Study in Germany, Land of Ideas

Study in Germany, land of ideas 19th December 2015, EME NUST

Hassan Bhatti

Study & life in Germany, scholarship network

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Who we are?

We are students and professionals in Germany. Who want to help Pakistani students to participate in Higher education opportunities in Germany.

We want to share our experiences , so that they may help other students with less effort and effective results.

We don’t charge or intend to make any financial gains out of this process. Our group and seminars are entirely free, we only expect to be helping hand for other students in future. So that chain of ‘ Share your experience and become a helping hand’ continues.

Best Regards: Study and life in Germany:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/adminstudygermany/

Scholarship network:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarships.pk/

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Contents

1- Eight reasons to study in Germany

2- Possible opportunities and deadlines

3-Educational setup & requirements in Germany

4- Steps to apply

5-Seeking PhD. in Germany

6- Travelling to Germany & initial steps

7- Life in Germany

8-Campus life

9-Some recommended programs

10-Useful links to find help

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Contents




4- Steps to apply



7- Life in Germany

8-Campus life



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Study in Germany is cost

effective with affordable

fee structure.

High work opportunities to afford your expenses during studies. Flexible work policies for students.

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High living standards, health care and transportation.

One of the world best educational system. World renowned universities.

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Settlement opportunities. Flexible visa and work policies for professionals.

Multicultural , meet people , learn languages and visit 26 European countries.

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1-Eight reasons to study in Germany

One of the top economies of the world, excellent post studies opportunities in industry.

Enjoy Internship and research in world renowned companies.

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4- Steps to apply



7- Life in Germany

8-Campus life



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2- Possible opportunities & deadlines

Studies level/Standard Requirements Duration of degree

Bachelor intake

A levels, 13 years of education FSc., 12 years of education+1 year in Studienkollege

3 years program with one additional studienkollege(if candidate has 12 years of education at time of admission).

Masters Intake

BSc. (16 years of education , between 180-210 ECTS)

Typically 2 years program with 120 ECTS.

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Studies level/Standard Requirements Duration of degree

PhD. Intake

18 years of education 300 ECTS

3 to 5 years depending on your supervisor and center.

Split/ Exchange program

Depends on the program

6 months to 1 year , depending on split/exchange programs.

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Semester Application intake(each year)

Start of semester(each year)

Summer semester August/September to January April

Winter semester(There are more no. of course in winter semester)

January to May/June October

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Applications for winter 2015 semesters are opened between January , and May 2015. You can also apply on the basis of 7th semester result & hope certificate.

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4- Steps to apply



7- Life in Germany

8-Campus life



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3-Educational set up in

Germany & requirements

There are about 400 universities in Germany offering more then 15,000 programs.

Type of Institution

Technical University a.k.a TU

More research oriented study. Course are more theoretical.

Suitable for candidates who want to pursue PhD. degree.

Hochschule (University of applied sciences)

Industry oriented programs, focusing internship.

Suitable for students who are seeking jobs in industry

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3- Requirements for

bachelor degree in Germany

The requirement for German bachelor is 13 years of education. If you have 12 years of education you have to attend one year foundation course at studienkollege.

If you have 12 years of education then you must do B1 German certification from Goethe Pakistan.

The visa for studienkollege is granted for 3 months for entry test of studienkollege , known as aufnahme. The admission in studienkollege is only granted on the basis of aufnahme success.

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The studienkollege is required in two cases:

If the candidate has 12 years(FSc.) education in Pakistan.

If the candidate has 13 years (A levels)of education, and he/she applies for German taught bachelor program.

After attending one year of studienkollege:

The candidate must pass university entrance exam, Festellungsprüfung.

** It must be kept in mind that DAE is counted as 12 years of education.

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3- Requirements for bachelor

degree in Germany

3- Requirements for Masters

degree in Germany

Following are requirements for masters program:

16 years of education with 180-210 ECTS.

IELTS with 6.0 from British council/AEO or TOFEL.

GRE is not mostly required in Germany universities except for few cases.

