Germany is the most preferred study abroad destination in Europe. This country host millions of international students every year and offers the latest scientific and research based study courses to both local and international students. It is the most picked study destination after America and UK. In fact, Germany is ranked in the top 10 best places to study abroad. In German institutions students enjoy a comprehensive academic and social atmosphere.

 The number of international students has continued to increase around 8 percent over the past few years. Through this rate Germany will meet its target of enrolling 350,000 international student s by 2020 three years ahead of the planned schedule.

Tuition Free Degree Courses in Germany 2020 for Pakistani Students 

The most attractive offer for international students are the tuition free study programs rendered by German public universities. The public universities in Germany offer free or very low-fee tuition programs for international students. These low cost courses are available in almost every field of study including Engineering, Medicine, Business and Arts. International students fly Germany to seek high quality education in a unique cultural lifestyle.

Highly Reputed Unified Education System in Germany for International Students 

Universities in Germany run under the Bologna reform. According to this reform, all students whether national or international get a unified mode of education. The degrees issued in all categories like bachelors, masters or PhD are internationally recognized. Around 47 universities in Germany are considered as the best institutions in the world. According to a 2018 German report, nearly 35% of foreign students choose Germany for its low or no tuition fee universities. While twenty-nine percent are impressed with the quality of education and academic staff in the German institutes.

Best Universities in Germany 2020 for Pakistani Students 

There are nearly 400 officially recognized universities throughout Germany offering more than 15000 study programs. Many German universities are popular for their high international rankings.  Germany’s most prestigious universities include LMU Munich, Technical University of Munich and Humboldt University of Berlin. Some other prestigious German institutes are 

• Hochschule Bremen - International Graduate Center

• University of Mannheim

• University of Cologne

• Wismar University

Variety of Study Courses

In reputable German tertiary education institutes, study courses from every field of life are taught. International students can study any subject in Germany .The sub categories of engineering courses like Aeronautics, automobile or robotics Have a Hub in Germany Likewise German institutes render the most comprehensive courses in Arts, Music and other relevant fields. German business schools are top-ranked and business management degrees are highly recognized around the world. According to a recent survey international students chiefly enrolled in the following German courses

• Engineering

• Business Management 

• Humanities

• Math

• Information Technology

• Fine and Applied Arts

English Taught Courses

Previously German institutes offer only German taught study programs but with time Germany has modified its medium of instruction in academics. To attract more and more foreign students many English-taught study programs are introduced. Thus, many courses and degree programs are now offered in English. Most of these courses are offered at the master’s degree level but gradually English taught courses are also being incorporated in other degree courses. Currently, there are about 1450 English taught courses in German Universities.

Research Opportunities in Germany 2020 for Pakistani Students 

German universities provide excellent environment for research and development. German institutions introduce doctoral research in the nineteenth century. German universities and specialist research centres offer innovative, tuition-free, postgraduate programs with the latest research and development technology and equipment.

German Language

Studying abroad in Germany will give you an opportunity to learn German. German is considered as the tenth most spoken language in the world. There are about 185 million German speakers worldwide. German is becoming increasingly popular. Goethe-Institutes around the world report that nearly 235,000 people were learning German at Goethe-Institutes around the world.

Latest 2020 Scholarship Programs in Germany for Pakistani Students 

Besides free tuition, German institutes also offer scholarship programs to eligible students. There are numerous scholarships providers that help international students to study at German universities and colleges with fringe benefits. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world’s largest funding organizations for academic exchanges in the world.

Stable Economy

Economically Germany is among the strongest nation of the world. There are countless job opportunities for international graduates in almost every field of life.  World’s largest industries are established in Germany. Moreover, Germany is the country for every type of engineers. Entrepreneurs also have a wide horizon to start up their companies. The latest techno- oriented study courses are taught in this land of thinkers in almost no cost. Germany is the fourth-largest economically established country according to nominal GDP in the world. Moreover, Germany is the third largest exporter in the world. 

After Study Job Prospects

Due to a firm position in the global economy, Germany offers countless job opportunities. After completing a degree in Germany, international students can stay for up to 18 months in Germany to search a qualification related job. Germany needs many skilled workers by 2030, therefore, opens many job opportunities for foreigners. Three- fourths of business students get employment within six months of graduation. 

Part Time Job Opportunities in Germany 2020 for Pakistani Students 

Students living in Germany can easily afford the cost of living via part time job. Although it is a tuition free destination, still students have to bear many other expenses. German education system offers miscellaneous means of funding. Many scholarships like DAAD are offered to students that cover accommodation and other expenses. Moreover, part-time jobs like Research assistant or other jobs in a company are available for students. Students can work in restaurants, libraries, supermarkets, etc. International students are allowed to work for 240 half days or b120 full days in a year. According to an estimation, more than 60% of international students work part-time while studying in Germany.

Travel Europe

Besides studying, living in Germany provides you with an opportunity to travel across various countries. With a German student visa, the student is allowed to travel to 26 European countries without any restrictions. 

