Study in Germany After 12th – Best Courses & Requirements

International students aspiring to study abroad in Germany after 12th will be drawn to its high standards, top-class institutions, and welcoming locals.

German institutions offer a diverse range of career and employment prospects along with several opportunities for academics and research. Students aiming to pursue higher education in the country can choose from its large pool of institutions and academic programs. There are both state-backed and private institutions.

Many of the top public universities in Germany waive their tuition fees, with students having to shell out only the administrative charges. Living costs in Germany are also moderate in comparison to many other countries, thereby putting less pressure on the pockets of students.

International students may also work part-time to help them manage expenditure while also gaining work experience.

Study in Germany for Indian students after 12th - Key aspects

Those planning to study in Germany after 12th must know about blocked account funds.  A blocked account, also known as a Sperrkonto in German, is a mandatory financial requirement for most international students applying for a German student visa. 

It's essentially a bank account in Germany where you deposit a specific amount of money to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses for your first year of studies. The minimum threshold required varies from one state to another. This may range between €685 – €750 (Rs 60 – 65 thousand) monthly.

It works out to roughly €8,640 (Rs 7.5 lakh) for an academic year, including travel passes, living, and accommodation. Students will have to open their Student Loan Account with the local bank upon arriving in Germany. 

They have to deposit this Blocked Amount into this account for the whole year. The sanctioned monthly amount can be withdrawn by them every month for covering costs. This is compulsory for all Indian and international students.

Read More: Career Opportunities in Germany

The Education System in Germany after 12th  

The German education system has five levels: preschool, primary, secondary, tertiary, and continuing education. The Federal Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, and Science is Germany’s primary body responsible for education. 

Germany’s first higher education qualification is the Bachelor’s degree. The usual study duration, or “Regelstudienzeit,” is six semesters or three academic years in a Bachelor’s program. After 12th, over 426 higher educational institutions in Germany offer the best courses.

There are also 106 universities, six teacher-training schools, 16 theology colleges, 52 art academies, 30 public administration colleges, and 216 institutions of applied sciences.

Course Duration of Studying in Germany after 12th

The usual study period, or “Regelstudienzeit,” for a Bachelor’s program is six semesters or three academic years. The following is the average course duration for the different programs:

Course	Duration
Bachelor Program	3 years
Applied Sciences	6-7 semesters
German Colleges of Art and Music	8 semesters (4 years)
Fachschule bachelor degree	2 years
Bachelor of Medicine	6 years

UG (Undergraduate) Courses in Germany

There are numerous undergraduate courses offered by German institutions and education here is cheaper than in many other European countries. 

The eligibility criteria and the minimum cut-offs are independently fixed by the universities. Every university may have unique eligibility criteria for students which should be double-checked before applying.

Read More: Requirements to study in Germany for Indian students

Key Eligibility Criteria

For UG courses, a high 90% of marks in 12th is expected for getting admission. Students will also have to either complete a year of bachelor’s program in India or appear for the FA or IIT JEE examination to be eligible for applying for a German UG course. 

Students also have to take the TOEFL or IELTS tests for demonstrating their English proficiency.

Top UG courses after 12th and universities in Germany

The Top Courses in Germany after 12th include engineering, business management, math, computer science, humanities, and fine & applied arts. 

Leading universities in the country for these courses include the likes of the Technical University of Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, RWTH Aachen University, Free University of Berlin, University of Stuttgart, University of Bayreuth, and Technical University of Berlin, among others.

Here’s a closer look at some of the courses and study options available:

Agriculture & Forestry:

1. BA in Agribusiness
2. BSc in Environment & Energy
3. BSc in Global Environmental and Sustainability Studies
4. BSc in Sustainable Agriculture
5. BSc in Environmental & Resource Management

Arts:

1. BA in Advertising
2. Languages & Cultural Studies
3. BA in Interior Design
4. BA in European Cultures & Society or EUCS
5. BA in Audio Design
6. BA in Graphic Design & Visual Communication
7. BA in Animation & Game
8. BA in Humanities, the Arts & Social Thought
9. BA in Digital Games
10. BA in Product Design
11. BA in Information & Communication Design.
12. BA in Expanded Realities
13. BA in Digital Media
14. BA in Fashion Design
15. BA in Photography
16. BMus (Popular Music)

Engineering:

1. Bachelor/BSc in Management & Technology
2. BA in Architecture
3. BSc in Electrical & Computer Engineering
4. BE in Business and Engineering
5. BSc in Robotics and Intelligent Systems
6. BSc in Bioengineering
7. BE in Mechatronics
8. BE in Logistics
9. BSc in Biomaterials
10. BSc in Mechanical Engineering (International)
11. BSc in Information Engineering
12. BSc in Communication and Information Engineering
13. BSc in Electrical Engineering with focus on Power Engineering & Renewable Energies
14. Electrical Engineering (BSc) with a focus on Automation and Industrial Internet of Things
15. Marine Engineering
16. BE in Industrial Engineering/Maintenance and Operation
17. BSc in Health Informatics
18. BSc in Industrial Engineering
19. BSc in Logistics and Mobility

