Germany has been known to be the technological and economic powerhouse of the Europe. German universities have drawn a large number of international students since the last couple of decades. The universities for higher education are dispersed all over the country. The proximity of these universities to industrial plants and various research centres provide an opportunity for students to find employment and stay in the same city. German universities offer over 350 English-taught courses available in varying domains.
Technical Universities are more research oriented, they offer Bachelor Masters and Phd. For doing a doctorate in Germany, a university is the place to study.
UAS are industry oriented, Study programs include work placements and practical semesters.
If a student wants to stay in Germany for longer than 90 day they will need a national visa. This visa is issued for a stay of longer than three months, for example, for students wishing to attend a preparatory course at a “Studienkolleg” or those intending to complete a full university course. For the period thereafter, student must apply for a residence permit from the foreigners’ authorities at place of study.
It is highly recommended to take up accommodation in the student hostels. Looking for private accommodation should be the last choice at least during the initial days.
Studentenwerk are hostels which provide a private room with shared kitchen (equipped with multiple electric stoves, Refrigerator, Freezer, Electric Oven, Cupboards, dining table with chairs etc), bath & toilet.
The most popular form of accommodation among students is private shared accommodation, or “Wohngemeinschaften” (WGs) as they are known in German. The principle is that a flat is shared by several people. Each tenant has his or her own room while the bathroom and kitchen are used jointly.
Private flats are preferred by students who want to live in own and like to have peace and quiet atmosphere, a small apartment may be the right choice. Furnished accommodation rents are high.
German language is important for a student who plans to study in Germany, if student selects bilingual program then Germanlanguage level of A2 or B1 is required, some modules or credits of good subjects might be taught in German. Never the less even if the program is entirely taught in English, German is required for day to day living, for working while studying and also to find jobs after completing studies, knowledge of German increases job opportunities.
Students are allowed to work during study. After first 3 months students are permitted to work 120 full or 240 half days. In fact in some cities work inside the University is unrestricted as long as it does not impact studies. Mandatory Internship, Project work or Thesis work are excluded from the work restrictions or work permit necessity.
After completion of study at the university, foreign student is allowed to stay up to 1.5 years in order to apply for jobs. Upon receiving a Letter of Intent or Work contract one may apply for a Work Permit at the Local Employment Office. Issuance of a work permit may take around 4 to 6 weeks.