Apart from the US and UK, Germany is a popular option for those planning to pursue their graduate studies abroad. If you have been Googling about countries where you can do your MS, you would have definitely chanced upon Germany.
As a thriving economy that generously invests in its education system, Germany offers a good environment for aspiring international graduate students.
Here is why you should be considering Germany to pursue your MS:
RWTH Aachen – Germany’s Largest Technical University
Affordability– The overall cost of living in Germany is less in comparison to other European countries. Also most programs there charge very little or no tuition fees.
Word Famous Universities– Germany has more top-ranked universities than any other country outside of the US and UK.
Commitment to Innovation– Germany has a sound history of championing technological developments; hence, the universities there offer a good research environment for graduate students.
About Universities in Germany
The network of universities in Germany is quite robust with over 500 universities offering 19,000 degree programs.
As with the US or UK, Germany has both public and private universities.
As a country, Germany was divided into 16 states and each state has several public universities under its administration. In total, there are about 400 public universities that have state assistance in funding and administration.
There are also 120 private universities that are self-managed and financed. Understandably, private universities charge a higher tuition fee for their MS programs.
Universities in Germany can be classified as:
- Technical Universities– They focus mainly on science and engineering research and offer a range of PhD and Master’s degrees.
[Read]: What is Germany’s Largest Technical University? Learn more about RWTH Aachen!
- Universities of Applied Science–They focus on practical training and have partnerships with commercial organizations.
German Admissions: Common FAQs
The graduate degrees in Germany are much like those in other countries.
Over a period of two years, there are academic modules that are followed by a dissertation.
A total of 120 credits are allocated to a graduate degree program of which 90 credits are earned through academic courses while 30 credits are allocated to the dissertation.
What are the admission deadlines for MS in Germany?
Unlike the US, German university intakes happen in the summer and winter sessions. Deadlines vary greatly.
For example, at RWTH Aachen, the deadlines for Summer and Winter intakes for 2018 are January 15th, 2018 and July 15th, 2018 respectively.
Do I need to know German in order to apply?
Germany offers a lot of courses that are taught in the English medium. However, most universities require you to possess a minimum of A1 level of proficiency in German at the time of application.
Also, it is always an advantage to learn the language if you wish to apply, as it will not only help you adapt to your life there but also become a definite advantage when you seek internships and part-time jobs.
How important is my GRE score for applications?
While it is true that there are universities and courses that do not set a rigid cut-off for your GRE score, this does not change the fact that a high GRE Score is recommended to increase your admission chances, among highly-competitive profiles.
It is also important to note here that universities in Germany also evaluate you based on your academic proficiency and research background.
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Before we share the various steps involved in applying to a university in Germany, it is important for you to know the common admission requirements:
AdmitEDGE Admission Tip: If CGPA below 2.7 surprises you, then you should know that in Germany, your CGPA is calculated on a scale of 1 to 6, where 1 is the highest and 6 is lowest. To know where you stand on the scale, you can convert your CGPA using our simple formula!
Step-Wise Admission Process for MS in Germany
Step #1: Course Evaluation
Germany is famed for its highly specialized courses, including courses such as Mechanical Engineering & Mechatronics, Automobile & Automotive, Computational Sciences, and Energy Studies.
Check if Germany is best suited for the specific course you’re looking for.
Step #2: GRE/GATE & TOEFL/IELTS
German admissions are highly competitive. Subject matter experts with strong academic backgrounds, research or work experience are given high preference for admissions. That’s why students with a good GRE score tend to have an additional advantage over students without a GRE/GATE score.
Target a 310+ score to increase your admission chances significantly.
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Step #3: University Selection
Once you have your GRE score in hand, narrow down on the universities based on:
1. Your research interest
2. Your budget
3. Your profile
Step #4:Contact Professors
Check the specific department of the university you’re interested in. Zero in on specific professors who share your research interests and who you would like to work with at the university.
Step #5: Transcript Attestation
Some German Universities require you to get your undergraduate transcripts attested by the German Embassy. Depending on the state you studied in; the number of days required to attest your college transcripts will vary.
For example, for universities in Tamil Nadu, you will require at least 45 days or more to get your transcripts attested.
You can read more about this procedure here:http://www.vfsattestation.com/feesstructure.asp
Step #6: Letter of Intent
Similar to your SOP, some German Universities require you to submit a Letter of Intent, explaining why you are passionate about the course and why you are qualified to pursue a Master’s degree.
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Step #7:Target A1 in German
Take a crash course to improve your German language proficiency.
Step #8: One-Page Resume
Prepare a one-page Resume that outlines your qualifications and achievements.
Step #9: To Uni-Assist or Not
Check if the department of your choice requires you to apply through a centralized portal called Uni-Assist.
Unlike the US, most universities do not follow a centralized portal to apply. You must apply individually to your preferred course and university. However, some universities use a service called ‘Uni-Assist’ which is a portal that screens your application and processes it for the university to make its decision about your admission.
You will be charged an application fee to process your applications. If the university or program you opt for needs the application form to come via Uni-Assist, you can anticipate a slightly higher processing fee.
Most universities charge approximately €50 for applications. The Uni-Assist application fee is set at €75 for the first university and €15 for every subsequent application you send.
Some Tips From Our Admission Experts:
Here are a few tips that will help you plan your applications better:
- Make key decisions, such as the universities you’d like to apply to and the flow of your SOP etc., well in advance so that you are not pressurized before the deadline.
- Apply to several universities in multiple locations to have a better chance of success.
- Choose relevant programs rather than just popular locations to increase your admission chances.
- Go to the official DAAD (“Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst” or the German Academic Exchange Service) website for basic information on studying in Germany. Link: https://www.daad.in/en/
This may seem like a complex process, but hey, applying abroad for your Master’s anywhere is a tough process. With several steps to complete, important dates to remember and checklists to follow, it can be quite confusing.
Comment below and let us know what you want to know regarding German Admissions and we’ll reply to you!
Here is wishing you great success in your journey to your dream university.