Allied Disciplines:

1. BSc in Supply Chain Management
2. Sustainable Business & Technology
3. BA in International Relations: Politics and History
4. BA in International Business Management (IBM)
5. BA in Integrated Social and Cognitive Psychology
6. BSc in Textile and Clothing Management
7. BA in Citizenship and Civic Engagement
8. Intercultural Theology, Migration and Global Cooperation
9. BA in Gender Diversity
10. BA in International Business
11. BA in International Business
12. BA/BSc in Liberal Arts & Sciences
13. BA in Law, Economics & Social Sciences

Law, Economics, Business, and Social Sciences:

1. BA in Aviation Management
2. BA Business Administration (International Management and Marketing/Psychology)
3. BA Digital Business & Management
4. BA in International Management
5. BA in Economics, Politics and Social Thought
6. BA Management in International Business
7. Bachelor in Business Studies
8. Bachelor in International Business (BIB)
9. BA in Global Economics and Management
10. Bachelors in Business Administration
11. Business Economics
12. Business Administration & Informatics
13. Business Information Systems (BSc)
14. Business Management
15. Cyber Security Consulting
16. BA in International Hotel Management
17. BMS (International Management Studies in the Baltic Sea Region)
18. BA in International Taxation & Law

Mathematics & Natural Sciences:

1. Applied Mathematics
2. Applied Biology (BSc)
3. BSc in Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCCB)
4. BSc in Computer Science
5. BSc in Chemistry & Biotechnology
6. BSc in Physics
7. BSc in Earth & Environmental Sciences
8. BSc in Mathematics
9. BSc in Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology (MCCB)
10. International Physics Studies Program (IPSP)
11. Computer Science (CTS)

Documents Needed for Studying in Germany

Apart from meeting the eligibility criteria for studying in Germany, you should also check whether you have all the required documents. These include:

1. Copies of the mark sheets of Classes 10 and 12
2. Proof of the bachelor’s degree and mark sheet if attended 1 year of the program in India
3. Proof of funds in your bank account and bank statements
4. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
5. TOEFL or IELTS scores

After the application is approved, students have to apply for their visas. The university should be in sync with developments at your end. The admission sessions in Germany are divided into a couple of segments, one in October around winter and one in April around summer. 

Ensure that you complete all application procedures likewise. You should send in the applications at least 2 months prior to the deadline to ensure smooth and hassle-free processing.

Study in Germany without IELTS

IELTS is a standard test that determines the English proficiency of non-native speakers. IELTS can become a barrier for non-native English speakers who want to study abroad. However, several reputed universities accept students without IELTS. Instead, they accept a medium of language certificate if the previous education was English-taught. Below is the list of top universities that are open to accepting international students without IELTS scores: 

• University of Kassel 
• University of Giessen
• Flensburg University of Applied Sciences
• University of Siegen
• University of Kiel
• Ruhr University Bochum
• Technical University of Braunschweig
• University of Bayreuth
• Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
• Chemnitz University of Technology
• University of Koblenz and Landau
• Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
• University of Bonn
• Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
• Free University of Berlin
• University of Kaiserslautern

Living Costs in Germany

Living in Germany costs a similar sum as many other European countries. Living costs are roughly around €700-€1,000 (Rs 61 – 87 thousand) every month. There are numerous scholarship-based programs available in Germany for pursuing higher education and these can significantly lower the financial burden.

Accommodation is perhaps the single biggest cost factor for students in Germany. There are university-managed and private accommodation choices at hand. The costs will depend on the accommodation type. Health insurance is also compulsory for all international students in Germany.

To Know More About Germany Living Cost: Cost of Living in Germany

Accommodation in Germany

In Germany, student accommodation costs range from €250 to €750 a month. It all depends on the kind of rental you choose. 

Below are the following average costs for certain types of student housing in Germany.

Accommodation type	Average cost
Room in shared apartment	€430
Room in residence halls	€250
Private 1-bedroom apartment in the center of the city	€750

The Average Rent In Germany’s Top Student Cities

Renting a private apartment in Germany is determined by factors such as where you reside, how big the flat is, and where it is located. 

During your apartment search, you will notice that renting an apartment in the city center is more expensive than renting an apartment outside of the city center.

Comparison of average rent costs in Germany’s top student cities:

Apartment type	City	Cost
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	Berlin	€925
	Hamburg	€963
	Munich	€1,311
	Frankfurt	€1.049
	Stuttgart	€92800
1-Bedroom Apartment (Periphery)	Berlin	€657
	Hamburg	€681
	Munich	€1,004
	Frankfurt	€808
	Stuttgart	€765
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	Berlin	€1,836
	Hamburg	€1,825
	Munich	€2,290
	Frankfurt	€2,015
	Stuttgart	€1,704
3-Bedroom Apartment (Periphery)	Berlin	€1,241
	Hamburg	€1,351
	Munich	€1,756
	Frankfurt	€1,413
	Stuttgart	€1,277

Germany Study Visa Requirements

Following are the requirements for a Germany study visa:

