Germany has emerged as one of the top five study-abroad destinations among international students. The quality of the German education system, affordability of academic programs, employment opportunities, and stable economy have made the country a global education hub. Germany is the third-largest economy in the world and contributes a major share to research and development. The government has taken several effective measures to make free and quality education available to both residents and international students. In this blog, we will be discussing more about higher education, top universities, and affordable study abroad programs in Germany for Indian and international students who wish to study in Germany.
In a recent survey conducted by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), 80% of the higher education institutions in Germany reported a stable increase in the number of international student enrollments. The estimated number of international students enrolled in German universities is between 3,80,000 and 3,90,000 in 2023/24. This was 3,67,578 in 2022/23. According to the latest data, India has surpassed China to become the largest source of international student community in Germany.
Currently, around 43,000 Indian students are enrolled in various academic programs in Germany. The major reason for this growth in the international student population is academic programs offered at low or no tuition fees. Affordable courses in Germany especially in the fields of engineering are widely chosen by Indian students.
Higher education in Germany is relatively affordable than in other European countries. The public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for most of the undergraduate programs. This applies to both residents and international students. Hence, higher education in German Public universities is mostly free of cost. Even though there are no tuition fees, students have to pay administrative or semester fees for studying at German Universities. However, private universities often charge tuition fees based on the course you choose to study in Germany.
For those considering higher studies and a long-term stay, various immigration services for professionals can assist with settling in Germany and navigating the visa processes smoothly.
International students can choose affordable academic programs from any of the higher education institutions in Germany. The different types of higher education institutions in Germany based on the programs offered include:
Higher educational institutions in Germany are also categorized based on the bodies that fund their operations. They are:
There are several top-ranking universities that offer affordable study abroad programs in Germany. The country offers international students an opportunity to study at the most prestigious universities at low or no tuition fees. Here are some of the cheapest universities in Germany for international students that rank top in global university rankings:
Germany is the best overseas education destination for engineering courses. The job opportunities in this field are also numerous. International students can join study abroad programs in tuition-free public universities or private universities. The most popular disciplines that Indian students choose to study in Germany are:
Some of the affordable courses, their duration, and the cheapest universities offering the same are given below for your reference.
Course Name
Automotive Engineering |
Electrical Engineering |
Data Engineering and Analytics |
BA in social thoughts |
Bachelors in Sustainable Management |
Masters in Psychology |
BA in Communication and interdisciplinary arts |
University
University of Stuttgart |
Technical University of Munich |
Technical University of Munich |
Ludwig Maximilians University |
Technical University of Berlin |
Humboldt University of Berlin |
University of Hamburg |
Duration
3 years |
4 years |
3 years |
2.5 years |
3.5 years |
2 years |
3 years |
The cost of living in Germany includes expenditures for accommodation, food, clothing, recreation, travel, and other expenses that are not directly related to your tuition fees. These expenses in Germany are low when compared to other European countries like Switzerland or Denmark. According to the ‘Social Survey’ conducted by the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (in 2023), the average living expenses of a student in Germany are as follows.
Particulars
Rent & Utility |
Telephone/Internet/TV license, etc. |
Transportation |
Health insurance, doctor’s consultation, medicine |
Food |
Clothing |
Recreation |
Others |
University
EUR 410 |
EUR 32 |
EUR 89 |
EUR 100 |
EUR 198 |
EUR 46 |
EUR 65 |
EUR 144 |
Duration
Approx. ₹37,592 |
Approx. ₹2,933 |
Approx. ₹8,160 |
Approx. ₹9,169 |
Approx. ₹18,154 |
Approx. ₹4,217 |
Approx. ₹5,959 |
Approx. ₹13,202 |
Most of the state-funded universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs. However, you will have to pay tuition fees for some of the postgraduate courses. These tuition fees are lower when compared to other countries. Private universities are not devoid of tuition fees. Apart from the tuition fees, all students studying at any higher education institution in Germany should pay a semester contribution. The semester contribution can vary according to your institution and can range from 100 to 350 EUR. The semester contribution includes the fee for the following:
Financial Resources
International students from non-EU countries need to submit proof of financial resources while applying for a study visa in Germany. The financial proof ensures that you have enough funds to afford the cost of studying in Germany. The minimum financial requirement to study in Germany has been set to 934 EUR per month / 11,208 EUR per year since January 1, 2023. The government plans to increase this requirement to 992 EUR per month or 11,904 EUR for a year. As proof of minimum financial requirement, international students can submit documents to prove parental income, scholarship receipt, or amount in the blocked account.
A blocked account is mandatory for international students in Germany. The money deposited in the blocked account will not be accessible till you enter the country. The amount can be used to fund living expenses during your studies in Germany. There is a monthly limit for withdrawing money from the blocked account.
The Higher education system in Germany continuously evolves to accommodate the ever-changing demands of the global labor market. The country offers academic excellence to international students at a relatively low education cost. German Scholarships for international students also make higher education affordable. Public and Private universities in Germany offer quality education at low or no tuition fees. Affordable study abroad programs and relatively manageable living costs, make Germany an attractive study destination for students from around the globe. Experienced overseas education consultants like Universal Migration help students find the cheapest universities that offer affordable study abroad programs in Germany. Consult reliable overseas study consultants to find and enroll in the best academic programs in Germany!
If you are looking for a consultancy that provides full assistance for your study abroad dream in Germany, then connect with Universal Migration.
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