If you have low CGPA follow these tips:

Apply in 8-10 universities in Germany, try to apply as early as possible.

Make good quality of LOR(letter of recommendation) & SOP(Statement of purpose).

Target mostly Hochschule type of universities.

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Contents




4- Steps to apply



7- Life in Germany

8-Campus life



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4- Steps to apply

Step-1 Step-2

Search your program(1 to 3 days)

Apply online and send application by post(one week), admission letter takes approx. 2 month

Step-3 Step-4

Open bank account in DB(3-8 days), submit amount(3-5 days)

Apply for visa(4-8

weeks)

Total time: 5-6 months 19

Step-1

Step-1: Search your

program

Select your area of interest.

Use daad.de website to find the universities offering the program of your interest.

https://www.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programs/en/

Compile list of programs in XLS, make columns for university name, program details , requirements and deadlines .

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Step-2: Applying for

programs

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Once the list of programs to be applied is ready , follow these steps:

Go to website of particular university and find online application portal.

Make an account and fill in your online application using steps guided by the wizard.

The next step is to take print out of application and attach it with the set of documents(explained on the next slide).

Step-2: Understanding

Uni assist

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Some universities donot have in house application evaluation system. They outsource this task to third party called uni assist. Application procedure is very similar to that of any university:

Instead of going to university website portal, you need to go to Uni Assist portal, http://www.uni-assist.de/. Make account and apply via wizard. (Similar procedure as for any university).

As extra procedure you are required to pay application fee, which is generally free in case you apply in university directly.

http://www.uni-assist.de/



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Keep in mind applying through Uni Assist is not your choice. If certain university is affiliated with uni assist then you must apply through uni assist.

Application fee for first application is 68 Euros and 15 Euros for every next application. Fine more information here, http://www.uni-assist.de/FAQ-en.html

Most suitable way to make this payment is UBL Wiz card. Or if you have any friend in Germany he/she can do it easily.

Step-2: Understanding

Uni assist

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After you complete your online application. You need to take print out of the online application. And attach required document with the application.

Following documents are required:

All academic documents

Language certificates, IELTS/TOFEL . German language(If required )

Statement of purpose (SOP)

Letter of recommendation (LORs) . (If format is given on the website then use it, other wise make your own LORs).

One page CV, including your work experience, internships and search experience.

Step-2: Preparing

application bundle

Step 2: Attestation of

documents

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Copies of all academic documents should be attested from notary public. Few universities have additional requirements mentioned on their websites.

IELTS results can also be attested by the notary public. The TOFEL/GRE score are send through ETS.

Use LOR of the university if give on their website like TUM other wise make your own LOR.

For document to be attested from HEC, use online appointment system, and send the documents which are front attested. (Originals are attested from back and copy is attested from front ).

Step-2 : Letter of recommendation(LOR)

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Generally two LORS are required. Try to sign it from senior professor or some manager in your organization.

The LORs must be signed, stamped, and sealed counter signed envelopes .

Use white envelopes, with following information on the front: Name of the university , name of the signatory, his designation, his contact

(including his contact number, email and official address).

First close the envelope with good quality of glue and let it dry. Then request your professor to sign. And finally put transparent tape on it.

Always remember to have neat formatting and spell check on your LORS.

Step-2: Statement of purpose

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“Statement of purpose reflects your interest in certain field provided your earlier educational and research activities.”

Never copy and paste the SOP from the internet. Write SOP in your own words.

Rewrite, read and review your SOP again and again. It is most important piece of document and mistakes in SOP will give very bad impression.

The SOP must include following:

The link between your BSc. education and your intentional area of masters.

Your research interest, your future prospect and your projects oriented on the same direction as your intended filed of masters .

Your internships, job experience or other activity showing your interest in the same field.

Your BSc. thesis and other research publications reflecting your interest in the your intended masters degree.

Step 2:Compiling

application bundle

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Now arrange your documents in the following order

Online application , CV, statement of purpose, all educational documents in ascending order, language certificates, experience certificates including internship.

