Student Guide: Preparing for Your German Education

For many students, studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime decision, thus, the need for a lot of planning and preparation.  

One of the most famous study destinations in the world is Germany. In fact, in 2020 alone, the country has around 400,000 international students. 

For students interested in studying in Germany to pursue higher education abroad, we’ve compiled a list of things they should prepare for. 

Read below to learn the things you need to prepare for your German education. 

For Your School Application 

Before you can begin your studies, the first step is to decide which study program you want to pursue and where you can take them. After finalizing, you should check all the needed requirements and admission qualifications and criteria.

Admission Qualifications

Different institutions in Germany may have different entrance qualification requirements for their applicants. Thus, it is important to check them, before going through the whole process. 

This qualification requirement is also known as Abitur. 

Abiturs are usually given to students after finishing and passing the final exams of their high schools. 

In case the student’s qualification/certificate/abitur is not accepted in Germany, you may have to attend a preparatory course first. 

Moreover, other schools may also require their students to take an aptitude and language proficiency test. 

Documents 

The most common documents  you may have to pass to German institutions during admission include the following: 

• Completed application form 
• Certified true copy of your secondary education diploma 
• Relevant academic certificates
• Copy of your passport
• Language proficiency documentation 
• Overview of your grades and modules (translated to German)

Student Visa Preparation  

If you come from countries outside the EU or EEA, you may have to apply for a student visa by going to the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Usually, the processing time for a study visa differs per country. 

Aside from the needed documents, you also have to provide proof of your finances, showing you have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay in Germany. 

As of 2021, the required amount of money international students should have is around EUR 10,332 for one year. 

Things to Prepare Before Your Flight

After getting accepted into your chosen study program, and after getting your student visa, the next thing you should do is to prepare for your student life abroad. 

The following things you should prepare for include your accommodation, university enrollment, and health insurance. 

Accommodation 

Germany offers a variety of choices when it comes to student accommodation, including on-campus and off-campus options. Your choice will usually depend on your needs as a student and your budget. 

University Enrollment 

After getting your letter of acceptance in your chosen study program, you should enroll as soon as you can, and submit other needed documents at your institution’s Office of Student Affairs. 

This can lessen the feeling of stress you might experience if you do all of these while nearing the deadline. 

Health Insurance 

All international students going to Germany are required to have health insurance.

This is because healthcare can be expensive in Germany. However, it is also one of the best in the world.

Getting a German education can open a lot of opportunities. Thus, it is important to be well-prepared for it. 

Want to begin your journey as an international student in Germany? Let MSM Unify help you. Check out our list of courses and partner institutions in Germany to start. If you need more tips and practical information to make your stay in Germany easier and more fun, check our articles at MSM Unify.