Are you a Nigerian student looking to study in Germany? Are you eager to learn more about what it takes? Then, this article is just for you! With our comprehensive guide on how to study in Germany, you will get the knowledge and confidence needed to make your dream of studying abroad come true!
Studying in Germany has always been a dream for many students, but especially so for Nigerian students. With its renowned universities, vibrant culture, and diverse landscape- it’s no wonder why Germany is the top choice of many students interested in studying abroad. This article aims to provide an ultimate guide on how Nigerian students can make their dreams of studying in Germany come true. From requirements to study in Germany to visa applications, searching for scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities, we will cover all essential aspects of pursuing studies in Germany.
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- 1 Nigerian Students in Germany
Nigerian Students in Germany
Nigerian students in Germany have seen a steady increase in recent years. According to Studying-in-Germany.org, 1,970 Nigerian students were living in Germany as of the 2017/18 winter semester. This represents a 237% increase from the 412 Nigerian students in Germany as of September 2014. Most of these students are studying engineering courses for either bachelor’s or master’s degrees at German universities.
Even more recently, many Nigerian students are choosing to study in Germany because of its rich history and culture, its access to world-class universities, and its excellent teaching facilities, making it the perfect place for students from Nigeria to gain an international education. Though the German educational system is highly demanding, it provides students with a wide range of opportunities for career development.
Benefits of Studying In Germany as a Nigerian Student
A degree from a German university offers many benefits besides the obvious appeal of studying in one of Europe’s leading countries for higher education. Here are some key benefits of pursuing an education in Germany as a Nigerian student.
Firstly, Germany is renowned for its high standards of teaching and world-class research facilities. This means that students can be sure to receive quality tuition, which will give them an edge when it comes to job hunting after graduation.
Secondly, studying at a German university comes with relatively low costs compared to other countries; this makes it ideal for those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on their learning experience.
Furthermore, living expenses can also be quite affordable due to government subsidies and discounts available for certain groups, such as international students or researchers.
However, Nigerian students should be aware that financial stability is essential while considering studying in Germany. The German authorities want to ensure that you can financially sustain yourself while studying in Germany. A blocked bank account is the simplest way to accomplish this, and many international students use it to demonstrate financial resources to German authorities. You must have a total of €11,208 in your German blocked account as of October 2022.
How is the Education System in Germany?
Germany is a major destination for international students, and Nigeria is no exception. The German education system has gained worldwide attention due to the high quality of teaching offered at its colleges and universities. In addition, with tuition fees lower than in many other countries, Germany offers Nigerian students the opportunity to pursue their higher education dreams without breaking the bank.
World-renowned for its technical institutions, the German education system has been widely praised for effectively preparing graduates for employment in today’s competitive job market. Additionally, universities offer an array of fascinating courses that enable Nigerian students to explore their interests and expand their knowledge base. Furthermore, thanks to a wide range of student support services available in Germany, Nigerian scholars feel welcomed and supported during their studies abroad experience.
Currently, Universitat or universities in Germany offer higher education to Nigerian students (public or private). Germany has over 300 state universities, 150 applied science universities, and 50 film, art, and music colleges. Furthermore, Students in Germany have access to a wide range of educational programs, including over 500 English-taught programs.
Requirements to Study in Germany for Nigerian Students – Beginners Guide
As stated above, many students from Nigeria who are interested in studying abroad choose Germany because of its excellent reputation and the availability of scholarships and financial assistance.
If you want to study in Germany, you should check the entrance requirements at the university of your choice.
Open the university’s website and carefully read the section on entry requirements. Take notes if necessary, and devise a strategy for completing each requirement one at a time.
If there is anything about the procedures you do not understand, don’t hesitate to contact the university via email and ask them a few questions. It should be noted that the entry requirements for Nigerian students to study in Germany vary by university and course. The following is a list of the basic requirements that all Nigerian students (Bachelor’s and master’s degrees) must meet to study in Germany.
Requirements to study for a bachelor’s degree in Germany
- WAEC Certificate
- Secondary School Transcript
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Passport Photograph
- Valid International Passport
- Letter of Motivation (if Required)
- Student Visa Type D
- Medical Certificate
- Birth Certificate
Regarding English language proficiency, remember that there aren’t many undergraduate study programs in Germany that are offered in English.
Also, suppose you have not completed any year of master’s studies in Nigeria. In that case, you will be allowed to study only a few subjects because they expect you to complete a preparatory course.
