Tips for starting your studies in Germany

If you want to study in Germany and are wondering what you need to do to, you have come to the right place. There is an overwhelming amount of information available but do not worry, we have simplified the process of starting your studies in Germany into few simple tips.

Finding a university and choosing a study programme that suits your interests is the first step to planning your studies in Germany. This should not be a problem as there are many universities offering a variety of study programmes for you to choose from. For example, at PFH University you can complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in areas such as management, user experience and design, and technology. You can do on-campus studies or opt for distance learning. It is best to think about what career you would like to pursue at least 3 months before making a final decision. This period of time is enough to allow you to scan your university and course options in Germany.

Assuming you have chosen your desired university and study programme, now it is time to check if you meet all the programme requirements. As entry requirements are different depending on the university and the programme, you will find this information in either the requirements section or the programme page itself. Bad timing and missing documents are the most common issues that happen at this stage so make sure to carefully read what you need to do. It helps if you prepare the required documents early, around two weeks before the application period actually opens. 

As soon as you are done with your application documents, it is time for you to submit your student application. In most universities, you can do this online. Most German universities are part of the national university online application platform known as UniAssist. However, some universities run their own online admission platform which can be found on their website. Submit your application as son as the application call opens and then wait for the admissions letter.

The next step is making sure you have the required financial means to live and study in Germany. Under the current law, every foreign non-EU or non-EEA student must have proper financial means to finance their stay in Germany during their studies. An international student in Germany must possess a minimum of €11,208 deposited into a German-blocked bank account. You should gather your financial resources at least two weeks before you apply for a German student visa.

As soon as you get your admissions letter, it is time to apply for a German student visa. For detailed guidance on how to get your student visa, please visit the DAAD website. Before you apply for the visa, make sure you have secured the proper financial means for studying in Germany. Along with other documents, the German embassy or consulate in your home country will also require you to get a health insurance policy before granting you a student visa. 

Now that you are officially an admitted student in Germany and have your student visa, you have to think of a place to stay in. You should start researching at least three to six months before your planned arrival in Germany. There are two options: student halls of residence and private accommodation. If you are looking to save money, then student halls are your better choice. They are usually located near the university campus and offer a great opportunity for social interaction. On the other hand, private accommodation such as a shared apartment means more privacy and less rules and procedures. Beware that rent prices are more likely to be higher in Berlin than in other cities in Germany. 

Even if the university you have been admitted to offers their study programmes in English, it is still very beneficial for you to learn German. Having at least a basic understanding of German will help you navigate your new surroundings more easily and advance knowledge will help you comprehend study materials if the programme is in the native language. Learning German from scratch can be difficult but if you start early, for example six months before you apply for your study programme, by the time you come here you will be speaking German fluently. There are lots of resources for learning German online as well as promotional courses at some universities. 

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog post on tips for starting your studies in Germany. Should you choose to start your studies here, at PFH we make sure you receive a high-quality education while fully experiencing being a student