Welcome
to Saxony!
The Free State of Saxony is one of the 16 German states and is located in the east of the Federal Republic of Germany. The capital of Saxony is Dresden, and other important cities, especially where most of the Indian students are located are Leipzig, Chemnitz and Freiberg. Saxony has a total population of about four million inhabitants. Indian students currently top the total number of international students in Germany, totaling around 45,000 as per DAAD statistics for the year 2023, and this number is expected to continue growing stronger in the coming years. The same trend is also reflected in Saxony across international academic programs. You can find an overview of all study locations in Saxony here.
Saxony's universities enjoy a very good reputation both nationally and internationally. More than 100,000 students from all regions of Germany and the world study in Saxony. You will benefit from excellent learning conditions, state-of-the-art libraries and laboratories, personal support, and a large selection of unique courses of study. After graduation, Saxony offers numerous career opportunities, which are also supported by the office of the career service at different universities. The most important sectors in the Free State of Saxony are in the emerging sectors such as the automotive, semiconductor, computer science, AI, and life sciences industries.
You can gain professional experience in Germany during your studies. Many companies and universities offer working student jobs where you can apply your knowledge from your studies in practice and earn some extra money at the same time. Many bachelor's degree programs also include a mandatory internship at a company. At the Cooperative State University, you can study and complete an apprenticeship in a company simultaneously.
With very few exceptions, studying in Saxony is free of charge, except for a small semester fee. Rents in most Saxon cities are also still very affordable. You can get a room in a hall of residence through the Studentenwerk in Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz, Freiberg, and Zwickau for less than €300 per month. You can find more about housing in Saxony here.
Curious? Then read on here and find out what Saxony has to offer!
Checklist for Admission to Saxon Universities for Applicants from India:
1. General Admission Requirements
International students entering Germany are subject to certain requirements, depending on their level of education. The requirements for India can be found on the Anabin website in the section School Qualifications with Higher Education Entrance here. If you are already studying at a university in India and plan to continue your higher studies in Saxony, check if your university is on the list of H+ status in the Institutions section here. If your university is on the H+/- list, this means that your university is not clearly accredited and the decision about your enrolment to study in Saxony is made individually by the faculties at the respective university. At most universities in Saxony, the application for a bachelor's or master's degree is made via the Uni Assist portal (more information below). This portal checks your documents and other criteria for admission to the desired university. The DAAD portal also offers a comprehensive list of study programmes, admission requirements and application procedures. You are strongly advised to use the DAAD portal to get a better overview of the different study courses and academic programmes.
2. Selection of an Admission Pathway
If you are a student from India with a secondary school leaving certificate (Intermediate or XII) and wish to study for a bachelor's degree in Saxony, you will need to attend a pre-university preparatory college degree (Studienkolleg) in order to gain admission to a university in Saxony. There are a few options to do orientation programs and German language training offered by TUDIAS at a few locations in India. You can get the latest information on the TUDIAS portal or at the Saxon Science Liaison Office India based in Chennai (expected to be operational by October 2024). Alternatively, you can also study at one of the preparatory colleges in Saxony.
If you have completed a bachelor's degree at a university in India with H+ status, you can enroll in Saxony for a master's degree in a related field. Please note that most bachelor programs (e.g. engineering degrees) in India are 4 years, including a bachelor’s thesis. A 3-year bachelor's degree offered by several universities in India might require additional equivalency evaluation to get into the master’s degree program, which you need to verify with the respective international office of the University. If you have a master's degree in India, you can enroll in doctoral studies in a related field. There are also the so-called diploma and state examination courses, which are not divided into bachelor's and master's degree programs. Generally, the same admission requirements apply to them as to bachelor's degree programs. In most cases, "diploma" courses are offered in technical disciplines. Medical, educational, legal, and pharmaceutical specialties offer "state examination" programs, after which students take exams with a government agency.
