Germany stands within the top 5 countries chosen by international students for their studies, and over 400,000 enrollments are expected in 2024. Normally, Germany tends to have a high percentage of students from India because of the excellent academic environment, research-oriented programs, and wide range of opportunities available in many disciplines, making it very attractive. Requirements to study in Germany for Indian students are typically the same as for other international students, but there are some other requirements needed which are mentioned below. Apart from the other basic steps, such as Studienkolleg and APS certification, tuition fees in Germany were becoming reasonably affordable with great job prospects after graduation and a high education system. Lets deep dive into the requirements to study in Germany for Indian Students in different programs.
Requirements to study in Germany for Indian students: For Bachelor’s
Germany is highly acknowledged for its academic integrity and practical focus, and a bachelor’s in Germany is highly discussed. Here’s what an Indian student who is planning to pursue a bachelor’s from Germany should know.
The following are the Academic requirements to study in Germany for Indian Students if they plan to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree:
1. Secondary School Certificate
For students from India, the eligibility criterion is to have passed the 12th class from any renowned board. The certificate is considered with values similar to Abitur in Germany. Typically, at least 60-70% in your class 12 exam is needed.
2. University Entrance Qualification
In case your Indian higher secondary certificate is not comparable to a German Abitur, the student has to attend a one-year preparatory course Studienkolleg, and pass the “Feststellungsprüfung” (University Qualification Exam). It is mainly known as a Certificate of Equivalence. Proof that your 12th-grade certificate is equivalent to the German Abitur. Typically obtained through Uni-Assist or the respective university.
3. Studienkolleg Understanding
Any Indian student who intends to study in Germany, especially for undergraduate courses, has some need to understand the concept of Studienkolleg. This is actually a preparatory course taken so as to bridge the gap between the Indian system of secondary education and the German system of higher education.
4. Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) Examination
At the end of the Studienkolleg, students will have to take an FSP university entrance exam, which will determine their qualification for continuing higher education in Germany
5. Language Proficiency Test
Generally, Most of the Bachelor Courses in Germany are taught in the German Language, however, if the course is in the English language, you need to give the language certificate to the university.
| For German Taught Program | For English Taught Program |
| TestDaF: You should achieve a minimum score of 4 in each of the four sections | IELTS: Minimum band score 6.0-6.5 |
| DSH: You should achieve a minimum of DSH-2 level | TOEFL: Minimum score 80-90 on the internet-based test (iBT). |
| Goethe Certificate: B2 minimum |
6. APS Certificate
Obtaining the APS certificate is a critical step, and without it, students cannot proceed with their visa application or university enrollment.
7. Transcript of Records
Detailed marks sheet from 10th and 12th grades.
8. Letter of Motivation/ Statement of Purpose
A well-crafted letter that states your motive to study in Germany.
9. Letter of Recommendation
Generally from teachers or principals of the school.
Number: Usually 2 letters.
Requirements to study in Germany for Indian students: For Master’s Program
Germany offers a vast number of postgraduate courses for international students
The following academic requirements exist for students looking to pursue a master’s degree in Germany:
1. Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree related to the appropriate domain pursued for at least 3-4 years by Indian students. It should also be a degree recognized by German universities.
2. Minimum CGPA
The minimum CGPA for most universities in Germany is 7.0 or above on a ten-point scale or its equivalent. Certain very competitive programs may require an even higher CGPA.
3. Relevant Subject Knowledge
Students must ensure their bachelor’s degree is in a related subject to the master’s program applied for. Some universities may require proof of certain course modules or subjects studied during the bachelor’s degree.
4. Work Experience (if applicable)
Some master’s programs, especially within the fields of Business Administration (MBA), require relevant work experience. This may normally be stated within the program requirements
5. Entrance Tests
GRE/GMAT: Some Master’s programs, particularly those in business or technical areas have a certain necessity for GRE or GMAT. For example, in business programs, generally, a GMAT test score of at least 600 is recommended.
6. Language Proficiency Tests
There are many masters programs which are taught in English.
| For the German language | For the English language |
| Goethe Certificate – at least B2 level | IELTS: Minimum band score 6.0-6.5 |
| TestDaF: You should achieve a minimum score of 4 in each of the four sections. | TOEFL: Minimum score 80-90 on the internet-based test (iBT). |
7. APS Certificate
The Academic Evaluation Centre – APS checks the authenticity of the submitted educational documents and, if necessary, does an academic evaluation. The process involves document submission, verification, and sometimes even interview or test, according to the profile.
- Letter of Motivation/ Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation.
- Work Experience (conditional)
- CV/ Resume.
Requirements to study in Germany for Indian students: For PhD
With its excellent research environment, highly qualified infrastructure, and various funding options, Germany is one of the leading destinations for pursuing a doctorate.
1. Master’s Degree
Normally, for PhD courses in Germany, an appropriate master’s degree passed with at least 7.0 or above grading system out of 10 generally is required for enrollment. Some universities may allow direct PhD upon exceptionally qualifying a Bachelor’s degree.
2. Research Proposal
Students are also very often required to attach a detailed research proposal, explicating research questions, a research methodology, and the significance of their proposed research.
3. German/ English Proficiency
Language requirements for German or English may vary depending on the program you will select:
| For German | For English |
| TestDaF: At least 4 in every section | IELTS: At least band score 7.0 |
| DSH: At least DSH-2 level | TOEFL: At least 95-100 score in internet-based test (iBT). |
| Goethe Certificate: Minimum B2 level |
- Publication List – List of research papers or publications.
- Proof of Previous Research Experience
- CV/ Resume
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
4. Application Process to Study in Germany
Application to German universities for most of the universities is centralized via the Uni-Assist portal, while some directly receive applications.
Here are the Steps for Application:
- Research: Research the course and university that perfectly fit your academic goals are identified.
- Prepare Documents: All necessary documents should be prepared, including academic transcripts, certificates, language test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a curriculum vitae.
- Uni-Assist: In cases where there is a need to apply via Uni-Assist, the completion of an online application form with all necessary attachments is required. Uni-Assist checks the qualifications of the applicant and then sends all documents to the universities assigned.
- Direct Application: Where the university allows a direct application, one identifies and ascertains requirements on their website and deadlines.
- Application Fee: Document submission comes along with resultant application fees, which may differ but largely are pegged on the process using Uni-Assist.
Deadlines:
Winter Semester (October): The normal closing time is the middle of July.
Summer Semester (April): Applications usually close mid-January.
How Successcribe Can Help You
Application in Germany for Bachelor’s, Master and PhD is kind of difficult for everyone
Successcribe is here to make the process easy for you:
Application Process
Successcribe will help in choosing the right program, preparation of documents, and sending an appealing application.
Visa Support
Professional advice about visa applications for successfully going to Germany.
Scholarship Support
With Successcribe, students can find scholarships and funding opportunities and support in applying for it.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Individual support in finding accommodation, understanding the culture of Germany, and preparation for new academic life abroad.
One of the benefits of choosing Successcribe is that every step towards studying in Germany can be expertly handled with care, hence maximizing your chance of success
Conclusion
A degree acquired in Germany would, therefore, be a lifetime-changing experience, as it opens one’s door to top-class education with wide career prospects. Although there are more than 40,000 Indian students presently studying in German institutions, the country still remains one of the popular destinations. You could join them by meeting the academic eligibility and language requirements, getting the required documents, and following the step-by-step application process.
Successcribe is committed to guiding you through every step of the way, from course selection to visa processing, and providing a smooth transition to your new academic life in Germany. Successcribe, the leading study-abroad consultancy, knows all about requirements to study in Germany for Indian students.
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