Contemporary Living

Not just a single city, but Germany entails a long list of cities that resides reputed institutes for international students .Some of these cities include  Berlin  Cologne (Koln), Frankfurt  , Hamburg and Munich. All these cities provide a quality lifestyle with all modern convenience. Tasty cuisines, shopping malls, Wi-Fi accessibility and effective public transport system have made Germany a dream destination to reside. Large cities have public transport accessibility with a subway system and bus /streetcar networks. You can reach anywhere in Europe swiftly via train or plane.  From skiing to mountaineering students can enjoy many excursions in Germany at affordable prices.

Thus there are various factors that made Germany a hot favourite destination for international students who want to study abroad in Europe.

Here you people will find some top universities of Germany where Pakistani students can get admissions for theri undergraduate and post graduate studies to explore their future.

• Free University of Berlin
• Humbolt University of Berlin
• Technical University Munich
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
• Heidelberg University
• Schiller International University
• Hochschule Furtwangen University
• University of Freiburg

When a candidate show interest to get admission in the German institutes they need to achieve entire required criteria. International students can avail more opportunities while studying there. They can have positive experience and memories but it’s more important that students could get admission in university in which he/she wants to study. The competition to get admission in the universities is high so candidate must collect all the information every early and get details regarding necessary formalities.

If the interested candidates want to get Bachelor or Master Degree in Germany he/she has to apply in the respective university the same way as the German students. Candidate can directly apply in the university and there isn’t any central office for students to Study in Germany. So the respective candidate must follow the procedure for submission of application form according to the time table set by the respective university. So aspirants must visit the official website of that university to collect important information.

To study in a European country, Pakistani students need an official study visa. German study visas are issued to international students enrolled in various study courses in Germany.

Student Visa Fees of Germany for Pakistani students 

Students applying for a study visa have to pay some visa fees with an application at the local German embassy or consulate in their country. The typical Germany study visa fee is €60 (~US$70) or approximately 10.000 PRs.

Type of German Study Visas

There are three types of study visas issued for international students residing outside the European nation 

Student Visa (Studentenvisum)

It is the standard German student visa for international students who are enrolled in a full-time university program. To get a German student visa the student has to submit the Zulassungsbescheid, meaning the letter of admission from a German University or an Institute for Higher Education in Germany

Student Applicant Visa (Studienbewerbervisum)

This kind of visa is issued to those applicants who want to take admission at a German university by visiting the institutes personally. The students have to submit the proof of entitlement to get admission and/or conditional acceptance at a university in Germany. For this visa, the student has to submit 

• Admit cards

• Certificates 

• Mark-sheets 

• Registration card and Bachelor Diploma 

• Proof of one study year in the respective field

Visa to Pursue a Language Course in Germany

These visas are issued to students who want to attend language courses in Germany. If the student applies for the language course visa, he/she will have to leave Germany at the end of the course. This visa is not converted into any sort of residence permit. Students who want to study in Germany after the completion of their language course should state this requirement in the application. Eligible students are then considered for student applicant visa or a student visa only if they fulfill the given conditions. The student applying for the language course visa has to show the following documents

• Registration for a language course  (minimum of 20 hours per week) 

• Certificate of registration 

• Receipt of paid fees

Required Documents for Pakistani Students to Study in Germany:

The following requirements for acquiring a German Study visa are stated by German Consulate in Pakistan.

• All copies of submitted documents have to be in A4 size DIN

• Documents should be unstapled, complete and readable 

• Three copies of all documents are needed with applications submitted at the Embassy Islamabad.

• Two copies of all documents are needed with applications submitted at the Consulate Karachi.

Document Details

1. All the school and college documents 

2. Passport photos with white background, not older than three months

3. Valid and updated Passport:  Passport should remain valid for three months even after the expiry of the applied visa

4. All previous passports

5. Employment history if applicable with previous employment letter from all employers

6. Marriage certificates with spouse and children documents if applicable

7. Original and two copies of the academic degree and transcript attested by HEC (Higher Education Commission Pakistan)

8. Proof of financial means (Sometimes students are asked to open an account in German Bank. Ask the visa officer or consulate representative about the process in detail )

9. Income and bank statements of the last 6 months of your sponsor

10. Te students who are funded by scholarship program in Germany should submit the relevant proofs and documents

11. The student has to submit preliminary health insurance with application. From now, the German government is asking for valid health insurance for international students (Students can also take health insurance in Germany). Health insurance is basically needed which covers the time period until the student settled in Germany. 

12. student visa Security questionnaire Forms 

13. student visa applicant's declaration form

14. Proof of language abilities according to the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE):

If the student is enrolled in German taught course, tests scores from “Zertifikat Deutsch” at least A1 level certificate or Goethe-Institute (GI) or NUML are required. If the student is enrolled in an English taught program then TOEFL (minimum score of 550) or IELTS (Band 6.0) are required.

If you have been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission before, written explanation about the reason for application and refusal letter are required.