Seal the letter of reference separately, and put all document in one big envelope with out stapling them.

Stitch them neatly and print the address of the admission office. Also put your address, name, email address and contact number at the back of the envelope.

Step 2: Sending the documents by postal

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You can use courier services or Pakistan post for sending your application.

Pakistan post takes 15-20 days. Cost around 300-500 Rs depending on the

weight.

TCS, cost around 1500 Rs., takes 4-5 days , using TCS student express

service.

DHL costs around 1860/- Rs. takes 3-4 days , Fedex 1500/- Rs. 3-4 Days.

Step 2:Waiting for results/Receiving

admission letter

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Once application is submitted you need to wait for 2-3 months for the results.

Generally universities send you admission letter by email first and then by

postal.

This admission letter is important for the following

For opening bank account at Deutsche bank

For your VISA application

For the immigration while travelling abroad

For all your Initial responses when you reach

Germany.

Step 3- Financing studies in

Germany

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Education in Germany is almost free how ever the person must bear living cost

himself. Typically this cost is around 600-900 Euros depending on your City.

Following can be adopted to manage this Cost

Opening a bank account in deutsche bank Germany depositing one year expense

i.e. 8040 Euros in it .

Getting some scholarship from government of Pakistan or from any body in

Germany.

Getting some sponsor from Germany, which gives declaration to sponsor the

student for the period he/she does not get proper job to support himself.

Step 3- Financing

studies in Germany

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Following are expenses in Germany: Compulsory health insurance- 30 to 80 Euros (depending on

the company.) Mobile phone expenses -10 to 40 Euros (depending on you

take smart phone on contract or only the mobile phone connection)

Rent of room – 240 to 500 Euros(depending on your city) Semester fee 200-500 Euros(most of this fee goes to your

semester ticket, it allows to travel free of cost with your state in specific trains & buses).

Other living expense-100 Euros Total Expense------ 600-900 Euros

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According to the VISA policy it is compulsory for every student to show the expense of first year on average 670 Euros per month or 8040 Euros per year.

It is assumed that the student will get some job with in one year and can bear the remaining expense after that.

The student can alternatively provide scholarship or sponsor letter as the proof. However sponsor letter has very less chances of success and is not recommended.

Step 3- Financial requirement for visa

Step-3 : Opening bank

account in Deutsche bank

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Download the online form , fill and print it. Attach admission letter and copy of passport.

Take appoint on phone from Islamabad embassy, consulate in Lahore or Karachi for attestation of the DB form.

Send the application form to the address written on it via DHL.

The package should included account opening form, admission letter and copy of passport.

In 4-5 Working day you will receive email of your account information of Deutsch bank account.

Step-3 : Opening bank

account in Deutsche bank

As visa requirement you are required to proof your finances. One way of doing it

through blocked account statement.

After you receive account opening letter, you need to transfer the said amount i.e.

8040 Euros. The transfer takes 4-5 more days.

After this you will receive blocked account letter. Indicating that your money is

now safely blocked in the account. This is received with in one week of sending

amount.

Transfer 100-150 Euros extra which are normally required to activate your

account. Which include 50 Euros as account activation charges, 30 to 50 Euros as

international transfer charges.

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Step-3 : How to transfer

money to Deutsche bank

Following methods can be used to transfer money to Deutsche

bank , Germany.

Through foreign currency account, exchange services like NBP

exchange.

Through money brokers , like money gram, western union etc.

Through any relative or friend already in Germany.

