September 21, 2024
International Education Expo 2024
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Affordable Study Abroad Programs in Germany

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.

Growth in the International Student Population

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. 

Can International Students Study In Germany for Free?

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. 

Different Types of Higher Education Institutions in Germany

Affordable Study Abroad Programs in Germany

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:

  • Universities focus on imparting theoretical knowledge and are research-oriented. International students can pursue different levels of academic programs(including a doctorate) in a wide range of subjects. Universities offering specialized programs in a particular subject area or field are known as technical universities (TU- Technische Universität) or colleges of education (PH- Pädagogische Hochschule).
  • German Universities of Applied Sciences follow a practice-oriented approach and hands-on training. Vocational application is given more importance than theoretical education. Subject areas of focus include business, technology, media, and social services. As a part of the course, students must complete work placements or do projects or internships in companies related to their field. 
  • Universities of Cooperative Education in Germany offer dual study programs for international students. This type of institution combines theoretical training at universities with vocational training or practical training in a company.
  • International students who wish to pursue a degree in creative subjects like fine arts, music, architecture, dance, film studies, etc. can choose this type of institution. The candidates must prove their talent and demonstrate their aptitude in the entrance examination conducted by universities. Most programs offered at this type of higher education institution are taught in German. Hence, International students planning to get admission to Universities of Art, music, and film should develop their German language skills. 

 

Higher educational institutions in Germany are also categorized based on the bodies that fund their operations. They are:

  1. State-Funded Universities: Around 60% of the educational institutions in Germany are funded by the federal government or the state. The majority of international students prefer state-funded universities as it does not charge tuition fees. However, the state of Baden-Württemberg has started collecting a moderate amount of fees from international students from non-EU countries.
  2. Privately Funded Universities: Another option for international students to study in Germany is state-approved privately funded universities. Nearly 30% of the educational institutions in Germany are privately funded.
  3. Religiously Funded Universities: State-approved universities funded by religious institutions like churches are also popular among students. These universities offer academic programs in the fields of philosophy, social work, theology, or education.

Top Universities in Germany

Affordable Study Abroad Programs in Germany- Top Universities in Germany

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:

  1. Heidelberg University: Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany and was established in 1836. The courses taught in this prestigious university include philosophy, modern languages, economics, physics and astronomy, biosciences, behavioral and cultural studies, social sciences, chemistry and earth sciences, mathematics and computer science, theology, law, and medicine. Even though the main language of instruction is German, some popular courses are also offered in English. 
  1. Ludwig Maximilians University: The Ludwig Maximilians University or the University of Munich is an open research university in Germany. The university offers over 300 academic degree programs. The university campus has several renowned research centers like Parmenides Research Centre,  Human Science Centre of Munich, Carson Centre for Environment and Society, etc. Ludwig Maximilians University is an affordable option for international students with research aptitudes. 
  1. Technical University of Munich: TUM or Technical University of Munich has around  23,060 international students. This world-renowned university is a member of TU9. TU9 is an association of the nine most prestigious technical universities in Germany. TUM is very popular among international students due to the availability of tuition-free, English-taught courses.  You can find various academic programs in the fields of Life Sciences, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Political and Social Sciences, etc.
  1. University of Stuttgart: The University of Stuggart offers a wide range of interdisciplinary courses and research facilities for international students. It is a technology-oriented university offering affordable study abroad programs for Indian students. The University provides courses in ten different fields. The ten different areas of study are Architecture and Urban Planning, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Energy-, Process- and Bio-Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy, Engineering Design, Production Engineering and Automotive Engineering, Mathematics and Physics, Humanities, Management, Economics and Social Sciences.
  1. Humboldt University of Berlin: This public research university emphasizes education through learning and research. It is very popular for being one of the cheapest Universities in Germany for International Students. Currently, Humbolt University offers nearly 189 degree courses in various disciplines. The University is also well-known for international student exchange programs. Some of the most popular and affordable academic programs offered at the university include agriculture, horticulture, theology, biophysics, business, computer science, mathematics, management, psychology, medicine, social sciences, etc. 

Choose Your country

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Affordable Study Abroad Programs in Germany

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

Cost of Living

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

Cost of Studying In Germany

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:

  • Semester ticket
  • Administrative fee
  • Student welfare contribution for student service
  • Sports
  • Student government (AStA)
  • Faculties/departmental student organizations

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. 

Concluding Takeaways

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!

Study Abroad 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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