3. Choosing the University
When selecting a university in Saxony, it's crucial to consider several factors to ensure it meets your academic and personal needs. While most bachelor's programs are taught in German, there are numerous master's programs available in English, offering a wide array of options. To increase your chances of admission, it's advisable to apply to multiple institutions and carefully review their specific admission requirements. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) provides valuable insights into study options, campus facilities, scholarships, and university profiles. Furthermore, DAAD India organizes webinar sessions specifically tailored for Indian students, offering firsthand information about various study opportunities and detailed insights into German universities including those in Saxony.
Explore the diverse disciplines offered by Saxony's universities and select programs that align with your academic and career aspirations. Compare curricula to identify programs that offer specific focuses or specializations within your chosen field of study. Each university may offer unique strengths and opportunities, so conducting thorough research will empower you to make an informed decision about your educational journey.
4. Application process and admission requirements
Prepare the documents according to the requirements of the chosen university and discipline, taking into account all the details. Next, send the paperwork to the admissions committee and wait for responses. At most universities, the following deadlines apply for the submission of documents: for the winter semester by 15 June or 15 July and for the summer semester by 15 January. If you have to take language courses at the chosen university or study at a preparatory college before starting your studies, the deadline for submitting the documents to the university may be much earlier. Foreign applicants from non-EU countries, e.g. India, who are treated equally to Germans according to the Saxon Study Place Regulation of June 15, 2020, § 1 Scope, please apply according to the application instructions on the university portal. Please submit proof of equality with your application documents if required.
5. What Documents Are Required for Admission to a University in Saxony?
The list of documents required for admission varies greatly depending on the university, faculty, and course of study chosen. Find out exactly what the requirements and necessary documents are for your admission to each selected university and subject. You can find the information via the DAAD portal or at the university website.
The following documents are usually required for most of the academic programs:
- Personal data sheet (short CV)
- Passport copy (only the page with the name and photo) or ID Card
- Scan from the original certificate or from the authenticated copy of the original, as well as a scan from the sworn translation (German or English) of the following documents:
- High school certificate with subject and grade summary, if applicable: Certificate of university entrance examination.
- If you have already studied in your home country or at other universities, submit the subject and grade summary of all years, and if available, the graduation certificate.
- If a degree program has already been completed: Overview of subjects and grades of all years of study and the final degree certificate.
- Proof of sufficient German language skills (except for English-taught master's programmes).
- For applications for master's programs, if the first university degree is not present: Certificate (with original signature or authenticated copy) regarding the estimated end of studies and this confirmation that at least 80% of the bachelor's degree program has been completed, including the current average grade (for a 4-year degree – 7 completed semesters, for a 3-year degree – 5 completed semesters)
- Application form (is automatically generated at the end of the online application in the Uni Assist portal). Please be aware that the spelling on the application must correspond to the spelling in your passport.
- Uni Assist It is important to note that several universities in Saxony are members of the “Application Services for International Students” (“Arbeits- und Servicestelle für Internationale Studienbewerbung” Uni Assist). This means that applicants with an international school or university certificate must apply for admission to university studies in Germany via Uni Assist. On behalf of the university, Uni Assist evaluates whether the submitted application documents are complete and meet all the requirements for the desired university degree program. If this is the case, the application is forwarded to the respective university in Saxony for a final assessment and admission decision. Applications via Uni Assist must be done online. All application documents have to be uploaded by the deadline.
- The application procedure via uni-assist is subject to handling fees. These must be paid directly when the application is created. Your application will not be processed before that.
- You can consult the DAAD or the Anabin admission databank regarding the important country-specific requirements, e.g., India, and check if your certificates in principle make you eligible for university admission in Germany.
- Application via Uni Assist The application procedure via Uni Assist is subject to handling fees. These must be paid directly when the application is created. Your application will not be processed before that. Please note that for certain degree programs further special documents (e.g., application for aptitude assessment, proof of foreign language skills, motivation letter, internships) must be submitted. In these special cases, please familiarize yourself prior to applying by reading the information mentioned on the university page.