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Step-3: Scholarship

opportunities

In case of scholarship, blocked account is not required. Following links can be used for scholarship:

You can find scholarship on higher education commission(HEC) , http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/HRD/Scholarships/ForeignScholarships/Pages/ForeignScholarship.aspx

Agha Khan foundation, http://www.akdn.org/akf_scholarships.asp

National ICT Scholarship, http://www.ictrdf.org.pk/scholarship/

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http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/HRD/Scholarships/ForeignScholarships/Pages/ForeignScholarship.aspx

http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/HRD/Scholarships/ForeignScholarships/Pages/ForeignScholarship.aspx

http://www.akdn.org/akf_scholarships.asp

Foreign scholarship opportunities

Daad Pakistan scholarships, https://www.daad.de/laenderinformationen/pakistan/de/

Erasmus Mundus, http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus_mundus/results_compendia/selected_projects_action_1_master_courses_en.php

Look on scholarships at, Scholarship network https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarships.pk/

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Step-3: Scholarship

opportunities

https://www.daad.de/laenderinformationen/pakistan/de/

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus_mundus/results_compendia/selected_projects_action_1_master_courses_en.php



Formal obligation letter also know as verpflichtungserklärung can be used as proof of finances:

The sponsorer should be paying taxes as per German law.

The sponsorer should be German or European national.

The income of the sponsorer should be more then required amount to sponsorship after his/her own expenses.

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Step-3: Sponsorship letter

a.k.a. formal obligation letter


the visa application(I)

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The visa can be applied in:

Islamabad embassy:

Islamabad embassy requires appointment for visa. The appointment can be taken by online appointment system.

Karachi consulate:

Does not require any appointment , the token are given every morning. Just reach as early as possible & try to secure your token.

Only people from Sindh & Balouchistan can apply through Karachi consulate.

4- Polio vaccination

From 2013 onwards polio vaccination is mandatory for every person travelling to German. You must submit polio vaccination card with your visa application.

The card can be obtained after free vaccination at nearest government hospitals. Some recommended places are Polyclinic , PIMS Islamabad etc.

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4- The travel insurance

There are two type of insurances, travelling insurance(3 months insurance for your travelling trip to Germany), Health insurance(obtained after reaching in Germany, maintained during your stay in Germany).

Travelling insurance is mostly required for 3 months having 30,000 Euros cover, such insurance mostly costs between 5000 to 8000 Pkrs.

The travelling insurance can be bought one month before and two month after your expected date of receiving visa.

It is submitted with visa application in Isb. Embassy, and after obtaining visa in Karachi consulate.

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the visa application(II)

As soon as you get admission letter , apply for bank account and visa appointment in parallel. Bank opening procedure takes 20 days , keep this margin in view.

Embassy entertains appointment by online system only, no appointment can be taken by phone or email.

The embassy only gives 5 to 8 appointment per day , due to which appointment system is very busy. Student find problems in securing appointments each year. To reserve your appointment ahead.

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Step 4- Setting up for the

visa process application

You need three set of documents, one original and two copies.

Make check list of documents from the Embassy page & http://www.pakistan.diplo.de/Vertretung/pakistan/en/06Legal/2__visa__longterm/2__Study__visa__Seite.html.

The arrangement order of documents may vary, however general order is provided on next slide. There are people to help you in arranging the documents in correct order.

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http://www.pakistan.diplo.de/Vertretung/pakistan/en/06Legal/2__visa__longterm/2__Study__visa__Seite.html

http://www.pakistan.diplo.de/Vertretung/pakistan/en/06Legal/2__visa__longterm/2__Study__visa__Seite.html

Step 4- Setting document in

right order

You need three sets of documents, one original & two copies.

Following documents are needed , make checklist from the embassy website and complete your documents.

Application form(available on embassy website),passport copy (first four pages only).

List of relatives, security questionnaire(also available on embassy website).

Application declaration, one page CV

Academic document(Originals must be attested from HEC), Experience document

Proof of blocked account, travelling insurance

Language proficiency certificates, IELTS, German course certificate(if required).

Other documents can be seen on embassy website.

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4- Reaching Embassy for

visa interview

German Embassy is located near convention center isb. While travelling to Muree turn towards QAU, in front of lake view park entrance.

You can enter the embassy enclave via a shuttle bus service. Park your car in parking, & get token for shuttle bus service.

It is important to show your passport & the email of appointment to enter German embassy. Try to reach one hour prior to your appointment , since it may take some time in waiting outside embassy.

Once your turn comes before interview, your documents will be sorted & missing copies will be copied.