Requirements to study for a master’s degree in Germany
Students from Nigeria who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany must submit the following documents:
- Recognized Bachelor Degree
- University Transcript
- Proof of Language Proficiency (English or German)
- Valid International Passport
- Passport Photograph
- Motivation Letter
- Letter of recommendation
- Work Experiences (if required)
- Student Visa Type D
- Medical Certificate
- Birth Certificate
How to Apply to Study in Germany from Nigeria
When it comes to studying abroad, Germany should be at the top of your list. This rich country has a rich history and culture that will fascinate you. It’s also one of the most affordable destinations on the continent – not to mention the quality of education you can receive here.
Here are some key steps to take when applying to study in Germany:
- Research Study Programs
- Meet All Requirements
- Learn to Speak German
- Search for Financial Resources
- Apply For Admission
- Get Your German Student Visa
- Find Accommodation/Hostel
- Enroll In Your University
#1. Research Study Programs
There is a process to study in Germany for Nigerian students, but it is not difficult. To find a study program in Germany, you should find a university and choose a program that suits your interests.
You may visit the website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The DAAD website has a search engine that allows users to input their desired field of study and receive several results.
The next step is to narrow down your selection based on your gathered information. You can also ask for recommendations from friends who have already studied in Germany. After narrowing down your selection, you will need to apply.
#2. Meet All Requirements
After deciding which university to apply to and which study program to pursue, you must review all of the requirements. Check the university’s website and the admission requirements section for more information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the university directly. In addition, it is advisable to prepare your documents two weeks before the application is opened.
#3. Learn to Speak German
The majority of undergraduate courses in Germany are taught in the native language. Besides the university, you will need to speak German with locals frequently. So it’s advisable to start learning German at least six months before applying to study in Germany. Many language schools in Nigeria offer German courses to students. Therefore finding a tutor or center that offers German language classes won’t be difficult.
#4. Look for Financial Resources
The next stage is ensuring you have the necessary financial resources to live and study in Germany. Every prospective student who is not an EU or EEA citizen is required by law to have adequate financial resources to support their stay in Germany while they are studying.
In order to enroll as a Nigerian student in Germany, you must have a minimum of €11,208, roughly equivalent to one year’s worth of living expenses. This sum of money must be deposited into a German-blocked bank account.
#5. Apply For Admission
It’s time to submit your application after checking your application documents. The application can be completed online, but some universities may only accept applications in person or by mail.
Contact your university to find out how to submit your application. The majority of German universities participate in the UniAssist national university online application platform. In addition, some universities have their own online admissions platform on their website.
Remember, once the call for applications is open, you must submit your application and then wait for the admission letter.
#6. Get Your German Student Visa
After receiving your admission or acceptance letter, we recommend that you contact the German embassy/consulate in person to schedule a visa appointment.
However, ensure that you have sufficient financial resources to study in Germany. Opening a so-called Blocked bank account is one of the simplest and most effective ways to convince the Visa Officer that you have enough money to cover your study and living expenses.
In addition, before granting you a student visa, the German embassy/consulate in Nigeria will require you to obtain a health insurance policy and other documents. Please ensure you have all these documents before appearing for the interview.
#7. Find Accommodation/Hostel
Now that you’ve been accepted as a student in Germany and have your student visa, you’ll need to find a place to live. Accommodation in Germany for international students is not extremely costly, but as a Nigerian student, you should make every effort to find the most financially suitable place to live.
We recommend that you give this issue the attention it deserves because it may cost you a lot of time and money to find a solution if you don’t find accommodation quickly. Most Nigerian students pay the initial deposit to secure a hostel or accommodation before traveling to Germany.
#8. Enroll in your University
The last step is enrolling once you arrive at your university in Germany- this is when the real adventure begins for you!
However, remember that you will still be required to pay a registration fee, which runs between €150 and €250. In addition, you must pay for your Semester ticket in order to use public transportation for free for the next six months.
To enroll in a university course in Germany, you must personally appear at the administration office of your university and submit all of the required documents for registration.
Top German Universities for Nigerian Students
German universities have long been a destination of choice for foreign students, and Nigerian students are no exception. So if you are one of those considering studying in Germany, here are the top German universities for Nigerian students:
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Technical University of Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Aachen University
- University of Goettingen
- University of Cologne
- The Ruhr University Bochum
- The Charité
- University of Erlangen Nuremberg
Conclusion
Finally, studying in Germany is an opportunity of a lifetime for Nigerian students. With the experience, you get to explore a new culture, learn from world-class universities, and make lifelong friends. Therefore, if you are looking for an international experience with plenty of opportunities, then Germany should be at the top of your list! So what are you waiting for? Start learning German, and get ready for your exciting journey to Germany soon!