Visa Processing

The current processing time for a German study visa is between 5 and 10 weeks. To keep the student in pace with the admitted course, German consulate asks the prospective student to apply for the next semester when there is a minimum time -gap of 5 weeks between your appointment date and the starting date of the semester. The Embassy, in fact, holds the right to refuse applicants who have submitted a study visa application 5 weeks before the starting date of the semester.

Interview

Students have to undergo an interview session prior the issuance of visa. General questions asked are about Germany, student’s purpose of the study, assessment of your financial situation and previous Education the student has received

Before getting admission the first question comes in mind that what does this cost? It can be possible that a candidate may not submit the fee of single term rather of whole course. The course can be expensive in international universities comparatively the residence/home country.

But don’t be worried! German Education won’t affect your wealth and you can manage it by following the steps. Neither you are born with a silver spoon in the mouth nor you have to pay financing debts whole life. How much it is expensive to Study in Germany?

Tuition fees (if applicable)

Over all, German Federal Government provides funds from primary to University level in public institution. In 2010, as many as 5 of the 16 states of Germany took tuition fees at state funded institutions while 11 among 16 states still provide tuition free of charge.

• No tuition fees in some states
• € 500 for second degree or continued/prolonged study duration
• € 500 to get the first university degree in several states

For more and exact details visit the respective university portal for tuition fee for the relevant course. Each university follows its own schedule and criteria and it can be varied from university to university.

Semester contribution

University students pay semester contribution depending on the services it includes. This is university particular ranging from €200 to €350. Get the exact details and information at University portal.

For an overview, semester contribution may include

• Social fees
• For social services like dining halls for students, accommodations, athletic services and administrative dues
• Liability insurance
• Covers & compensates unplanned damages to third party
• Student Union contribution
• Membership fee to the Student Union
• Semester ticket
• It permits unlimited practice or usage of public transportation, in and around the university town.
• Hinging on the city and choices of ticket the worth of this ticket can be changed from € 25 to € 150

Basic living expenses

Yet there are many standardized living places while the expenses are almost similar to countries in Western Europe. Living outlay mainly hinge on the lifestyle, city and type of accommodation. According to statistics, Germans spend 1/3rd of their income on accommodation payments. In summary, an estimate of €450 would be needed for student for economical and modest living.

• Living expenses include (Conservative estimate)
• Rent & Utilities: €200
• Private accommodation > €300
• Shared flat or Student residence around €200
• Internet & Mobile phone - €30
• Mobile flat rate - €15
• Internet DSL flat rate - €15
• A section is fixed for a thorough inquiry of mobile & DSL bond.
• Health insurance - €60
• A section is fixed for a thorough of general health insurance selections
• Food & Drinks - €125
• Miscellaneous expenditure - €50

The above mentioned assessment doesn’t include tuition fee, semester ticket, social contributions, and allowances for dining, travelling, sports and anything except anything mentioned above.

If you want to apply at universities for Study in Germany two dates you should keep in mind and mark red in your calendar. These are January 15th and July 15th if you want to join the university in winter semester (October). Applications can be submitted from the period beginning of admission (start of June) to 15th July. If you want to join the summer semester (April) the submission period is from the beginning of December to 15th January.

Applying to a German University needs special attention and complete knowledge. There are certain formalities which have to be fulfilled. Check the following admission requirements for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD intakes:

Admission Criteria in Bachelor’s Program of German Universities for Pakistani Students 2020

Students who want to apply in a Bachelor’s program in Germany should choose a German University and then apply online on the given dates. An online application form is available at their sites, where the student has to get registered and take his/her applicant’s ID. You can also upload all the required documents via scanned PDF soft copies. It is mandatory to sign the application before submission.

The Entrance Criterion

To apply in a German University, the student should be qualified according to their university entrance qualification. For this, the student should possess a high school leaving certificate. This certificate has to be recognized in Germany. If for any reason you are not eligible for this entrance criterion then you have to get enrolled in the Foundation course. The free of cost preparatory courses are subject-based right according to the field of studies the student wishes to study. This one year course will prepare you to attempt the qualification assessment examination. Once you pass this exam, you become eligible with a university entrance qualification. Now the student can enter higher education institute s in Germany. Students can browse the online “Anabin” database and check their country-specific requirements. In some cases, student’s school leaving certificate and previous academic performance make the student eligible for direct admission without any entrance exam. It is, therefore, essential to check your status at the institutes' website.

Te students taking admission on Scholarship programs have to follow the program specific requirements for taking admission to study in Germany

Language Proficiency

For German taught courses students have to show German language proficiency of B1 level while for English taught programs standard test like IELTS,TOEFL etc. are required wit specified marks or bands. There are few bachelor courses offered in English while a lot of Master’s programs are however available in English Language

Bachelor’s Intakes

In a German university, students can apply twice a year, either in the winter or in summer. Applications for winter enrolments are submitted before 15 July, and applications for summer enrolments end by 15 January. Application deadlines are different in different institutions. It is recommended to apply at least 6 weeks before the given deadline to correct any error. A formal acceptance or rejection is received after a month or two of application submission.

