With many world-class universities and vibrant cities steeped in history and art, Germany is the fourth most popular study destination among international students. It is a country with about 10.6 million people from all over the world, where thirteen per cent of its population are immigrants from Turkey, Poland and Syria.

German Universities are known for their quality teaching, and many are even ranked among the best in the world. Students studying in Germany receive an education far exceeding the world average. Germans believe knowledge is best learned when applied in practice, so many courses are practice-oriented.

Life in the Country

Germany is a liberal and welcoming country that is full of diversity. The country is politically and economically strong, and a recent poll ranks Germany ninth in the world for stability. Studying in a country that is stable both politically and economically is a good choice for students when considering future growth prospects. Germany has also been considered among the world’s safest countries. Being out in the city or the countryside is relatively safe, granted that common sense precautions are taken.

Regarding the weather, Germany’s climate is perfect, as it is widely known as a country with four seasons all year round. Germany generally has warm summers where temperatures can exceed thirty degrees and cold winters with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. Spring and autumn are often the perfect balance between the two.

Germany attracts people worldwide because of its many assets, ranging from quality of life and employment opportunities to exciting cultures and traditions. Germany is a place where people thrive, and is considered as a land of hope, success, research and innovation. Beautiful landscapes, numerous castles and interesting architecture all play a part in attracting ex-pats. The country offers an authentic and complete package for students. Not only will students receive quality education and qualifications, but they will also have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Germany.

Attitude and Etiquette of the local people

Germans value structure and punctuality. Therefore, it can be challenging to make friends with Germans if one is not punctual. The country has a beautiful culture, greatly influenced by its rich history and partly by neighbouring countries. The Germans are often seen as highly efficient and matter-of-fact people. They have a great sense of humour and appreciate ironic and cynical humour. In Germany, personal information is often treated as confidentially. Germans clearly distinguish their personal and professional lives, not letting either complicate the other; tradition is one of their biggest strongholds.

Language

The country’s official language is German, and over ninety-five per cent of the population speaks German as their first language. Many people speak English, especially in big cities, but it would be easier for students to speak some basic German during their stay in the country. Other minor languages include Romani, Danish, North and Saterland Frisian, and Upper and Lower Sorbian.

German schools also teach other European languages like English, French, Latin, Russian and Spanish.

Transport

German public transport is efficient, accessible and safe. Most cities have train and bus stations available, and there are many other options for public transportation like U Bahn (metro, subway), S Bahn (rapid city rail), trams, regional trains, ferry boats, bikes, taxis and cars. The public transport in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Munich is run by a transport association that integrates all forms of public transport into a single network.

Part-time and post-study work opportunities

Part-time jobs are a good option for those who need extra money to fund their expenses. However, students will also gain work experience and improve their employability after graduation. Some of the most common jobs for international students include working as academic assistants or working off-campus jobs (waiter/waitress, tutor, babysitter and so on), but each comes with some restrictions.

While students from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland have the same rights as German students when it comes to the job market, other international students must abide by a few special restrictions. These include:

• Working hours are restricted for international students, allowing them to work part-time 120 days a year or 20 hours a week. 
• International students are not allowed to undertake self-employment or work freelance. 
• Students who want to work more than the hours allowed need special permission from the local employment agency and the foreigner’s registration office. 
• International students undertaking a language course can only work with permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the immigration office.

After graduation, students can stay in Germany for up to eighteen months to look for a job. A residence permit issued for study can be converted into a residence permit for work for paid employment. Students with appropriate qualifications and experience are given opportunities to work in well-paid industries. However, the country’s most demanding occupations are science, engineering, business, medicine and education.

Permanent Settlement

International students that have graduated from Germany and have worked within the country for two years can obtain permanent residency status in Germany. The requirements are simple for anyone who understands the application process and for those who can follow it conservatively. The requirements include:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport
• Two biometric photos
• Academic qualifications
• Previous employment evidence
• Employment contract
• Previous freelance work evidence
• Accommodation and registration proof
• Residence permit
• Social contributions payment evidence
• Tax documents
• Evidence of current employment 

Settlement visa for those who have completed university or vocational training in Germany

A settlement visa can be applied for if: 

• One held a residence permit for employment as a qualified professional for at least two years.
• One is employed at a job for which they are qualified.
• One has paid into the statutory pension insurance fund for 24 months.
• One possesses sufficient knowledge of the German language (B1 level) and the legal and social orders of the German way of life.

Top Universities offering various course options

Germany is one of the most popular student destinations, with several world-renowned universities offering high-quality degrees and various courses. QS World University Rankings listed 46 German universities, 12 of which are in the top 200 in the world.

The top universities in Germany include: 

• Technical University of Munich
• Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich
• Heidelberg University
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Freie Universitat Berlin
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• Rheinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Berlin Institute of Technology
• Dresden University of Technology
• University of Tubingen
• University of Freiburg