Higher Education in Germany

Germany lies in the centre of Europe, a modern, cosmopolitan country in which the society is shaped by a plurality of life styles and truly different ethno- cultural diversity. And after the US and Japan, Germany is the world's third largest industrial nation and economy. All these factors and the quality of German education, especially in the research area, attract Indian students towards Germany may be their excellence in research.

The German Higher Education Fair concluded in Chennai recently saw a number of students who charmed by the quality of education offered by German education. Most of them, who turned up for the exhibition, had a clear reason on why they should select Germany. "German education, especially when it comes to science and research, is excellent. Germany tops in scientific inventions and number of environmental protection patents," says Ershad NA, an employee with a scientific publishing company, who is planning to do research in Germany.

"Germany is world champions in engineering fields like electrical, Mechatronics, mechanical and automobile. A post graduate or research experience in Germany with a leading university will take us a long way in procuring a challenging career any where in the world," says Avinash, a mechanical engineering graduate from Chennai, who is looking for an M.Tech admission in Germany.

"Higher education in Germany is excellent and lot more cheaper than in the US and the UK. In Germany, education was used to be free. But now some institutes are charging nominal fee. Though it varies from state to state and institute to institute, it will be much less than in other countries," says Astrid Abel, Deputy Director, International Office, Clausthal University of Technology, Germany.

"Most of the courses in German universities are offered in German language. Hence, it is mandatory for the students to prove their competency in German language by passing at least four levels of German language test," says Dr Rene Heelein of GSO University of Applied Sciences. "Many universities are also offering courses in English for international students. When compared to the UK or the US, the number of Indian Students in Germany is very less. But for the past few years, it is increasing," he adds.

"The opportunities awaiting Indian students in Germany are immense. After two years of study, students can also stay back for a period of one year in search of job and live for a period of five more years in case he gets a job. More over, many German companies are getting ready to invest in India. If you have two years academic experience in Germany and fluency in the language, you will be easily absorbed," adds Dr Rene Heelein. GSO University of Applied Sciences is offering Bachelor in International Business and Master program in International Marketing in English language.

Julich Research Centre, one of the largest interdisciplinary research centres in Europe, is the most sought after research destination for international students. "There are around 40 institutes associated to the centre. Students who have a masters and some research experience can join for three year research programmes. Students have to identify their field of interest, the lab and suitable supervisor," says Gunter Lincks, Head of International Relations, Julich Research Centre. "Once students get an invitation for research, they can apply for scholarships," says Renu Batra Safferling, Group Leader, Protein Biochemistry Lab, Julich Research Centre.

"German research centres have excellent labs and other infrastructure. German research in areas like health, engineering technology, information technology are world famous," she says. "But Indian students are more interested in Biotechnology. In this exhibition, 90 per cent students are enquiring about research opportunities in bio technology, whereas we have only three institutes offering research facilities in biotechnology," adds Renu Batra.

According to her, introduction of tuition fee don't affect international students, especially, research scholars as they will be getting a good amount of scholarship. "At Julich, we are not encouraging students taking part-time jobs as they will be getting a minimum of 1400 Euros tax free scholarship per month.

Scholarships and Part-Time Jobs in Germany

Many of the institutions of higher education in Germany are funded by the state and they normally charge no or nominal tuition fees. The monthly cost of living in Germany will be around 650 Euros (approximately INR 35,000-40,000) per month, which covers housing, food, clothing, study material and other expenses.

International students are permitted to work upto four hours per day, but not more than 180 half days per year. Students can opt for both on campus and off campus job, but knowledge of German language is a must.

You can find out all about scholarship awarding organisations, including DAAD on the following websites: http://newdelhi.daad.de (section "Funding" under Category "to Germany"www.daad.de/deutschland/en/2.4.1.htmlwww.campus-germany.dewww.stiftungsindex.de (Index of German foundations)

Higher Education in Germany

Germany has almost 350 state-maintained and a number of privately-maintained higher education institutions, which offer more than 400 disciplines. The International Degree Programmes (IDP), well structured and include intensive guidance, are designed to attract international students. The language of instruction are mainly English. The range of study opportunities covers Bachelor, Master and PhD levels. Many universities are also offering summer school programmes, which will enable students to get a glimpse of German life and culture. They will also help students to prepare for an international Degree Program. You can have the details of over 500 IDP courses at www.daad.de

German Academic Exchange Service

Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) or the German Academic Exchange Service is an organisation of institutions of higher education and student bodies in the Federal Republic of Germany. An institution for the promotion of international academic exchange, it also act as an institution for the promotion of German language at foreign universities. For more details about DAAD, visit www.daad.de

Student Visas

Students interested to take up full time study in Germany are required to apply for a student visa. It is initially granted for a period of three months. It has to be extended by the authorities in Germany within three months of your stay in Germany. Extension is given for one year at a time till the end of the course. All International students must leave Germany on completion of the course of study. To get a visa, students have to submit the following documents:

Completed Visa Application Form

Photographs

Visa Application Fee

Evidence of Admission

Proof of Adequate Financial Resources

Health Certificate

The visa is issued when the student is assessed to be a genuine student, who intends to undertake further studies in Germany, abide by visa conditions, and depart on completion of the course. The student should convince the visa officer that his German language skills are adequate for the course he/she is undertaking. Processing of the visa can take up to eight weeks.