Top Courses for Study in Germany after 12th in Winter Intake

September 27, 2024

Germany emerges as one of the major countries that students looking for higher education abroad hang out because they have millions of bachelor’s degree programs for those who have passed the 12th grade. With world-class universities, tuition fees are free or low along with degrees accepted all over the globe, the state has allowed students to concentrate on achieving academic success while gaining chances of exposure to industries of innovation and research fields.

Many students search for the top courses for study in Germany after 12th to build a strong career. The opportunities offered for Indian students in Germany are unique and diverse in the gamut of academia offered there in different disciplines. Be it engineering, medicine, business management, or the sciences, you will find an extensive number of programs that suit the kind of direction you have in your career.

Best courses to study in Germany

There are plenty of options for Indian students to study for a bachelor’s degree in Germany after completing 12th grade. Here is an elaborate list of some of the best courses to study in Germany:

1. Engineering

Germany is world famous for engineering courses, thus being one of the best courses to study in Germany after 12th for science and technology-oriented students. There is respect for German engineering degrees all around the globe because this nation focuses on practical education and innovation.

Specialization of Engineering

Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have excellent engineering courses.

Eligibility Criteria

A strong foundation in Math, Physics, and Chemistry in 12th grade.
Some universities would require either the Feststellungsprüfung exam or passing from a Studienkolleg in the case of Indian students.

Language of Instruction

German and English, though most engineering courses are taught in English in top universities.

2. Medicine

The dream career for many is to study medicine in Germany. German medical universities give comprehensive medical education, merging theoretical knowledge with intense clinical training. In Germany, medicine is one of the courses most looked up to; the degree acquired is quite reputable worldwide.

Top Medical Universities

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Heidelberg University
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)

Eligibility Criteria

Good background in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in 12th standard.
Test für Medizinische Studiengänge, abbreviated as TMS: This is a requirement to be admitted into some medical studies.
Proficiency in German is also important since most medical courses are taught in German

3. Business and Management Studies

Business and Management is one of the most sought courses among students aspiring for corporates. Germany has some of the most prosperous Business Schools that offer U.G programs in the fields of business administration, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Top Business Schools

Top Business Schools:
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
EBS University of Business and Law
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Specializations:

Business Administration
International Business
Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Finance and Accounting

Many of these courses are taught in English, so students in other countries can take them also. Moreover, German universities are already well-established in the business world, which brings excellent opportunities for internships and job placement.

4. Computer Science and IT

With rapid development in technology and the rise in the digital revolution, Computer Science and IT form some of the best studies to pursue for those in Germany looking into a career of software development, data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The reason why it is one of the places where students can really get their hands on lies in the fact that it is at the forefront of technological research in Germany. The top courses for study in Germany after 12th are especially popular among those aiming to build a career in fields like computer science, architecture, or law.

Top Universities in Computer Science

Technical University of Munich (TUM)
RWTH Aachen University
University of Stuttgart

IT Specializations

Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering
Web Development

All these programs are offered in almost all universities in both German and English and thereby cater to a wide range.

5. Architecture

Architecture is one of the strong German traditions, and the latest architectures taught through many universities combine unique, creative design elements along with technology or technical know-how. From sustainable to innovative structures, architecture is highly rewarding for anyone who inclines such creations.

Best Schools for Architecture:

Technical University of Berlin
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
University of Stuttgart

Eligibility:

12th class with mathematics, physics, and drawing.
Some universities may recruit students only when they present portfolio proofs of their design skills.

6. Legal Studies

Students who wish to pursue a career in Germany as a lawyer will find an excellent legal system here in Germany that orients them about the legal challenges of the world. Apart from most of the legal courses where German is the mode of instruction, there are also European and international legal studies programs where English is the mode of instruction.

Best Law Universities

Humboldt University of Berlin
Goethe University Frankfurt
University of Hamburg

Specializations

European Law
International Law
Commercial Law
Human Rights Law

7. Psychology

Psychology is one of the most popular courses for students who want to understand human behavior, mentality, and counseling.

The undergraduate courses for the subject of psychology are available in plenty of numbers in German universities, and they focus much more on research as well as practical training.

