8 Steps to Study in Germany: Monthly Planning Timeline
1. Find Your Program
· Winter Intake: January – March
· Summer Intake: July – September
Whether you’re applying for the winter or summer intake, finding a program is always the first step.
If you do not know where to begin, you can make a list of your preferred universities based on ranking, location, size, type, language of instruction, cost, etc. You can then search these universities’s websites to see if they have any programs you’d be interested in.
But if this seems like too much work, there are online databases where you can search for specific programs in Germany:
· Studying in Germany database.
When you find a program that has potential, you can head over to the next step — check eligibility & requirements.
2. Check Eligibility & Requirements
· Winter Intake: January – March
· Summer Intake: July – September
Once you find your program, checking requirements and eligibility is pretty simple. You just have to see what the university program page lists. If such information is not available in detail, you must contact the university for further information via email.
Some students might have to attend a Studienkolleg, a one-year preparatory program for those whose qualifications do not match the direct entry requirements to German universities. To see if your qualifications match, you can check the Anabin database. The page is in German, but you can right-click and choose the ‘Translate to English’ option.
3. Enter Language Tests
· Winter Intake: April – May
· Summer Intake: October – November
The third step is entering language tests. Now, if the program you have chosen is in English, you must show proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. If English was the language of instruction at your previous university, you can provide proof of this without having to submit any test scores.
On the other hand, if the program you are interested in is taught entirely in German, you must show proof of German proficiency. Some of the certificates that German universities accept are:
· DSH (proficiency level DSH II is usually sufficient).
· TestDaF.
· Goethe-Institut Certificates.
· The DSD German language diploma.
Remember that the proficiency level depends on each institution and program of study, so you will have to confirm this with your chosen university.
So, this is a good time to enter any tests, if necessary, so you can be fully prepared when the application period approaches.
4. Prepare Your Application
· Winter Intake: April – May
· Summer Intake: October – November
Start preparing your application, make sure you have the important documents, including:
· University application form (filled out).
· Academic transcripts.
· Letter of Motivation.
· Letter of Recommendation.
· Proof of language proficiency (where required).
· Valid passport & passport photo.
If needed, you may have to submit translated versions of your documents.
Just make sure to always check with your university to see whether you need to submit any other specific document.
5. Submit Your Application
· Winter Intake: May – July (by July 15th)
· Summer Intake: November – January (by January 15th)
This, check. That, check! Make sure you submit all necessary documents. You have spent a lot of time preparing you application and getting ready, so this part is important.
Contact your university to see how you can submit your application. Most German universities are part of the national university online application platform known as UniAssist. In addition to this, there are universities that run their own online admission platform on their website.
You must submit your application once the call for application is opened and then wait for the admission letter. Depending on what level of studies you’re pursuing in Germany, the application procedures vary slightly. But we’re prepared:
· How To Apply For A Bachelor’s Degree in Germany?
· How To Apply For A Master’s Degree in Germany?
· How to Apply For A PhD in Germany?
6. Receive Admission Results
· Winter Intake: July – September
· Summer Intake: January – March
You can expect your admission results after the deadline for applications closes (some time in the following month, depending on the university). If you find that you have gotten in, this is the perfect time to start preparing for the visa application process.
7. Get Your German Student Visa
· Winter Intake: July – September
· Summer Intake: January – March
If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need a visa to study in Germany (with some exceptions — read our detailed guide on student visa requirements for international students in Germany).
Two main requirements of the student visa in Germany are proof of financial means and proof of health insurance:
Proof of Financial Means
You must have a minimum of €11,904 which is estimated to be enough for you to cover the cost of living for the first year of your studies. This amount of money needs to be deposited into a German Blocked Bank Account.
Instead of a German blocked bank account, you can also present a document showing your parent’s income and financial status, a Scholarship Certificate, a Letter of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung), or a bank guarantee.
To Maximize Your Chances of Getting Your German Student Visa, You Should Use a Blocked Account as Proof of Financial Resources.
A blocked account is a special type of bank account that proves you have enough funds to live in Germany for one year.
Proof of Health Insurance
Along with other documents, the German embassy/consulate in your home country will also require you to get a travel health insurance policy before granting you a student visa.