Recognized academic certificates and other Documents

Students have to submit their previous academic certificates of your translated and officially certified by a notary. The documents should contain a signature with an official stamp. These academic certificates generally include:

• The school leaving certificates and/or university entrance qualification

• The academic transcripts,

• Certificates of the applicant’s previous educational background related to educational or extracurricular activities

• Certificates of any volunteered activity and work experience

• Specific-sized photographs

• Copy of valid passport

• Application Fees

• Evidence of health insurance in Germany

• Payment receipt for the semester fee

• Financial stability proofs

 Prospective students will have to prove that they have enough money to support their study abroad studies. The document, “Finanzierungsnachweis,” is basically a proof of enough financial resources. This document is required while you are applying for an entry visa or residence permit in Germany. Generally, applicants have to show an amount of 8,700 Euros deposited for one year.

Once you get the admission or acceptance letter from the university, you have to apply for German student visa and has to hunt for accommodation as many German universities do not offer accommodation in their packages. Next is the enrollment step that also charges some fees to provide you university-based facilities.

Admission in Master’s Program Criteria for Pakistani Students in German Universities 2020

There are two categories of Master’s degrees in Germany consecutive or non-consecutive. The consecutive study is based on the academic knowledge related to the bachelor’s degree. While the Non-consecutive programs focus on professional development. In this case, applicants have an undergraduate degree along with some relevant work experience.

Intakes and Entrance Eligibility

Admissions in master’s programs are conducted twice a year, either in the winter semester or in summer semester. The summer semester begins in March, while the winter semester starts from September.

Masters degree in Germany takes four semesters (two years).To get eligibility for entrance qualification the prospective student has to prove his/her hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB)-higher education entrance qualification. Generally, an undergraduate degree completed in another country is accepted as an HZB for a master’s admission in Germany. However, requirements will vary depending on the course and institutions. Two eligibility tests are available for Masters Admission eligibility: the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH, German language examination for university entrance) and the DaF (Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Test of German as a foreign language). The DSH is offered only at various German Universities, while DaF can be taken at centers in more than 90 global countries.

The student should check the right test which is accepted by the universities you want to apply to study a master’s in Germany. Sometimes the University department offering the program sets a minimum number of credits in specific fields of study and the student as to earn those credits to take admission in the Master's program. All information is available at the university’s website.

German universities generally use a mutual platform, UniAssist.de to offer their admission. Students can create a personal account at this site to choose their preferred master’s course. Students can also upload the scanned application and documents at the site. However, some universities do not follow this trend and work on their own online application platform to receive the application and other processing. In such cases, students have to directly access the university’s website for relative information.

Requirements for Master’s Program

The other documentation and other submission formalities are the same to study master’s in Germany as of the bachelor’s program. The student has to provide sufficient financial proofs, apply for a German student visa, search an accommodation and finally has to buy suitable health insurance that covers your period of stay in Germany. Some masters program also ask students to submit

• Curriculum Vitae

• Personal or motivational statement

• Reference letters

However, some institutes also conduct an interview session over Skype.

PhD Admissions in Germany

Types of PhD in Germany

, There are two types of PhD programs in Germany

• The traditional PhD: Students will do research project independently under the guidance of an expert supervisor. The candidate chooses the institution for research. It could be a university or organization.

• Structured doctoral programs – these are international English taught programs. Students will do additional training alongside the thesis. Research is conducted in collaborations and placements with external research institutes.

Intakes and Duration of PhD Program

Admission intakes are open twice a year:

• The Winter semester  runs from 1 October to 31 March

• The Summer semester –runs from 1 April to 30 September

 The length of your traditional PhD is 4-years and for a structured doctoral program is generally 3 years.

The German PhD process

Whether you visit a study abroad consultant or follow the university instruction, you have to undergo the following process:

PhD fees

PhD tuition is free in all German public universities for up to three years of study. However, students will have to pay tuition fees after three years that is, beyond the standard time-span for your PhD course.

PhD students also pay a semester contribution of €150-200 as administration,, student governance and student services payment.

Application Requirements for PhD Program

Students who apply for a traditional PhD have to contact a supervisor to supervise your thesis.

Applications for structured PhDs are submitted directly to the institution or graduate school.

Entry requirements

• Completion of a minimum of eight semesters of academic study with a final qualification equivalent to a German Masters degree

• Submission of previous higher education degree/s , recognized by the Dean's Office or Board of Examiners at your university.

• Highly-qualified international students with academic excellence could be admitted onto a PhD with a graduate or Bachelor degree in the fast-track PhD program. In this case, students have to pass an entrance examination.

Language requirements

The language requirements for a PhD in Germany will depend on the program applied.

Structured doctoral programs are taught in English. Students have to qualify an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS with some set scores.

In Traditional PhD courses students write the thesis in German. However, some institutions accept the thesis in other languages. For German-taught PD courses, students need a German language proficiency proof certified through DaF or DSH.

