Master Degree Admission Process for International Students in Germany

The postgraduate includes a master's degree and is a second, graduate degree with professional qualification. Master's degrees gained at universities of applied sciences qualify holders for admission to "higher civil/public service career paths" in Germany. Master's programmes are differentiated based on the profile types, i.e. either have a "more practice oriented" or a "more research oriented" profile.

Entry into postgraduate programme of studies in Germany, most important prerequisite is English or German language proficiency. At all German universities, English or German is the language of instruction. An applicant has to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language.

Many universities that offer management courses require a GMAT score and universities offering engineering courses require a GRE score. The standardized admission tests for postgraduate studies include:

1. GMAT i.e. Graduate Management Admission Tests: The GMAT score is required by most universities and the minimum required ranges from 500 to 600 (top universities).
2. GRE i.e. Graduate Record Examination
   

English Language Admission test: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam scores are the most common language requirement for German universities.

German Language test: If the course is completely in German, then proof of proficiency in German language
TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language): It is an advanced level exam that facilitates admission to university.
DSH (Deutsche Sprachprufung fur den Hochschulzugang): German language test for the admission of foreign study applicants.

Each education provider will have different entrance requirements such as prior knowledge in certain subject, Work history details official academic transcripts, covering letter, and letters of recommendation.

1. The covering letter depicts the reasons to apply for this particular programme and institute and the experience, qualification and grades you hold.
2. A letter of recommendation is a letter that makes a statement of support for an applicant. It is a well-documented evaluation, providing sufficient information about the applicant. Two letters of recommendations are generally recommended.
3. The master’s programme needs past academic records and attested transcripts.
   

Bachelor degrees of three or four years are accepted by most German universities. Also, a minimum GPA of 3.0, GMAT or GRE scores is required for admission to the master’s programme.

The duration of master degree is generally one to two years full time study or part time equivalent.

The academic calendar at German universities runs from October to July and is divided into two semesters. There are intakes for winter and summer semesters, the winter semester starts in October and the summer semester starts in April. The deadline for the winter semester is the 15th of July and for the summer semester it is the 15th of January.

The academic calendar for universities of applied sciences runs in two semesters one in the winter, i.e., September to February and one in the summer, i.e. March to August.

The admission process involves following steps:

1. Complete the application form either online/offline. In the form, fill the following sections and submit:
1. Personal details
2. Academic history
3. Supplement information
4. Course chosen
2. Submit supporting documents such as attested official transcripts in English from all high school coursework, test scores of IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT or GRE tests scores, extracurricular or voluntary work experience details, letters of recommendation, reference/personal statement, and covering letter
3. If the application is successful, the applicant will receive “Acceptance Letter”. On receiving this, you need to pay a percentage of the fees within a specified time period, to confirm your admission and sign and send the same to the university as a sign of confirmation. The payment of fees varies according to the university you have chosen.
4. Set up in advance the accommodation in the student residences or university hostels and ask for any financial support, if available.
5. To apply for a student visa to Germany students most have the following documents:
• Original passport with two passport size photographs
• Authenticated copy of a school leaving certificate
• Official transcripts and attested copies of the same.
• If attending a course in German, proof of your proficiency in the German language or an intensive language course of twenty hours a week in Germany.
• Proof of funding and documents supporting the financial status.
• Proof of registration with a German higher education institution, i.e. admission letter or acceptance letter.

International students can apply for scholarships from numerous organizations such as

• DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): DAAD provides scholarship only to Graduate students pursuing master’s.
• Politically affiliated foundations
• Religious institutions
• Business related organizations