Important Tip: Get The Right German Health Insurance To Get Your German Student Visa Approved
Most international students in Germany prefer DR-WALTER, because it’s suitable for:
Foreign exchange students, language students and students participating in university preparatory courses (Studienkolleg)
University students
Participants in exchange programmes (e.g. ERASMUS, DAAD, SOKRATES)
Trainees
Accompanying family members
Click here to get your German health insurance within minutes
8. Prepare for Departure & Arrival
Winter Intake: September
Summer Intake: March
This is one of the best parts of the whole process, although it can be a little stressful.
Secure Accommodation
You know you’ve gained admission, you got the visa, and now all that’s left is securing accommodation so you have a place to stay once you get to Germany.
There are three main types of student accommodation in Germany:
Student Halls of Residence (Dormitories)
Shared Apartments (WG)
Private Rentals
Regardless of which one you prefer, with the first one being the cheapest and the last one being the most expensive, you must start your accommodation search early!
For example, most dormitories have online applications which you can send as early as six months in advance. So, if that’s your preference, know that it can get competitive — but it is not impossible.
> We have a detailed guide on student accommodation in Germany; be sure to read it carefully.
After Arrival
There are three main things you need to do once you arrive in Germany:
Sort Out Health Insurance.
Enroll at University.
Register Your Address & Get Your Residence Permit.
Winter Intake in German Universities Timeline
If you want to apply for your studies in Germany during the winter intake, here’s what the process will look like on a month-to-month basis
TOP AND CHEAP MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES IN GERMNA
Heidelberg University
· Medicine Score: 1.15 · Employability Rank: 70/250 · Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 11 · Number of Students (Faculty Level): 5,073 · Research Centers: 15+ |
The Medical Faculty at Heidelberg is among Germany’s oldest and most renowned, known for its international acclaim. Here, students enjoy excellent prospects for learning and research. The Medicine degree program spans at least six years and three months and includes three main phases:
· Preclinical Study: This is the initial phase focusing on foundational knowledge.
· Clinical Study: In this phase, students delve into hands-on clinical experiences.
· Practice Year: The final year includes practical training.
Upon completing the program, students take the state examination, which grants them a license to practice as medical doctors. Graduates can further specialize by studying while working in the field.
Heidelberg University offers programs in:
· Biomedical Engineering
· Dentistry
· Health Services Research and Implementation Science in Health Systems
· International Health
· Interprofessional Health Care
· Medical Biometry
· Medical Education
· Medical Informatics
· Translational Medical Research
> Explore Medical programs at Heidelberg University.
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
· Medicine Score: 1.15 · Employability Rank: 46/250 · Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 11 · Number of Students (Faculty Level): 12,324 · Research Centers: 6 |
The Medical Faculty at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin offers educational programs that prepare students to play an important role in the future of medicine. These students are equipped to significantly contribute to research and clinical practice and provide top-notch healthcare to the community.
At Charité, students have the chance to actively participate in shaping the way they learn and teach. They can get involved in student councils and committees, and these efforts have led to important milestones in the past. For example, in 1999, they introduced a reformed medical course. In 2010, they established a model medicine course, which enhanced the educational experience.
Here are some of the programs offered at the university:.
· Dentistry
· Health Sciences
· Nursing Care
· Midwifery Science
· Public Health
· Epidemiology
· Medical Neurosciences
· Molecular Medicine
> Explore Medical programs at Charité.
Technical University of Munich
· Medicine Score: 1.02 · Employability Rank: 13/250 · Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 14 · Number of Students (Faculty Level): 4,618 · Research Centers: 11 |
The TUM School of Medicine and Health is committed to improving health and quality of life through research and education. They identify the key factors that shape well-being and promote evidence-based concepts to maintain physical and mental health.
They focus on understanding the root causes of diseases and enhancing early diagnosis to prevent illness. Embracing new technologies, they strive to develop personalized disease prevention and treatment strategies, ranging from health promotion to curative solutions.
Their ultimate goal is to apply scientific innovations to unravel disease mechanisms and create effective therapies that can be used in real-world medical practice to pursue better health and well-being.
> Explore Medical programs at the Technical University of Munich.
Hannover Medical School
· Medicine Score: 0.96 · Employability Rank: No Ranking · Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 9 · Number of Students (Faculty Level): 3,600 · Research Centers: 7 |
Hannover Medical School has earned a prominent position among Germany’s top university clinics. They have achieved this by emphasizing selective priority funding in their research, medical treatment, and teaching approach.
