Choosing Germany for your undergrad means you can study without worrying about high tuition fees, unlike in the US, UK, Australia, or New Zealand. This makes your dream of studying abroad much more achievable. Plus, German universities are known for their top-notch education. And guess what? There are also scholarships just for international students like you! So, if you’re looking for a high-quality education that’s affordable and full of opportunities, Germany should be at the top of your list. It’s a smart choice that can open doors to an exciting future!
Germany has long been a hub for academic excellence and innovation, offering a unique blend of rich cultural history and cutting-edge research. For students around the globe, Germany is increasingly becoming the go-to destination for undergraduate studies, and here’s why:
Medium of Instruction in Germany
In Germany, the medium of instruction for undergraduate programs largely depends on the specific course and university. Traditionally, most undergraduate courses are taught in German. However, in recent years, there has been a growing number of programs offered in English, especially in fields like engineering, business, and natural sciences, to attract more international students.
For English-taught programs, universities usually require proficiency in English, often demonstrated through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. For German-taught programs, international students generally need to prove their German language proficiency through tests like TestDaF or DSH.
How much does it cost to Study Bachelor’s degree in Germany?
In Germany, most public universities offer free education for undergraduate or bachelor’s degree programs, not just for local but also for international students. This remarkable policy is part of the country’s commitment to making higher education accessible. However, students are typically required to pay a nominal semester fee, which covers administrative costs and sometimes includes a public transport ticket.
Top Ranked German Universities Offering Free Undergrad Education
Here are some notable German public universities known for their quality education and where undergraduate programs are generally tuition-free in 2024
Humboldt University of Berlin
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Free University of Berlin
RWTH Aachen University
University of Heidelberg
University of Hamburg
University of Stuttgart
University of Cologne
University of Freiburg
List of German Scholarships for Undergrad Admissions 2024
The education at public universities in Germany is largely free, especially for undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) programs. This applies to both German and international students, making it a very attractive option for higher education. Students typically only need to pay a nominal semester contribution, which covers administrative costs and often includes a public transport ticket.
Regarding scholarships for bachelor’s degrees in Germany, here are some options
DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for various study fields and academic levels, including undergraduates. These scholarships might include financial support, health insurance, and sometimes a travel allowance.
Erasmus+: Primarily for students participating in exchange programs within Europe, this EU-funded program offers scholarships for short-term study periods in Germany.
Deutschlandstipendium: A merit-based scholarship program that supports highly talented students at all participating universities in Germany. It provides financial and non-material support to high-achieving and committed students from all over the world.
University-Specific Scholarships: Many German universities offer their own scholarships for international undergraduate students. These can be merit-based or need-based and vary from one university to another.
Foundation Scholarships: Numerous German foundations offer scholarships to international students. These include the Heinrich Böll Foundation, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, among others. The criteria and fields of study supported can vary greatly.
Private and Corporate Scholarships: Some private entities and corporations offer scholarships, which can be field-specific, such as for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) studies.
[19/01, 18:57] Chris Nwedo: Can students work in Germany on a study visa?
Non-EU Students can work in Germany on a study visa, but there are certain rules and limitations:
[19/01, 18:58] Chris Nwedo: Hourly Limitations: Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. Working beyond this can affect their studies and violate visa conditions.
Full-Time Work During Breaks: During semester breaks, students can work full-time without exceeding 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Type of Work: Students can take up part-time jobs related to their field of study or any casual job. However, self-employment or freelance work may require additional permissions.
Earnings and Taxes: If students earn more than a certain amount, they are required to pay taxes.
Is it required to open a Blocked bank account for undergrad scholarship?
Whether you need to open a blocked bank account for an undergraduate scholarship in Germany depends on the specific requirements of your scholarship and your personal financial situation. The blocked account is primarily a requirement for obtaining a German student visa, not for the scholarship itself. It’s used to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses while studying in Germany.
Here are some scenarios:
If your scholarship covers all your expenses: If your scholarship fully covers your living costs, tuition (if applicable), and other expenses, you may not need to open a blocked bank account. You would need to provide proof of your scholarship as a financial guarantee when applying for your visa.
If your scholarship covers only part of your expenses: In case your scholarship doesn’t cover all your living costs, you might still need to open a blocked account to show that you can fund the remaining expenses.
Without a full-coverage scholarship: If you don’t have a scholarship that covers all your expenses, you will likely need to open a blocked account to meet the visa requirements.
