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May 29, 2020

A Complete Guide On How To Apply For MS In Germany

By Prasad Vijay

Germany is one of the popular study destinations in the world in stiff competition with both the UK and USA. The main reason behind choosing Germany is that public universities in Germany offer free education to international students. The tuition fee was abolished in the year 2014 for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in public universities. But this is only applicable to public universities. If you are studying at a private university, you have to pay the tuition fees. 

Even though Germany is renowned for numerous study programmes, students worldwide are attracted to MS programmes in Germany. But due to language barriers, students more often find themselves confused with the application procedure for MS in Germany. However, Germany offers courses that are taught in English for the convenience of international students. Besides, some of the requirements for German universities are identical to those needed by universities of other countries, such as a letter of recommendation, test scores etc. Let us discuss in detail about the steps involved in the application procedure for MS in Germany.

Research For Universities And Suitable Programme

There are numerous universities that offer MS programmes in Germany.

Generally there are two intakes for the master’s programme per year, summer semester and winter semester. Summer semester commences in April and winter semester commences in October. All you need to do is filter the universities that offer the course you're looking for and concentrate on those universities. 

An expert study abroad consultant like Pingme can help you select the course and university that matches your preferences from its vast database. Pingme has an efficient team of study abroad counsellors, who guide the study abroad aspirants through the right path to achieve their goal.

Eligibility

Similar to other study destinations, Germany has its own educational system, set of rules and eligibility criteria. Therefore you need to follow the eligibility requirements by German universities. The necessary eligibility requirement is that the student should have a 4-year bachelor's degree. Suppose if you have a 3-year bachelor's degree, then you have to check with the university before you apply. Applicants must be at least 21 years old to apply for a master's programme in Germany.

Students apply at top universities in Germany for MS, before completion of their undergraduate studies. Majority of the students initiate the application process while pursuing their final year degree. Many universities accept applications with UG results, a statement from an individual- professor or course tutor, and an attached transcript of your progress. 

Required Exams

GRE- The Graduate Record Examination scores are considered for admission by some universities. GRE is accepted by German universities that offer masters in Germany. 

GATE- The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering score is considered for admission to various Postgraduate engineering programmes. Two major universities to pursue a master's degree in engineering are the Technical University of Munich and RWTH AACHEN University. 

IELTS- For masters programmes taught in English, the student has to submit their IELTS score so that the universities can assess a student's English proficiency. Another test conducted for assessment is TOEFL.

Language Proficiency

Any MS aspirant has to undertake a standardized language test before they apply at universities in Germany for MS. The courses are either taught in English partially or wholly. So, German universities usually admit a student who can perceive and converse in English or German. The level of proficiency you need depends upon the course, university and the type of exam. Even though proving language proficiency is not mandatory for all courses, some universities might ask the students to prove their German language proficiency. TestDaF and DSH are the two German language proficiency tests. 

Application Package

Academic Transcripts: The student has to submit academic transcripts- all the documents up to their UG programme, including your 10th and 12th Marksheets.

Passport copies: You should submit the copy of your valid passport. 

Work experience certificate: You should submit the document showing the work experience if any. 

English language proficiency certificate: Your IELTS scorecard that proves the competence and fluency in English. 

GATE/GRE test certificates: Used to assess a candidate's knowledge and skill.

Resume: The student has to submit a resume containing their academic and professional qualifications. 

Letter of Motivation: It should state two things- the student's intention behind joining the university and reasons for opting a course.

Letter of Recommendation: It is an evaluation of the student's potential from your professor. A vast majority of universities demand up to three letters. 

Submit Your Application

Now that you have collected all the essential documents for applying to MS in Germany, you can submit the application via the internet.  There are 3 ways by which you can send an application-

UniAssist

Some universities have a mutual platform called Uni Assist. 

You need to send the documents once if you've to send applications to many universities. But one thing to be noted is that the chosen universities should be a member of uni-assist. Before you proceed, check if the universities that you have chosen are a member of uni-assist or not. 

Procedure

• Register in the uni-assist applicant portal.
• Activate your account by clicking on the activation link, sent to you through the mail.
• Fill in the application form and submit it after checking. 
• Upload all the necessary documents.
• Add the preferred courses.
• Pay the processing fees.
• Mail your documents to Uni-assist.
• You will receive a mail after the documents reach the uni-assist.

Suppose if the application process is finished, your application will be sent to the universities. You will receive a mail and a post containing the result of your application. The first time application will cost you 75 euros, and subsequent application costs you an additional 30 euros. 