Motivation Letter

Motivation letter is a personal statement by the student stating the main objectives, accomplishments and future prospects, that motivate you to choose this specific doctoral program. You have to connect your future studies with your past education. Motivation letter should be written in less than 500 characters.

Students have to provide the financial stability proof as in case of master’s and Bachelor's program

Application process

• For Traditional PhD program students require a statement from the doctoral supervisor stating their intent to supervise your thesis

• Students have to submit all their certified copies of certificates and academic transcripts from previous degrees

• Students should provide recognition of your certificates and degrees from the Dean’s Office or University Board of Examiners

• Academic reference letters from at least two professors who have previously taught you

• Interviews

• Structured PhD programs sometimes conduct an interview session with the candidate. The supervising committee takes the interview.

• The selected supervisor will take the student’s interview in case of traditional PhD program Interviews for international students are conducted over Skype.

Like the undergraduate or graduate admission, once you are selected for a PhD program you have to apply for a German Student Visa, health insurance and have to search proper accommodation in Germany

Once you decide to study abroad, you should keep in mind about the budget that is going to be spent on your studies. It is right that most German universities do not charge any tuition fee, yet for a Non-European student, there are many other hidden costs that have to be paid on time. Let’s count the study cost for a non-European, especially Pakistani student studying in Germany.

University Application Fees

To study abroad in Germany the student has to first apply at the university. Many universities charge fees for the application. Students applying through uni-assist have to submit a fee for assessment of certificates. The preliminary review of submitted documents generally costs €75 for the first university where the student applies.  Moreover, for other universities applications cost €15 per university. Universities in Germany will charge this administration fee to examine the application and documents. After the payment of this fee, the application is processed for further proceedings. There are still some universities in Germany that do not take any application charges

Language Proficiency Charges

Most of the courses taught at the German universities are in German. The student has to learn the basic German language prior getting enrolled in such courses. The language proficiency proof is one of the prime requirements to apply in a German University. A Pakistani student who wants to take a basic level German course in his country has to pay around Rs.25 thousand to complete the course. Furthermore, the German language proficiency exam itself charges some fees costing around 20 thousand PRs.

Similarly, those students who are enrolled in English taught courses have to show their good scores in the English language proficiency exam. If the student is able to prepare himself he has to pay only the examination fee. For those students who want to take special courses to prepare for their English language test have to spend around 20-25 thousand PRs. Moreover, there is some assigned fee for the IELTS and TOEFL exam which also ranges between 25-30 thousand PRs.

German Student Visa Charges

Once your application is accepted and you get the admission offer letter, you have to apply for the German student visa as the next proceeding. The fees for German student visa in Pakistan is €60 that is around US$70.This is a non-refundable amount submitted at the German consulate.

Airfare to Germany

Students planning to fly to Germany for studies need money for the airfare. The airline ticket generally cost PRs.80, 000.

Tuition Fees at Public Universities

German public universities offer free of cost tuition to international students seeking admission in undergraduate programs. Though the tuition is almost free, yet there are many other associated costs which a student has to bear. Remember students who want to study at a private university have to pay higher tuition fees. The private universities charge full tuition fees and that could be around or over 20.000 € per year.

The Reserved Fund

During the admission process, non-EU students are required to reserve 8,640€ in their blocked account. This account is a secured fund for both the student and the state.

Registration and Semester Ticket

Students have to pay some fees per semester for enrolment and administration. This is typically around €250 per semester; however, this is not a fixed amount and varies according to the university. Most students also buy a Semester ticket. A semester-long ticket is available for public transportation in a relatively cheap price. The price varies depending upon the type of Semester ticket you choose. Moreover, if you exceed the period of study like if you are staying in the institute for more than four semesters, you have to pay an additional fee of about €500 per semester.

Besides, these study costs there are many other payments like accommodation, food, entertainment which has to be bear by the student. We will discuss these costs under the title of the cost of living. Students can take advice from their study abroad consultants to learn these costs.

Master’s Study Cost in Germany

Students can study free of cost tuition in many Master’s programs. In some cases the rules are different. In some institutions, if the students are enrolled in “consecutive” Master’s course (students are continuing their master’s course from a relative bachelor’s degree from Germany), the course applies no tuition fee. Still, students have to pay a little amount per semester for formalities like enrolment, administration and a Semesterticket. On the other hand, these institutions apply tuition fees on “non-consecutive” master’s programs. (Students having bachelor’s degree other than from Germany has to enroll in a paid master’s program). The tuition fee varies according to the university. At public institutes, it costs around €20,000 per year. While at public institutions the tuition fee is a bit high that is around €30,000.

PhD Study Cost in Germany

German universities offer tuition- free PhD programs in almost every university. This tuition- free offer is valid for the first six semesters. PhD students will pay a semester contribution of around €250.