- Re-application If you have already applied in the previous year via Uni Assist and have obtained admission but were unable to start your degree, you do not have to re-apply via Uni Assist. If your application has been rejected by Uni Assist (e.g., due to incomplete documentation), you must submit a new application via Uni Assist.
- APS Certificate: Applicants from India and other South Asian countries who wish to apply for studies in Germany need to submit a certificate issued by the Academic Test Centre (APS). The APS office will check your documents. As part of this checking procedure, you may be invited to an interview. Subsequently, a certificate is issued (APS Certificate) that is required for applying to German higher education institutions as one of the admission requirements. This certificate states that the documents handed in are genuine and that the applicant has obtained sufficient (academic) achievements to apply to a German university. It is necessary that applicants always submit the original APS certificate when applying to a university. Click on the links below to find information about the various APS procedures: More information for Indian applicants
Please note: We also recommend that you bring a set of your certified application documents with you to Germany. You may need these for further purposes. Certification of foreign-language documents requires a lot of effort and is very time-consuming in Germany.
6. Graduates from the Studienkolleg Sachsen in Leipzig/Preparatory College Saxony
Applicants with foreign higher education entrance qualifications/school leavers' certificates that are not considered equivalent to the German Abitur have to attend a preparatory course at a Studienkolleg before starting their studies. With the application form, you have to submit a copy of your last admission and a certified copy of the "Zeugnis über die Feststellungsprüfung". By taking the course they acquire a subject-specific university entrance qualification. For further information please go to Studienvorbereitung (university preparation).
Obtaining a language certificate in advance is necessary to enter the preparatory college, you need level B1 (Goethe, Telc, DSD I, DSH I), which you can also pass at the preparatory college itself in Tashkent and receive with a certificate. For German-language subjects, you need a German level of C1 (TestDaF level 4 in all parts of the examination, Telc C1 Hochschule, DSD II, DSH II). English at level B2 (IELTS from 6.0 or TOEFL from 90) is required for enrolment in English-language majors.
7. Accommodation
Upon receiving an admission letter from a university in Saxony, it is advisable to apply for a room at the Studentenwerk (Student Union) in the respective city as soon as possible. The Studentenwerk offers residential accommodations that allow you to live with fellow students, with short distances to the university at a reasonable cost.
It is recommended to start your rental contract around March 16 or September 16. Please note that keys for rooms are distributed only on certain dates (refer to dorm confirmation). If needed, consider booking a room in a hostel, hotel, youth hostel, or the International Guest House of the Studentenwerk from your arrival in Dresden until you receive your room keys.
Apart from accommodation at the Studentenwerk, you can also choose from a wide range of shared apartments and rooms in the respective cities. Shared apartments are often furnished and available for shorter rental periods. For your search, refer to the following useful links:
www.wg-gesucht.de
www.studenten-wg.de
www.cybersax.de
Note
Upon arrival, ensure you sign a proper accommodation contract and register with the local authorities / city registration.
Contact respective organizations through their official websites to avoid potential scams related to accommodation. Do not transfer money without inspecting the apartment.
8. Visa Application
As a non-EU citizen (e.g., Indian), you are typically required to apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate before your arrival. Check the specific visa requirements at the nearest German consulate or the German embassy portal. For visa application assistance, contact the German consulate or designated VFS centers in India under your consular jurisdiction, who will provide guidance on required documents and steps in the process.
- Blocked Account: Before coming to Germany, you must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for your stay (often required for visa applications). As of 2024, approximately 11,208 Euros per year are necessary and can be proven through evidence of parental income, a bank guarantee, a recognized scholarship, or a deposit in a blocked account. For specific conditions or changes in the amount, consult the German embassy or consulate in India.
