COUNTRY FACTS

Capital :

Berlin

Population :

82, 398,326

Area :

356,970 sq km

Language :

German, English

Religion :

Roman Catholic, Protestant

Continent :

Europe

Why Study in Germany? Studying abroad in Germany provides numerous advantages to help you gain an edge in the global job market. Germany's economic status as one of the three biggest world economies. While Germany's economy ranks at number three on a global scale, regionally, Germany's economy remains one of the driving forces behind the European Union (EU).

Globally, about 1.8 million students go abroad to attend a university. Nearly one tenth of those students choose to come to Germany.  Germany has a lot to offer foreign students, be they first-year students or postgraduates.

Germany's universities combine age-old traditions with modern technologies. German universities are open to anyone who fulfills the prerequisites, and academic freedom is one of the basic principles of the German university system. That one of the reasons German public universities don't charge tuition fees. You'll only have to pay for your education at a few private schools.

Germany's universities have been the scene of many groundbreaking discoveries, gaining them international renown. Modern German universities also combine theoretical work with its practical application. They both educate and train - basic research is augmented by applied research. Interdisciplinary cooperation is common, and many learning institutions cooperate closely with multinational firms and with research institutes in Germany and abroad. In the end, this increases graduates' chances on the job market.

Many of today's students no longer want a purely theoretical education. A variety of comprehensive universities and universities of applied science in Germany offer balanced academic training necessary for a professional career. Practical experience in regional companies is often part of the curriculum. German companies are interested in attracting well-trained graduates from abroad. And in many cases, these former students can continue to work for the company as a foreign spokesperson once they return home.

VISA PROCESS
It is not permissible to enter the country on a tourist visa for the purpose of studying here. Those wishing to enter the country to study may apply for a visa for purposes of study, or for a study applicant visa.
The visa must be issued before you can enter the country; you should therefore apply for it in good time. The responsible body is the German Embassy or Consulate general.

The visa for purposes of study will be issued if you have already been accepted to study in Germany. The study applicant visa (Studienbewerber-Visum) permits you to enter the country before the admission decision by the university. For the visa it is necessary to hold a valid passport, to provide proof of financial means for your period of study in Germany, and to have either university admission (visa for purposes of study) or at least a confirmation of your status as an applicant (study applicant visa).
Those who intend to study and enter the country on a study applicant visa should also note that they must provide evidence of a university place in Germany within the prescribed period of three months, in order to obtain a residence permit for study purposes.
You must supply evidence that sufficient funds per months or a sum covering at least one year's study are available.

For the visa for participation in a language course you will basically need the following documents:

• a valid passport and 2 passport photographs
• proof that you have registered for a language course (e.g. certificate of registration, receipt of course fees)
• proof that you will be covered by health insurance for the duration of your stay in Germany
• proof that you are able to finance your stay and the course ( via your
  parents ).

N.B. :
1. During the language course you are normally not allowed to take up employment.
2. If you intend to study in Germany after your course ends, please state this fact in your application, so that you can be issued with a student applicant visa or student visa, provided you fulfil the conditions for issue. These visas entitle the holder to attend language courses and to study in Germany. If you only apply for the language course visa, you will have to leave Germany at the end of the course. It is not possible to exchange this visa for another form of residence permit in Germany.

There is no legal right to a visa, even if all documents are submitted. The ultimate decision rests with the Legal and Consular Sections of the Embassy. You may be asked to supply further documentation.