Hey Kartik,
Like any country, Germany, too, checks your eligibility on two parameters,
· Subject/ Scholastic Aptitude
· Language Proficiency
The absence of standardized scholastic aptitude tests like the SAT or ACT, however, creates confusion for students. Well there is no reason to worry. Just because there are no standard tests does not necessarily mean bad news. In fact, students planning for engineering/ pure science courses have reasons to rejoice – JEE Advanced is accepted across most of the German Universities.
Starting from beginning, to pursue under-graduate courses in Germany you ought to have cleared your 12 th / Secondary Level Certification and,
· Cleared your JEE Advanced
· Completed one year of bachelor degree education from a recognized university in India
· Cleared the Feststellungsprüfung – the entrance exam for different universities you would take to signify effective completion of Studienkolleg.
The first two points are clear enough. For students of non-science background, the first is obviously not an option and can be accordingly discounted. So, say for instance you are interested in pursuing Economics from Germany and you have completed one year of B.A in economics from a recognized university in India, then you are eligible for direct admission to the B.A Economics courses in Germany.
It is important to note here that different universities have different eligibility criteria based on the course on offer. It is always advisable to check the same from the university you are applying to as well. Also, high academic performance increases your chances of admissions. Higher level of excellence results in universities asking for as high as 90% in your secondary school examinations. However, in case you have cleared your JEE Advanced, the cut off is 50%.
In case you do not qualify under the first two, there is always a road open for your studies in Germany via the Studienkolleg.
It is important, however, to note that clearing the test does not guarantee admission. Hence, for students in India, it is advisable to devote one year in the subject of choice from a recognized university and prepare for the other important aspect of admission to German Universities – Proficiency in the German Language.
Germany is a country that speaks German! Simply put, it’s a different language and while the course of choice might be an English-taught course and fall under the category of the International Programs, a basic understanding of the language is both expected and desirous if you plan to study in Germany , especially at an undergraduate level.
There are standardized tests ( TestDAF ) as well as university level ( DSH ) exams available for you and you can take either of the two once you understand which suits you better.
You would be required to show a basic understanding of the language even for visa purposes so it becomes an integral part of preparation for your study in Germany option. Moreover, it always helps to learn a language which would facilitate your communication in a foreign land.
Also, while applying for English taught course in Germany, you would be required to show proficiency in the language and an IELTS / TOEFL is usually acceptable. Again, we urge you to go refer to the respective universities’ and their eligibility criteria to understand the individual cutoff requirements.
Hope this helps, all the best.
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