Updated on May 13th, 2023

Germany is one of the preferred study destinations for higher studies. I am into consultancy for overseas education for the last 22 years and I face the very basic question, meeting every new student. Choosing a country and relevant college or university is an important task that every student faces. Whether it is cars or education, people recognize ‘Made in Germany’ as an icon of quality. Employers around the world highly respect a German university degree. After completing a degree in Germany, you can stay back in the country for up to 18 months to look for a job related to your qualification and look for further career options. Here in this article, we will discuss steps while applying to study in Germany.

Explore Europe while studying in Germany

Germany is located almost in the Centre of Schengen Europe. While studying in Germany, you will get opportunities to travel to different destinations in Europe with no restrictions. Schengen is a zone of 26 countries closely connected. Anyone can travel by road, train or plane and reach other beautiful countries in a couple of hours and enjoy their weekends. Weekend trips are easy to plan and really affordable.

Steps to follow when you plan your studies

Now coming to the topic, here we will discuss important steps that one has to take care of. The very first and basic thing is to decide what you want to study in Germany. There are several options available in terms of institutes and courses. While deciding, you must do proper research to make the right decision for your further studies. You may also choose an experienced consultant to choose the right course that would better fit your academic goal.

Checking the admission requirements

Once you have decided what programs you are planning to pursue in Germany, the next important step is to check the admission requirements for that program. University or college websites can be helpful in this, otherwise, again you can check some consultants who can guide you in a better way. If still, you are not clear about the requirements, never hesitate to reach University by email. There can be some basic requirements like academic percentage, English requirements, or some other text like Skype interview. There may be different entry requirements for different universities, depending on the chosen program.

Admission to Bachelor / Master Programs

While applying for admission in degree programs, whether at Bachelor or Master level, they may ask you to submit your academics, Proof of Language Proficiency, ID or Valid Passport Copies, Letter of Motivation (Optional), Important References, Work Experiences (Optional). When you have collected all the required documents, submit a completed application to the admission department along with the application fee, if there are any.

When you get a University Admission/ Offer letter

After applying for admission, wait for a few weeks to get your offer letter; it may take some longer time, and Germany Universities get many international applications. Meanwhile, University may ask you for some additional documents to process your application, so you must keep patience.

Indian students in Germany are the third largest group of international students. According to official statistics, in 2017/18 there were 17,570 Indian students studying in Germany.

Applying student visa to the embassy

To study in Germany, you need a valid student visa. When you get your offer letter and also complete other requirements like paying the University fee as required by University, submit a visa application in the embassy. There can be so many documents required while submitting your visa application. A very important for Indian students is the German Block Account in a designated bank which transfers one year’s living cost into the account. We can check the checklist of other documents from the VFS site and from any other sources.

Working in Germany during & After Graduation

When someone chooses any destination for higher studies, working opportunity during and after studies is an important factor. Students need to work to support their studies or at least live in that country. Germany has opportunities to work during and after studies. Students can work part time during their studies. After completion of their studies, they can stay in the country and find employment. Graduates who come from non-EU/EEA countries of origin can work in Germany after they finish their studies by extending their residence permit for up to 18 months after graduation. During these 18 months, you can do whatever job you get to support yourself until you get a proper job.

Stay back and working options in Germany

Stay back after completion of studies plays a very important role while deciding country for higher studies. Every student wants to explore career options after getting a degree from the university. This adds the opportunity to have practical experience in the job market. Germany offers 18 months of job search after completion of studies. During this period, students may work at another job while they are searching for a permanent position. After graduation, prepare yourself to enter the world of work. Have all of your certificates available, as well as any other paperwork you may need, such as your residence permit. When you secure a job with a minimum of a one-year contract, you can apply for a settlement permit and EU Blue Card, which allows you to live and work in Germany.

In order to be eligible for the Blue Card, the applicant must meet certain prerequisites, such as having a university degree and an employment contract with a company in Germany that pays at least €56,800 per year. In other occupations, where there is a shortage of skilled workers, the salary threshold is lower, approximately €44,304 per year. After 33 months of residence in Germany, those who have an EU Blue Card can apply for a settlement permit, which allows them to permanently settle in Germany. After spending 8 years in Germany on a settlement permit, you can require naturalization (meaning you can become a German citizen).

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