The Scholarships and Funding

There are however many scholarship programs for students which also cover accommodation and other charges. Moreover some institutions also offer funds and loans to deserving students which cut their study cost to a greater extent. You can check the Federal Ministry of Education and Research or BMBF (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung) to get the options

Note: The south-west state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU students in autumn 2017. However, it’s possible that other states will follow this trend in the coming years. Non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg have to pay €3,000 per year as tuition fees.

Once you decide to study abroad, you should keep in mind about the budget that is going to be spent on your studies. It is right that most German universities do not charge any tuition fee, yet for a Non-European student, there are many other hidden costs that have to be paid on time. Let’s count the study cost for a non-European, especially Pakistani student studying in Germany.

University Application Fees

To study abroad in Germany the student has to first apply at the university. Many universities charge fees for the application. Students applying through uni-assist have to submit a fee for assessment of certificates. The preliminary review of submitted documents generally costs €75 for the first university where the student applies.  Moreover, for other universities applications cost €15 per university. Universities in Germany will charge this administration fee to examine the application and documents. After the payment of this fee, the application is processed for further proceedings. There are still some universities in Germany that do not take any application charges

Language Proficiency Charges

Most of the courses taught at the German universities are in German. The student has to learn the basic German language prior getting enrolled in such courses. The language proficiency proof is one of the prime requirements to apply in a German University. A Pakistani student who wants to take a basic level German course in his country has to pay around Rs.25 thousand to complete the course. Furthermore, the German language proficiency exam itself charges some fees costing around 20 thousand PRs.

Similarly, those students who are enrolled in English taught courses have to show their good scores in the English language proficiency exam. If the student is able to prepare himself he has to pay only the examination fee. For those students who want to take special courses to prepare for their English language test have to spend around 20-25 thousand PRs. Moreover, there is some assigned fee for the IELTS and TOEFL exam which also ranges between 25-30 thousand PRs.

German Student Visa Charges

Once your application is accepted and you get the admission offer letter, you have to apply for the German student visa as the next proceeding. The fees for German student visa in Pakistan is €60 that is around US$70.This is a non-refundable amount submitted at the German consulate.

Airfare to Germany

Students planning to fly to Germany for studies need money for the airfare. The airline ticket generally cost PRs.80, 000.

Tuition Fees at Public Universities of Germany for Pakistani Students 

German public universities offer free of cost tuition to international students seeking admission in undergraduate programs. Though the tuition is almost free, yet there are many other associated costs which a student has to bear. Remember students who want to study at a private university have to pay higher tuition fees. The private universities charge full tuition fees and that could be around or over 20.000 € per year.

The Reserved Fund

During the admission process, non-EU students are required to reserve 8,640€ in their blocked account. This account is a secured fund for both the student and the state.

Registration and Semester Ticket

Students have to pay some fees per semester for enrolment and administration. This is typically around €250 per semester; however, this is not a fixed amount and varies according to the university. Most students also buy a Semester ticket. A semester-long ticket is available for public transportation in a relatively cheap price. The price varies depending upon the type of Semester ticket you choose. Moreover, if you exceed the period of study like if you are staying in the institute for more than four semesters, you have to pay an additional fee of about €500 per semester.

Besides, these study costs there are many other payments like accommodation, food, entertainment which has to be bear by the student. We will discuss these costs under the title of the cost of living. Students can take advice from their study abroad consultants to learn these costs.

Master’s Study Cost in Germany for International Students 2020

Students can study free of cost tuition in many Master’s programs. In some cases the rules are different. In some institutions, if the students are enrolled in “consecutive” Master’s course (students are continuing their master’s course from a relative bachelor’s degree from Germany), the course applies no tuition fee. Still, students have to pay a little amount per semester for formalities like enrolment, administration and a Semesterticket. On the other hand, these institutions apply tuition fees on “non-consecutive” master’s programs. (Students having bachelor’s degree other than from Germany has to enroll in a paid master’s program). The tuition fee varies according to the university. At public institutes, it costs around €20,000 per year. While at public institutions the tuition fee is a bit high that is around €30,000.

PhD Study Cost in Germany

German universities offer tuition- free PhD programs in almost every university. This tuition- free offer is valid for the first six semesters. PhD students will pay a semester contribution of around €250.

Latest Scholarships and Funding in Germany for Pakistani Students 2020

There are however many scholarship programs for students which also cover accommodation and other charges. Moreover some institutions also offer funds and loans to deserving students which cut their study cost to a greater extent. You can check the Federal Ministry of Education and Research or BMBF (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung) to get the options

Note: The south-west state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU students in autumn 2017. However, it’s possible that other states will follow this trend in the coming years. Non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg have to pay €3,000 per year as tuition fees.

As compared to other European destinations, the cost of living in Germany is pretty reasonable. You will need approximately 750 € per month to cover your living expenses in Germany. Some scholarship programs though cover the accommodation cost, but there are many other expenses to face while studying abroad in Germany.

Blocked Account

Non-EU students are asked to deposit 8,640€ in their account. The student can withdraw a limited amount over the course of 12 months. Students can take around720€ per month to pursue an average living. This sum will help the student to support their living expenses every month without any overspending. There are, however, some exceptions regarding this account, yet we can take 8,640€ as a standardized per year expenditure.