You need to deposit (60 Euros in Pak rupee) as visa fee in bank branch near embassy. Keep around 13,000 euro for safe side for the whole process.

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4-Appearing in visa interview

Each candidate must appear in front of visa officer for interview which generally takes 30-40 minutes comprising different questions.

Visa processing takes 4-8 weeks , after this period Islamabad Embassy sends document via AMS, while consulate calls candidate via phone to collect visa.

It is also important to note that candidate must bring flight reservation along with him to collect visa in Karachi consulate. However there is no such requirement in Isb. Embassy.

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5-Leaning German

Even though international programs are in English, its useful to learn German.

Almost all international programs have German language courses with them. If time is available, it is useful to learn some German in Pakistan.

Find your nearest Goethe or language institute to learn German.

If you plan a long term stay or job after studies it is important to integrate yourself with German culture and language.

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Contents




4- Steps to apply



7- Life in Germany

8-Campus life



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Contents




4- Steps to apply



7- Life in Germany

8-Campus life



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6-Travelling to Germany:

planning your journey

After you get your visa, you need to pack up and fly to Germany. It is better to make a packing list, so that you can buy & pack in a planned way.

Buy the quality travelling case, because you may have waiting time or transit. Moreover you need to move around stuff here and there repeatedly.

Most of the flights go to Frankfurt, Munich or Berlin, manage your train connections accordingly.

It is wise to reserve your temporary accommodation and pick up prior to travelling. Connect to Pakistan Student association( PSA) in your city. Or if you don’t find any, try to contact individual Pakistan already in your desired city.

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6-Travelling to Germany,

Carrying cash

Besides 8200 Euros blocked amount you should carry 1000 Euros travelling cash with you.

It may take one to two weeks to activate your account. Following will be your initial needs:

1. 250 to 500 Euros your semester fee.

2. 200 to 500 , your rent , you may also need to pay caution i.e. rent of two to three months to initialize your contract.

3. Food stuff, mobile expenses and others till the point your account is active.

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Contents




4- Steps to apply



7- Life in Germany

8-Campus life



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7-Life in Germany, first

things first

Once your reach Germany you need to fulfill legal requirements.

Task-1: Registration at AAA

You need to report and register in your university. AAA is office responsible for students affairs in your university.

You need to fill few forms and legally register at your university.

Task-2: Health Insurance:

Every person living in the German is required to get health insurance. Buy TK or AOK public health insurance or private health insurance endorsed by your university.

Mostly insurance companies open help desk at your university , however

you can visit nearest office to get health Insurance.

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Task-3: Activating your bank account:

Visit nearest Deutsche bank with passport and copy of blocked account letter. It takes 2 weeks to activate your bank account.

Task-4: Anmelden a.k.a city registration:

You need to go to nearest city office a.k.a. Auslanderbehorde. You will register your arrival in the city called anmelden.

You can also delay the anmelden for some time if you searching you accommodation. But you must report your city office before expiry of your initial visa.

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7-Life in Germany, first

things first

7- Living in Germany,

Termine

Termine is German word meaning appointment.

This refers to an appointment given to extend your visa for one or two years.

Once you apply for termine, you will be given a date to come with certain set of documents so that your case of residence permit can be forwarded.

It is important to report any change of address , so that you remain registered at your city office.

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8-ASTA and TU international

Besides studies all German universities provide excellent sporting facilities. You can learn different sports and music.

Different bodies in University ensure integration of international students and allow them to learn different cultures and to seamlessly mix with each other. TU international organize several events to ensure participation of students.

ASTA is student body which represents students in University. It deals with several issues which students face during their university lives.

Above all university provides you pleasant environment to study and for recreation at same time.

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4- Steps to apply



7- Life in Germany

8-Campus life



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Some useful links:

Connect to us:



Daad Website & Masters portal:

https://www.daad.de/en/

http://www.mastersportal.eu/

Uni Assist website:

http://www.uni-assist.de/index_en.html

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https://www.daad.de/en/

http://www.mastersportal.eu/

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Documents

Study in Germany, Land of Ideas