How to Study in Germany after 12th for Indian Students from CBSE and State Board [EXPLAINED]

1. Studienkolleg in Germany (13th Year): (Recommended)

The Studienkolleg, also known as the preparatory course or foundation year, is a popular pathway for Indian students who have completed their 12th grade but lack direct eligibility for bachelor’s programs in Germany. Here’s why the 13th year is essential and how it works:

Aiming for Equivalency: The German education system has specific requirements for eligibility, and the 12th grade certificates from India may not directly align with them. Therefore, the 13th year, or the Studienkolleg, bridges the gap by providing education and exams to achieve equivalency.

Time to decide on a course: Going through this option gives you more time to decide on a course. Once you decide reach Germany, there is nough time to get a general idea about the economy and jobs in demand.

Language Proficiency: It offers intensive language courses, usually in German, to improve language skills. Proficiency in German is crucial for most bachelor’s programs in Germany. While applying to public or private studienkollegs, most of them requires B1 or B2 at the minimum. There is a foundation program/studienkolleg by the FH Aachen, where language is not compulsory but it is on the expensive side. All Studienkollegs have an entrance exam, most of them have it offline but in the case of private studienkollegs, most of them have it online or in your respective countries. 

Subject-Specific Preparation: The Studienkolleg program focuses on subjects related to the intended field of study, providing foundational knowledge and ensuring students are well-prepared for university-level coursework.

University Entrance Exam (FSP): After completing the Studienkolleg, students take the Feststellungsprüfung (assessment examination) to determine if they meet the entry requirements for their chosen bachelor’s program. There are plenty of courses to choose from, most of which are in German. You will be thorough with German (mostly C1) by the end of Studienkolleg. Some courses are NC (Number of applicants is greater than the number of seats) and require you to score as high as possible, with grades ranging from 4 (just passed) to 1 (the highest grade possible in Germany). 

Program Duration: The Studienkolleg typically lasts for one year. There is a studienkolleg that finishes in one semester but it is recommended to complete the course in 2 semesters so that your fundamentals are clear. However, the duration may vary depending on the chosen course track and the student’s prior academic qualifications.

Some of the private Studienkollegs are Paderborn Studienkolleg, Düsseldorf Studienkolleg, Magdeburg Studienkolleg,  FH Aachen Freshman Institute(A bit on the expensive side but affiliated with FH Aachen and guaranteed admission to Bachelors)

2. 1st Year in India:

Another option for Indian students is to complete the first year of their bachelor’s program in India before transferring to a German university. Here’s how it works:

Bachelor’s Programs with Transfer Agreements: Some Indian universities and German universities have partnerships or articulation agreements that allow students to study the initial year in India and then transfer to Germany for the remaining years.

Foundation Year Programs: Some Indian institutions offer foundation year programs designed to prepare students for international education. These programs often include language training and bridge courses.

Language Proficiency: Students should still focus on improving their German language skills during this time, as they will need to meet language requirements for admission to German universities if their courses are in German language.

Most common process after 1st Year

Transfer Process: The transfer process involves applying to German universities, providing transcripts from the first year in India, and fulfilling any additional requirements set by the specific university and program. The accepted universities can be seen on the website “anabin.de”. German language Certificate (Goethe) is also required if your bachelors program in Germany is in German. Both the courses have to be same or similar in nature with fulfilled credit points. 

3. JEE Advanced:

For students who have completed their 12th grade with a strong foundation in science and engineering, appearing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced in India can be a pathway to German universities. Here’s how it can work:

Strong Science and Engineering Background: Students who have excelled in subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics during their 12th grade can consider taking the JEE Advanced, which is the entrance exam for admission to prestigious Indian institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Bachelor’s Programs in English: Some German universities offer bachelor’s programs in English, especially in engineering and technical fields. These programs may consider JEE Advanced scores for admission.

Language Proficiency: While English proficiency is essential for these programs, German language skills may not be required if the program is entirely taught in English. However, having basic German language skills can be beneficial for daily life in Germany.

Admission Requirements: Students should check the specific admission requirements of the German university and program they are interested in, as eligibility criteria can vary.

Ausbildung in Germany:

Ausbildung, or vocational training, is a unique educational pathway in Germany that combines classroom learning with on-the-job training. It’s an excellent option for students who prefer a practical approach to education. Ausbildung courses cover various fields, including:

– Engineering
– Information Technology
– Healthcare
– Hospitality
– Mechanical Trades
– Automotive Technology
– Finance and Banking

Ausbildung programs typically last two to three years and lead to recognized vocational qualifications. They provide hands-on experience and are a great way to enter the workforce quickly.

Best Ausbildung Courses for Indian Students:

1. Mechatronics Technician: This program combines mechanical and electrical engineering and is highly sought after in the manufacturing industry.

2. Nurse/Aged Care Nurse: Nursing is a rewarding career, and Germany offers excellent training for those interested in healthcare.

3. IT Specialist: With a shortage of IT professionals, this course provides valuable skills in the tech industry.

4. Industrial Mechanic: This program focuses on machine maintenance and repair, a critical skill in manufacturing.

5. Banking and Finance: If you have an interest in finance, consider a vocational program in banking or finance.

Scholarships for Indian Students:

While education in Germany is cost-effective, you may still incur living expenses. Fortunately, there are scholarships available for Indian students, including:

– DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international students, including those from India.
– University Scholarships: Many universities have their own scholarship programs for international students. Check with your chosen university for available options.
– External Scholarships: Explore scholarships provided by organizations and foundations in India that support students studying abroad.

Read this blog to understand on how Indian students can manage and save money in Germany along with their Bachelor Studies.

Learning German:

While some programs are taught in English, learning the German language is highly beneficial for living and studying in Germany. Many universities offer German language courses, and proficiency in German can open up additional opportunities.

In conclusion, Indian students from CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards have multiple pathways to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Germany. They can choose the Studienkolleg route to meet German education system requirements, complete the first year in India and then transfer, or consider programs that accept JEE Advanced scores for admission. Each option has its advantages, and the choice should align with the student’s academic background and career goals. 

Studying in Germany after 12th offers a plethora of opportunities for Indian students. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or considering Ausbildung, Germany’s education system, affordability, and diverse programs make it an attractive destination for higher education. Start your journey to a successful future in Germany today!