Accommodation Cost in Germany for Pakistani Students 2020

After bearing all the study cost, the foremost expenditure for an international student is the accommodation. Housing, in fact, is the highest monthly expense, taking around 35% of the total budget. In Germany, there are two broad accommodation options for the international student.

• On -campus accommodation

• Private accommodation.

Hall of Residence

Several student halls of residence are present in every German university town. A room in a residence hall is the most affordable housing option. It is however very difficult to get residence halls as they are in high demand. The early the student applies for the hall the more the chances of getting it. The study abroad student should smartly apply right after he/she receives admission acceptance from a German university. The applications and allocation for the hall of residence are processed by the Studentenwerk (Student Services Organization). According to a recent survey, only 11% of the international students successfully find on-campus accommodation.  At the Studentenwerke halls of residence, the average monthly rent including all costs is 246 €per month.

Private Accommodation

There are many private accommodations available for international students. Students can take these accommodations on rent from private landlords or estate agent. Prices vary depending upon location and standard of the apartment. Private residence in Germany, however, costs around 220 to 400 EUR per month. Generally, international students prefer to share a flat or a room in private accommodation. The accommodation costs for a student in Germany on an average is:

• 363 EUR/month Single living

• 350/month shared living

• 237 EUR/month on campus living

Location wise cost of Accommodation

The cost of studying in Germany mainly depends on where you're studying. Cities like Munich are very expensive than remote destinations like Würzburg or Leipzig. Mostly, students finance their studies with a part-time job. 

Students in Germany prefer Flatshares, in this case, they share the living room, kitchen and bathroom, however, a private room for studies and other personal activities is assigned to each student. These flatshares approximately cost 150 Euros to 400 Euros depending on the city.

• Munich (300 - 400 Euros)

• Stuttgart (230-330 Euros)

• Darmstadt (230-300 Euros)

• Frankfurt (200-250 Euros)

• Kaiserslautern (170 - 230 Euros)

• Berlin (150-250 Euros).

Munich and Stuttgart are two of the most expensive cities in Germany. Thus, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Stuttgart costs around 850€ while a similar apartment in Bremen is available at 560 €.A thirty percent cheaper option than Stuttgart.

Transport Cost

Students who have already bought a Semester ticket can travel in a certain area free of cost with public transport.  The prices and offers for different semester tickets vary a lot depending on the city and travelling distances. Generally, an average transport cost ranges between 30 and 60 EUR/month depending on the city.

Health Insurance:

International students in Germany are obligatory to buy a health insurance plan. You can choose between private (PKV) and statutory public health insurance (GKV) plans in Germany. According to the German law students under and equal to the age of 30 or taking up to the 14th full study, semester must be insured by statutory health insurance. This health insurance will cost around €80 per month.

Food and Groceries:

Around 150 € per month are spent on foods, groceries and similar items. This expenditure chiefly depends on the lifestyle and mode of eating. If you buy lunch from college canteen, another 50€ are then added to your monthly bill.

Other Expenses

€20 should be reserved to buy work/study materials. Depending upon the type of plan a student has to spend from 35 €to 90 € on utility bills, telephone packages and internet plans. A reliable prepaid/postpaid plan with internet can cost you between 10-20 Euros on a monthly basis.€60 on average  is spent on leisure activities

In summary, the students' monthly expenses in Germany as follows

• Accommodation and utilities € 350

• Food and drink€ 175

• Clothing€ 50

• Learning materials€ 20

• Transportation€ 94

• Health insurance € 80

• Telephone, internet, TV€ 30

• Entertainment € 61

Like most other European countries, Germany is a nation where international students can work part –time during their study period. There are several reasons why a student needs some part time earning at his/her study abroad destination.

Why an International Student Work Part-Time

If you are in another country to complete your degree course, then, taking a part time job during the studies will help the student to gain some extra cash. The extra money will help the student to cover the tuition fees and living expenses. Moreover, these added working hours will also augment your resume with good work experience.

International Students in Germany from European Countries

International students studying in Germany are divided in two basic categories. One category includes those students who are from a European country. These students enjoy the same facilities that are allocated to German students. Like, these European students do not need any work permit to get a job in Germany. And they can do jobs with unlimited working hours.

International Students in Germany from Non-European Countries Like Pakistan

In contrast, there are some restrictions for international students belonging to non European countries. The students are allowed to work120 fully days of work/year with an average 8 hours a day. However, non-European international students in Germany can also work for 240 half-days/year. These working hours are subject to change according to the latest German Government policies. If the Non-European international student want to work more than the assigned hours the only opportunity is to work as a student assistant within the university. In fact there is no work-hours limitation for teaching assistants.

The Nature and Restrictions of Jobs

Furthermore, international students are only allowed to work during vacation in some federal states. Both skilled and unskilled work is available for students. It is highly recommended to take a part time job related to the course of study. This will add flavor in your profile and expand the technical knowledge. Students are paid from €6-10/hour. Students can search vacancies in newspaper, internet or through university –based or personal resources.