This unique focus on medical excellence has set them apart as the only university in Germany exclusively dedicated to medicine. Their exceptional research contributions have been recognized in federal and state excellence programs, where they were named the “Most Successful University in Northern Germany” and the “Best University Clinic Nationwide.”
Hannover Medical Schools offers programs in:
· Medicine
· Dentistry
· Midwifery
· Biochemistry
· Biomedicine
· Biomedical Data Sciences
· Infectious Diseases and One Health
· Public Health
> Explore Medical programs at Hannover Medical School.
University of Hamburg
· Medicine Score: 0.95 · Employability Rank: 112/250 · Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 18 · Number of Students (Faculty Level): 3,404 · Research Centers: 12 |
The medical faculty at the University of Hamburg is significant in the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). They focus on education, research, and advanced medical training.
The city of Hamburg provides financial support for their research and teaching efforts, which the faculty allocates efficiently to areas that need it most.
Importantly, the faculty closely collaborates with the UKE’s clinical centers. This means that medical research and patient care work hand in hand, supporting each other. This close connection is essential for medical universities.
Here are some of the programs offered at Hamburg University:
· Medicine
· Dentistry
· Midwifery
· Molecular Life Science
· Bioinformatics
> Explore Medical programs at the University of Hamburg.
Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
· Medicine Score: 0.95 · Employability Rank: No Ranking · Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 9 · Number of Students (Faculty Level): 4,717 · Research Centers: 5 |
The University of Tübingen, located in a beautiful university town, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities globally. Its medical, natural sciences, and humanities achievements have gained international acclaim.
The university has been connected with several Nobel Prize winners, particularly in medicine and chemistry. The Medical department, which includes clinics, research institutes, and educational resources, stands out as a leading medical training center in the Baden-Württemberg region.
The University of Tubingen offers programs in:
· Medicine
· Dentistry
· Medical Engineering
· Molecular Medicine
· Nursing
· Midwifery Science
· Neurosciences
· Population-Based Medicine
> Explore Medical programs at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen.
University of Freiburg
· Medicine Score: 0.93 · Employability Rank: 218/250 · Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 9 · Number of Students (Faculty Level): 3,850 · Research Centers: 12 |
The Medical Faculty at the University of Freiburg excels globally, working hard to enhance medical care for the community. They achieve this through close collaboration with the Medical Center – University of Freiburg.
Their research efforts have been particularly successful, pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and fostering innovation. This is possible by partnering with various faculties, research institutions, and international collaborators.
Right from the first semester, students in Freiburg receive a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge, professional skills, and scientific methods. They take pride in being at the forefront of medical sciences, drawing from a rich history spanning over 560 years.
Here are some of the programs offered at the University of Freiburg:
· Medicine
· Dental Medicine
· Molecular Medicine
· Nursing Science
· Midwifery Science
> Explore Medical programs at the University of Freiburg.
University of Bonn
· Medicine Score: 0.83 · Employability Rank: 208/250 · Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 6 · Number of Students (Faculty Level): 3,500 · Research Centers: 26 |
In the University of Bonn’s Human Medicine program, students learn about how the human body works and how diseases affect it. They focus on becoming skilled doctors who can diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as promote health, prevent diseases, and help with rehabilitation.
The program is divided into different phases. In the beginning, students study biology, physics, and chemistry, and they also get an introduction to the human body and its functions. Later, they learn about various diseases and how to examine and treat them. While students don’t specialize in one area, they do get exposure to fields like surgery, dermatology, neurology, forensic medicine, and pediatrics during their studies.
As part of the program, all students must complete a nursing internship to gain practical experience in caring for patients. They also spend four months working in hospitals or medical practices. After finishing the program, they enter the Practical Year, which includes three periods of practical training.
Here are some of the programs offered at the University of Bonn:
· Midwifery Science
· Human Medicine
· Medical Immunosciences and Infection
· Neurosciences
· Dentistry
Top German Universities to Study Computer Science
Technical University of Munich
The Department of Computer Science at TUM has scientists working on the latest computer science trends, such as augmented reality and supercomputing. Research and teaching are knit together. Students receive an education they deserve, as TUM is always in worldwide university rankings.
