Education in Germany is a right for every person, so it is not only free but also provided in a way to make sure students complete their education and are not incentivized to drop mid studies. This means that most people are educated and have greater mobility in career both within Germany and overseas.

Germany offers one of the most extensive varieties of education programs in the world. There are many options regarding the courses that are available in Germany. There are mainly 3 different types of studies that you can enrol into, they are Technical or General University, University of Applied Sciences and Ausbildung. Based on your interest and appetite for theoretical studies, you can enrol into either of these studies.

Technical University are the general universities which focus on research and are centres of knowledge. The studies here are highly theoretical and are designed to make sure students have all the knowledge to further their education in research. These University are also designed to give the students most independence as the students can choose their desired courses and are encouraged to pursue their individual research ideas.

University of Applied Science are slightly different in the sense that they focus on application of technical understanding instead of theoretical teaching. So, most students will have a calendar filled with project and practical application of theoretical ideas. This is mainly for students who are more interested in the application of technology instead of research.

Ausbildung also known as apprenticeship program are like on-the-job training where there are alternative session of studies and work where they get to apply their studies in the work immediately during their studies. They also get compensated for their time working, so it is common for students doing Ausbildung to be earning money since the time of their studies.

You can study in both English and German. However, German is the preferred language and you will have more opportunities if you know the language. Almost all Bachelors and Masters level studies offered by public universities are offered in German. However, there will be opportunities to study in English as well. Specially in Masters where there are certain programs taught exclusively in English. For Bachelors level studies however, only few Private universities offer courses in English.

Nevertheless, it is advantageous to have German knowledge. Most of the documentation, bureaucracy and working culture is German. So, it will make your life much easier if you have some German knowledge beforehand.

You can apply for either students VISA or student preparatory VISA. For student VISA you will need to provide a proof of offer letter by the university and for study preparatory VISA you need to have an admission into either a language school or a studienkolleg in Germany. When you have either, you will have to show a proof of financing and you are eligible to receive a VISA to Germany.

You can show the proof of financing by showing either a scholarship letter, commitment of financing letter or by showing a blocked account. Anybody can open blocked account with Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle, etc.

Studienkolleg is a preparatory course that international students need to do before they are eligible to study in a German University. It is like a bridge course designed to make sure there is no gap between the study of the home country of the students to their future studies. Not every international students need to do a Studienkolleg.  Whether or not an international applicant must take the assessment test in Germany depends on the school or university education acquired in their home country. International applicants whose university entrance qualification is only partially comparable with the German one must take the assessment test before beginning their studies. Detailed information on the countries affected by this requirement is available upon request.

The universities in Germany accept your applications based on your high school scores. This means that the high school scores from your home country will have higher weight during the application to a university. However, not every high school in the world grades the students in the same fashion or in same module. If students are graded very strictly in their home countries, then they will have a significant disadvantage while competing with students from countries where they are graded liberally. Having a Studienkolleg helps to give an even playing field to all the students from different countries as it gives a common benchmark which can be used during University application.

• First and foremost, learn German language. There are many courses taught in both your home country or by a German provider online. It is necessary for you to have adequate German language skills if you wish to study in Germany. You can even move to Germany for language learning purposes on a language learning VISA. You will most likely need German language to study whatever you want to study.
• Find the study program you are interested in. There are many different courses that are offered in Germany. Not all of them might be for you. There are opportunities like University, University of Applied Sciences and Ausbildung. Choose the one that is best suited to your interests. Make note of the requirements for admission into the university. It might be a good idea to ask the alumni of your course or people in the university ask about the course. It will help you decide better.
• Move to Germany. Usually, it is best if you wish to move to Germany after having up to B2/C1 level qualification. After that, you will be able to live an active social life in Germany. You will also be able to join either Ausbildung or a Studienkolleg and further continue your studies. For this you will need to make an appointment with your local embassy and receive a VISA to stay in Germany.
• Study in Studienkolleg. If you have decided to study in either University or School of Applied Sciences, then you might need a studienkolleg. Not every student needs a Studienkolleg. This is based on which country you come from and which high school you studied. However, for most international students outside of EU will need studienkolleg. There are also different courses like the T-Kurs, M-Kurs, W-Kurs and G-Kurs. These courses qualify you to study in different study programs in the university. At the end of the course, you will have to pass an exam called Feststellungsprüfung
• Apply to the University. After you have your FSP results, you can apply to a university of your choice and get an admission. The placement is very competitive, so places are made available are based on your high school grades and studienkolleg results.

Studying in Germany is free. You do not need to pay any tuition fee. You will, however, need to make a small contribution of around 300 EUR. This is the fee that is for the community purposes. You also get a great return for this investment as students will receive a so called ‘semester ticket’ using which one can ride any public transportation within the state of the university. They will also get other benefits from cheaper student accommodation to free career and mental health counselling to student union facilities.

Being an expert and being fluent in German are two quite different things. Being an expert might require a lifetime, however, you van be quite fluent in as little as 6 months to 2 years. Usually, the language proficiency is checked based on a European standard ranging from A1 to C2. Here A1 is the beginner while C2 is native level speaker. You can receive these certifications after appearing for an exam conducted by language school or a central examination board.

Yes, you can work in Germany during your studies. Students are eligible to work at most 20 hours a week. They are also limited to only 120 days full work weeks or 240 days half work weeks. That being said, you are not allowed to work fulltime during your studies as it might interfere with your studies.

In a nutshell, you can work only as long as it doesn't negatively affect your studies.

Yes, you can work in Germany after your studies as well. Having a German degree recognizes you to work here. You are even entitled for job seekers VISA. During this period, you can stay in Germany and look for a job. It is also possible for people to extend their VISA if you are employed in Germany.