Top Psychology Schools

University of Freiburg
University of Mannheim
LMU Munich

Eligibility

A baccalaureate background in biology or social sciences in 12th grade.
Some programs require German language skills.

8. Environment Science

Environmental Science is one of the best courses for a student who wishes to make a difference in solving global environmental issues, given the rising attention to sustainability and environmental protection. For Students passionate about environmental sustainability, some of the top courses for study in Germany after 12th focus on environmental sciences and renewable energy. The universities in Germany have excelled in research programs concerning environmental sciences and sustainable development.

Best Universities for Environmental Science

Leuphana University Lüneburg
Technical University of Munich
University of Freiburg

Specializations

Environmental Engineering
Sustainable Development
Renewable Energy

9. Economics

For students who are interested in knowing how economies work, Economics is an excellent choice. German universities provide detailed courses that include macroeconomics, microeconomics, international trade, and financial systems.

Best Universities for Economics

University of Mannheim
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
University of Bonn

Specializations

International Economics
Financial Economics
Development Economics

Entrance Exams and Other Requirements

Germany’s world-class universities offer some of the top courses for study in Germany after 12th, making it a prime destination for international students. Certain fields of study may require applicants to take entrance exams, provide portfolios, or fulfil additional criteria. These include:

Field of Study	Entrance Exams	Additional Requirements
Engineering and Technical Programs	SAT or ACT (for some top universities )	Strong academic background in Mathematics and Physics
Medicine	Test für Medizinische Studiengänge (TMS)	Excellent marks in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Architecture and Fine Arts	Entrance Exam (varies by university)	Portfolio showcasing creative work and design skills
Business, Economies, and Social Sciences	GMAT or SAT (for top business schools)	Strong academic record in Mathematics and English

Admission Requirements to study in Germany after 12th

The eligibility criterion after 12th to study in Germany differs with the course and university. The top courses for study in Germany after 12th are not only academically rigorous but also provide students with access to internships and global job markets. Here are general eligibility criteria:

University Entrance Qualification

Indian students as well as others should have completed 12th from an authorized institution for India. If the Indian Qualification is not equivalent to the German Abitur, then one has to attend the Studienkolleg to complete the course for a year.
Students who have completed CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards must ensure that their final marks meet the university’s specific criteria.
Most of the universities have direct admission policy to undergraduate programs on the basis of a minimum of 75% score or its equivalent in 12th standard.

Language Proficiency

For German taught Programs	For English taught Programs
Goethe Certificate – Min. B2	IELTS – 6.5 is the minimum requirement
TestDaF – 4 in all section	TOEFL – Minimum Score of 80 is required
DSH – Minimum level of DSH-2	Duolingo – Minimum score of 110

Document Requirements for Admission

Before applying to a university in Germany make sure you have the following documents prepared:

High School Certificates (12th grade results)
Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS/TOEFL if the course is taught in English or TestDaF/DSH if German)
Entrance Exam Score (if there is an entrance exam)
Letter of Motivation- Why you want to study in Germany and course
Passport Photographs
Copy of Passport
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Portfolio (For courses like Architecture and Design etc.)

How to Obtain a German Student Visa

Here are the steps on how you get a German Student Visa:

Admission Letter: This proves that students are studying at a recognized German university.

Proof of financial resources: Students must be able to prove sufficient funds to finance their stay and study in Germany. Usually, it is necessary to demonstrate the availability of at least €11,208 per year (as of 2024) for the same purpose either by opening a blocked account (Sperrkonto) or by scholarship.

Health Insurance: German students have to possess health insurance. Indian students should obtain health insurance that is applicable in Germany before an Indian student can be issued a student visa.

Application for Visa: Apply at the nearest German consulate in India for a National Visa (Category D). All the documents required will also cover language ability, financial means, and health insurance.

Conclusion

Studying in Germany after the 12th opens avenues for Indian students across varied disciplines, such as engineering and medicine to business and many other disciplines. No wonder, with really low fees for education and world-class universities plus different course structures, Germany continues to attract students worldwide. The top courses for study in Germany after 12th are popular because of their practical approach and excellent job opportunities. Be it a technological enthusiast, a legal one, or an environmental activist-there would be the best courses to study in Germany that suit your interest and career objective.