Cooperation with local business is very important to the department. Research groups work with IT companies in application sectors, for example the automotive industries, the service industries, and medical technology. Thanks to the department, many start-ups have launched in the Munich area.
Bachelor’s Programs:
· Computer Science
· Computer Science: Games Engineering
Master’s Programs:
· Computational Science and Engineering
· Electrical and Computer Engineering
· Computer Science
· Computer Science: Games Engineering
· Software Engineering – Elite Graduate Program
> Explore all programs at the Technical University of Munich.
Technical University of Berlin
The Computer Science program at TUB teaches many deep concepts of Computer Science. The Faculty also offers this master’s program in English to help students prepare for a career in any country they want. The advanced stages of the program help you with the methods involved in key areas of computer science and current technologies in this field.
Bachelor’s Programs:
· Sc. in Computer Science
· Sc. in Computer Engineering
· Sc. in Computational Engineering Science (Informationstechnik im Maschinenwesen)
· Sc. in Information Technology (Teacher Training)
· Sc. in Information Technology (Teacher Training)
Master’s Programs (M.Sc. or M.Ed.):
· Sc. in Computer Science (Informatik)
· Sc. in Computer Engineering
· Sc. in Computational Engineering Science (Informationstechnik im Maschinenwesen)
> Explore all programs at the Technical University of Berlin.
RWTH Aachen University
The Computer Science Department at RWTH Aachen was founded in 1986 as part of the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences. The department is made up of 30 research units, linked to engineering and other disciplines.
Thanks to the high quality of the department’s research and education, it regularly takes top-positions in university rankings, documented by world rankings and prizes awarded to it.
Programs:
· Sc. in Computational Engineering Science
· Sc. in Computer Engineering
· Sc. in Computer Engineering (Vocational School Teacher)
· Sc. in Computer Science
· Sc. in Computer Science (Berufskollegs Teacher)
· Sc. in Computer Science (Vocational School Teacher)
· Sc. in Computational Engineering Science
· Sc. in Computer Science
· Ed. in Computer Engineering (Vocational School Teacher)
· Ed. in Computer Science (Gymnasium and Gesamtschule Teacher)
> Explore all programs at RWTH Aachen University.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
The Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics at LMU is the organization for the three related disciplines, each with its separate department.
These disciplines methods are used in research in other natural sciences, humanities and social sciences. This collaboration raises new research questions and new research directions (bioinformatics, financial mathematics, biostatistics).
> Explore all programs at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
KIT’s Department of Informatics was the first of its kind in Germany and has scored many successes in teaching and research. Every three years, the department informs the current state of research and teaching by publishing a portrait.
“KIT computer scientists have been researching many processes that we apply today, for example, artificial intelligence and robot technology, for decades,” explains Professor Bernhard Beckert, Dean of the KIT Faculty of Informatics.
Programs:
· Computer Science (B.Sc.)
· Computer Science (M.Sc.)
· Computer Science Teacher Training Bachelor of Education
· Computer Science Teacher Training Master of Education
· Computer Science Teaching Extension Subject Master of Education
> Explore all programs at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Technical University of Darmstadt
Darmstadt has one of the first departments of Computer Science in Germany, founded in 1972. The department covers basic and applied research, and education. Through strong research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity & Privacy, and Complex, Networked Systems, the department shapes the scientific profile of TU Darmstadt in its research field “Information + Intelligence”.
Bachelor’s Programs:
· Sc. in Computational Engineering
Master of Science Programs:
· Sc. in Computational Engineering
· Sc. in Computer Science
· Sc. in IT Security
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education Programs:
· A. in Computer Science (as a joint B.A. in subjects X and Y)
· Sc. in Computer Science
· Ed. in Teaching Qualification for Computer Science at Vocational Schools
· Ed. in Teaching Qualification for Computer Science at Vocational Schools
> Explore all programs at the Technical University of Darmstadt.
University of Freiburg
The Department of Computer Science (IIF) is part of the Faculty of Engineering at Freiburg, founded in 1995, the youngest faculty at the university. It’s located on a modern campus with the latest equipment combined with e-learning programs to ensure the best learning conditions for students.
The IIF has 22 professors and junior research groups, 160 research staff and 1,100 computer science students. The main research focus areas are Artificial Intelligence, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Information Systems.