- Many Indian and international students use a blocked account to finance their studies in Germany. Funds deposited into this account cannot be withdrawn until after your arrival in Germany, so ensure timely document requests. For more information on opening a blocked account from India, visit:
Auswärtiges Amt
DAAD
Study in Germany
9. German Health Insurance
Valid health insurance is mandatory for living and studying in Germany. While opening a blocked account, many approved agencies offer bundled services that include travel insurance, German public health insurance, and third-party liability insurance. Many students from India opt for these bundled services, which can simplify relocation to Saxony.
Special conditions apply to students in the introductory course or orientation semester, and those over 30 years old. If unable to obtain statutory health insurance (e.g., due to age), contact a statutory health insurance company with your admission letter, name, and date of birth for guidance. Alternatively, approved private health insurance companies are available.
For further information:
overview of private health insurance companies
overview of public health insurance companies
Deutsches Studentenwerk - Information about health insurance
10. General advise for Indian students coming to Germany / Saxony
1. Preparation:
- Bring Sufficient Cash: Carry approximately 1,000 - 1,500 EUR in cash or travel card to cover initial expenses such as accommodation deposits, transportation, and daily living costs until you set up a local bank account and get access to the blocked account.
- Essential Documents: Ensure you have all original documents listed in your admission letter, including academic transcripts, certificates, passport, visa, and health insurance documents. These are essential for university enrollment and registration with local authorities.
2. Local Transportation and Student Discounts:
- Transport Options: Familiarize yourself with local transportation options such as buses, trams, and trains in Saxony. Use apps like VVO (Dresden) or LVB (Leipzig) for real-time schedules and routes.
- Student Discount Card: Check if your university or city in Saxony offers a student discount card for public transport, which can significantly reduce travel expenses.
3. Essential Items for Arrival:
- Winter Clothing: Pack warm clothing suitable for Saxony's climate, including jackets, gloves, scarves, and sturdy footwear.
- Basic Medicines: Carry essential medications with prescriptions to manage any immediate health needs until you establish local healthcare arrangements.
- Necessary Items: Include toiletries, bedding, adapters, and other essentials to ease your initial days in Saxony.
4. Useful Mobile Apps:
- Navigation Apps: Download apps like Google Maps, VVO-App (Dresden), or LVB mobil (Leipzig) for navigating Saxony's cities and public transport networks.
- Language Learning Apps: Utilize apps such as Duolingo or Babbel to improve your German language skills, beneficial for daily interactions and academic life in Saxony.
5. Document Management:
- Copies of Documents: Make photocopies or digital scans of important documents (passport, visa, admission letter, health insurance). Keep these separate from originals for security and ease of access.
6. DAAD India Pre-Departure Webinars and Local Meetups:
- DAAD Events: Attend pre-departure webinars organized by DAAD India to gain insights into living in Germany including Saxony, visa procedures, and academic life. Please check the availability of the sessions nearby DAAD office.
- Local Meetups: Participate in local meetups organized by DAAD or student associations in Saxony to network with peers from India and Germany, facilitating a smoother transition.
7. Connecting with Indian Associations:
- Connecting to the Indian community makes a cultural bridge and helps better integrate into the local German society. There are registered organizations which also helps students, Identify and connect with local Indian Associations or student groups at your university in Saxony. They offer support, cultural activities, and networking opportunities within the Indian community.
8. Exploring Job and Internship Opportunities:
- Part-Time Jobs: Explore part-time job opportunities related to your field of study through university job portals or career centers in Saxony.
- Internships: Consider internships during your studies to gain practical experience and enhance your CV, often available through university resources or industry contacts.
9. Staying Updated on Visa Regulations:
- Visa Requirements: Stay informed about visa regulations and updates from the German consulate or embassy in India. Ensure timely submission of required documents and compliance with visa conditions for Saxony.
10. Registering with Local Authorities:
- Einwohnermeldeamt Registration: Within a few days of arrival, register your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) in Saxony. This is mandatory for all residents in Germany.