Studying in Germany

Germany, a lush country with a moderate climate, is one of the most attractive destinations for international educational migrants. In addition to offering free education at public universities, Germany is one of the world’s most industrialized nations—with low unemployment and plentiful job opportunities after graduation—that motivates many international students to choose German universities for their studies. Another influential factor is Germany’s high level of social welfare.

---

Top German Universities According to the Latest QS Rankings (2021)

• Technical University of Munich (Rank 50)
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Rank 63)
• Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg (Rank 64)
• Humboldt University of Berlin (Rank 117)
• Free University of Berlin (Rank 130)
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Rank 131)
• RWTH Aachen University (Rank 145)
• Berlin Institute of Technology (Rank 148)
• Dresden University of Technology (Rank 173)
• University of Tübingen (Rank 175)
• University of Freiburg (Rank 176)
• University of Göttingen (Rank 195)
• University of Hamburg (Rank 228)
• University of Bonn (Rank 240)
• Technical University of Darmstadt (Rank 267)
• University of Cologne (Rank 282)
• University of Mannheim (Rank 307)
• University of Frankfurt (Rank 311)
• University of Nuremberg (Rank 317)
• University of Jena (Rank 323)

---

Studying at the College (Preparatory) Level

To begin a bachelor’s degree in Germany, students must first complete a one-year college preparatory course that includes an entrance exam. These courses and their exams are conducted in German, so applicants must have at least B2-level proficiency. For this purpose, prospective students should participate in German language tests (offered by Goethe institutes in Tehran or OSD in Shiraz) and obtain a B2 certificate. College courses in Germany are divided into four groups—Medical, Technical, Economics, and Humanities—and must be chosen in accordance with the intended bachelor’s program. At the end of the college year, a university entrance exam is held. Note that during the college preparatory course, students are not allowed to work.

---

Bachelor’s Studies

Bachelor’s programs in Germany last 4 years and are conducted in German. Key admission requirements include:

• Language: A B2 certificate in German is mandatory.
• College Course: Applicants must complete the preparatory college course unless they have already completed one year of relevant study at a reputable Iranian university.
• Entrance Exam: Applicants must pass the university entrance exam.
• Grades: A minimum GPA above 15 for non-medical fields and above 18 for medical fields is required.

It is important to note that a high GPA is a crucial and influential factor in gaining admission to German universities.

---

Master’s Studies

Master’s programs in Germany generally take 2 years and are offered in both German and English. These programs do not require an entrance exam; admissions are solely based on academic records. For German-taught programs, a B2 certificate (typically a score of 4 out of 5 on the TESDAF test) is required, while for English-taught programs, an IELTS score between 6 and 6.5 is necessary. Sometimes conditional admissions are granted without an immediate TESDAF certificate.

---

Doctoral Studies

PhD programs in Germany are free and available in a variety of fields, often taught in English. Admissions are based solely on academic credentials, without the need for an entrance exam. Doctoral studies typically last 4 to 5 years and are considered equivalent to employment. After 5 years of study, graduates can apply for residency and continue living in Germany. Admissions are possible in both the September (winter) and January (summer) semesters.

---

General Conditions for Studying in Germany

• Cities: Cities like Berlin, Munich, Aachen, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Frankfurt, and Hamburg offer excellent educational institutions.
• Living Expenses: The average monthly cost of living in Germany ranges from €600 to €800, depending on the city.
• Part-Time Work: In all academic levels (except the preparatory college course), students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Proficiency in German to at least a B1 level is essential for finding employment.
• Proof of Financial Means: Applicants must provide proof of funds equivalent to €10,236 for one year’s living expenses when applying at the German Embassy (located on Bucharest Street). In some German states, this amount is blocked, and only 1/12 of it is accessible each month. (This requirement is waived for scholarship recipients.)
• Accompanying Visa: In all academic levels, it is possible to obtain an accompanying visa for family members, who may also be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

---

This overview encapsulates the key aspects of studying in Germany, from academic requirements and language proficiency to living expenses and work opportunities. Each step of the educational journey is designed to ensure that you receive a high-quality education in one of the world’s most advanced countries, making Germany an ideal destination for international students.