Programs:
· Computer Science, State Examination (secondary school teaching) – Major and Attendant Field
· Computer Science, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) – 1 field degree program
· Computer Science, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
· Computer Science, M.Ed.
· Computer Science, M.Ed. with Extension Subject
· Computer Science, Polyvalent Dual-Major Bachelor’s Degree Program – Major Field (with secondary-school teaching degree option)
> Explore all programs at The University of Freiburg.
Humboldt University of Berlin
The Computer Science department at Humboldt was founded in October 1989 and is now part of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. In 1998, IT was the first institute to move into a building on the new Adlershof campus.
Together with the institutes for chemistry, geography, mathematics, physics, and library, the institute for computer science is now located on a university campus within the “City for Science, Economy and Media” in Adlershof.
Bachelor’s Programs:
· Computer Science
· Computer Science with Mathematics and Physics
Master’s Programs:
· Informatics (M.Sc.)
> Explore all programs at Humboldt University of Berlin.
What Makes Germany Ideal for Computer Science?
· German universities offer modern research facilities, giving students the highest quality education possible.
· Positions with the highest demand in Germany are Electronics Engineers, IT professionals, and Software Developers.
· Studying in Germany is very affordable compared to other countries.
· Germany is the first destination students go to in the Erasmus program. There are over 60 destinations within Germany to choose from.
How Long Does It Take to Study Computer Science in Germany?
A bachelor’s degree takes three to four years. After finishing your bachelor’s degree, and you want to attend a master’s program, expect another one to two years.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Computer Science in Germany?
German public universities have free bachelor programs in Computer Science. In 2014, a regulation removed tuition fees at most public universities, except in Baden-Württemberg, where they were introduced in 2017, totaling up to €3,000 per year.
Public universities outside Baden-Württemberg only charge administrative fees, which are around €250 per semester. On a different case, tuition fees at private universities in Germany go as high as €20,000 per year.
What About Job Prospects?
Wondering what city you could reside in? Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf are the best cities in Germany for computer science workers. Companies in Germany are big investors in computer science research and development.
Germany was even ranked as the world’s most technologically advanced nation in the Bloomberg Innovation Index in 2020. Expect to earn €5,300 a month as a computer scientist in Germany.
Top Universities in Germany to Study Engineering in 2024
Technical University of Munich
Engineering Score: 1.18
Employability Rank: 13/250
Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 40+
Number of Students (Faculty Level): 11,000+
Internship Opportunities: Yes
Founded in 1868, the Technische Universitat Munchen, or TUM for short, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top universities. It’s particularly well-known for its engineering programs, which are highly sought after.
TUM provides a wide variety of engineering programs at all academic levels. What makes it even more attractive is that it has a strong roster of renowned researchers, offers flexible and research-focused courses, and is located in an area with a thriving industrial scene. This combination makes TUM a fantastic choice for any aspiring engineer.
The TUM School of Engineering and Design has eight departments, each focusing on different areas:
Aerospace & Geodesy
Architecture
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Energy & Process Engineering
Engineering Physics & Computation
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mobility Systems Engineering
> Browse all Engineering programs at this university here.
RWTH Aachen University
Engineering Score: 1.11
Employability Rank: 124/250
Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 66
Number of Students (Faculty Level): 26,145
Internship Opportunities: Yes
RWTH Aachen University is considered one of the best engineering universities in Germany, and there are several good reasons for that. They offer a wide variety of engineering degrees, use innovative teaching methods, have research-focused study programs, and boast modern facilities.
This university is a top player in shaping the future of our industrialized world and is known globally for finding creative solutions to big challenges. Its excellence in science, technology, and engineering is recognized through Germany’s Excellence Initiative, highlighting its outstanding reputation.
Here are the engineering master’s programs offered at RWTH Aachen:
General Mechanical Engineering.
Energy Engineering.
Automotive Engineering and Transport.
Plastics and Textile Technology.
Aeronautical Engineering and Astronautics.
Production Engineering.
Product Development.
Chemical Engineering.
Business Administration & Engineering (Mechanical Engineering).
Computational Engineering Science.
Simulation Sciences.
Automation Engineering.
Human-Technology Interaction and Communication.
Automotive Engineering.
> Browse all Engineering programs at this university here.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Engineering Score: 1.05
Employability Rank: 101/250
Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 33
Number of Students (Faculty Level): 4,500
Internship Opportunities: Yes
In 2009, the Karlsruhe Research Center and the University of Karlsruhe came together to establish the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT). Since then, KIT has emerged as one of Germany’s leading engineering institutions.
