7 Things No One Tells You About Studying in Germany (for Indian Students)

Admissify Edutech

If you're an Indian student considering higher studies in Germany, this video is a must-watch. We provide practical advice to help you prepare for a successful transition.  Don't just dream—prepare! Watch this video to learn the things no one tells you about studying abroad Germany and the German university application process.

Transcript

00:00So, you have been thinking of studying in Germany.

00:23World-class universities, pre-education and a global degree.

00:28Sounds amazing, right?

00:30But before you apply, there are a few things that no one tells you about.

00:34And this video is exactly about it.

00:37Let's break it down.

00:38What you must know as an Indian student heading to Germany.

00:41First things first, education is tuition-free, Germany is not.

00:45Let's clear the biggest myth first.

00:47Yes, most public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education for most programs.

00:53But studying in Germany isn't entirely free.

00:57You will need around, to be precise, €11,208 in your blogged account, mandatory for your student visa.

01:05Factor in expenses like health insurance, about €110 per month, rent, food, travel.

01:12Also, cost of living in cities like Frankfurt or Munich is much higher than in smaller towns.

01:18Dad or Deutschland stipendium scholarships are worth exploring if budget is a concern.

01:22Before we jump to the next topic, remember, Germany says tuition but don't plan unprepared for the rest.

01:28So now, the second most crucial thing to know if you're planning to study in Germany is,

01:33APS certificate is now mandatory.

01:35And here is where most Indian students hit delays.

01:39Since 2022, Indian applicants must get an APS certificate before applying for a German student visa.

01:46APS verifies your academic documents such as mark sheets, transcripts and degrees.

01:51It costs around €18-20k and takes about 4-8 weeks.

01:56Without APS, your visa will be rejected.

02:00So don't wait. Apply for APS before even applying to the university.

02:04Alright, that's paperwork covered.

02:06But what about eligibility?

02:08Let's get to that.

02:09Many Indian students will be glad to know that you may not need student colleague anymore.

02:13This is something most students get confused about.

02:16Earlier, Indian students had to do student colleague, a foundation year, before joining undergrad programs.

02:22But now, if you have cleared J.E. or studied from CBSE or ICSE or certain state boards,

02:28you may be eligible directly for German bachelor's courses.

02:31Let's now talk about what happens once you land.

02:34Be ready for housing and language challenges.

02:37Landing in Germany is just step one.

02:39What follows is a steep curve.

02:41Finding housing is tough.

02:43Student hostels often fill up fast.

02:45Private apartments need 3 months deposit plus proof of income.

02:49Also, within your first week, you need to

02:51register your city address,

02:53get German health insurance,

02:55open a bank account,

02:56get a local SIM and a residence permit.

02:59On top of that, daily life runs in German.

03:02From immigration offices to grocery stores, don't expect English.

03:06So, here's a tip.

03:07Don't wait till you land to learn the language.

03:10Which brings us to

03:11How most part-time jobs in Germany need you to speak German?

03:15Technically, you can work 120 full or 240 half days per year as an international student.

03:21But more student jobs, cafes, delivery, retail or internships require D1 level German.

03:28So, if you're planning to cover some expenses,

03:30start learning German in India itself.

03:33Alright, now let's discuss planning timelines.

03:36Start early.

03:37Deadlines come faster than you think.

03:40Most German universities have two intakes.

03:42Winter and Summer.

03:44Application deadlines are Jan 15 for Summer and July 15 for Winter.

03:49But remember,

03:51APS takes 2 months,

03:52blogged account setup takes 2-3 weeks,

03:55and VPS visa appointments in India,

03:57they are packed months in advance.

03:59So, realistically, you need to start 8-10 months early to avoid missing out.

04:03Let's finally talk about courses.

04:05The ones that are taught in German and the ones that are taught in English.

04:09And the key differences between these two.

04:11Many Indian students get confused here.

04:14Yes, Germany does offer 2000 plus English taught master's programs.

04:18But for bachelor's, most are offered in German.

04:22So, unless you have a B2 or C1 level proficiency, you can't apply to most undergrad programs.

04:27For master's, you're safe.

04:30Just make sure your IELTS or TOEFL score meet their English requirements.

04:33Also, double check if the course requires German for an internship or thesis.

04:38It happens often.

04:39So, to sum up,

04:40Germany offers world-class education, low-cost, and a strong career pathway.

04:45But it also expects you to be well-prepared, independent, and language-smart.

04:49So, plan ahead, learn German, and don't call for

04:52LAND and then I'll figure it out advice.

04:55Because once you are ready, Germany rewards you with more than just a degree.

Category

Transcript

Be the first to comment

Recommended