University Application Portal

Most probably, you have selected the universities before application and know everything about their requirements. Some universities have their own platform for that purpose and accept applications submitted only through that platform. You can register with your email through the platform. The email address that you have provided should be the one that you have access every time. Checking for an email in the spam folder too, since there is a chance that you receive mail in the spam folder. Sometimes, you need to provide the email ID of your recommender as well. 

You need to upload your scanned documents and fill in the required details during the application procedure. You can submit the application after taking a print of it. 

Mail/Courier

You can send the hard copies of your application with the help of international courier firms. You can use DHL Express to send the documents. It is a trusted and fast courier service. 

Procedure

First, you have to fill up the online form. You need to provide both the pick-up and delivery details. Next, you can expect a call from DHL. Be ready with your documents, ID and money. Expect DHL pickup. You can track your shipment afterwards. The document will reach the university within 3-4 days. You will get confirmation afterwards. 

Wait For The Admission Letter

After you have done with applying for masters in Germany, it's time for the university to decide whether or not to admit you. Normally, the processing of your application takes 4 to 6 weeks. Many universities receive plenty of applications, and it's a time-consuming process to go through each application. The process can delay further if you have missed out submitting any documents. A student won't be able to track the progress of the process as the universities do not permit it.

Arrange Health Insurance 

No matter what your citizenship is, any person who resides in Germany or arrives in Germany for pursuing education needs to be health insured. If you're an EU student, then you'll be eligible for European health insurance system. In that case, there is no need to be health insured. 

Contact the authorities to know whether your EHIC card covers you and also if you will be able to apply for MS in Germany or not. If you are a non-EU student, then you need to be health insured. TK insurance is one of the preferred insurance among international students. You can deal with the insurance procedure while you wait for the admission letter. 

Get Your Fundings Ready

One essential thing any student needs to apply for a student visa is a blocked account, as proof of financial resources. From January 1, 2020, the amount increased from €720 to €853 per month and from €8640 to €10,236 annually.  The account should have a minimum of €853 per month or €10,236 per year to cover the expenses in Germany. You can deal with this while waiting for the admission letter. 

Obtain Student Visa

One last step for application for MS in Germany is obtaining your student visa. If you are either a non-EU or a non-EEA student, you need a visa to pursue MS in Germany. 

To initiate procedures so that you can obtain a student visa, you have to visit the German embassy near you. Getting an embassy appointment is very tough. Get your finances in order before applying for a student visa. Remember that you have to apply for the student visa earlier to avoid any delay in the visa processing. You have to submit the student visa application 3 months before the intended date of travel to Germany. In case of delay, the processing might exceed the application deadline and even the commencement of the desired course. 

The student visa checklist-

• Duly filled visa application forms.
• Valid national passport and its copies.
• Previous Schengen visa.
• Previous German resident permit.
• Proof of admission into a study program.
• Proof of blocked bank account.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Covered health insurance.
• Proof of both German and English language proficiency.
• Your birth certificate.
• Passport size photos.

Timeline For Winter Intake

 It is better to apply well in advance, as the entire application process to German universities for the winter intake takes time. 

Since the winter semester starts in September/October, you need to register for the entrance exams or language proficiency exams by April. You have to take the tests around May. The test results take time to arrive, and sometimes you have to retake the tests. So you should plan ahead and retake the exams. Start applying to universities at least a month before the application deadline, which is July 15th. The university will get back to you around July/August, to which you have to revert early. Pay the confirmation fee before the deadline. Apply for a student loan in August/September soon after you receive the acceptance letter. 

Timeline For Summer Intake

You need to register for the entrance exams or language proficiency exams and take the tests around August/September. The test results take time to arrive, and sometimes you need to retake the tests. So you should plan well ahead and reappear for the exams. The next step is to start working on your application to German universities for MS . It will be better if you apply one month before the application deadline, which is January 15th.

The university will most likely revert to you in December/January. Make sure that you pay the confirmation fee before the deadline. After you receive your acceptance letter, apply for a student visa in January. Since the classes begin in April, book your tickets at least before a month.

How Long Does A Master's Degree Last? 

The duration of the master's degree entirely depends on the course that you have chosen. The course term can be one, one and a half or even two years. One academic year consists of two semesters. A dissertation is also a part of the master's programme, which should be completed within the course duration.

Is It Really Worth Investing In An MS From Germany?

The reasons why Germany is renowned as an ideal study destination-

• Almost no tuition fee.
• Masters considered with great regard by employers worldwide.
• Third popular study destination in the world.
• Quality education.
• Students can stay up to 18 months after completion of a course.
• Allows a part-time job for 20 hours a week.

The internationally recognized study programmes from German universities open up excellent career opportunities to students, even before the completion of the course. Choosing Germany as a study destination will surely be a life-changing decision for the career benefits and quality of life it offers.