The University of Karlsruhe is particularly renowned for its excellence in the field of computer science. In 1966, they took a significant step by founding a central computer laboratory, followed by the establishment of the Department of Informatics just three years later. This department introduced the very first regular informatics course in the region.
Here are the engineering programs at KIT:
Bioengineering
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical and Process Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
Materials Science and Engineering
Water Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
> Browse all Engineering programs at this university here.
Technical University of Berlin
Engineering Score: 1.03
Employability Rank: 46/250
Number of Programs (Faculty Level): Not specified
Number of Students (Faculty Level): 5,454
Internship Opportunities: Yes
The Technical University of Berlin’s engineering programs provide a comprehensive education covering various engineering fields. This university is one of the largest and most respected in Germany, producing successful graduates. They blend theoretical courses with practical sessions, ensuring you can apply what you learn in real-world situations.
Thanks to this strong academic foundation, engineers who graduate from this university are in high demand in the job market.
Here are the engineering programs at the Technical University of Berlin:
Energy Engineering and Process Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Automotive Engineering
Vehicle Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Space Engineering
> Browse all Engineering programs at this university here.
Technical University of Dresden
Engineering Score: 0.92
Employability Rank: N/R
Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 21
Number of Students (Faculty Level): 8,100+
Internship Opportunities: Yes
Engineering programs at TU Dresden are highly regarded, with over 8,100 students studying in various fields. They have nearly 2,000 employees working across 40 institutes and centers, all contributing to the university’s engineering excellence.
What’s impressive is their ability to secure substantial external funding, averaging about 100 million Euros annually. This funding makes up around 40% of TU Dresden’s total external support, demonstrating their commitment to advancing engineering knowledge and innovation.
Here are some of the programs offered at the Technical University of Dresden:
Biomedical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science
Information Systems Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Distance Learning
Process Engineering and Natural Materials Technology
> Browse all Engineering programs at this university here.
University of Stuttgart
Engineering Score: 0.91
Employability Rank: N/R
Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 73
Number of Students (Faculty Level): 9,800
Internship Opportunities: Yes
The University is a research-focused institution consisting of 10 faculties, offering a wide range of academic disciplines. This university is one of Germany’s oldest technical universities and provides programs in areas like civil engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and electrical engineering, among others. Notably, it’s a member of TU9, a group of the largest and most prestigious German institutes of technology.
The University of Stuttgart is particularly well-regarded for its expertise in several fields, including advanced automotive engineering, efficient industrial and automated manufacturing, process engineering, aerospace engineering, and activity-based costing.
Here are some of the Engineering programs the university offers:
Aerospace Engineering
Automotive Engineering
Chemical and Bio-Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Energy Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Geodesy and Geoinformatics Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Engineering
Photonic Engineering
Process Engineering
Real Estate Engineering and Management
Software Engineering
Transport Engineering
> Browse all Engineering programs at this university here.
Technical University of Darmstadt
Engineering Score: 0.88
Employability Rank: 221/250
Number of Programs (Faculty Level): Not specified
Number of Students (Faculty Level): Not specified
Internship Opportunities: Yes
With a history spanning over 140 years, TU Darmstadt has a rich heritage of educating remarkable graduates, including Erasmus Kittler, the world’s first electrical engineer, who studied here. TU Darmstadt played a pioneering role in shaping the field of electrical engineering.
This university offers a wide array of engineering and technical programs, and its teaching approach is research-focused. This means students are equipped daily with the skills to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Throughout Germany, TU Darmstadt is highly regarded, especially in the field of engineering sciences, particularly in mechanical and industrial engineering.
Here are some of the programs the university offers:
General Engineering
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
> Browse all Engineering programs at this university here.
University of Erlangen Nuremberg
Engineering Score: 0.88
Employability Rank: N/R
Number of Programs (Faculty Level): 20
Number of Students (Faculty Level): 10,262
Internship Opportunities: Yes
FAU excels in chemistry and engineering on a global scale. It’s ranked among the top 75 universities worldwide for chemistry, placing seventh in Germany. In the field of engineering, FAU is among the top 100 universities globally and among the best in Germany. FAU stands out for its research publications in prestigious journals, surpassing all other German universities in this category.
