• Proof of proficiency in German language (You also have the opportunity to take it in Germany)
• IELTS or TOEFL certification (if looking for English courses)

To apply to universities in Germany, proper documentation should also already be sorted on your end. Most countries often require:

• A passport
• A Visa
• Valid IDs

And these are just to get into the country. Gaining access to universities require a lot more. Universities often require the following for interested international students:

• Your educational history
• Certified copy of diplomas and previous degrees
• Proof of proficiency in German language
• IELTS or TOEFL certification (if looking for English courses)
• Letters of recommendations
• Proof of Higher Education Entrance Examination (or your country’s equivalent)

Requirements vary with different university, so researching your chosen school is a must. Make sure to have these all ready to go before trying to find a university, as some of these may take time (up to months) to acquire.

Another thing to consider when applying to universities in Germany is the expenses. Universities offer programs without tuition fees, which tends to be the heaviest financial obstacle. But outside that, you still have to deal with rent, daily commute, insurance and food. 

On average, a student must show they can afford $727 monthly ($8722 annually) for daily living expenses. And that is just the minimum.

Germany has a reputation for having one of the best and most comprehensive health care systems in the world. The health insurance reform of 2007 requires everyone living in Germany to be insured for at least hospital and out-patient medical treatment.

The German public health insurance system will provide you with limited medical and dental cover for travel within the EU. 

Not everyone needs a visa to study in Germany. Residents of the following countries are entitled to visa-free travel to Germany for study purposes:

• EEA/EU citizens
• Australia
• Andorra
• Brazil
• Canada
• El Salvador
• Honduras
• Israel
• Japan
• Monaco
• New Zealand
• San Marino
• Switzerland
• United States
• South Korea

If your country of residence is not mentioned above, then you will need a visa to study in Germany.

Depending on the purpose of your visit, you need to apply for the appropriate visa to Germany. If the purpose of your visit to Germany is educational and long-term, you are not entitled to the Short-term/Schengen visa (C Visa). However, you will have to apply for the Germany National Visa (D Visa), which is long-term.

In addition, depending on the circumstances of your study programme, you should keep in mind that there are three types of German Student Visa:

• Language Course Visa. German Language Courses lasting from 3 months to 1 year.

• Student Applicant Visa. If you still haven’t gotten a formal admission letter from the university you applied to or you need to enter entrance examinations offered by the university. It is valid for 3 months with the possibility of extending to 6 months.

• Student Visa. This is a long-term visa if you have been accepted to a German university. Keep in mind to register with the Alien Registration Office in the German city you’re residing within two weeks of your arrival so you can obtain your Residence Permit.

Which Are the German Student Visa Requirements?

In order to obtain a German student visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Two filled out and signed national visa forms.
• Your valid national passport.
• Two photocopies of your passport.
• Birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate (if married).
• Child’s certificate (if you have children).
• Two recently taken biometric portrait photographs.
• Photocopies of previous German residence titles. (If you have been to Germany before).
• Previous Schengen Visa.
• Previous Resident Permit.
• Proof of Financial Resources. You should meet the financial requirements in order to be granted your German student visa. Depending on your circumstances, you should have one of the following:
  • Blocked Bank Account. You can open a blocked bank account online through Fintiba, accepted by German Embassies and Consulates throughout the world.
  • Letter of commitment. You can get this by a person living in Germany who shows they will be covering your accommodation or other living costs.
  • Letter of declaration. Through this your parents show they will be providing you with financial support during your stay.
  • Scholarship certificate. If you have a scholarship award, the certificate should show what the scholarship will cover and that you are the receiver of that financial coverage.
• Proof of Admission (it can be one of the following).
  • University admission letter.
  • Letter of admission in foundation/propaedeutic/German language course.
• Original certificates of previous education.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivational Letter. Explain why you have chosen this degree programme as well as your future plans.
• Travel Health Insurance. (covering the period from your departure to the date of enrolment at the German university – approx. 3 months).
• Proof you have paid the visa application fee.
• Proof of German language proficiency. (For German or mixed-language programmes).
• Proof of English language proficiency. (For English or mixed-language programmes).

* Please note that the German Embassies and Consulates reserve the right to ask for additional documents or the verification of certificates.

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Students in Germany either live in a student hall of residence or a private accommodation.  You’ll most likely have to find a place to live on your own, because in contrast to other countries, German universities do not automatically assign rooms to students when they enrol.

Finally, you are in Germany, what should you do first?