Preparation
for studying in Germany
Are you preparing for your studies in Germany? Find out how to get your school-leaving certificate recognized, improve your German language skills, apply for a visa, and finance your studies.
Recognition of School-Leaving Certificates
Indonesian school-leaving certificates do not grant direct access to higher education in Germany.
However, prospective students from Indonesia can obtain admission to an undergraduate program by passing the Feststellungsprüfung (assessment test). To prepare for this examination, many applicants attend a Studienkolleg, which provides one year of subject-specific preparation for the assessment test and facilitates the transition to academic studies.
However, prospective students from Indonesia can obtain admission to an undergraduate program by passing the Feststellungsprüfung (assessment test). To prepare for this examination, many applicants attend a Studienkolleg, which provides one year of subject-specific preparation for the assessment test and facilitates the transition to academic studies.
German Language Skills
German language proficiency is an essential foundation for your studies in Germany. Over 90 percent of international students start learning German even before beginning their studies.
Visa
There are two types of student visas: the applicant visa and the student visa.
You can only collect your student visa once you present an enrollment certificate from a university. However, to attend a Studienkolleg (preparatory course), you only need an applicant visa. This can be applied for at the German Consulate General or the German Embassy by presenting your enrollment certificate for a Studienkolleg.
The applicant visa can also be applied for in Germany at the immigration office (Ausländeramt/Ausländerbehörde) in the city where you plan to study, by presenting your enrollment certificate for a Studienkolleg and your passport.
After successfully completing the Studienkolleg and enrolling at a university, you must convert the applicant visa into a student visa.
You can only collect your student visa once you present an enrollment certificate from a university. However, to attend a Studienkolleg (preparatory course), you only need an applicant visa. This can be applied for at the German Consulate General or the German Embassy by presenting your enrollment certificate for a Studienkolleg.
The applicant visa can also be applied for in Germany at the immigration office (Ausländeramt/Ausländerbehörde) in the city where you plan to study, by presenting your enrollment certificate for a Studienkolleg and your passport.
After successfully completing the Studienkolleg and enrolling at a university, you must convert the applicant visa into a student visa.
Financing Your Studies
The Studienkolleg fees are university fees and already include a semester ticket for free use of the city’s public transportation.
In addition to these costs, you will of course need to cover living expenses, food, clothing, and mandatory health insurance.
On average, you should expect to spend between €950 and €1,300 per month. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of financial resources to apply for a residence permit in Germany.
Scholarships
Currently, there are not many opportunities to obtain a scholarship for studying in Germany. Most scholarships are awarded to master’s and doctoral students. Nevertheless, it is worth checking the options on the official DAAD website (webpage only available in German).Study Counselling
The regional office of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Indonesia is located in Jakarta. The DAAD’s main objective is to provide information about studying and conducting research in Germany, as well as opportunities for academic exchange.
Contact
For questions about academic advising, please contact the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Jakarta or the DAAD office in other federal states.
info.jakarta@daad.de
