In recent years, Germany has become a magnet for international students from all over the world. A Master’s degree from Germany is one of the most sought-after postgraduate courses. There are almost 360,000 young people from around the world studying and researching at German universities. At present, they comprise 12.9 percent of all students in Germany. In fact, there are very few countries that can boast a higher percentage of international students. The German Government and Citizens give great importance to education and this is reflected in the high-quality teaching and cutting-edge infrastructure offered by the universities. In this article, we will discuss the main reasons for why you should consider pursuing Masters in Germany, which in turn, will also allow you to understand why thousands of international students move to Germany every year for their Master’s studies.

1. Top-Ranked Universities

Higher education in Germany is mainly funded by the state and as such it is literally free of charge for domestic and international students alike. This is one of the biggest reasons to study Masters in Germany. There are approximately 380 officially recognized universities throughout Germany, and they offer a total of over 17,000 study programs. Five of the highest-ranking universities in Germany are the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Heidelberg University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Humboldt University Berlin. German universities adhere to the highest global education standards in terms of quality. Some of them have been ranked consistently amongst the best in the world. Students value these top-ranked institutions for the education quality, staff members, opportunities for research and academic growth, hands-on experience and stimulating environments.

Also Read: Top Universities in Germany

2. Low or No Tuition Fees

Education in Germany is comparatively cheaper than in other top countries like the US or the UK and it is the only study destination where most universities do not charge any tuition fees. The decision was implemented in October 2014, stating that international students attending public universities in the country would not have to pay tuition fees just like the locals. While affordability is by no means the sole factor attracting international students to Germany, low or non-existent tuition fees undoubtedly add to the overall appeal of Masters in Germany. Fees are charged at private universities, and only for some master’s programs at public universities. At public universities, the majority of students simply pay a small ‘semester fee’. This is typically no more than €300 (~US$340) per semester, covering contributions to the student union, administration and the cost of a Semester Ticket – a six-month pass for public transport.

3. Affordable Living Cost

International students usually find that the cost of living in Germany is relatively affordable. It is estimated that students will need an average of around €861 per month to cover living expenses. Rent is normally the biggest expense, which can be shared by finding accommodation with roommates. The cost of other goods and services like food, amenities, public transport and so on is not high. Normally, you would expect higher prices in urban areas as compared to peripheral ones.

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Study in Germany

4. Post-study work visa

International students who have successfully completed a full-time course in Germany are eligible to seek employment in the country under the Post-Study work visa guidelines. This is time over and above the duration of the study period granted in your German Study Visa. As part of post-study work visa in Germany, students can apply for an extended 18-month Job Seeking Visa otherwise called the post-study work visa to find work related to their area of study. In these 18 months, the candidates can work as much as they like and take up any kind of employment to support themselves.

Also Read: Job Opportunities After Masters in Germany

5. Earn while studying

Regardless of the free tuition fee policy, studying in Germany doesn’t come entirely for free – students still need to meet the living costs. Therefore, many international students tend to look for a job to support themselves while studying. The German law states that international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week or 120 full days of a year. Generally, students do not require any extra qualifications since there are abundant employment opportunities available, ranging across fields like hospitality, retail, administration, and more. Working part-time while studying helps them earn more money for meeting and handling living costs while also increasing your employability and work experience at the same time.

Also Read: Part-Time Jobs in Germany for International Students

6. English taught programs

Generally, international students believe that studying in Germany means that their courses will be taught in the German language. However, this is not the case. Most German universities provide master degree courses that are completely taught in English. So, the students who have zero proficiency in the German language can also study Masters in Germany without facing any problem.

7. Practice-Based Learning

Education in most German universities is practice-based. Some of the courses demand practical learning more than theoretical aspects. For example, the University of Applied Sciences mostly focuses on practice-oriented programs that allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge to practice areas. This enables students to apply their knowledge on the job at companies and businesses.

8. Low unemployment

After students graduate from a university in Germany, finding a job is relatively easy. The education system is strong and provides students with skills that get them employed immediately. Infact, graduate unemployment is only 2.3%, the lowest on the continent of Europe. Germany has the 4th best starting graduate salary in Europe, according to Business Insider. If you have a strong Entrepreneurial Spirit, then Germany is the most promising place for you. According to a joint survey of 2019 by US News, University of Pennsylvania and BAV group, Germany is ranked as the second best country for entrepreneurs after Japan.