 In Germany usual student jobs include:

• Gas station workers

• Bar-waiters

• Office workers

• Courier workers

• Taxi drivers

• Baby sitters

• Call center Representative

There are many part time jobs available for students that require German proficiency. It is better to learn some German prior applying for the job. Likewise the riving related jobs like home delivery or courier service demands a driving license.

Apprenticeships and Internships in Germany for Pakistani Students 2020

German students can do apprenticeships and internships during their summer or winter vacations. These internships deliver basic experience. The students can build their contacts in Germany and can direct contact with potential employers. Remember that students who left their academic institution without any "real world" job experience might face difficulties in finding good jobs.  Moreover, German Universities assist their students to join appropriate internships, especially during vacations. The international student union AISEC helps international students to get their preferred   internships in Germany.

Rules Regarding Permanent Jobs in Germany for Pakistani Students 

International students who are striving to get a permanent job offer after their completion of degree course must keep in mind that they are not allowed to stay in Germany after studies with their student visa. These students have to fly back to their home country after graduation. After reaching back their home country, these students can apply for their residency visa and work permit. However, in some cases the employers are impressed with the international student’s performance or urgently need the potential employee, then, a lawyer could be hired by the student or the employer to submit a petition on the graduate’s behalf.

 Where to Find the Jobs

To cater international students in job search, German universities and student union have established effective websites where they set up the job exchanges. Jobs are also posted on University’s notice boards especially if the job is related to academics for example librarian, research workers etc. University websites and notice boards also display jobs available at various local organizations and similar areas. Students who want to delve deeper in a job search then he can check the official services. The students can check the German Federal Employment agencies to find jobs in their interest

The Residence Permit

It’s a rule of the German education system that once the German degree course or any other educational program is completed, the student’s residence permit automatically expires even if it was originally issued for a longer period of time. The candidate who wants to stay further in Germany has to apply again for the residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office requesting an extension. This extension of the residence permit is, however, necessary if the pass out student want to search job opportunities after study in Germany.

When to Apply For a Residence Permit

Students should apply before the residence permit for the duration of education in Germany expires. In such cases, the candidates generally apply for a German residence permit in their final year of education in Germany. With a German residence permit, candidates can now explore employment opportunities and career possibilities in the country. The student, however, has to prove his adequate German language skills, at least up to the B1 level of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, financial stability, health insurance, and no involvement in any criminal activity to get the residence permit.

How to Get Residence Permit after Study in Germany

German university pass outs can get German residence permit after the completion of the study program via two proceedings. In the initial step, the student applies for a temporary residence permit. The validity of this temporary permit is usually 18 months. The 18 months, in fact, start as soon as the student receives his/her last exam result. Once he gets the temporary permit the student is allowed to hunt job opportunities in any field that suitably support his financial means during the after-study period in Germany. As soon as the student gets the job that can cover Germany stay expenses, the student can search for a better job corresponding to the educational/ professional qualification. This German residence permit is easily available for students pursuing teaching programs at any of the German universities. Candidates contact their local foreign nationals’ registration office to issue the German residence permit. Moreover, the students who succeed to get good jobs linked with their field of study can now apply for a German residence permit for work.

International Students Returning Back To Their Home Country

If for any reason the study abroad student has returned to his home country after completing his degree program from any German university, he/she has to apply again for a 6-month German visa. During this 6-month duration, the applicant or German university graduate is allowed to search for job opportunities. To get this 6-month German visa it is necessary that the candidate must hold a German university degree at the time of application. Moreover, it is essential that the applicant should have enough finance to cover his stay period in Germany. It should be noted that even if the applicant succeeds to get a part-time job, he/she needs a residence permit.

The Graduate with Longer Residence Permit

The student who is eligible to apply for the work permit (not temporary) can now have two options:

• German Residence Permit

•  EU Blue Card

Both these options have their own advantages and restrictions. If the graduate is interested to live and work in another EU state, the EU Blue Card is beneficial. Students can take advice from academic consultants in this regard.

 It is advisable to contact the foreign residents’ registration office to know about the documents you need to submit with your application.

The German residence permit or EU Blue Card is initially issued for a limited period. Graduates who wish to continue their German employment can extend their residence permit.

German Citizenship Guide 2020 for Pakistani Students

As early as two years after receiving your German or EU Blue Card residence permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit (a residence permit without a time limit). Again, the applicant needs to have employment in Germany.

According to the Residence Act, Section 19, postgraduates or highly qualified persons like researchers, can get a residence and work permit without the consent of the German Federal Employment Agency.

Later, eligible graduates can get a settlement permit, i.e. indefinite allowance to remain in Germany, after just two years. However, if you meet all the requirements you can apply for citizenship after eight years of continuous stay in Germany. Generally, federal states include your time spent studying in Germany in these eight years.

Students who marry a German national can also apply for citizenship through another process.