A Complete Guide To Applying For Masters in Germany
Apart from the United States and the United Kingdom, Germany is a common choice for those looking to pursue graduate studies abroad. If you’ve been looking for a place to do your Master’s degree, you would have almost certainly come across Germany.
Germany provides a successful atmosphere for potential foreign graduate students as a thriving country that generously invests in its education system. Studying MS in Germany would certainly open up gateways to some great opportunities.
Whether studying in Germany has always been your dream, or it is an option you are contemplating, here is a complete guide on what you should know about a Master’s in Germany.
Types of Master’s degrees in Germany
In Germany, Master’s degrees are classified as either “consecutive” or “non-consecutive.” Those in the first group are intended to complement academic information acquired during a similar bachelor’s degree. Non-consecutive programs place a stronger emphasis on professional advancement, with many requiring candidates to have a bachelor’s degree as well as applicable job experience. Most Master’s programs in Germany require two years or four semesters to complete though some can be shorter or longer.
Language requirements
The majority of courses are taught in German, and foreign applicants must have evidence of language proficiency. The Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH, or “German language review for university entrance”) and the TestDaF (formerly Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache, or “Test of German as a Foreign Language”) are both available for this purpose. The DSH is only available in Germany, at different universities, while the TestDaF is available in more than 90 countries. Always double-check to see that the exam you’re planning to take is approved by the schools to which you’re applying.
Although German remains the primary language of instruction, an increasing number of English-taught programs are becoming available, especially at the Master’s level and for students on short-term exchange programs. If you are sure you want your course to be taught in English, you’ll need to prove your proficiency with an English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL, provided your first language is not English.
Applying to study for a Master’s in Germany
To apply for your Master’s in Germany, hochschulzugangsberechtigung or HZB, which means “higher education entrance qualification”, is the first requirement you need to look into.
A bachelor’s degree obtained in another country is generally accepted as an HZB for Master’s admission in Germany, but basic criteria can differ depending on the course, college, and where you previously studied. Some Master’s degrees require candidates to have completed a certain number of credits in particular fields of study.
Master’s applications are submitted either directly to the university or through the Uni Assist online portal. Each institution may have its criteria and application process, but you’ll usually be required to submit an official copy of your academic credentials, a passport photo, a copy of your passport, and a copy of your language proficiency test results.
When to submit your application
Many German universities offer admission twice annually, allowing students to begin their studies in the winter or summer semester. The summer semester spans from March to August or from April to September for universities, while the winter semester ranges from September to February or October to March.
In general, winter enrolment applications must be submitted by 15 July, and summer enrolment applications must be submitted by 15 January. However, application deadlines vary from university to university, and the same institution can have different deadlines for each Master’s degree – be sure to double-check the dates for your preferred course. It is always recommended to send in your application at least six weeks before the deadline.
Student visas to study in Germany
Students from the European Union, the European Economic Region, and Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Germany. To receive a residence permit, these students simply need to register at the nearest registry office when they arrive.
Students from other countries will need to apply for a visa at the nearest German embassy before arriving in Germany. Those who have been accepted into a curriculum can apply for a student visa, while those who are awaiting confirmation or taking entrance exams must apply for an applicant visa.
Visas can take several months to process, so apply as soon as possible. A valid passport, assurance from a German university that an application is in progress or completed, health insurance, and proof of sufficient funds to meet living expenses will be required of visa applicants.
Applying for an MS in Germany is quite a stretched-out process, which is why we recommend you get professional help so that you cannot figure it out for yourself. Since this is a lengthy process, get started at the earliest to avoid any deadlines or complicated situations.