Here are some of the programs offered at the University of Erlangen Nuremberg:
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Computational Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
International Production Engineering and Management
Materials Science and Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Engineering
1. Visa Application Documents
Duly filled out and signed national visa application form.
Valid passport.
Two photocopies of your passport.
Birth certificate.
Marriage certificate (if applicable).
Your child’s birth certificate (if applicable).
Recent passport-style photographs (up to 3). You can obtain biometric photos conveniently from MyBiometricPhotos.com.
Photocopies of previous German residence titles (if applicable).
2. Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis)
You can submit one of the following to prove your financial resources:
€11,904 deposit confirmation at a German blocked bank account (Sperrkonto).
Sufficient proof of your parent’s income records and financial assets.
Scholarship awarding certificate specifying coverage amount.
Letter of commitment by a German resident (Verpflichtungserklärung) who can cover your expenses during your studies.
Bank guarantee issued to you by a recognized bank.
3. Proof of Purpose of Stay
You can send any of the following:
Confirmation of admission (Zulassungsbescheid) – issued from a recognized German educational institution, indicating your program start date and language of instruction.
Confirmation of admission in a university preparatory course (Studienkolleg) – it can be a letter from uni-assist, confirmation of admission as an applicant, communication with the university regarding conditions for final admission, or proof of having been confirmed as a participant in the course.
Proof of conditional admission (Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid) and confirmation of enrollment in a long-term intensive language course (Intensiv-Sprachkurs) lasting over 6 months with a minimum of 18 weekly hours – it can be proof of conditional university admission (letter from uni-assist, confirmation of admission as an applicant, communication with the university regarding conditions for final admission), or proof of payment for the first three months of the course with a confirmed spot.
4. Evidence of Previous Qualifications
Submit official documents and notarized copies of the academic qualifications that apply to you. Include your original school-leaving certificate and, if applicable, your degree certificate for Master’s or PhD studies.
5. Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for studying in Germany. If you’re from an EU/EEA country or have an agreement with Germany, you may use your existing insurance with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or other form of health insurance. Otherwise, you must get German health insurance for your student visa and enrollment.
Many providers offer digital registration before arriving in Germany, with final details to be submitted upon arrival.
6. Proof of German or English Proficiency
To obtain a national student visa in Germany, you must prove your proficiency in the language of instruction for your chosen study program. Typically, a minimum B2 level in German and/or English is required for student visas, which can be demonstrated through language exams.
7. Visa Processing Fee (€75)
The visa processing fee for a German national student visa is €75, and minors (applicants under 18) pay a reduced fee of €37.50. You should bring this exact cash amount in the local currency when you submit your application. Some recipients of scholarships issued by a public institution may be exempt from this fee, so check with your local German embassy or consulate for specific details. There are no refunds if your visa is denied.
What Is the Required Bank Balance for a German Study Visa?
As of 2024, you must have a minimum of €11,904 in your blocked bank account when applying for a German student visa. Be aware that you can withdraw a maximum of €992 monthly from your blocked account.
How to Apply For A German Student Visa
Once you make sure you fulfill all requirements, you can begin the German Student Visa application process. The steps you need to go through vary depending on your country, but here’s a general overview of what you’ll need to do:
Locate the closest German embassy or consulate. You can use this list or Google to search for an embassy or consulate in your country or a nearby country to gather more details about visa requirements and scheduling a visa appointment. All official German missions in different countries have an official website with their physical address and contact information available online.
Review the requirements and procedures. Visit the German embassy website and navigate to the student visa section to examine your country’s specific requirements and appointment procedures. Make sure you carefully review all the information provided (especially the documents you need to have) before you set up a visa appointment.
Set up a visa appointment. Once prepared, schedule a visa appointment through your country’s German embassy website. Some embassies may have a high volume of applications, so applying a few weeks in advance is advisable.
Prepare and double-check documents. Once your visa appointment date is confirmed, you should double-check all of your documents to ensure everything is in order. If you follow all instructions, you can do this yourself without needing to pay any outside consultants or agencies to apply for you.
Prepare for your visa interview. Before your visa interview, pay the non-refundable visa processing fee (€75, €35.50 for minors) and keep the payment confirmation. Prepare for the interview in advance by reviewing common student visa questions. After the interview, you’ll need to wait for the official decision on your visa status.