Visa Application Documents

• Filled and signed application form for a national visa
• A national passport must be valid
• Two photocopies of the passport
• Birth certificate
• Obtain a copy of the marriage certificate. (If applicable)
• The birth certificate of the child. (If applicable)
• A set of recent passport-style photos (Maximum of three)
• Photocopies of former German residency titles (If applicable)

Proof Of Financial Resources Finanzierungsnachweis

Students need to have any one of the following:

• €10,332 to be deposited in a German blocked bank account.
• Letter of commitment and proof of the parent’s income and financial assets.
• A German resident’s “Verpflichtungserklärung” is a letter of commitment signed at the Alien Registration Office by a German resident who will fund the costs of the student’s studies.
• Certificate for the awarding of a scholarship.
• Guarantee from a bank issued to a student by a recognized German bank.

Proof of University Admission

• Confirmation of admission in studies called “Zulassungsbescheid” issued by a qualified German higher education provider, indicating when students begin their studies and the language of teaching.
• Proof of conditional admission (“Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid”) and confirmation of an intensive course (“Intensiv-Sprachkurs”). Before receiving final university admission, the letter must demonstrate that students have been conditioned and confirmed to engage in an intensive language course. The course must span at least six months and include 18 hours of lessons per week.
• Confirmation of enrollment in the “Studienkolleg,” a university preparatory course.
• Evidence of earlier education includes original school-leaving certificate and degree certificate (If a student is doing a Master’s or PhD).

Other Requirements

• Student health insurance.
• University entrance qualification.
• Certificate of German or English language proficiency.

Financial Support & Scholarships for Students in Germany

For lowering living costs and other related expenditures, international students may go for part-time employment. They can work for 20 hours every week for easing out living costs. Most universities offer scholarship options and programs which are listed on their websites. Students may also check www.daad.de for more information.

Here are some of the leading scholarships available in Germany for international students:

Broker Fish International Student Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by Broker Fish and the purpose is to help international students throughout the world purchase and discover International Health Insurance. Students planning to pursue UG courses in Germany are eligible for this scholarship. 

The maximum amount for each student has been fixed at $1000 (Rs 74,000).

Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program

The scholarship is given in collaboration with Financial Sumo relieving eligible students of their college charges/fees while pursuing Bachelors in Germany. This applies to all candidates who wish to pursue MBA degrees in Germany and is awarded to just one candidate in every academic session. 

The maximum scholarship value has been kept at $1,000 (Rs 74,000).

Global Study Awards

This is awarded in association with ISIC, British Council, and Study Portals. The key objective is to encourage more young aspirants to pursue study abroad options, explore new cultures, countries and learn languages in the bargain. 

The merit-based scholarship is applicable for those wishing to pursue UG courses from Germany. These are awarded to two students annually and the maximum amount per student stands at GBP 10,000 (Rs 10 lakh).

Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship

This scholarship by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India has been tailored to ensure proper financial support and assistance for select candidates about pursuing higher education globally from any accredited institution or university. 

This applies to all aspirants who wish to pursue their undergraduate courses in Germany. One hundred students (from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, Traditional Artisans) get this scholarship for one academic session every year.

Go Clean Scholarship

This financial support-based scholarship is for students who are committed to their educational needs and are sincere & hardworking. Those planning to pursue undergraduate studies in Germany are eligible. Candidates will have to write an article on the topic ‘How to keep the environment green and clean’ within 500-750 words. 

The successful entries will win scholarships going up to a maximum value of $3,500 (Rs 2.6 lakh). Scholarships are provided once in a single academic year.

Know More: Scholarships in Germany for Indian students

Reasons to Study in Germany 

Here are the top reasons why you should study in Germany after 12th: 

1. There are plenty of leading universities with top QS World University Rankings that offer numerous best courses to study in Germany.
2. Public universities in Germany offer free tuition for international students, while you can get scholarships for private universities. There are various German scholarships for Indian students after 12th. 
3. International students are allowed to work part-time for about 20 hours a week while being enrolled in full-time courses in Germany after 12th.
4. With a German student visa, international students can easily travel around EU regions visa-free.
5. Germany’s economy is one of the biggest in Europe and offers plenty of employment opportunities, as the employment rate is 77.50%.
6. Germany is known for its affordable cost of living standards and international students need about EUR 842 per month on average.
7. Germany is home to approximately 458,210 international students, which gives them various opportunities to learn about other cultures and broaden their networks.

Read More: Study in Germany for free

Study in Germany after 12th with upGrad Abroad 

With a commitment to providing quality education at affordable prices, upGrad Abroad has launched study abroad programs. The duration of these programs is three years which allows students to study online for the first three semesters and for the next three semesters, they will be going to study in Germany. 

With this, learners can save a lot on living costs or other additional expenses. We have partnered with excellent German institutions like IU International University of Applied Sciences that offer undergraduate courses such as Bachelor of Business Administration and BSc Computer Science. 

Along with end-to-end visa assistance and comparatively lesser tuition fees, students can now pursue their study abroad dreams without much worry.

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