Indeed, Germany ranks first in the list of destinations that attract Indian students to pursue master’s education abroad. The fine universities and an international standard of research facilities, as well as free or low tuition fee payments, are the reasons that Germany became the hotspot for Indian students. If you are considering a masters in Germany for Indian students, you have to think about the financial side of life. Tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and part-time jobs are all variables that you will have to consider. This guide will throw light on the funding options you may want to consider.
Understanding Tuition Fees in Germany
Tuition-free education for home and international students has helped make Germany a household name by its public universities. Remarkable amounts of government funding prevail at higher education levels in Germany, and therefore students are spared the heavy burden of exorbitant fees. Instead, students are charged a semester contribution of between €150 and €350, which goes towards administration services, student services, and a public transport ticket.
Tuition fees for non-EU students enrolled in courses at the universities of the state of Baden-Württemberg range from €1,500 per semester. However, it remains a low fee structure when compared to many other countries. Thus while planning to study in Germany, do check for tuition policies at your universities of interest.
German scholarships at a glance for Indian students
There are lots of scholarships in Germany and many ways for students to help fund their studies in Germany. Here are some names of popular scholarship schemes:
DAAD
DAAD provides opportunities for students to study in Germany through scholarship programs that cover master’s degrees, living costs, travel allowances, and health insurance.
Erasmus+ Scholarships
Erasmus+ funding is available to every student wishing to study within Europe; this includes students willing to study in Germany. Funding is typically towards tuition and living expenses and traveling to and from the destination.
Deutschlandstipendium
The merit-based grant provides EUR 300 a month to high-performing students and is sponsored jointly by the German government and private donors.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
Here are the scholarship grants that are primarily targeted towards foreign students having impressive academic records and a great interest in matters of the political and social world.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
Well suited for students who are socially engaged. Open to applicants who commit themselves to sustainability.
Scholarship application entails a lot of planning because each of them has its own deadline and application conditions. Most of them require good performance in studies, an impressive statement of purpose and a few letters of recommendations.
Part-Time Jobs: Earn While in School
The territory of Germany allows international students to work part-time to help sustain their education. An international student may work 120 full days or 240 half-days in a year without applying for a special work permit. Jobs usually undertaken by students include:
- Student Assistants (HiWi Jobs): These jobs are available in universities and involve assisting professors with research or administrative work.
- Internships: Paid internships, notably in engineering, IT fields, and business, can be a great way to gain experience while still earning.
- Retail and Hospitality: Many students will work in cafes, restaurants, or retail shops to pay for their expenses.
- Online Tutoring: An alternative flexible way to earn would be to teach English or other subjects online.
- The pay usually ranges between €10 to €15 an hour, which could contribute a sizable portion toward covering living expenses.
Cost of Living in Germany
Though tuition fees in Germany are low or absent, there are living expenses for students. The average cost of living in Germany varies from €850 to €1,200 monthly according to cities. Major costs can be incurred in the following areas:
- Rent: €300 – €700
- Food: €150 – €250
- Health Insurance: €110 – €130
- Transport: €30 – €100 of which most of this is covered by semester ticket in many universities
- Miscellaneous: €100 – €200
Cities such as Berlin and Munich along with Frankfurt are a bit costly than smaller cities like Leipzig, Dresden, or Göttingen although students pursuing a degree in these larger cities would have better job opportunities.
Blocked Account Requirement for Indian Students
Proof of having adequate finances to sustain themselves is one of the eligibility conditions required for Indian students to qualify for a German student visa. In Germany, an international student has to open a ‘Blocked Account’ (Sperrkonto) with a minimum of €11,208 (as of 2024). This act guarantees that a student has enough in their account to enable them to support themselves for the first one year.
They Include Some of the Popular Banks Providing Blocked Accounts:
- Expatrio
- Fintiba
- Coracle
- Deutsche Bank
- Education Loans for Studying in Germany
An amount of Indian students has availed loans for their master’s studies in Germany. Some of the banks and financial institutions that offer loans to students include:
- State Bank of India (SBI) Global Ed-Vantage
- HDFC Credila
- Axis Bank Education Loan
- Punjab National Bank (PNB) Udaan
Most banks cover loans above a certain amount with collateral, alongside admission proof and a good academic profile. It is best to compare interest rates and repayment terms before applying.
Financial Planning Tips for Students
Keep a Budget: Take care to note down everything you spend so that you do not overdo it. Use a budgeting app like Mint, YNAB, or Wallet.
Rent Is Reasonable: Check out student hostels and shared apartments to keep rent down.
Use Your Student Discount: Germany gives students authorization to certain discounts on transport, museums, and cinemas.
Cook for Yourself: Eating outside can cost a fortune. Cooking at home can save you quite a lot.
Seek Help from Your University: Most universities have financial aid offices that assist qualifying students in searching for funding options.
Study in Berlin Germany: The Dream Land for Students from India
Berlin is among those top places selected by Indian students for pursuing higher education in Germany. The well-known institutions in this city include:
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Technical University of Berlin
- Freie Universität Berlin
Comparison-wise, living in Berlin is inexpensive against the expense in other European capitals, making survival easy with many scholarships and part-time job options, alongside cultural experiences. The city’s variety and international flavor are perfect for students coming in from India and other parts of the world.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that going to school in Germany requires thorough financial planning with tuition-free education, scholarships, part-time work, and educational loans—the least expensive option among all for Indian students. If one wants to learn abroad, it is essential to collect and utilize all funding options in financial aid programs. With adequate planning, a master’s in Germany should afford Indian students a worthwhile and financially tolerant endeavor.
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